Costa Rica

November 07, 2023 - November 15, 2023

Join Amanda's Grand Vacations Travel Club for a 9 Day/8 Night Costa Rican adventure while we explore Arenal, Guanacaste, San José, and Tamarindo.

Flights, accommodations, ground transfers, activities, some meals, and COVID-19 protection included!

The perfect mix of adventure and relaxation in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. Stroll through the historic streets of San José and feel the strength of the Arenal Volcano as you uncover the native wildlife on a nature hike. Admire the verdant landscapes of the interior before heading to the coast for a relaxing stay in Tamarindo. Ready to live the Pura Vida?


ITINERARY


ITINERARY

DAY 1 US - San José 8AM - 12AM
DAY 2 San José - Arenal Volcano 8AM - 5PM
DAY 3 Arenal | Rio Peñas Blancas 7AM - 5PM
DAY 4 Arenal 8AM - 5PM
DAY 5 Arenal - Tamarindo 8AM - 5PM
DAY 6 Las Baulas National Park 7AM - 5PM
DAY 7 Tamarindo 8AM - 5PM
DAY 8 Tamarindo - San José 8AM - 5PM
DAY 9 San José - US 8AM - 12AM

1st Day: US - San José

Ready to live the Pura Vida in Costa Rica? Arrive at your US departure airport to board a flight to San José. Arrive in the capital of Costa Rica and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure getting to know the colonial plazas and charming neighborhoods of San Jose. Overnight stay in San José.

2nd Day: San José - Arenal

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, take a shared transfer to Arenal, passing by the lush landscapes of Costa Rica's interior. Arrive at the hotel and check-in.

In the afternoon, meet your guide and embark on a guided hike to the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a hiking experience through trails marked with the remains of previous lava flows of the impressive and majestic Arenal Volcano. The main attraction of La Fortuna is the Arenal Volcano, with its nearly perfect cone shape and a height of 1633 meters. Along the hike, you can discover the abundant flora and fauna which inhabits the rainforest, which is being regenerated. Learn all about the Arenal Volcano and its history and activity from your guide. After the hike, you may choose to visit one of the popular hot springs in the area to relax and enjoy the thermal waters, which are naturally heated by the volcano (optional extras).* Overnight stay in Arenal.

*Optional Add-On: Paradise Hot Springs Pass - Enjoy an evening of indulgence with a pass to the Paradise Natural Hot Springs, heated by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy access to three different hot pools and two hydromassage hot tubs, perfect for relaxing in the beautiful tropical surroundings. What's included: Transportation - Entrance to the hot springs - Dinner. Bring: Towel, bathing suit and change of clothes. $102/per person.

3rd Day: Arenal - Rio Peñas Blancas - Arenal

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on an exciting river safari in an inflatable raft along the quiet Rio Peñas Blancas. Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, travel through the abundant waterways, teeming with colorful flora and fauna. Look out for monkeys, toucans and sloths and spot vibrant tropical birds as you soak up the beauty of the immaculate natural environment. Return to Arenal and enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing at your leisure and enjoying the views of the Arenal Volcano. Overnight stay in Arenal.

4th Day: Arenal

Breakfast at the hotel. Another free day to enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful natural environment. We recommend the optional excursion to the Hanging Bridges for a unique view of the rainforest, or a sloth observation excursion.* Overnight stay in Arenal.

*Optional Add-On: Hanging Bridges Cloud Forest Excursion - Admire the beauty of the forest and the backdrop of the Arenal Volcano and gain valuable insight into the native plant and animal species from your expert guide. Journey across a series of hanging bridges for a birds-eye view of the rainforest. What's included: Transfer - Bilingual guide - Entrance to the bridges. $59/per person.

*Optional Add-On: Sloth Observation Excursion - Get to know these beloved slow-moving animals, icons of Costa Rica. Head to the aptly named 'Lazy Territory', a small eco-project, home to a population of sloths. Follow the trails and spot both two-toed and three-toed sloths resting in the treetops with the help of an expert guide. What's included: Bottle of mineral water, entrance fee to the park, transfer to and from your hotel with air conditioning and WiFi. Bring: Coat, Camera, Binoculars, Hiking Shoes, Comfortable Clothes and Insect Repellent. $94/per person.

5th Day: Arenal - Tamarindo

After a delicious breakfast, transfer to Tamarindo in the province of Guanacaste, known for its beautiful beaches and surfing. Arrive at the hotel and begin your relaxed beach stay surrounded by idyllic beaches, bathed in Guanacaste sunshine. Overnight stay in Tamarindo.

