Pura Vida Adventure: From Volcano Trails to Pacific Sunsets with Donnya

-Touchdown in Costa Rica! As soon as you step off the plane, you’ll feel the tropical vibes and warm air welcoming you in. A private group transfer will take you straight to your home base for the night in downtown.

-After check-in, the night is yours. Want to explore? Hit the streets of San José, a city buzzing with street art, local markets, and a growing creative scene. Or, just kick back and soak in the first night – tomorrow, the real adventure begins!

-Wake up and fuel up — today, we’re leaving the buzz of San José behind and heading straight into the wild. After breakfast, we’ll take a scenic drive to La Fortuna, home to the legendary Arenal Volcano.

-Upon arrival, check in at the resort, then we’re off to Arenal Vida Campesina, a sustainable farm where you’ll get an inside look at traditional Costa Rican agriculture. Taste fresh produce, learn about local farming techniques, and maybe even try your hand at harvesting.

-As the sun sets, it’s time to spice things up at La Guaria Morada, where a hands-on cooking class awaits. Learn how to whip up classic tico dishes before digging into a homemade feast.

-Afterward, head back to the lodge, where the jungle soundtrack will lull you to sleep.

-Rise and shine! Today is all about waterfalls, jungle vibes, and natural hot springs. After breakfast at the lodge, we’re kicking things off with a short but epic hike to La Fortuna Waterfall, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic cascades. This 230-foot beauty crashes into a crystal-clear pool, perfect for a refreshing swim. Surrounded by lush rainforest, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a nature documentary.

-From here, we’re dialing up the relaxation at El Choyin Hot Springs — a local hidden gem. These natural, mineral-rich pools are heated by the Arenal Volcano, creating the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the tropical surroundings. As the steam rises and the jungle hums around you, enjoy a laid-back dinner by the water, making this the ultimate end to a day of adventure.

-Back at the lodge, get some rest because there’s plenty more to explore!

-Another day, another adventure! After breakfast, we’re hitting the Arenal 1968 Trail, a hike through the dramatic lava fields left behind by Arenal Volcano’s massive 1968 eruption. This trek offers epic views of the volcano, Lake Arenal, and the surrounding rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for toucans, monkeys, and other jungle residents along the way.

-From here, we’re heading up — literally — to Monteverde, the famous cloud forest region. The drive is an adventure in itself, winding through mountain roads with breathtaking scenery at every turn.

-The rest of the evening is yours to explore. Whether you want to sip on locally grown coffee, wander through Santa Elena’s artsy little town, or just relax and enjoy the cooler mountain air, Monteverde is all about slowing down and soaking in nature’s magic.

-This morning, we’re diving straight into the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve — one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. On a guided hike, you’ll wander through misty trails surrounded by towering trees, hanging vines, and an unreal variety of wildlife. Keep your camera ready — resplendent quetzals, howler monkeys, and tiny-but-mighty hummingbirds call this place home.

-After the hike, we’re trading cloud forests for coastline and heading west to Tamarindo, a laid-back surf town on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast.

-Once we check in at the resort, the rest of the day is yours. Hit the beach, lounge by the infinity pool, or explore Tamarindo’s vibrant beach town vibes.

-Take the morning to enjoy Tamarindo at your own pace. Sleep in, hit the waves, or explore the town’s beachy boutiques and cafés.

-By afternoon, we’re taking the adventure offshore with a sunset catamaran and snorkeling tour. Hop aboard a luxury catamaran and set sail along Costa Rica’s stunning Pacific coast. With an open bar and snacks on deck, we’ll cruise to a secluded bay where you can snorkel alongside tropical fish, maybe even spotting sea turtles or rays.

-As the sun starts to dip, grab a drink, find your spot on deck, and watch the sky explode into shades of pink and orange. This is pura vida at its finest.

-Back on shore, the night is yours, whether that means a chill beach walk or checking out Tamarindo’s buzzing nightlife.

-After one last breakfast by the beach, it’s time to say goodbye to Tamarindo’s golden shores and make our way back to San José.

-We’ll check back into our original hotel, then the afternoon is yours. Explore the city’s hidden gems, grab some last-minute souvenirs, or just relax before our final night together.

-Tonight, we’re going out in style with a farewell dinner at a breathtaking lookout point. With panoramic views of the city lights below, we’ll toast to an epic week of adventures, new friendships, and unforgettable moments. This is our last pura vida moment together — soak it all in!

-One last Costa Rican sunrise, one last pura vida moment. After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to pack up and say farewell to this incredible journey.

-A group transfer will take you to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), where you’ll part ways with your travel squad — at least for now. Until next time, safe travels and be well!