Adventures in nature meet relaxing beach time in this overview of Costa Rica's natural wonders. Begin by exploring an active volcano, and then head to the magical Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for wildlife, hiking and tree-top adventures. End your trip in style by relaxing on the perfect beaches of Tamarindo.

Day 1 – San José to Arenal Volcano National Park
We'll meet you at the airport in San José and begin the two-hour drive to Arenal Volcano National Park. Once we arrive, you'll have the afternoon free explore on your own. Tomorrow you are off to explore the tree tops of Arenal on the Sky Walk and Sky Trek Tour. Stay at Arenal Paraiso Hotel. B

Day 2 – Sky Walk and Sky Trek Tour, Arenal Volcano Eco Hike and Eco Termales Hot Springs
The slow paced Sky Tram gondolas will provide a smooth ride through the rain forest, with endless views along the way, so you can appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you on your way to the top. Once at the at the observation deck, you will be able to enjoy the most magnificent views of the volcano's south face for as long as you desire.

From the there, zip your way to the bottom along the fast moving canopy tour zip lines, the best option for those seeking a rush of adrenaline.

A must-see for any tourist in Costa Rica, Arenal is one of the world's most active volcanoes. With its classic conical shape and crater, it can be seen for miles in the surrounding area, including from the sidewalk cafés of the nearby town of La Fortuna.

The Park has many wonderful hiking trails with fantastic views of the summit. The volcano has minor eruptions daily, making for a great show of ash and lava. And at night, Arenal puts on its very own fireworks display!

Return to the hotel for lunch and then at 3:00 pm you will be picked up to begin the Arenal Volcano Eco Hike and visit to EcoTermas Hot Springs.

Hike around the trails inside the Arenal Volcano National Park and learn about the history of the region followed up by a visit to the Eco Thermales Hot Springs a family owned and operated private hot springs for a dip & freshly prepared dinner.

Eco Termales hot springs is a family project and has been built over time and years of hard work. The 4 pools vary in temperature, the coolest one is 91 degrees Fahrenheit and the hottest one is 105 Fahrenheit. One of the pools has a cascading waterfall with misty water that is quite refreshing. Stay at Arenal Paraiso Hotel. B D

Days 3 – Monteverde
After breakfast, we'll take a boat ride across Lake Arenal, where your driver will meet you for a two-hour Jeep ride to the forests and mountains of the Monteverde Cloud-Forest Reserve. (There is also an option to horseback ride to Monteverde).

Once in the cloud forest, the primary activities are the hikes and walks on the trails that traverse the reserve. You can also explore the tree-tops in the Canopy Tour, strapped into a harness and gliding from tree to tree via a cable pulley system. For the less adventurous of spirit, the canopy can be explored along the Sky Walk, a series of suspension bridges among the trees.

The town of Monteverde is filled with interesting things to do. Artisans galleries show off photography, painting and sculpture. A local women's cooperative sells arts and crafts, including hand-embroidered clothing. A butterfly garden, hummingbird gallery and serpentarium are also worthy of exploration. Stay at El Establo Hotel. B

Day 4 - Monteverde Cloud forest tour
You start early today (7:00 am) for your private (or group) tour of the Monteverde Cloudforest. In this walk you will learn about the natural history of Monteverde, about its mammals, birds and its many plants, such as bromeliads, epiphytes, ferns and all that concerns the cloud forest ecosystem.

After lunch at 2:00 pm you will be met at the hotel to begin the Walkways, Butterfly and Hummingbird tour. Monteverde Cloud Forest Treetop Walkways is simply the best way to observe the Cloud Forest Canopy with the advantage of being able to take your time to observe each of the forest levels. Selvatura's Treetop Walkways Tour consists of a 1.9 mile trail that cruises through the cloud forest. Along the trails our visitor will find each of the eight different bridges that compose this bridge system. The lengths and heights of these bridges vary between 170 feet and 560 feet in length and heights between 40 feet and 260 feet

After this part of the tour you will visit the hummingbird and butterfly gardens. Here you will be able to observe more than 14 different species of hummingbirds from the cloud forest. A treat for photography lovers and a spectacular air show for anyone who loves nature. After the hummingbirds you are off to see the butterflies. At the garden you will have time to observe, photograph and learn about butterflies and other insects. Well-trained volunteers, often biology students, give the hour and a half tours. The tour includes a guided trip through four greenhouses which house the many species of butterflies as well as a short lesson in the nature center which showcases a wide range of insects and arachnids in live exhibits. The tour is often funny, always entertaining and very informative. Stay at El Establo Hotel. B

Day 5 Today at 8:00 am you will met in the lobby for your private Don Juan Coffee Tour.

The Don Juan Coffee Tour offers an interesting opportunity to learn about coffee and Costa Rican folklore. During the coffee tour, participants will learn about the history, cultivation, and operation of a functioning coffee 'beneficio'. Visitors will have a chance to pick coffee and take part in the different steps involved in coffee production. At the end of the tour coffee and souvenirs are available from the gift shop.

The Don Juan Coffee Tour is a chance to experience first hand the tradition that is the growing of coffee in Costa Rica. The farm has a typical ox-drawn cart that you can take a ride in. The Tour lasts two hours and involves a half kilometers walk along an easy trail. The tour takes place on a coffee farm located two kilometers outside of Santa Elena - Monteverde. Return to and have the rest of the day on your own. Stay at El Establo Hotel. B


Day 6 Private transfer to Tamarindo

We'll head to the popular beach town of Tamarindo on Costa Rica's northwest coast for surf, sand and lots of sun. In fact, the sun shines almost every day of the year here! It's the perfect place for beach time, as well as activities like fishing, sailing, surfing and diving. You can also take jungle boat rides, tree-canopy tours, or go turtle-watching. Leatherback turtles lay eggs here. With all these activities, plus perfect weather and beautiful sunsets, Tamarindo is a great place to relax and enjoy life. Rest of the day on your own to get to know Tamarindo. Stay at Captain Suizo. B

Day 7 Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure
This morning you are met at the hotel to begin your ocean adventure. Silently glide along Costa Rica’s Gold Coast while passing some of Guanacaste’s exotic bays, white sand beaches, tropical jungles and rain forest. Gaze off the bow with a cold tropical drink prepared and served by our bilingual staff as you scan the seas for dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish or even a breaching whale. Stop in a tranquil bay, drop anchor and frolic in the blue Pacific. Kayak through sea caves, float on a raft, snorkel in the bay or run down the deserted white sand beach while the ever helpful crew prepares a feast of fruit, chips, dips, ceviche and salad.

After frolicking in the secluded bay, the crew hoists the sails and the Marlin Del Rey skims quietly across the surface of the pacific passing Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal, Bahia Amore, Bahia de Las Pirates, Playa Grande and finally Tamarindo Beach. Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you prepare to witness one of the great joys of Costa Rica….an enchanting Tamarindo sunset. Return to Tamarindo and the rest of the day on your own. Stay at Captain Suizo. B Snacks

Day 8 Rafting the Colorado River
Get ready for some excitement! Paddle and enjoy for one and a half hour riding on the Colorado River.

Get to see the natural and impressive canyon, one of the most intimate and exiting ways to enjoy your vacations by rafting down of this unforgettable scenery. Then relax on the greats swimming holes on this spectacular river. Lunch is included. Class II,III (No experience necessary. Minimum age: 10 years old. Return to Tamarindo for the rest of the day on your own. Stay at Captain Suizo. B L

Day 9 – Tamarindo to San José
Say goodbye to Tamarindo! You will be met at the hotel lobby and transferred to Liberia to catch your international flight home. B