Costa Rica’s Outdoor Paradise: La Fortuna & Manuel Antonio
Your TourHero
This trip is looking for a TourHero! If you love to travel and love to organize, get your crew together and make this trip your own! When 5 or more people book this trip, you can travel for free. Chat with us below to get started!
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Jan 4 – 10, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 16
Transportation
Van
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
18 – 30
Travel interest
Exploring the great outdoors, hiking, adrenaline activities, culture
Your Local Guide
Established in 1994, Coast to Coast Adventures is made up of a team of dedicated travel experts based in Costa Rica. Specialized in designing, organizing, and running multi-activity trips that focus on connecting travelers with nature and the outdoors, they are well-equipped with valuable experience and training to help make each adventure as safe, smooth, and unforgettable as possible. Let the passionate guides of Coast to Coast Adventures take care of all the nitty gritty details for you — all you need to do is enjoy your inspirational journey through the wilderness of Costa Rica.
Dive into Costa Rica’s outdoor paradise with our thrilling journey from San Jose to Manuel Antonio. Beginning with a short city break in the nation’s capital, the adrenaline activities commence with a whitewater raft on the Pacuare River. Move onto La Fortuna and take in the waterfalls, Arenal Volcano, hot springs and a zipline tour above the trees. Finally, journey to the sublime Manuel Antonio National Park for a forest hike and a dip in the ocean. With ample time left for a celebratory night in San Jose to complete your trip, this Costa Rican adventure is the perfect vacation for thrill-seekers.
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
Your TourHero
This trip is looking for a TourHero! If you love to travel and love to organize, get your crew together and make this trip your own! When 5 or more people book this trip, you can travel for free. Chat with us below to get started!
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Jan 4 – 10, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 16
Transportation
Van
Dive into Costa Rica’s outdoor paradise with our thrilling journey from San Jose to Manuel Antonio. Beginning with a short city break in the nation’s capital, the adrenaline activities commence with a whitewater raft on the Pacuare River. Move onto La Fortuna and take in the waterfalls, Arenal Volcano, hot springs and a zipline tour above the trees. Finally, journey to the sublime Manuel Antonio National Park for a forest hike and a dip in the ocean. With ample time left for a celebratory night in San Jose to complete your trip, this Costa Rican adventure is the perfect vacation for thrill-seekers.
Timeline
- Day 1 · San Jose
- Arrive in San Jose
- Check-in at Sleep Inn Hotel (or similar according to availability)
- Free day to explore San Jose
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 2 · San Jose
- Breakfast
- Whitewater rafting tour
- Lunch
- Transfer to La Fortuna
- Check-in at San Bosco Inn (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 3 · La Fortuna
- Breakfast
- La Fortuna Waterfall
- Arenal Volcano hike
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Paradise Hot Springs
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 4 · La Fortuna & Manuel Antonio
- Breakfast
- Ziplining tour
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Transfer to Manuel Antonio
- Check-in at Karahe Beach Hotel (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 5 · Manuel Antonio
- Breakfast
- Guided hike in Manuel Antonio National Park
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 6 · Manuel Antonio & San Jose
- Breakfast
- Transfer to San Jose
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Check-in at Sleep Inn Hotel (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 7 · Departure
- Breakfast
- Transfer to airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Bienvenida a Costa Rica — a marvelous adventure awaits you!
Welcome to San Jose, the Costa Rican capital! Once you’ve made the short journey from the airport to your accommodation, the rest of the day is yours. Get your exploring shoes on, hit the streets, and you’ll find a wealth of things to do in the city. Visit the National Museum for the lowdown on Costa Rican history, take a walking tour or simply dive into all that fabulous coffee and food. As night falls, you’ll also find a host of excellent bars and restaurants at your disposal, so pull up a chair and take in the vibes as you settle into Costa Rican life.
Day 2
Go on an exhilarating whitewater rafting journey down the epic Pacuare River
It’s your first full day in Costa Rica! Today you’ll get to see the Pacuare River and experience its thrills up close. There’s no finer way to ride the cascades of these picturesque rapids than on a raft, and the Pacuare offers some of the best whitewater that Costa Rica has to offer. Keep an eye on the forest throughout your trip — catch sight of rare birds and lazy sloths teetering at the river’s edge, watching your progress. Once dried off, sit back, relax and enjoy our journey to La Fortuna.
Day 3
Become acquainted with Arenal Volcano — plus discover a glorious waterfall and take a dip in thermal hot springs!
Take a deep breath and gear yourself up this morning for a truly fun-packed day of exploration! After a filling breakfast, you’ll take a short hike to the majestic La Fortuna Waterfall, spend some time taking in the forest sights and enjoying a cooling dip in the water. Next stop, we’ll hike to the Arenal Volcano. With its last eruption in 1968, the volcano is still very much alive, and around its rim you’ll pass through local flora, fauna and lava formations. Finish your day’s adventure with the best possible outcome: a wonderful dip in Paradise Hot Springs. Unwind in the natural thermal pools and soak your weary legs as the minerals rejuvenate your mind and body.
Day 4
Take to the skies with a zipline tour of La Fortuna
There’s one last adventure waiting for you before we leave La Fortuna — it’s time to take to the air! Be sure to wear your head-for-heights this morning as it’s ziplining day. This breathtaking experience takes you above the forests, canyons and waterfalls to see the world just as the birds do. You’ll also enjoy unrivaled views of the Arenal Volcano. After lunch, polish off your wings and get ready for the next stage of your journey. In the afternoon, we’ll transfer to Manuel Antonio where rainforest, coast and wildlife awaits.
