Pura Vida Experience
Overview
Embark on a journey from the capital city of San José to the lush rainforest of Arenal, the enchanting cloud forest of Monteverde, and the stunning beaches of Manuel Antonio, embodying the essence of the traditional Costa Rican phrase, “Pura Vida”. Upon your arrival at San José, you will have the opportunity to spend a night in the vibrant Central Valley. Your journey will then lead you to La Fortuna, where you can experience the warmth of the local community amidst breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano. The adventure continues in Santa Elena, home to the renowned Monteverde and its verdant cloud forest. Finally, you will conclude your trip to the beautiful beaches and remarkable national park of Manuel Antonio, creating lasting memories.
Format
Locations
- San José
- La Fortuna
- Monteverde
- Manuel Antonio
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights in and out of San José Mineta International Airport
- Shuttle transfers to and from airports and in between hotels
- Shared transfers (land and river transportation) for all excursions and sightseeing tours as per the itinerary
- 7-nights of accommodations (1 night in San José, 2 nights in Arenal, 1 night in Monteverde, 2 nights in Manuel Antonio, 1 night in San José)
- Daily breakfast
- Lunch and snacks where indicated in the itinerary
- Entrance fee to landmarks, National Parks as mentioned in the itinerary
- Naturalists’ guides for the excursions as indicated in the itinerary
- Hotel taxes, fees and service charges
- Service of English-speaking local guides as per program
- More Moments activities included in:
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- Arenal: 2 in 1 Hike Sendero 1968 with lunch and Waterfall Tour Combo
- Monteverde: Skywalk (Guided Tour) and Lunch
- Manuel Antonio: Manuel Antonio National Park Hiking Tour
- Earn 4,000 extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour for travel completed by December 31, 2025.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada - San José, Costa Rica
Fly to San José, Costa Rica. After clearing customs, you will pick up your luggage, then proceed to the arrivals hall where you will meet with a local representative who will escort you to your transfer to take you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to discover the city on your own. Visit the theaters, museums, and beautiful parks or simply enjoy a cup of Costa Rican coffee while watching the daily life of the "Ticos".
Day 2
San José – Arenal (La Fortuna)
After breakfast you will check out of the hotel and meet your driver for your transfer to La Fortuna. La Fortuna is home to the magnificent Arenal Volcano, a natural wonder of the country. Although there are no lava eruptions at present, smoke and ash can still be observed emanating from the volcano's summit. The Arenal Volcano region is renowned for its stunning landscapes, hot springs, and Lake Arenal. During the transfer, travellers will have the opportunity to view agricultural plantations, ornamental plants, and cattle farms.
Upon arrival, you will check into the Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa. This hotel has been designed to offer an incredible direct view of the majestic Arenal Volcano and each terrace is surrounded by tropical gardens that facilitate contact with wildlife. In addition, the hotel offers an experience in which you can enjoy their hot springs, which have been created to give you the feeling of being in a natural thermal river in the middle of the jungle. The floor of the pools is made of limestone, which contributes to creating a relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring on your own or relaxing!
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Day 3
Arenal (La Fortuna)
After breakfast you will meet your guide who will accompany you on your transfer to your next adventure. Experience the breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife of the region on a 6-hour combined tour that includes swimming beneath a jungle waterfall and hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park. As you traverse the rainforest near La Fortuna waterfall, you will have the opportunity to observe monkeys and vibrant tropical birds. Afterward, savour a relaxing Costa Rican lunch accompanied by locally sourced coffee. Your guide will lead you along rugged lava flows and mountain trails, providing insights into the history of this renowned volcano while offering spectacular views of Arenal Lake.
More Moments Activities Included
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Tour Combo 2 in 1: Hike Sendero 1968 with Lunch and Waterfall:
Hike through the rainforest trails, bridges and through the flora and fauna of the area. Enjoy the amazing views of the Arenal Volcano along the way. You will be visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, which features a stunning 70-metre drop, followed by a 600-metre hike to the natural pool at its base. It is advisable to bring swimwear, a towel, and specialized water shoes due to the rocky riverbed. Afterwards, you will drive to an organic farm near La Fortuna for lunch. At 3:00 p.m., the tour will proceed to Arenal National Park, where the guide will talk about the natural and geological history of the volcano, traverse a solid lava path, and enjoy remarkable views of both the volcano and Lake Arenal.
- Includes: Transportation, naturalist guide, all entrance fees, water, lunch
- Estimated duration: 6 hours
- Physical difficulty level: Moderate
- What to Bring: Long pants, hiking shoes, bathing suit, towel, water shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, raincoat or umbrella, camera, and binoculars.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner et dîner
Day 4
Arenal (La Fortuna) – Monteverde
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before being transferred by Jeep and boat to your next destination. Today your journey will lead you to Monteverde, an area characterized by extensive rainforests, cloud forests, and remarkable biodiversity. Monteverde hosts one of the planet's most distinctive and rare habitats, showcasing an incredible array of plant and animal life. Its strategic location on the continental divide between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts creates a unique microclimate that supports a wide variety of species. Throughout the journey, travellers will encounter stunning landscapes and pass through several traditional local communities.
