Best of Costa Rica
San Jose - Arenal - Monteverde - Manuel Antonio
9 night / 10 day Costa Rica Family Vacation package

A fantastic combination of adventure and nature in three of Costa Rica’s most visited regions: the Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest and the Manuel Antonio National Park in the Central Pacific. We have designed this 10-day / 9-night Costa Rica vacation package to feature some of Costa Rica’s highlights such as lush rainforest, active volcanoes, hot springs, and the mystical Cloud Forest. You will be able to observe wildlife, spend time on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and enjoy signature adventures in nature such as white water rafting, canyoning and canopy tours (zip lining).  Our pricing reflects three hotel combinations in the economical, deluxe and luxury categories.  Our Costa Rica travel experts are ready to customize this package, suggesting other possible hotels, modifying the activities or the mode of transportation.

Day 1: San Jose Arrival
Arrive at the San Jose International Airport.  Upon clearing immigration and customs, exit the airport where you will be met by your driver who will transfer you to your San Jose hotel.  Check in and explore the dining, and entertainment options that the capital of Costa Rica offers.

Day 2: San Jose - Arenal
At a time TBD, your driver will pick you up at the hotel to transfer you to the Arenal Volcano Region. Head northeast on the Interamerican highway and then up the mountains towards San Ramon.  The weather will change somewhat abruptly as you enter a region that is covered with primary and secondary forest.  The drive will then continue through the fertile region of San Ramon, leading to the San Carlos flatlands, home to some of Costa Rica’s top agricultural products, including oranges, papayas and cassava.  Arrive in the Arenal Volcano Region and check into your hotel.  Consider a visit to one of the renowned hot springs resorts in the evening (included for packages staying in Tabacon Grand Spa).

Day 3: Rafting in Arenal
After an early breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel by the staff of the rafting company to embark on a full day white water rafting (class III) expedition down the Sarapiqui River.  Enjoy the 90 minute drive to the river, followed by a safety talk and receive the required gear.  Enjoy the expedition down the rapids and take in the beautiful scenery. Experience the adrenaline rush of the class III + rapids, and relax during the calm stretches of this amazing river.  Complete the adventure and return to your hotel.

Day 4: Canyoning in Arenal
Following breakfast, the staff from the Canyoning Company will pick you up at the hotel.  Board the van for the 20 minute drive to the meeting point en route to the Canyoning spot.  Hike to the first platform and enter the canyon in the heart of the rainforest where the views are spectacular.  Enjoy the 5 rappels, including a 150 ft drop.  Three rappels are in waterfalls, two are on dry walls.  Upon return to your hotel, relax at the facilities or embark on another half day activity in the region.

** possible tour substitutions include hikes in the Arenal Hanging Bridges and the Arenal Volcano National Park, tours on horseback to the Fortuna Waterfalls, safari floats and visits to the Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve **
 
Day 5: Arenal - Monteverde by land / boat
Start this adventurous day with a splendid Costa Rican breakfast buffet at your hotel. Later, embark on a 15-minute boat ride across Arenal Lake, followed by a ride up the mountains to Monteverde.  Witness the changes in vegetation and climate as you ascend from 900 meters to 1600 meters above sea level.  Check into your hotel.  In the afternoon, explore the Cloud Forest. 

Day 6: Canopy Tour (Zip Lines) and hike in Monteverde
Following an early breakfast, experience the thrill of the Sky Trek Canopy adventure or hike across the hanging bridges of the Sky Walk.  The Sky Trek is a signature canopy adventure that consists of a series of platforms and lines that allow you to glide through the forest.  The Sky Walk consists of a guided hike over suspended bridges spanning the Cloud Forest.  Take in spectacular views of the cloud forest from three distinct perspectives: the ground level, the mid section and from above.  In the afternoon, enjoy free time or embark on another activity in the Monteverde Region.

Day 7: Monteverde - Manuel Antonio
Time to relax at the beach!  Board the private transfer van for the four-hour journey through the mountains towards the Pacific Coast. Your drive will take you down the southern face of the mountains towards the Interamerican Highway.  You will then veer south and travel parallel to the Pacific Ocean, past the towns of Puntarenas, Jaco and Parrita.  Upon arrival in the Manuel Antonio Region, check into your hotel room.

