Waves, Forests and Volcanoes
Overview
Experience the diverse beauty of Costa Rica with this exceptional tour package that takes you to both coasts, as well as the enchanting Cloud Forest in Monteverde and the lush Arenal Rainforest. Your adventure begins upon arrival at Liberia International Airport, followed by a journey to Playa Carrillo in the Sámara region, a hidden gem on the Pacific Coast known for its charming local businesses and stunning beaches. After, a couple of nights in Monteverde, where you will engage in an exciting excursion, the tour continues to the iconic Arenal area, a must-visit destination renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. Following your rainforest exploration, you will head to the South Caribbean, specifically Puerto Viejo Beach, which offers a unique cultural experience with its distinct cuisine, beautiful beaches and vibrant lifestyle. The tour concludes with an overnight stay in San José, preparing you for your departure back home.
This tour includes More Moments, activities included with your package.
Format
Locations
- Sámara
- Monteverde
- La Fortuna
- San José
- Costa Rica
- Monteverde Cloud Forest, Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights: arrive in Liberia, depart from San José
- Private transfers from airport to hotel on arrival
- Shared transfers in between hotels, return transfer to the airport at departure, and for all excursions and sightseeing tours as per the itinerary
- 10 nights of accommodations (Sámara: 2 nights, Monteverde: 2 nights, Arenal: 2 nights, Puerto Viejo: 3 nights, San José: 1 night)
- Daily breakfast
- Lunch and snacks as indicated on specified itinerary days
- Entrance fee to landmarks, parks and wildlife sanctuaries as mentioned in the itinerary
- Naturalists guides and access to equipment for the excursions as indicated in the itinerary
- More Moments activities included:
- Sámara: Island Boat Ride + Sámara Trails with lunch
- Monteverde: Tree Tram & SkyWalk
- Arenal: 2 in 1: Hike Sendero del Silencio + Lunch + Waterfall Tour Combo
- Hotel taxes, fees and service charges
- Service of English-speaking local guide
- Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada/ Arrival in Liberia, Costa Rica
Arrive in Liberia, Costa Rica. You will collect your bags and go through customs and immigration. After leaving the arrivals hall, you will be met by your Tour Concierge who will assist you with your transfer to your hotel located in Playa Carillo, Sámara. Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2
Sámara
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Then prepare yourself for an exciting day of exploration with your guide. You will travel by boat on a journey to Isla Chora, situated just off the coast of Sámara. After an exhilarating morning of activities, the adventure continues with an afternoon hike in the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve. This is a day filled with unforgettable experiences that you won't want to miss.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel where you will enjoy the remainder of the day on your own.
More Moments Activities Included
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Island Boat Ride + Sámara Trails + lunch:
Travel by a boat (dinghy) that can accommodate up to 5 people. As you navigate to the island, a knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights about the region. Upon arrival, you'll have the opportunity to snorkel and discover a variety of captivating marine species. After your underwater adventure, you will be provided with fresh fruit for a refreshing treat. This excursion is ideal for families and groups of friends seeking a quick and enjoyable trip to Isla Chora.
The afternoon continues with a hike through the scenic trails of the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve in Playa Sámara. Experience the Sámara Trails from a unique perspective with our expert guide, who will enlighten you about Costa Rica's rich biodiversity and its remarkable features.
Tour includes: Professional tour guide, small group tour, lunch, hotel pick-up and drop-off (select hotels only), life jackets and snorkel equipment.
Estimated duration: Full day
Physical difficulty level: Moderate
What to bring: Mosquito repellent, hiking shoes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, camera, bathing suit and water shoes.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 3
Playa Carillo, Sámara to Monteverde
After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and meet your driver for the transfer to Monteverde, a region renowned for its expansive rainforests, cloud forests and remarkable biodiversity. This area is one of the planet's most unique habitats, showcasing an incredible array of flora and fauna. Positioned on the continental divide between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the cloud forests create a distinct microclimate that supports a multitude of species. As you travel, you will be treated to stunning landscapes and pass through charming local towns, enriching your experience of this beautiful country. Check into your hotel in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
Monteverde
After breakfast today, your guide will meet you for a transfer to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, a vibrant and misty ecosystem. Renowned for its canopy tours, hanging bridges, and exceptional birdwatching opportunities, this area is particularly famous for sightings of the resplendent quetzal.
After your tour of the cloud forest, you will be brought back to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day on your own.
More Moments Activities Included
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Tree Tram & SkyWalk:
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Monteverde region by ascending to the Continental Divide via the Sky Tram, which spans an impressive 800 metres. This aerial journey culminates at an observation station featuring viewpoints on both sides, offering stunning vistas of the North Slope, the Golfo de Nicoya, and the iconic Arenal Volcano alongside the picturesque Lake Arenal. Following this, embark on a high-altitude trek through the Monteverde Reserve, where you can traverse six suspension bridges that soar above the forest canopy, some extending up to 300 metres. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, you will gain valuable insights into the unique mountainous landscape of Monteverde, enhancing your appreciation of its natural wonders.
