Email Email Us  |   888.903.2001  |   Client Login  |   USA Flag - Show USD currency  British Flag - Show GBP Currency
Kensington Tours - Private Guided Travel Worldwide (Logo)
Search  

 Cruises

 North America

 South America

 Central America

 Europe

 Africa

 Egypt to India

 Asia

 Antarctica & Arctic

 Australia & Pacific

Family Tour Packages
Summer Games 2012
Private Villa Escapes
Photo Expeditions
Championship Series
European Small Group Tours

8 Day Costa Rica Explorer
Highlights: Arenal, Monteverde, Tamarindo
Trip start: Liberia
Trip end: Liberia
Price Range $1560 *
* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

An exciting tour featuring Costa Rica's highlights. Enjoy the splendid views of Lake Arenal while listening to the sounds of Howler Monkey’s and perhaps even the Quetzal. Take a hike around the Arenal Volcano and close it off with a renewing dip in the hot springs. Interact with hundreds of species in Monteverde's Cloudforest Reserve, while walking alongside crystal clear streams. Spend some quality beach time in Tamarindo, Pacific Coast (Guanacaste). Arrive and depart from Liberia International Airport (LIR).

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Arenal
  • Transfer - Private - Liberia - Arenal [3 hrs] - Vehicle/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Observatory Lodge
(Alt: Los Lagos) (B)
Day 2
Arenal
  • Arenal: Optional Activities
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Private - Volcano Hike & Thermal Pools at the Springs Resort & Spa (with Dinner) (6 hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
Observatory Lodge
(Alt: Los Lagos) (B)
Day 3
Arenal
  • Shared - 1/2 d Balsa River Rafting Class II & III Rapids - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Observatory Lodge
(Alt: Los Lagos) (B)
Day 4
Monteverde
  • Transfer - Private - Arenal - Monteverde [4 hrs] - Vehicle/Boat/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Monteverde: Shared - 1/2 d Zip Canopy & Skytram - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Fonda Vela
(Alt: ) (B)
Day 5
Monteverde
  • Private - 1/2 d Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve Tour - Vehicle/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Fonda Vela
(Alt: ) (B)
Day 6
Tamarindo
  • Transfer - Private - Monteverde - Tamarindo [4 hrs] - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Tamarindo Diria  (B)
Day 7
Tamarindo
  • Tamarindo: Optional Activities
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Tamarindo Diria  (B)
Day 8
Liberia
  • Transfer - Private - Tamarindo - Liberia [1 hr (Airport)] - Vehicle/Driver
  • Kensington Cares - 1
Depart (Int`l Airport)  
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arenal

Arenal contains an active volcano, and also the only dwarf cloudforest inCosta Rica. The crater of the volcano is 1.5km (1mi.) wide and contains a hot-water lake that changes color from turquoise to green to gray. It is also a whitewater rafting center with routes on the Rio Toro and Rio Sarapiqui.

Meet your driver for a private transfer to Arenal.

The Arenal Volcano Observatory sits in a private nature reserve in the heart of one of Costa Rica’s numerous natural areas. Rich volcanic soil supports primary and secondary rainforest. Waterfalls and crystalline rivers offer sparkling jungle refreshment for the soul. A well-marked, manicured trail system provides easy access to the property’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Overnight at Observatory Lodge.


Arenal Observatory Lodge
Arenal Observatory Lodge
Day 2 Arenal

Enjoy leisure time in La Fortuna/Arenal. Optional activities include: White Water rafting, Waterfall Repelling, Zip Canopy Tour, Horseback riding, Wildlife Safari Float, Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve, Lake Kayaking, Biking, ATV Adventure, Extreme Hiking and more!

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the rainforest close to the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a leisurely hike for 1.5 hours through the rainforest while your private guide offers the history of the Arenal Volcano. This park is located at the base of the Arenal Volcano and is filled with wildlife including monkeys, toucans, coati and a large variety of bird species. Conclude the tour at the Springs Resort - soak in the hot mineral baths and enjoy! After a soothing soak in the hot springs, enjoy a lovely dinner at The Springs Resort, prepared in a colonial style rustic kitchen. Enjoy the local cuisine - a true authentic experience. Return to your hotel in the evening after a delicious dinner (included in the tour cost).

Overnight at Observatory Lodge.


Arenal
Arenal
Hot Springs at The Springs Resort & Spa
Hot Springs at The Springs Resort & Spa
Day 3 Arenal

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the tour start point. Experience the excitement and adrenaline of white water rafting on this half day adventure on the Balsa San Carlos River with rapids graded 2/3. After meeting with your river guide at your hotel, you will drive 30 minutes to the river where the fun begins! You guides explain the safety procedures and safety equipment before embarking down the river. Enjoy up to 2 exhilarating hours of white water action on this beautiful tropical river. Return to your hotel after the tour. Recommended to take with you: easy dry clothes, bathing suit, secure shoes (sport sandals or water shoes are great). Must be 7 years old or older to participate in this tour. Morning Departure, Duration 5 Hours (approximately).

