Costa Rica Holidays
Volcanoes, Rainforest and Manuel Antonio National Park
12 Night Itinerary from £2,811
Arenal Tour
Explore Poas, Irazu and Arenal volcanoes, enjoy optional excursions in in Arenal National Park and discover Manuel Antonio National Park.
Select your Preferred Departure Date OR Default to Today's Date
Tour Route
- San Jose, Poás & Irazu Volcanoes - 3 Nights
- Arenal Volcano - 6 Nights
- Manuel Antonio National Park - 3 Nights
- Return to San Jose & Fly Home - 0 Nights
Travel Highlights
- Experience abundant wildlife, volcanoes and coastline
- Included excursions to Poas and Irazu volcanoes with expert guides
- Visit a coffee plantation and learn about their production processes
- Spend 6-nights in Arenal, with a wide range of optional excursions and activities
- Explore hanging bridges and rainforest canopy at Arenal National Park
- Optional visit to a local tribe, hike at Arenal volcano or cruise through wetlands
- Relax on the golden Pacific Coast beaches in Manuel Antonio
- Explore Costa Rica's famous coastal National Park
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of route, duration, flights, hotels, transport and excursions.
Tour Itinerary
San Jose, Poás & Irazu Volcanoes - 3 Nights
Day 1 - Departure from UK
Day 2 - Irazu Volcano & Lankester Gardens
Day 3 - Poas Volcano & Coffee Tour
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Meet your Guide
Our hand-picked guides offer you an exclusive insight into the best excustions and activites on offer.
Friday, 01 December 2023
Departure from UK
Depart on a direct flight to San Jose. On arrival, transfer to your comfortable lodge or hotel in the hills above the city for a 3-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
Saturday, 02 December 2023
Irazu Volcano & Lankester Gardens
Today, enjoy a shared excursion to Cartago, the original capital of Costa Rica. At 3432 metres, the Irazu volcano is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica and it is easy to see why Neil Armstrong said that its desolate landscape looks like the surface of the moon. We also visit the lush Orosi Valley with its panoramic view of the Reventazon River and the Cachi Dam, We continue to the famous Lankester Gardens, one of the largest collections of orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and anthuriums of the region. The gardens are the legacy of Sir Richard Lankester, an English botanist who made Costa Rica his home in the late 19th century. Lunch is included today.
Sunday, 03 December 2023
Poás Volcano and coffee tour
Today we visit the Doka coffee plantation, owned by Costa Rican Vargas Ruiz family, pioneers in coffee production since 1931. During the coffee tour, you will learn about the whole production and processing. After an included lunch, we then visit the Poás Volcano, with its active, smoking crater and emerald green crater-lake. We continue to the stunning La Paz Waterfalls Gardens, where walkways lead you past a series of waterfalls which cut through the surrounding lush forest.
Balmoral Hotel
San Jose - Tourist Hotel
The Balmoral Hotel is located on Avenida Central, San Jose’s most famous street and walking distance to the historic centre. It is easy to visit the Iglesia de la Merced, the cathedral, the central and Morazán parks, as well as the impressive gold and jade museums.
The hotel’s rooms include double beds, complimentary coffee, safe, hair dryer, FREE Wi-Fi, desk, and private bathrooms with power showers and complimentary toiletries.
There is a bar, restaurant, café, pizzeria and even a wine shop. The award-winning El Patio del Balmoral restaurant serves a variety of authentic Costa Rican specialties and international dishes in a casual and relaxing setting. There is also an on site gym.
Hotel Presidente
San Jose - First Hotel
The Presidente Hotel is located in the heart of San José in the pedestrian zone of Central Avenue, 2 blocks from the National Theatre and the Cultural Square. The hotel has over 100 comfortable and spacious rooms, which all include cable TV, air conditioning, safety box and en-suite bathroom. The hotel offers amenities such as a restaurant-bar, a casino, and a spa with beauty treatments.
Arenal Volcano - 6 Nights
Day 4 - Travel to Arenal National Park
Day 5 - Optional Hanging Bridges Tour
Day 6 - Optional Arenal Volcano Trek & Hot Springs
Day 7 - Optional visit to the Maleku Tribe
Day 8 - Optional Sloth encounter and Sky Tram
Day 9 - Optional Rio Frio Boat Excursion
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Meet your Guide
Our hand-picked guides offer you an exclusive insight into the best excustions and activites on offer.
