For those wishing to have a double occupancy room (your own bed) instead of quadruple sharing at Sleep Inn Paseo Las Damas Hotel.
Hi there! I'm Bria but I go by Bri. I am a person who lives for the experience. Whether it be hiking up a mountain, exploring the local food spots, or soaking up the sun on a beach, you will find me living life to the fullest and enjoying all that it has to offer. I am interested in learning more about the world and seeing it from different perspectives, especially in different countries! Come travel with me as we take on the world with a mixture of adventure, tranquility, and excitement!
Enter the pristine wilderness of one of Costa Rica’s most incredible regions and fall in love with the lush surroundings of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Uncover geothermal marvels, exotic wildlife, and stunning views — this is the perfect destination for thrill-seekers who crave adventure! Immerse yourself in epic experiences you won’t forget: soak in the largest geothermal hot springs in the world, learn the art of harvesting cacao and making chocolate, see the La Fortuna Waterfall, zipline across the forest canopy, and tackle the rapids of the Sarapiqui River on a white water rafting adventure!
Your first destination is San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica. Upon arriving at Juan Santamaria International Airport, make your way to your hotel in downtown San Jose via taxi. Once there, check into the accommodation and take the time to unwind and relax. Rest for the day or explore the bustling city on your own — the day is free for you to spend however you please. Tomorrow is the start of your epic adventure — we will be heading to the picturesque little town of La Fortuna, the gateway to Arenal Volcano!
One of the most thrilling things you can do in Fortuna is to climb high up into the treetops and embark on an epic canopy tour. If you’ve never tried ziplining before, this is the best time to do it! Let the stunning Costa Rican jungle be your playground as you make your way across different platforms in the treetops to explore the impressive canyon of the Arenal River and discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of the area. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot three types of monkeys that live in this zone, or perhaps catch glimpses of toucans, hummingbirds, and sloths!
After an energizing breakfast, we’ll be heading into the lush and fertile jungles of the La Fortuna Waterfall Reserve. Here, heavy annual precipitation gives you the chance to enjoy a stunning 210-foot waterfall. It is a glorious sight to behold, and as you descend downhill on the trail, you'll get a chance to see the falls from the very bottom. This is where a wonderful natural pool awaits, filled with freshwater from the La Fortuna River — you are welcome to jump into the waters for a refreshing swim, surrounded by pure nature.
During the afternoon you’ll be whisked away via private transportation to your accommodation located near La Fortuna. As you get closer, you’ll be able to witness Costa Rica’s iconic cone-shaped Arenal Volcano in the distance, standing at a majestic 5,480 feet tall. La Fortuna is the closest town to the volcano. Once you arrive, you’ll start the afternoon with a delightful hands-on chocolate making tour, during which you’ll learn about the origin, history, and current production process of one of Costa Rica’s most famous exports. Participate in the harvest of cacao, the drying and grinding of the seed that produces creamy cocoa butter, learn how the traditional chocolate drink was developed centuries ago, and, of course, sample some freshly-made chocolate!
As late afternoon arrives, you will have the perfect opportunity to visit the largest hot springs complex in the world at Baldi Hot Springs. An oasis of healing waters, this is the ultimate destination for a restful soak — explore the 25 different thermal pools here, surrounded by lush vegetation and the inviting sounds of the tropical rainforest. Bathe under crystalline waterfalls, discover the largest sauna in the country, zip down extreme water slides, and relax in luxurious jacuzzis! After your luxurious dip, enjoy a delicious dinner at the end of the day before you return to your accommodation.
Rise and shine! Wake early for breakfast — we will be heading back to San Jose today. On the way back, we’ll stop at the Sarapiqui River and you’ll get the chance to embark on an action-packed white water rafting adventure! After a lesson from your professional guide, you’ll journey seven miles down the river across 30 class III and IV rapids. About halfway through the trip, take a break onshore for some refreshing tropical fruit and a traditional Costa Rican lunch. At the end of your rafting journey, you’ll be transferred the rest of the way to your hotel in San Jose for a well-earned rest.
We hope you’ve enjoyed your time in Costa Rica. Today, you’ll get to enjoy one last breakfast in the city before checking out and taking a local taxi to Juan Santamaria International Airport for your flight back home. Until next time — we hope to see you again soon! Note: There is a lab at the airport where you can get COVID-19 rapid test results in less than an hour. Make your appointment via this link.