Get ready to journey through Costa Rica’s most iconic and awe-inspiring landscapes—from volcanic hot springs in La Fortuna to the lush Monteverde Cloud Forest and the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio. This 9-day immersive experience is crafted for curious travelers who want more than just a vacation—it’s for those seeking a deeper connection to people, place, and purpose.
With a local guide by your side, you’ll hike to waterfalls, spot sloths and monkeys, relax in volcanic hot springs, and explore one of the most biodiverse parks in the world. Designed with sustainability in mind, this journey supports local communities and showcases the richness of Costa Rican ecosystems and culture.
After passing through immigration and customs and collecting your luggage, go out through security and walk towards the right aisle from the door. You'll be met by our guide and driver and taken to your hotel. You will not find the guide inside the airport; they are not allowed inside the terminal.
After breakfast, you will meet the guide and driver to start your journey to the Arenal area. This charming village lies at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano, surrounded by lush landscapes and natural beauty. Known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, it offers visitors an authentic experience of Costa Rican hospitality, along with a variety of attractions to explore in the area.
Today you will enjoy the thermal springs experience. These are of a magmatic origin, originating from the hyper-thermal magnesia filled waters, which means that those who visit us in La Fortuna, San Carlos, can delight themselves in the mineral-medicinal properties, which thanks to the perfectly and naturally balanced quantities of calcium bicarbonates and magnesium, which have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and muscle relaxing properties.
Start with a relaxed and informative hike in Arenal National Park, one of the closest areas to the Arenal Volcano. Arenal Volcano National Park is one of Central America's top parks, and its gentle trails make it ideal for an easy hike. As you explore paths near the base of the Arenal Volcano, you’ll learn about Costa Rica’s unique plants, animals, culture, and the major volcanic eruption of 1968.
After your hike, we’ll head to La Fortuna Waterfall. Here, you can change into your swimsuit to cool off in the waterfall’s refreshing waters. Be ready to climb over 300 steps down to the waterfall and back up. Once you reach the bottom, you’ll have plenty of time to take photos and enjoy a swim in one of Arenal’s most impressive waterfalls before returning to your hotel.
Today, after breakfast, we’ll continue our journey with our guide and driver toward the beautiful cloud forest of Monteverde. Along the way, you’ll get to enjoy some stunning scenery - from rolling green hills to charming rural towns, and if the weather’s clear, even some amazing mountain views. It’s a great chance to take in the natural beauty of Costa Rica as we make our way to the highlands!
Cloud forests are found in tropical regions where the clouds intersect the mountain ranges. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve is located on the Tilarán mountain range in northern Costa Rica at an elevation of 1500 meters (5000 feet) above sea level on the continental divide. Cloud immersion during extended periods of time shapes the architecture and species composition of the cloud forest, which is characterized by having lush evergreen vegetation and rich biodiversity.
This morning, after breakfast, you’ll be driven by your guide and driver to Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific coast. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, lush countryside, and the chance to spot wildlife like birds and monkeys. We’ll also pass through charming towns and might even see crocodiles basking near the Tárcoles River.
This guided tour will allow you to explore the Manuel Antonio National Park. This is one of the most biodiverse regions of the planet, is home to several species of monkeys, anteaters, iguanas, birds and possibly even the three-toed sloth can be seen. Our certified guide will help you identify the flora and fauna of this tropical forest preserved for more than 40 years.
After breakfast, you will be driven back to San José. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of lush mountains, charming rural towns, and the chance to spot wildlife. After arrival you will have time to rest at your hotel.
It’s not a 'goodbye' but a 'see you soon' as you take your private transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport to return home and reunite with family and friends.
Offbeat Travel is a destination management company that provides culturally-immersive student and educational travel programs in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of decolonizing travel by providing travel experiences through a local lens. We believe in multiculturalism, supporting local businesses, and learning by doing.
Our operations are run by in-country teams with decades of experience in non-traditional, impactful and culturally-immersive travel. Our owners are from the places we visit, or trace their lineage there.
We love partnering with small businesses to provide travelers with home-cooked meals, thoughtful lodging and atypical excursions that highlight the people, places, ecosystems, culture and community in the places we live, work and play.