Monday, 04 December 2023
Travel to Arenal National Park
This Morning, transfer to Arenal National Park where we stay for 6-nights on a bed and breakfast basis at the excellent tourist class Arenal Volcano Inn. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Tuesday, 05 December 2023
Optional Hanging Bridges Tour
Today enjoy an optional half-day visit to the Arenal Hanging Bridges. Here, observe the birds, the flowers and the lush vegetation of the primary rainforest. While walking along the trails in the forest canopy the fascinating world of the tropical forest will open to you as your naturalist guide explains the species you will discover during the walk.
Wednesday, 06 December 2023
Optional Arenal Volcano Trek & Hot Springs
This morning, enjoy an optional guided trek in the foothills of Arenal Volcano. You will enjoy amazing views discover a great variety of flora and fauna, such as the toucan, turkeys, orioles, peccaries, snakes and monkeys.
In the evening, opt to visit the largest network of natural hot springs in Arenal, amid the lush vegetation to symphony of rushing waterfalls. Included tonight is an Indulgent dinner experience.
Thursday, 07 December 2023
Optional visit to the Maleku Tribe
Today, opt to join other like-minded travellers to the northern plains, where you will walk through a local village to learn about the way of life of the Maleku tribe, their crafts, use of cocoa in their agriculture, their clothing and medicinal plants and trees used by the ancestors. Afterwards, participate in a demonstration of a traditional “Maleku” rite dramatised with his dances, songs and music characteristic of their culture. Finally, enjoy a typical local Costa Rican lunch, the Mafuriseka, which consists of a dish based on fish wrapped in banana leaves, cooked in steam; which is accompanied by vegetables and a natural fruit juice.
Friday, 08 December 2023
Optional Sloth Encounter and Sky Tram
An optional morning guided tour in the beautiful open areas in La Fortuna where you will observe two or three toed sloths in the wild, as well as the multicoloured toucan, the poisonous blue jeans dart frog, iguanas and monkeys, among others.
In the afternoon, perhaps experience the Sky Tram gondolas that soar smoothly over the rainforest with amazing views of the jungle, Arenal volcano and the lake.
Saturday, 09 December 2023
Optional Rio Frio Boat Excursion
Today enjoy an optional boat tour on the Rio Frio, visiting the magical Rio Celeste Waterfall and the blue lagoon, a stretch of the calm river that makes a beautiful natural lagoon. Also visit an observation deck for the Tenorio Volcano, as well as discovering the fascinating flora, fauna and wildlife on the river. Lunch is included today.
Arenal Volcano Inn
Arenal Volcano Park - Tourist Hotel
Arenal Volcano Inn is a cozy hotel located in front of the Arenal Volcano, just minutes away from the main attractions in Arenal National Park.
The hotel has just 25 rooms, from standard to deluxe. Each is air-conditioned with FREE Wi-Fi, private bathroom with shower, cable TV, mini bar, safe and telephone. Choose from a garden or volcano view.
Public areas include beautiful gardens with exotic plants, colourful birds and other animals. There is also the Que Rico Arenal Restaurant offering excellent Italian, International, and Costa Rican cuisine. The restaurant offers a spectacular view of the volcano. The wood fired pizza is a must try for those who visit Que Rico Arenal.
The hotel can arrange a wide variety of activities, including zip wire adventures, treks, boat trips, horse riding and coffee plantation tours.
Arenal Manoa Hotel
Arenal Volcano Park - First Hotel
Located a short drive from Arenal Volcano in a very natural and private environment, surrounded by the La Palma River, the Arenal Manoa Hotel is an ideal refuge for the great diversity of birds, mammals, lizards, and a large variety of plants. Surrounded by gardens, pastures and animals, the rooms have been designed so that each one offers you a panoramic view of the volcano.
Each of their 80 rooms is equipped with two queen sized beds, air conditioning, satellite television, private bath with hot water and a hair dryer, telephone, terrace with a view of the volcano, refrigerator, safe-deposit box and coffee maker.
You can enjoy the spacious gardens as well as see the daily operations of a typical Costa Rican farm - a farming tour is included. The hotel has an international restaurant, two swimming pools, Jacuzzi, wet bar, souvenir shop, Free Wi-Fi at the reception.