6th Day: Tamarindo

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, set off to Las Baulas National Park to enjoy a boat safari through its lush mangroves. A 2-hour boat tour will take you through rich, biodiverse habitats, teeming with monkeys, tropical birds and crocodiles. Feel close to nature as you soak up the beautiful landscapes and learn about the unique habitat with the help of an expert naturalist guide. Slowly travel along the channels, so as not to disturb the wildlife, and admire the wonderful natural beauty of this idyllic reserve. Back at the hotel, the remainder of the day is free at your leisure. We recommend an optional canopy tour in the Hilltop Eco Adventure Park.* Overnight stay in Tamarindo.

*Optional Add-On: Tamarindo Canopy Tour - Begin your adventure in the treetops of the Hilltop Eco Adventure Park, for fantastic views of Tamarindo Bay and a series of suspension bridges and zip wires to explore the rainforest like a pro! It's a heart-pumping experience to see wildlife from this unique vantage point! $87/per person.

7th Day: Tamarindo

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day relaxing on the beaches of Tamarindo at your leisure. If you'd rather get moving and see more of the region, embark on one of our optional excursions such as a Catamaran Tour or a Quad Biking experience!* Overnight stay in Tamarindo.

*Optional Add-On: Catamaran Tour - Set off in the morning on a relaxing catamaran tour. The route is the same as the afternoon but with much less boat traffic. Look out for marine life such as whales, dolphins and rays, and enjoy snorkeling in the clear waters. Buffet brunch included. What's included: Transportation - Bilingual guide - Catamaran ride - Snack Buffet - Beverages - Snorkeling equipment - Paddle Board - Kayak. Bring: Suntan lotion, camera, sunglasses, walking shoes, towel, bathing suit and change of clothes. $146/per person.

*Optional Add-On: Quad Biking (ATV) Experience - Get comfortable on your Quad Bike with the help of the crew before discovering the verdant rainforest and tropical jungles of the mountains surrounding Tamarindo, home to monkeys, iguanas and sloths! It's an exhilarating experience as you drive along dirt roads to the stunning viewpoint that looks over the Bay of Tamarindo. One quad bike per person with the option to share a quad bike. If both passengers want to drive the same quad bike you must pay for two people. Self-driven excursion with a guide. Minimum 2 quad bikes for the tour to operate. $144/per person.

8th Day: Tamarindo - San José

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a shared transfer back to the capital, to spend your last night in San José. We suggest taking a stroll through this beautiful city or enjoying a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Alternatively, enjoy a VIP City Bus Tour for a good overview of the city sights and a memorable end to your Costa Rican adventure. Overnight stay in San José.

9th Day: San José - US

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board your flight back to the US. Touch down in the US and end your trip, filled with brilliant memories and feeling refreshed after your Costa Rican adventure!

Starting Price Per Person
(Based on double occupancy)

New York $1,599.00pp Departing Airport
Los Angeles $1,599.00 Departing Airport
Ft Lauderdale $1,599.00 Departing Airport
Miami $1,599.00 Departing Airport
Orlando $1,599.00 Departing Airport
Washington D.C. $1,599.00 Departing Airport
Boston $1,699.00 Departing Airport
Houston $1,699.00 Departing Airport
Las Vegas $1,699.00 Departing Airport
Chicago $1,799.00 Departing Airport
Buffalo $1,799.00 Departing Airport
San Francisco $1,799.00 Departing Airport
Atlanta $1,999.00 Departing Airport
Phoenix $1,999.00 Departing Airport
San Diego $1,999.00 Departing Airport
Seattle $2,099.00 Departing Airport
Oakland $2,799.00 Departing Airport
Land Only $1,599.00 Airport Transfers From SJO to Hotel Not Included

*Contact me for individual, 3rd & 4th person pricing.

DEPOSIT
REQUIREMENTS

Deposit is due at time of booking and is equal to 60% of your total.

Remaining 40% due in full by August 25, 2023.

For example: 2 Adults occupying 1 room, flying roundtrip from Miami with no flight upgrades or excursion add-ons - $1,599 X 2 Adults = $3,198 Total. Deposit of 60% = $1,918.80, Remaining Balance of 40% = 1,279.20.

FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE FOR ALL ROOMS BY AUGUST 25, 2023.