Overnight at Observatory Lodge.


Balsa River Rafting
Balsa River Rafting
Day 4 Monteverde

Straddling the Continental Divide at 1440 meters (4662 ft), the Santa Elena and Monteverde Cloud Forest area offers one of the most interesting place to visit in Costa Rica. In the rain forest are more than 100 species of mammals including 5 species of cats, over 400 species of birds including 30 kinds of hummingbirds, tens of thousands of insect species (over 5000 species of moths) and 2,500 species of plants (420 kinds of orchids). The area is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics.

Meet your driver for a private transfer to Lake Arenal. Board a motor boat and cross the lake while observing scenic views of the Arenal Volcano (45 mins). Private vehicle transfer to your hotel in Monteverde.

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the tour start point to the Skytram and Zip Canopy Tour. The Sky Tram is a high technology cableway that travels above the Monteverde Cloudforest, 2000 meters above sea level. Enjoy fantastic views from the top of the rainforest canopy. Conclude the tour with a Zip Canopy Adventure! Travel through the primary Costa Rican tropical jungle on suspension cables as you move through the jungle canopy with your bilingual guides and safety spotters from platform to platform (this is a shared, group tour). Morning/Afternoon Departures; Duration 3.5 Hours (approximately)

The Hotel Fonda Vela is located in beautiful Monteverde, famous for its rare and gorgeous cloud forest and friendly community. The climate is refreshing, often referred to as "eternal spring". The views of the Gulf of Nicoya from the hotel's 1,400 meter (4,200 foot) elevation are spectacular. Monteverde is an ideal destination for relaxing and enjoying the wonders of the tropics. A visit of at least two nights or more in Monteverde is recommended. Experience Hotel Fonda Vela's natural approach to life -- with style! Surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, the buildings are an attractive part of the lush, tropical mountainside. The rooms are cozy, yet elegant, spacious and comfortable. Each room is designed with the environment in mind. For example, large windows help to bring the outdoors inside. The Fonda Vela was built with the idea of being a nurturing experience, environmentally, culturally and spiritually. The guests play an important part in fulfilling this dream.

Overnight at Fonda Vela.


Ziplining in the cloudforest
Ziplining in the cloudforest
Hotel Fondavela, Monteverde
Hotel Fondavela, Monteverde
Day 5 Monteverde

You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the Monteverde Cloud forest. Explore the enchanted Monteverde Cloud forest with a set of expert eyes during this privately guided walk. Explore different trails in search of birds and mammals and discuss the amazing diversity of plants. Half day excursion (4 hrs).

Overnight at Fonda Vela.


Cloudforest Reserve Tour
Cloudforest Reserve Tour
Day 6 Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a small beach town tucked along the northern pacific coast of Costa Rica. The town has always been known for superb sportsfishing, but is now also recognized for its immaculate beaches and ecofriendly environment. The region is full of lively species for the nature-driven soul, providing a window into the nesting of nurturing leatherback turtles. The town itself is lively as well, with an upbeat local culture vibrant in its outdoor market, shops, discos, and restaurants.

Meet your driver for a private transfer to Tamarindo Beach.

Tamarindo Diria Beach and Golf Resort is a luxurious four star hotel located on the northwest Pacific Coast of Costa Rica at the golden Tamarindo Beach. Surrounded by the richness of nature and embraced by the most emerald green ocean in Costa Rica along with exotic and beautifully maintained lush tropical gardens, you will sense the tropical beauty Costa Rica has to offer. The majority of the rooms have incredible ocean and sunset views with direct frontage and access to Tamarindo Beach. Night lights surrounding the gardens and walkways will further enhance the beauty of local flora and fauna creating an atmosphere of tranquility and peace. Tamarindo Diria Beach and Golf Resort has over 30 years of experience providing complete attention directly focused on details and supplying professional service in relaxed elegant surrounding. Establishing itself as one of the most successful hotel operations in Tamarindo, you will love your stay.

Overnight at Tamarindo Diria .


Tamarindo
Tamarindo
Tamarindo Diria Hotel
Tamarindo Diria Hotel
Day 7 Tamarindo

Enjoy some leisure time on the Pacific shores of Tamarindo. Optional activities are available at your resort (watersports, snorkelling, kayaking, surfing, etc.)

Overnight at Tamarindo Diria .


Snorkeling Costa Rica
Snorkeling Costa Rica
Day 8 Liberia

Meet your driver for a private transfer to the Liberia Airport.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) .


Kensington Cares
Kensington Cares

Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.