Upon your arrival in Monteverde this afternoon, you will check in at the Monteverde Country Lodge, which aims to offer guests a deeply enriching and authentic experience throughout their stay. Once settled you will prepare to experience the cloud forest from a distinct perspective. Ascend to the canopy level and engage with the environment as monkeys and sloths do, residing high among the treetops on a Skywalk guided tour!
More Moments Activities Included
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Skywalk Guided Tour and Lunch:
Experience a breathtaking high-altitude hike through the Monteverde Reserve with this exceptional tour, featuring six suspension bridges that rise above the forest canopy and reach lengths of up to 300 meters. As you traverse this scenic route, you will have the opportunity to witness the area's rich biodiversity and vibrant flora from an elevated perspective. This activity will be enjoyed alongside knowledgeable guides who will share valuable insights into Monteverde's mountainous terrain. Fast-food Lunch will be provided.
- Includes: Transportation, entrance fees, experienced guides, lunch
- Estimated duration: 2 hours
- Physical difficulty level: High Intensity
- What to Bring: Tennis or hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, insect repellent, a raincoat, and change of clothes
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner et dîner
Day 5
Monteverde – Manuel Antonio
After breakfast this morning you will meet with your driver who will take you to Manuel Antonio. Here you can find Manuel Antonio National Park, which is regarded as one of Costa Rica's natural treasures due to its rich wildlife diversity. Although it is the smallest national park in the country, it attracts a significant number of visitors thanks to its stunning beaches. The park features numerous hiking trails and viewpoints, providing opportunities to observe animals in their natural environments. The trails diverge at various locations, leading to four distinct beaches: Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio, Escondida, and Playita.
Upon arrival at Manuel Antonio, you will check into the Igloo Beach Lodge. A resort that exemplifies sustainable development by actively promoting the preservation of Costa Rica's rainforests and marine ecosystems. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Day 6
Manuel Antonio
After you wake up in your luxury cabin in the morning, you will have your breakfast. Then you will be able to enjoy your next national treasure! Today you will be going on a guided hike of one of Costa Rica's gems, Manuel Antonio National Park. Despite its modest size, the park boasts an impressive array of tropical wildlife, featuring 109 mammal species and 184 bird species.
After your hike, you can engage in various activities, including whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and wildlife tours. Adjacent to the park is the picturesque Manuel Antonio Beach at Cathedral Point, known for its pristine and untouched environment.
More Moments Activities Included
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Manuel Antonio National Park Hiking Tour:
The pace of today’s adventure will be shaped by the collective skills and preferences of your group. On the hike you will encounter a rich variety of wildlife, inviting you to pause, observe, and gain insights within their breathtaking natural environment. Witness sloths and diverse monkey species navigating the treetops, while nocturnal silky anteaters and various non-venomous snakes find rest in the rainforest. The melodies of numerous birds will accompany you as they soar overhead, eager for exploration. During the hike, challenge yourself to identify the myriad forms of flora and fauna present. You will have the opportunity to rest and take a moment to savour fresh fruits and local refreshments, allowing yourself to appreciate the stunning surroundings.
After your guided educational journey, consider a detour to pristine, secluded beaches. Delve into the history of the Quepoa Indians and the region's past, enriching your understanding of the captivating Manuel Antonio area. This experience promises to be uniquely transformative, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature and encouraging thoughts on how to support this fragile ecosystem.
- Includes: Transportation, bilingual and certified naturalists guide, entrance fee, fruits, juice, beach time
- Estimated duration: 4 hours
- Physical difficulty level: Easy
- What to Bring: Water bottle, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, bathing suit, and towel
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Day 7
Manuel Antonio – San José
Enjoy breakfast at leisure today. In the afternoon you will be met by your driver who will transfer you back to the capital city of San José.
San José stands out as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America. Positioned strategically, it provides easy access to key tourist attractions, including historical landmarks, museums, theaters, artisan markets, picturesque parks, and shopping centers. The city also boasts a diverse culinary scene, allowing visitors to indulge in a variety of dining experiences before embarking on their own exploration of this remarkable destination. After checking in to your hotel, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Day 8
San José - Juan Santamaría International Airport – Canada
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, you will check out and prepare for your transfer that will take you back to the airport. Farewell, to your Costa Rica adventure as you await your flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Accomodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Type of bed(s): 2 double beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 4 people (1-3 adults, or 2 adults and 2 children)
Important Information
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Departure Dates:
- October 01, 2024 – November 30, 2025
Frequency:
- Daily
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Not included:
- Gratuities
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- 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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The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day, or cancelled due to weather related conditions.
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- Shared transfer service from/to airports.
- Shared transfer service for all sightseeing tours and excursions
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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.