Costa Rica Adventure: La Fortuna & Monteverde
Day 1 – La Fortuna Arrival & Arenal Hot Springs
Morning
Travel to La Fortuna
Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and take a pre-booked shuttle to La Fortuna. Settle into your hotel.
Afternoon
Explore La Fortuna Town
Wander through the charming town, browse local shops, and soak in the atmosphere. Grab a delicious casado for lunch.
Tabacon Hot Springs
Relax and rejuvenate in the naturally heated mineral-rich waters of Tabacon, a luxurious hot springs experience.
Evening
Dinner at Traversia Restaurant
Enjoy a delicious dinner at Traversia, known for its innovative and locally sourced cuisine.
Travel Tip:
Pre-book your airport shuttle to avoid long taxi lines upon arrival.
Day 2 – Arenal Volcano Hike & Waterfall
Morning
Hike around Arenal Volcano
Explore the trails around Arenal Volcano, enjoying stunning views and diverse flora and fauna. Choose a trail based on your fitness level.
Afternoon
La Fortuna Waterfall
Visit the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall, hike down to the base, and take a refreshing dip in the cool pool.
Ziplining through the Rainforest Canopy
Experience the thrill of ziplining through the rainforest canopy, enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Evening
Night Hike
Embark on a guided night hike through the rainforest, observing nocturnal wildlife like sloths and frogs.
Casual Dinner at Soda Viquez
Enjoy a budget-friendly and authentic Costa Rican dinner at Soda Viquez, a local favorite.
Travel Tip:
Bring comfortable hiking shoes and insect repellent for outdoor activities.
Day 3 – La Fortuna Coffee Plantation & Hanging Bridges
Morning
Visit a Coffee Plantation
Learn about the coffee-making process from bean to cup at a local plantation, and enjoy a tasting.
Afternoon
Arenal Hanging Bridges
Explore the rainforest from above on a guided walk across the Arenal Hanging Bridges, observing wildlife from a unique perspective.
Evening
Optional: Arenal Secret Garden
Relax and unwind at Arenal Secret Garden, enjoying another hot springs experience.
Dinner at a local restaurant with live music
Explore the local dining scene, try different cuisines, and enjoy live music in the evening.
Travel Tip:
Consider bringing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Day 4 – Travel to Monteverde & Cloud Forest Exploration
Morning
Travel to Monteverde
Take a taxi-boat-taxi transfer across Lake Arenal to reach Monteverde. Enjoy scenic views during the journey.
Afternoon
Settle into your hotel & explore Monteverde
Check in to your hotel and take some time to explore the charming town of Monteverde.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Hike
Explore the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest on a guided hike, discovering unique flora and fauna.
Evening
Optional: Night walk in the cloud forest
Join a guided night walk to spot nocturnal animals in the cloud forest.
Dinner at a restaurant in Santa Elena
Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in Santa Elena, the main town near Monteverde.
Travel Tip:
Pack layers of clothing as the temperature can fluctuate in the cloud forest.
Day 5 – Monteverde Activities & Canyon Exploration
Morning
Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest further
Spend more time exploring different trails in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, searching for wildlife.
Afternoon
Monteverde Extremo
Experience thrilling canyoning or rappelling in this canyon adventure park.
Evening
Sunset viewing
Find a scenic spot to watch the sunset over the cloud forest, capturing stunning views.
Casual Dinner
Enjoy a casual dinner at a local restaurant, sampling more Costa Rican cuisine.
Travel Tip:
Bring binoculars for bird watching and wildlife spotting.
Day 6 – Coffee Tour & Departure Prep
Morning
Coffee Plantation Tour (different from La Fortuna)
Visit another coffee plantation near Monteverde, learning about different coffee growing methods and varieties.
Afternoon
Relax and souvenir shopping
Relax, purchase souvenirs, and prepare for your departure.
Evening
Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant of your choice, reflecting on your Costa Rican adventure.
Travel Tip:
Confirm your transportation back to SJO for your flight home.
Day 7 – Departure
Morning
Departure from Monteverde
Take a shuttle or taxi back to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) for your flight home.
Afternoon
None
None
Evening
None
None
Travel Tip:
Safe travels!