Includes: Transportation, tour guide, and entrances
Estimated duration: 3 hours
Physical difficulty level: Moderate
What to Bring: Tennis or hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, insect repellent, raincoat and change of clothes.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Monteverde to Arenal
Enjoy your breakfast and then prepare to travel to La Fortuna, home to the magnificent Arenal Volcano, a true natural wonder renowned for its grandeur. While there are no current lava eruptions, visitors can still witness smoke and ash emanating from the volcano's summit. The Arenal Volcano region is a stunning destination, celebrated for its picturesque landscapes, soothing hot springs, and the expansive Lake Arenal. During your journey to this remarkable area, you will pass by lush agricultural fields, vibrant ornamental plant nurseries, and thriving cattle farms. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day exploring on your own.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
Arenal
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel today before meeting your guide for the days’ adventure. Today you will experience the majestic beauty of the Arenal Volcano and the surrounding area on a combination tour. Once your tour is complete and you return to the hotel, you will have the remaining day to yourself to enjoy.
More Moments Activities Included
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Combo 2 in 1: Hike El Silencio, waterfall with lunch:
The Arenal Volcano stands out as a primary attraction, making it the perfect starting point for your visit. Guests take part in a 3.5 km hike along trails formed by solidified volcanic lava and lush primary forest, culminating at the El Silencio Viewpoint, where they can safely observe the volcano up close. The journey then proceeds to the Río Fortuna Waterfall, renowned for its breathtaking 70-metre drop. Here, visitors can either take a refreshing swim or capture the stunning scenery through photographs. Following this adventure, a lunch is provided at a nearby restaurant in La Fortuna, offering an à la carte menu with a selection of at least five meal options.
Includes: Transportation, tour guide, lunch and entrances
Estimated duration: Half-day
Physical difficulty level: Medium
What to Bring: Hiking or running shoes, comfortable clothes, rain Jacket or poncho, insect repellent, sunscreen, swimwear, towel and money for souvenirs or tips
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 7
Arenal to Puerto Viejo
After breakfast you will check out of the hotel in Arenal, then meet your transfer for the journey to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Puerto Viejo is a unique destination that harmoniously combines the lively essence of Caribbean culture with the serene beauty of its natural surroundings. Located along the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, this charming town is celebrated for its friendly vibe, unspoiled beaches, and rich biodiversity.
Upon arrival in Puerto Viejo, you will check into your hotel, then have the remainder of the day at leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Days 8-9
Puerto Viejo
The next two days are yours to explore on your own. In Puerto Viejo you can explore the area’s diverse cultural scene, visit/view the renowned Salsa Brava surf breaks, or enjoy a day visiting Cahuita National Park. Puerto Viejo is a must-visit location in Costa Rica. Whether your interests lie in surfing, beach exploration, or wildlife observation in the lush rainforest, this destination offers a variety of experiences to suit every traveller.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 10
Puerto Viejo to San José
This morning you will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out of the hotel. Meet your driver and take the transfer to San José, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica. Upon arrival in San José, you will check into your hotel located in the area known as La Sabana Metropolitan Park. You will discover a range of iconic and central locations within easy reach, in addition to a diverse selection of dining options. The rest of the day is yours to discover the city on your own. Visit the theatres, museums, and beautiful parks or simply enjoy a cup of Costa Rican coffee while watching the daily life of the “Ticos”.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 11
San José - Juan Santamaría International Airport – Canada
Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel before checking out of the hotel. You will then meet the driver that will transfer you back to the airport to catch your flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Comfort Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Bed size(s): 2 doubles
Maximum occupancy: 4 guests,
Occupancy details: 1-4 adults, 3 adults and 1 child, 2 adults and 2 children, 1 adult and 3 children
- Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
- Please note that the availability of cribs is not guaranteed.
- Please note that on occasion it may be necessary for the Tour Supplier to confirm a hotel with a lower star rating than what is initially offered. This can be due to availability of hotels in the area during high demand periods and for reasons out of the control of the supplier.
Important Information
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- December 01, 2025 – November 30, 2026
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Not Included:
- Gratuities
- Meals outside of the ones mentioned within the itinerary above
- Transfers for any optional activities, and any other transfer services required outside of the itinerary above
- Entrance to other landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional activities and excursions
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Excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, replaced with an alternate option depending on availability, weather, seasonality, and operational reasons beyond the suppliers’ control.
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- Private transfers from airport to hotel on arrival
- Shared transfers in between hotels, return transfer the airport at departure, and for all excursions and sightseeing tours as per the itinerary
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- If your itinerary includes domestic and/or regional flight tickets, as well as entry tickets to landmarks that require passport details, you must call Air Canada Vacations immediately upon receiving your booking confirmation. Failure to provide Air Canada Vacations with your passport details may result in the unavailability of domestic and/or regional flight tickets and entry passes for certain landmarks included in your tour package. It is mandatory to call Air Canada Vacations at the number provided in your electronic confirmation as soon as your booking is confirmed to submit your passport details.
- The itinerary above is subject to change without prior notice. The order in which destinations are visited, or day excursions occur may change due to operational restrictions, such as weather and accommodation availability.