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Costa Rica Getaway


The Arenal volcano & beach time in the Nicoya Peninsula
8 days starting at $1,220/Person

Why you'll love this Costa Rica Getaway - Best Value tour!

The Arenal volcano & beach time in the Nicoya Peninsula

8 days 1 country(ies)

With this itinerary you’ll come face to face with Costa Rica’s volcanoes, stunning scenery and natural diversity. The volcanic landscape of Arenal and la Fortuna is a joy to explore and Tamarindo’s heavenly beaches and unique wildlife are breath-taking.

From

$ 1,220 USD

Per person based on Double Occupancy

From

$1,220 USD

Per person
  • Package valid for trips to be made between 3rd of January 2022 and 15th of December 2022, not including special holiday seasons.
  • Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Encounter Latin America has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability.
  • Package subject to availability at time of booking.
What you can expect in every tour:
  • Choose any date, all tours have daily departures
  • Hand picked guides specialized for every excursion
  • 7 regional offices with 24/7 in country support
  • Transfers with English guide to/from all airports
  • Local specialists who live and guide the destination
  • Personal dining recommendations for food lovers
  • Incredibly comfortable authentic accommodations

TOUR DETAILS “Costa Rica Getaway”

What’s included

7 NIGHTS

9 MEALS

6 x Breakfast, 3 x Lunch

TRANSPORTATION

Private transfer from San Jose or Liberia to Arenal. Shuttle transfer from Arenal to Tamarindo.


Wow experiences

EXPERIENCES INCLUDED

Half day Farm Experience in Arenal, Full Day Cano Negro Safari Boat Tour, Half Day Catamaran tour and Snorkeling Tamarindo


Highlights

Arenal Volcano

Tamarindo beaches

8 Day Travel Itinerary

Our tours depart any day of the year, there are no fixed departure dates. It’s really simply, we’ve designed some of the best experiences that cover your “bucket list” must see stuff in each destination. You can trust in our 20 years of experience, that everything will run just like clockwork.

1
Day 1 - San Jose or Liberia

ARRIVAL TO COSTA RICA

Once you’ve touched down to either San Jose (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your driver and taken onwards to your accommodation at the Arenal Volcano area. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.
As you approach the town of La Fortuna, one of the first things you’ll see is the Arenal Volcano. Although it is no longer spewing out hot lava your first sighting of the sleeping giant will always be the most memorable as it rises up high above the surrounding landscape.
Depending on the time of your arrival to the town of La Fortuna, situated at the foot of the Arenal Volcano and having settled in to your accommodation, the rest of the day is free to explore or relax.
Included: Private Transfer from San Jose or Liberia Airport to Arenal, Accommodation around La Fortuna / Arenal (Meals – None).

Read more

Once you’ve touched down to either San Jose (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your driver and taken onwards to your accommodation at the Arenal Volcano area. The journey takes approximately 4 hours. As you approach the ...

2
Days - Arenal

Arenal Local Farm Experience

View Travel Guide for Arenal
Today you will visit a local family owned Agro-ecological Farm in the small town of Agua Azul. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by the family and receive an informative explanation of the Farm’s main objectives, including promoting the sustainable use of natural resources and preserving Costa Rican Traditions. Learn how to milk the cows. Taste homemade liquor, chocolate, and fresh milk while you observe the alambique, the artisanal liquor distillation process.
Participate in the sugar cane extraction to obtain a delicious juice and then try it alone, with spearmint, liquor, or other of the farm’s organic products. Visit a small archaeological ranch where you can observe some ancient indigenous pieces and put them to work in the artisanal process of making chocolate. Walk through and admire the orchid and medicinal plant gardens. After the tour, enjoy farm-fresh favorites like coffee, cheese, tortillas, hash, and others. Without a doubt, this is an experience filled with true Costa Rican culture, customs, delicacies and traditions that you will never forget.
Arriving back in the town of La Fortuna, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or take an optional excursion. We recommend taking a soak at the hot springs warmed by the heart of the Arenal Volcano.
Included: Half Day Campesino Farm Experience in Group service with Transfer amd Local Lunch; Accommodation around La Fortuna / Arenal. (Meals – Breakfast, Lunch).

