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8 Day Costa Rica Volcano, Surf & Sand
Highlights: San José, Arenal, Monteverde, Tamarindo
Trip start: San José
Trip end: San José
Price Range From $1,800 per person (excluding the holidays & New Year) *
* 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 [+]

Craving adventure? Costa Rica's a playground for outdoor enthusiasts! This adrenaline infused tour features Arenal, Monteverde and Tamarindo. Prepare to get soaked while white water rafting, trek an active volcano, bathe in natural hot springs, fly through the cloud forest on a zipline and soak up the rays while learning to surf! Tour starts and ends in San Jose. Option to start in San Jose and end in Liberia is available at extra cost, ask us for details.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
San José
  • San José: Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Grano de Oro (B)
Day 2
Arenal
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Shared - San Jose - Arenal [Adventure Rafting Connection] - Vehilce/Driver (Balsa)
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Lost Iguana Resort
(Alt: The Springs Resort & Spa) (B)
Day 3
Arenal
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Arenal: Shared - Volcano Hike & Thermal Pools at the Springs Resort & Spa (with Dinner) (6 hrs) - Vehicle/Guide
Lost Iguana Resort (B)
Day 4
Monteverde
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Private - Arenal - Monteverde [4 hrs] - Vehicle/Boat/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens (B)
Day 5
Monteverde
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Monteverde: Shared - 1/2 d Extremo Adventure Canopy Tour - Vehicle/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens (B)
Day 6
Tamarindo
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Private - Monteverde - Tamarindo [4 hrs] - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Cala Luna  (B)
Day 7
Tamarindo
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Tamarindo: Shared - Surfing Lesson - Vehicle/Instructor
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Cala Luna  (B)
Day 8
San José
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Private - Tamarindo - San Jose [4.5 hrs] - Vehicle/Driver
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 San José

San José was founded in 1737 and is a pleasant mixture of traditional and modern Spanish architecture. Places of interest include the Teatro Nacional, the Legislative Assembly building, and the Parque Central, east of which is the Cathedral. The National Museum and the Museum of Gold are also worth a visit.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with vehicle, and professional driver. The transfer is approximately 30 mins (22km/14mi).

Grano de Oro is the hotel of choice for those who visit San Jose, with a reputation for hospitality and fine quality. The 35 rooms are magical and full of allure, with each possessing a carefully chosen color scheme and theme. Pleasant features such as a fountain or balcony add to the appeal of each room. Grano de Oro's restaurant is recognized for its culinary success, surpassing the expectations of even the most critical guest. Set under a high ceiling, or in the romance of the outdoors, each dish is prepared with local and international influences. The subtle ambiance of the restaurant is what makes visitors return. Spend time lounging on the lawn beds of the rooftop garden terrace. Otherwise, sink into relaxation in the Jacuzzi.

Overnight at Grano de Oro.


San Jose
San Jose
Grano de Oro, San Jose
Grano de Oro, San Jose
Day 2 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.

Don’t lose a day to travel! Enjoy a great day of rafting on the way from San Jose to La Fortuna.  A shared van will pick you up in San Jose and then you will raft some of Costa Ricas best whitewater, on the Balsa river (Class 2/3 rafting). After your rafting trip we will drop you off in La Fortuna.Great way to save on transportation costs and time  in an adventurous way! Minimum age required: 8 years old.

For more adrenaline, you might want to try rafting on the Pacuare or Toro rivers.

Situated at the toes of the Arenal Volcano, near La Fortuna, the Lost Iguana Resort is host to some of the most stunning views in the country. The 100 acres of land is home to jungle and river, with each of the 41 suites, rooms, and villas offering more than ample space and a balcony from which one may watch lava flow down the Arenal Volcano. One may choose to dine at the resort itself, where live music plays a big role in the festive atmosphere, while others may prefer the local restaurants. There is plenty to do in the area, such as rafting and visiting the Tabacon Hot Springs, an invigorating experience in itself. Otherwise, try hiking through the resort's own trails.

Overnight at Lost Iguana Resort.


Rafting
Rafting
Lost Iguana Resort, Arenal
Lost Iguana Resort, Arenal
Day 3 Arenal

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the rain forest close to the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a leisurely hike for 1.5 hours through the rain forest while your shared guide teaches you 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 relax. After a soothing soak in thehot springs, enjoy a lovely dinner at The Springs Resort, prepared in a colonial-style rustic kitchen. Enjoy the local cuisine for a true authentic experience. Return to your hotel in the evening. Afternoon departure (approx. 3:45pm), duration 6 hours.

Overnight at Lost Iguana Resort.


Thermal Pools
Thermal Pools
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.

Located in the Tilarán Mountain Range at 4,600 ft. above sea level on the edge of the world's best-known mid-elevation cloud forest, Monteverde Lodge is the expression of Costa Rica Expeditions' desire to create the ultimate lodging experience for the discerning nature traveler. The Lodge has 24 standard rooms and 3 garden rooms. The dining room with its cloud forest mural, abundant tropical flora, and contemporary design is the perfect setting for enjoying the international and local dishes created by talented chef, Valentin Corral, the person responsible for the meals at all lodges. The rooms at the Lodge are designed to put you "in the forest" while protecting you from the mist and strong wind so characteristic of the area. All are spacious with solar heated hot water private baths.

Overnight at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens.


Monteverde Lodge
Monteverde Lodge
Day 5 Monteverde

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the tour starting point. Extremo canopy has one of the most beautiful views of the area all from a bird’s eye view flying through the treetops of the Monteverde Cloud Forest . You will get your adrenaline pumping when doing the big tarzan swing, the giant rappel, and feeling fantastic distance between each one of the cables that stretch across the canopy up to 2550 feet long and 450 feet high. Morning/Afternoon Departures, Duration 3 Hours (approximately) Return to the hotel after the tour.

Overnight at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens.


Canopy
Canopy
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.

Cala Luna Hotel, is a peaceful setting to soothe the spirit. Bask in this exquisite blend of privacy and intimacy created by a sophisticated and peaceful environment. The Hotel unique tropical hardwood architecture blends marvelously with flourishing exotic plants and nature to provide you with luxurious accommodation in this attractive village. And you can indulge yourself in with delicious fresh seafood caught off the coast of Tamarindo and combined with a wide selection of local and international dishes of tradition and quality.

Overnight at Cala Luna .


Tamarindo
Tamarindo
Hotel Cala Luna-Lobby
Hotel Cala Luna-Lobby
Day 7 Tamarindo

With a focus on personalized attention and safety,  you will have a fantastic  day learning to surf. We use two instructors for every class (so groups of two get one on one attention!) and keep a strict 1:4 instructor – student ratio.  Never surfed before? No problem! Our surfing lessons are designed for beginners. Don't like to surf? Upgrade to a Catamaran sunset sail.

Overnight at Cala Luna .


Surf
Surf
Day 8 San José

Meet your driver for a private transfer to San Jose.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) .



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.