Your tailor-made holiday will be as unique as you are. These itineraries are just a starting point – a bit of inspiration to show what’s possible. Your own trip all starts with a conversation with one of our Costa Rica experts, who’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and design the perfect Costa Rica holiday to match.
This action-packed itinerary is an ideal introduction to the Pura Vida magic of Costa Rica if you’re a little short on time. We’ve designed this trip to avoid too many long car journeys across the country (maximising your time in incredible locations, rather than the car!), whilst still giving you a real flavour of some of the highlights Costa Rica is best-known for. After a night in San Jose to shake off the jetlag, you’ll head straight to the country’s activity heartland – Arenal. Visit the volcano national park, soak your limbs in the natural hot springs and explore the hanging bridges suspended high above the rainforest canopy. Next up is Monteverde, Costa Rica’s most famous cloud forest. Here you’ll have the chance to fly through the trees on a canopy ziplining adventure and brave the trails after dark, looking for the nocturnal creepy crawlies lurking within. Your final stop is Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific Coast. With jungle-fringed beaches, brilliant hotels, and a national park that’s teeming with wildlife, it’s the perfect spot for a bit of relaxation before you fly home.
Here's a summary of what you might get up to day-to-day on this Costa Rica holiday. As always, this is just an idea. Every single day of your holiday will be tailored to suit you.
Your Costa Rica holiday begins with a flight to San Jose today. Sit back, relax and soak up that feeling of leaving your day-to-day behind. When you arrive, you’ll be met with a warm Costa Rican welcome and driven to your hotel in the city for the night.
This morning you’ll hop in the car for a drive to the Arenal Volcano region. Arenal is the heart of adventure in Costa Rica, with so many adrenaline-packed activities to choose from (alongside some slower-paced options too!) This afternoon you’ll take a guided tour of the national park, learning about all of the rich biodiversity and vibrant wildlife from your expert guide along the way. To finish your day you’ll take a soak in one of the natural hot springs, feeling your worries float away in the naturally healing waters under the canopy of the rainforest. Annnd relax…
This morning takes you above the trees as you head off on a guided tour of Arenal's beautiful hanging bridges suspended high in the rainforest canopy. The afternoon is free for you to relax or arrange further activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, zip lining or walking in the tranquil 1968 reserve.
You'll leave Arenal today for you scenic transfer to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. After some time to relax in the afternoon you will be collected for your night tour in the Monteverde reserve, to look for the creatures of the cloud forest after dark.
Today a treetop adventure awaits. You’ll visit a superb cloud forest adventure centre and brave some of Costa Rica’s very best ziplining. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of flying through the air, above the rainforest canopy and often the clouds. You’ll be living like the Costa Rican monkeys do for a few hours and trust us when we say, it’s unforgettable. You’ll also be able to explore the canopy walkways and view the cloud forest from a different perspective. So if ziplining isn’t for you, the beauty of this spot still can be.
It’s time to leave the clouds of Monteverde and head for Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific Coast. This is a brilliant spot to spend the last few days of your quick Costa Rica holiday, as it boasts so much of the magic of Costa Rica in just the one spot. You’ve got the stunning beaches, the rainforests teeming with wildlife, the river safaris down mangrove-lined waterways, gorgeous hotels and plenty of options to sample the delicious food.
Today we’ll arrange for you to take a morning tour of the Manuel Antonio National Park. The park is home to sloths, colourful toucans and playful monkeys, we couldn’t have you flying home without one last slice of Pura Vida magic now, could we? This afternoon is free to soak up one last afternoon of sun on Manuel Antonio’s pristine beaches, relax by the pool at your fabulous hotel or arrange a snorkelling or kayaking tour if you fancy something a little more active.
We’re sorry that this day had to come, but it’s time to head back to San Jose for your overnight flight back to the UK. This might have been a quick, whistlestop tour of Costa Rica – but we know you’ll be leaving with a real insight into the country, its people and a desire to return.
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our experts Dawn and Louise are dedicated to all things Costa Rica and are here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Costa Rica’s wildlife, landscapes and sense of adventure are what keep Dawn coming back. With a conservation-focused background and years of hands-on travel experience, she’s packed with ideas for making every trip feel special.
Our Lou’s been exploring Latin America for nearly 20 years, and Costa Rica is a firm favourite. She’s drawn to its wildlife, volcanoes and cloud forests – and knows how to shape a trip full of adventure that takes in all the best bits.
Speak to one of our travel specialists today.
Get a Quote 01242 253 073Open Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Sign up to get our latest team news, travel tips and holiday inspiration straight to your inbox.
“
Expert Comment
Louise Mumford
Meet Louise”