Manuel Antonio National Park - 3 Nights
Day 10 - Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 11 - Exploring the National Park
Day 12 - Relax on the beach
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Sunday, 10 December 2023
Travel to Manuel Antonio National Park
Transfer north along the Pacific Coast to Manuel Antonio National Park, staying for 3-nights on a bed and breakfast basis at a hotel surrounded by rainforest and overlooking beaches and coves. The pristine Manuel Antonio National Park is for many the best National Park in Costa Rica. The area has well-marked trails and is teeming with wildlife, including birds, toucans, monkeys and sloths. You can relax at your lodge, on the beach or explore the National Park on a wide range of optional activities bookable locally.
Monday, 11 December 2023
Wildlife, hikes and protected beaches
Today perhaps relax at your hotel, on the beach or explore the National Park on a wide range of optional activities bookable from your hotel.
Tuesday, 12 December 2023
Relax on the beach
At leisure on your final day in Costa Rica. A chance to relax on the beach.
Playa Espadilla
Manuel Antonio National Park - Tourist Hotel
A comfortable and friendly tourist class hotel only a 3 minute walk from the entrance to the National Park of Manuel Antonio and a 2 minute walk from the beach. Known as a place in harmony with nature, their private reserve and delightful gardens allow guests to learn more about the flora and fauna of the Central Pacific.
Each air conditioned room is fully equipped with private bathroom, hot water, cable TV, coffee maker, fridge, telephone and safe. Other amenities include a tennis and basketball court, billiards table, laundry service, FREE Wi-FI, private parking and 24 hours room service. There is a Restaurant" and also a poolside "Tropical Bar".
The hotel offers a range of tours and excursions including guided hikes, white water rafting, snorkelling, canopy adventures, horseback riding, surfing and fishing.
The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.
Parador Resort & Spa
Manuel Antonio National Park - First Resort
The Parador Resort & Spa is settled on a hill, immersed in the tropical rainforest and located at a walking distance from the beach. You will enjoy stunning ocean views
The coast offers a wide variety of facilities such as bars, restaurants, supermarkets, banks, stores, natural attractions and beautiful beaches like Biesanz & Espadilla.
The Hotel has 129 air-conditioned rooms with TV, telephone, coffee maker, mini bar, safe, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, ceiling fan, balcony or terrace depending on its location and room category and bath amenities.
There are several dining options, with Costa Rican and International cuisine: La Galeria is the casual with an open air terrace overlooking the gardens and the sea, El Quijote Restaurant & Bar and a good option for a relaxed dinner.
La Fragata Restaurant and Bar offers seafood and different healthy meals in a stunning location and the pool bar and terrace is open all day.
Pamper yourself at Pacifica Spa, take a deep in one of the two swimming pools (there is also a children’s pool). There is also a fitness centre, souvenir shop, concierge service, Free Wi-Fi, tennis court, mini-golf, green areas, natural trails and shuttle service to Manuel Antonio beach. Optional guided treks into Manuel Antonio National Park are also available.
Return to San Jose & Fly Home - 0 Nights
Day 13 - Return flight to the UK
Day 14 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
Wednesday, 13 December 2023
Return flight to the UK
Transfer to San Jose airport for your direct overnight flight home.
Thursday, 14 December 2023
Arrive in the UK
Arrive in the UK in the morning.
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season | High Season | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | 31 Dec -19 Jul, 22 Aug-13 Dec | 20 July - 21 Aug, 14 Dec- 30 Dec | ||
| Room Arrangement | Tourist | First | Tourist | First |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Room | £2,811 | £3,656 | £3,014 | £3,833 |
Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- 14 Days/12 Nights
- International flights (1 overnight)
- Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
- Breakfast everyday and meals as described on the itinerary
- Transfers to and from airports
- Transport throughout the itinerary
- Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
- Prices are per person
- Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request
Client Testimonials
Speak with a Specialist
Travel Enquiries
Contact an Advisor
Stay in touch
Infuse your travels, with inspiration from our monthly newsletter.
READY - 24 November 2023
CHILE ARGENTINA: Patagonia Glaciers & Landscapes
LANDMARK TOURS: Multi-Country & Cross Continent
COSTA RICA TOURS & LODGES: Rainforest Habitats
CLIPPER CRUISES: Stunning Traditional Tall Sailling Ships: Costa Rica, Barbados, Saint Martin
CHINA & INDIA: Local Life, People & Unique Cultures
GUIDES by Veloso Tours, are the best Local Hosts
TRAVEL INSURANCE with extensive COVID-19 cover