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View Travel Guide for Arenal Today you will visit a local family owned Agro-ecological Farm in the small town of Agua Azul. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by the family and receive an informative explanation of the Farm’s main objectives, ...

3
Day 3 - Arenal

Boating the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

Today you will be picked up from your accommodation by a bilingual nature guide who will accompany you on a full day excursion. You will drive to the Caño Negro Nature Reserve, located in the northern part of Costa Rica. The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is one of the most important reserves for bird watching and year-round observation of wildlife in Costa Rica. This wildlife-rich wetland area of almost 25,000 acres (10,000 hectares), is flooded in the rainy season by the Rio Frio, which cuts through the refuge, making it an ideal waterway for guided boat tours.
Boarding a boat, you’ll navigate your way through what is considered one of the most important conservations sites in the world. Made up of wetlands, rainforest and swampland there are more than 200 species of bird that come to this one area. The most famous being the endangered Jabiru Stork which is the tallest flying bird in Latin America… if you’re here during the dry season (February-April) you will have a chance of seeing them. But you can also very much appreciate many other types of birds. If you’re not such a fan of birds then don’t worry. As you silently cruise the Rio Frio, this area will reveal all kinds of wildlife from capuchin monkeys, sloths and iguanas too, river turtles, caiman and the basilisk, also called Christ Lizard as it can walk on water. Caño Negro will provide you with some amazing photo opportunities so make sure your camera is fully charged! Following your amazing wildlife tour a delicious riverside lunch will be served, before you will be transferred back to your Arenal hotel.
The evening is free for you to relax or take an optional excursion. We recommend taking a soak at the hot springs warmed by the heart of the Arenal Volcano.
Included: Full Day Cano Negro Safari Boat Tour in Group service with Guide, Transfers and Entrance fees; Accommodation around La Fortuna / Arenal. (Meals – Breakfast, Lunch).

Read more

Today you will be picked up from your accommodation by a bilingual nature guide who will accompany you on a full day excursion. You will drive to the Caño Negro Nature Reserve, located in the northern part of Costa Rica. ...

4
Day 4 - Tamarindo

Journey to Tamarindo beach

Leaving Arenal behind, you will continue your journey to Tamarindo, the drive is approximately 5 hours long.

Now’s the time to unleash the Beach Boys playlist as you arrive in the vibrant beach town of Tamarindo on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Tamarindo has some of the best beaches on Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline, and especially so if you’re into surfing, or are at least game for a go. Most people’s instinctive reaction upon reaching Tamarindo is to run straight for the beach.
All we ask is that you check into your hotel first, and from then on the rest of your day is free to spend at leisure and enjoy the pure beach life.
The long, golden sands of Tamarindo are separated from the neighboring beach of Playa Grande in the north, by the Matapalo River which is part of the Tamarindo Wildlife Reserve. This neighboring beach is also a protected nesting ground for the endangered Leatherback turtle, and during the breeding season (Nov – Feb) you can take a guided moonlight walk to see the turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.
Included: Transfer from Arenal to Tamarindo in Shared group service, Accommodation in Tamarindo (Meals – Breakfast).

Read more

Leaving Arenal behind, you will continue your journey to Tamarindo, the drive is approximately 5 hours long.

Now’s the time to unleash the Beach Boys playlist as you arrive in the vibrant beach town of Tamarindo on Costa Rica’s Pacific ...

5
Day 5 - Tamarindo

Leisure day in Tamarindo

View Travel Guide for Tamarindo
Today is left free for you to relax at the beach, stroll through the beach town or explore more of the natural beauty around Tamarindo. One of our favorite optional excursions (not included) is to go on a gentle horseback ride through the dry-tropical forest of the Guanacaste lowlands where you’ll arrive at a number of beautiful viewpoints and secluded beaches.
If you’d rather take to the water, you can try your hand or perfect your style at surfing with a professional teacher. Tamarindo is the perfect place to learn how to surf and is a safe, fun and easy-going experience. Another of our recommended activities is to head out on a kayak tour at the Tamarindo Mangrove and Estuary. Quietly paddling through the mangroves will give you the chance to spot brown pelicans, magnificent frigate birds, ibis and ospreys, as well as two types of monkeys, iguanas and American crocodiles!
After a day on the beach, or a fun day out with one of the optional activities, head back to your accommodation to freshen up before going out to enjoy freshly caught seafood at one of the local restaurants in Tamarindo. Or enjoying a tropical cocktail while watching the sun go down.
Included: Accommodation in Tamarindo (Meals – Breakfast).