Day 8: Hike in Manuel Antonio National Park
Following an early breakfast, you will be picked up at the lobby of the hotel for the short drive to the Manuel Antonio National Park.  Enjoy this guided tour of one of the jewels of the Costa Rica National Park System.  Spot three species of monkeys, sloths, iguanas, coatimundis and a wide range of birds and reptiles.  Relax at one of the country’s prettiest beaches—we recommend staying at the beach in the park until closing time at 4:00 pm.  Upon conclusion, return to the hotel.

Day 9: Free days in Manuel Antonio
Free day in the Manuel Antonio Region.  We recommend the following activities (not included):

Quepos is home to some of the world’s best sport fishing.  Boats with experienced crews and great service can be reserved on site.

Experience sea or estuary kayaking in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, and get a great workout at the same time!

Marvel at the unspoiled beaches of Manuel Antonio and the mysterious islands that lay just offshore as you sail on a 37-foot catamaran off the Central Pacific waters.  Jagged rock formations and towering cliffs are host and nesting grounds to countless marine birds and their young.  Search for spotted dolphins and keep an eye out for giant sea turtles and migrating humpback whales.  The tour will stop in one of the many protected jungle coves to swim, snorkel and enjoy lunch or dinner.

Explore the mangroves guided by experts.  This tour presents a unique opportunity to spot local wildlife while traveling by boat through this pristine ecosystem.  Expect close encounters with white-faced monkeys, sloths and many bird species.

Join other horse lovers on a guided horseback tour through the Pacific Lowland Rainforest Reserves in Manuel Antonio to a spectacular waterfall where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine lagoon.

Overnight at your Manuel Antonio hotel.

Day 10: Flight to San Jose and return home
Free morning to relax in Manuel Antonio and perhaps embark on another adventure in the region.  Check out of the hotel and transfer to the local airport.  Check into the 25-minute flight to San Jose.  Upon landing, you will be transferred to San Jose International Airport for your return flight.

This 10 day / 9 night itinerary includes:
3 nights in the Arenal Volcano Region
2 nights in Monteverde
3 nights in Manuel Antonio
1 night in San Jose
Private transfer San Jose Airport – San Jose Hotel
Private transfer San Jose - Arenal
Private transfer Monteverde - Manuel Antonio
One-way flight Quepos – San Jose
Airport transfers
Lake crossing transfer Arenal - Monteverde
Daily breakfast at the hotels
Sarapiqui White Water River Rafting
Canyoning tour in Arenal
Sky Trek / Walk Tour in Monteverde
Guided hike of Manuel Antonio Park
Hotel & sales Taxes

Package pricing for a family of 4:

Economical option (Hotel Presidente + Arenal Springs + Trapp Family Lodge + Hotel California):
May 1 - Nov 15, 2010: from $ 3,450 per family in one room
May 1 - Nov 15, 2010: from $ 4,420 per family in two rooms

Deluxe option (Grano de Oro + Mountain Paradise + Fonda Vela + Si Como No):
May 1 - Nov 15, 2010: from $ 4,150 per family in one room
May 1 - Nov 15, 2010: from $ 5,825 per family in two rooms

Luxury option (Intercontinental + Tabacon + El Establo + Arenas del Mar):
May 1 - Nov 15, 2010: from $ 5,995 per family in one room
May 1 - Nov 15, 2010: from $ 9,250 per family in two rooms

For travel during peak holiday season, including Christmas and Easter, please contact our Costa Rica vacations experts at (888) 928-3688

Customize the itinerary. Popular changes to the itinerary include room upgrades, adding spa treatments, adding tours, exchanging the private transfers for car rental, changing the recommended hotels in one or more regions.  We can also quote this package featuring two rooms in the hotels of choice.  Please call us toll free at (888) 928-3688 to inquire about this Costa Rica family vacation package or e-mail us at info@memorablecostarica.com

Costa Rica is a tropical country with only two seasons: dry and green! Click here for forecast Exchange Rate for July 30 515.33 CRC for each USD 695.70 CRC for each EUR