Day 5
Enjoy a guided hike in the wondrous Manuel Antonio National Park
Costa Rica’s smallest national park ranks amongst the country's finest. One of the most beautiful and biologically-diverse, its position close to the coast has established an ecosystem boasting monkeys, iguanas and sloths. And just beyond the rainforest you’ve got the ocean and its gorgeous coral reef. Today’s guided hike will introduce you to the huge variety of plants and trees within the forest, as well as its diverse landscape and wildlife. Keep your camera at the ready, those monkeys don’t stand still for long!
Day 6
Goodbye Manuel Antonio, hello San Jose
Give your legs a good stretch after yesterday’s endeavors — today you’ve got a relaxing journey back to San Jose to look forward to. Now’s the time to take in your adventure so far, write up your journal, and get to planning your evening in San Jose. Sit back, enjoy the ride and watch that scenery fly past the window!
Day 7
Farewell to Costa Rica — we hope to see you again soon!
It’s time for one last scrumptious breakfast before you say goodbye, so be sure to make it a hearty one. Once you’ve refueled, get ready to check out and travel to the airport. Bid your new friends goodbye and if you haven’t already done so, it’s time to start uploading your photos! Until the next time!
Accommodation
Sleep Inn Paseo Las Damas Hotel (or similar according to availability)
A short 15-kilometer ride from Juan Santamaria Airport, the Sleep Inn Hotel places you right in the heart of San Jose. You’ll find some of the city’s main attractions on your doorstep, including Teatro Nacional, Museo de Jade and Museo de Oro. There’s even a casino and fitness center on-site! With WiFi throughout, the comfortable rooms offer air conditioning, cable TV, coffee makers and private bathrooms, so you can relax in style as you prepare for your Costa Rican adventure. Room type: Double room.
San Bosco Inn (or similar according to availability)
San Bosco Inn is situated in the center of La Fortuna, making it an ideal location for exploring the waterfalls, hot springs and Arenal Volcano. With ample outdoor space including a swimming pool and loungers, the cozy rooms are furnished with air conditioning, a digital TV and an ensuite bathroom, and you’ll find a host of bars and scrumptious restaurants just a short walk away. WiFi is free throughout the building. Room type: Double room.
Karahe Beach Hotel (or similar according to availability)
Manuel Antonio’s Karahe Beach Hotel is a veritable paradise in the Central Pacific and a wonderful base for reconnecting with nature. Surrounded by trees and close to the beach, Karahe has an on-site restaurant and swimming pool — perfect for relaxing after a day in the national park. Rooms are ensuite and contain mini-fridges, air conditioning, plus a terrace to watch the sunset and soak up the peaceful vibes of the area. WiFi is available throughout. Room type: Double room.
Included
- 2 nights in Sleep Inn Paseo Las Damas Hotel (or similar)
- 2 nights in San Bosco Inn (or similar)
- 2 nights in Karahe Beach Hotel (or similar)
- Shared occupancy in accommodation
- All breakfasts
- Day 2 lunch
- Knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide
- Whitewater rafting
- La Fortuna Waterfall
- Arenal Volcano hike
- Paradise Hot Springs
- Ziplining tour
- Guided hike in Manuel Antonio National Park
- Transportation throughout the tour
- 24/7 guest support
Not included
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- All meals not mentioned in inclusions
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
- Explore San Jose's humming capital city. - TripSavvy
- As you arrive, you'll be greeted with the incredible sight of Costa Rica’s iconic cone-shaped Arenal Volcano in the distance. - Pixabay: Frank Ravizza
- Take a thrilling journey down the Pacuare River on an epic rafting adventure! - Wikimedia Commons
- This stunning river is considered one of the best places in the world for whitewater rafting. Paddle your way through multiple rapids for epic fun. - Unsplash: Loren Dosti
- Go on an exhilarating canopy tour — zip through the treetops of the lush rainforest! - Unsplash: Perry Grone
- If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of curious wildlife through the foliage, perhaps one of the many species of monkeys that live here or even a sloth! - Unsplash: Bennet
- Don't forget to look up! Countless bird species like toucans and parrots can be found hiding in the trees. - Unsplash: Zdeněk Macháček
- Manuel Antonio National Park sits on Costa Rica's beautiful coastline. - Unsplash: Atanas Malamov
- While Manuel Antonio is considered Costa Rica’s smallest national park, it packs its fair share of surprises — Forbes has ranked it among the 12 most beautiful national parks in the world! - Unsplash: Christina Victoria Craft
- Back in San Jose, you'll have the chance to unwind with a free evening. - Unsplash: Alexander Aguero
- Hotel San Bosco Inn - Hotel San Bosco Inn
- Cozy rooms at Hotel San Bosco Inn. - Hotel San Bosco Inn
- San Jose sits on the edge of the wilderness. - Eelco Bohtlingk
- If you still have the energy, celebrate your time in Costa Rica with one last party in San Jose! - Louise Hansel
- As you fly through the trees, don't forget: the forest is watching you! Keep your eyes peeled for the amazing animal species that live here! - Isabella Juskova