Read more

View Travel Guide for Tamarindo Today is left free for you to relax at the beach, stroll through the beach town or explore more of the natural beauty around Tamarindo. One of our favorite optional excursions (not included) is to go ...

6
Day 6 - Tamarindo

Sailing & Snorkeling along the Pacific

Today you have the morning free for you to relax at the beach, stroll through the beach town or explore more of the natural beauty around Tamarindo. In the afternoon you will be picked up at your hotel and drive to the marina at Flamingo Beach. Here you will board a well-equipped catamaran. Make yourself comfortable as the crew will set the sail (depending on wind) and navigate for about 5 miles giving you access to some of the beautiful isolated beaches and snorkel locations of Costa Rica.
A snorkeling guide will show you the marine wildlife such as: pufferfish, starfish, sea turtle, dolphin, and maybe you are that lucky to even see a whale. During this trip you can also experience kayaking and fishing. The catamaran will drop anchor in a tranquil bay, where you can snorkel or reach a deserted white beach while the chef prepares a delicious buffet to enjoy. Then sail back just in time to watch the sunset, offering you cold tropical drinks and let you enjoy the most beautiful natural scenery.
Included: Half Day Catamaran tour and Snorkeling with group guide and transport; Accommodation in Tamarindo. (Meals – Breakfast, Lunch or early Dinner).

Read more

Today you have the morning free for you to relax at the beach, stroll through the beach town or explore more of the natural beauty around Tamarindo. In the afternoon you will be picked up at your hotel and drive ...

7
Day 7 - Tamarindo

Leisure day in Tamarindo

Another day at leisure to relax at the beach, stroll through the beach town or explore more of the natural beauty around Tamarindo.

Included: Accommodation in Tamarindo (Meals – Breakfast).

Another day at leisure to relax at the beach, stroll through the beach town or explore more of the natural beauty around Tamarindo.

Included: Accommodation in Tamarindo (Meals – Breakfast).

8
Day 8 - San Jose or Liberia

Homeward bound

Enjoy one last walk along Tamarindo’s beach and then it’s time to say goodbye to this tropical country with its wide diversity in ecosystems and natural beauty. You will continue your journey to the International Airport for your flight out. We wish you a pleasant flight and great memories of Costa Rica!

Note: It is a 1.5 hrs. drive to Liberia Airport (LIR) and you would need to be at the airport 3 hrs. prior to your flight.

Note: Transfer out through San Jose Airport (SJO) is not included but can be added for an additional fee upon request. Do take into account that it is a 5 hrs drive to San Jose Airport and you would need to be at the airport 3 hrs. prior to your flight.
Included: Private transfer from Tamarindo to Liberia Airport (Meals – Breakfast (Depending on your departure time, breakfast might not be included).

Read more

Enjoy one last walk along Tamarindo’s beach and then it’s time to say goodbye to this tropical country with its wide diversity in ecosystems and natural beauty. You will continue your journey to the International Airport for your flight out. ...

ACCOMMODATIONS “Costa Rica Getaway”

Comfort

  • Arenal – Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa
  • Tamarindo – Wyndham Hotel Tamarindo

Superior

  • Arenal – Arenal Springs Resort
  • Tamarindo – Hotel Tamarindo Diria

Luxury

  • Arenal – Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
  • Tamarindo – Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas

ACCOMMODATION & PRICING

(Price estimate for 2 people traveling together)

View Comfort Accommodation
Option 1

Comfort

Travel On A Budget With Style & Comfort


$1,220

Per person
View Superior Accommodation
Option 2

Superior

Travel On A Budget With Style & Superior


$1,545

Per person
View Luxury Accommodation
Option 3

Luxury

Travel On A Budget With Style & Luxury


$1,735

Per person