Costa Rica Jungle Adventure

Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica!

Welcome to San Jose, Costa Rica! As you come out of the tunnel an agent is right there to meet and assist you through immigration.

Then hop to a private transfer with a bilingual driver, who takes you straight up through the city of Alajuela to Poas Volcano, a haven in the mountains that surround the capital city.

Poas Volcano Lodge offers the perfect accommodations for your family in this neck of the woods. Spend the rest of the day taking a light stroll through the grounds or chilling out.
Stay at Poas Volcano Lodge

Days 2-3: Living Life in Poas

Get out and explore these days. Poas Volcano Lodge on its own offers a number of great hiking trails, but if you want to spread your wings, check out the Poas National Park. This active volcano has a crater – still smoking and steaming and smelling of sulfur – that you can get up close and personal with..

Take a hike through some weird tree formations to another crater lake, long extinct. Another option while up here in the Poas area is the Waterfall Gardens at the Peace Lodge. Meet a collection of native Costa Rican animals from big cats to snakes and spiders and also get a chance to hike a trail along numerous stunning cascades in the rainforest.
Stay at Poas Volcano Lodge

Day 4: Transfer from Poas to Arenal

Another van picks you up at Poas Volcano Lodge for the journey north to Arenal. As you come out of the mountains and descend, the heat rises and the vegetation changes from cloud forest to rain forest. And then spot in the distance, getting closer, a perfectly cone-shaped volcano rising out of the plain.

This is Arenal, the adventure capital of Costa Rica, and your home for the next three nights. Drop off at Lomas del Volcan, a family-friendly hotel so close to the volcano it feels you can touch it. The evening is perfect to sign up for a volcano night hike to check out some nocturnal animals.
Stay at Lomas del Volcan

Day 5: Tram & Canopy Tour

Are you ready for this? This is Costa Rica’s signature tour, a journey through vegetation and wildlife. It’s the zip line tour that also includes a gentle gondola tour up to the start point and then a whopping two miles of cables to whizz down, getting your inner Tarzan on.

The longest cable is 2,500 ft.  Open your eyes while up in the trees to catch glimpses of the volcano and the gorgeous Lake Arenal.
Stay at Lomas del Volcan

Day 6: Free Time

There is really more to do and see in the Arenal Volcano area than just about anywhere else in Costa Rica. Whether you want to sit back and relax or go out and explore more, there is something to do.

Waterfall rappelling, horseback riding to the Arenal Waterfall, caving, ATVing, birdwatching, whitewater river rafting and tubing are all part of your options. Or take it easy and relax in one of the numerous volcanic hot springs that abound here, or enjoy the view while the kids play in the pool at the hotel. It’s up to you!
Stay at Lomas del Volcan

Day 7: Adventure Transfer: Crocs All Day!

Time to move again, this time to the beaches of Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific coast. Unlike other transfers, this is a group tour rather than private, as there is a special stop along the way at the Tarcoles River.

Pass over the famous bridge here, a stop to take a peek down at the crocodiles sunning below. Then get onto a boat and check these magnificent animals out close up.

Once you’re all croc-ed out, it’s back on board the transfer for the final hop to Manuel Antonio and your check in at Costa Verde. Finish the day with a sunset cocktail by the beach. Go and have one!
Stay at Costa Verde

Day 8: Enjoy the Beach & Pool

This is a good day for taking it easy. Hang out poolside at Costa Verde, or make your way down to the beach at the entrance to the Manuel Antonio National Park.

There are several restaurants there too, ideal to have a bite before strolling back. If you’re still feeling active, then there’s plenty to do here as well. Kayaking, snorkeling and fishing are all options.
Stay at Costa Verde

Day 9: Manuel Antonio National Park Tour

This whole area is named for this park, Costa Rica’s smallest national park, but perhaps the most beautiful. It’s all jungle and ocean and white sand beaches in little coves.

An expert guide explains during the hike the abundance of wildlife, pointing out all the types of monkeys, coatis, sloths, and other cuddly creatures in the way. There’s also a chance to hang out at some of the beaches inside the park, too. Stay here afterward for a while to rest and soak up on the nature around you.
Stay at Costa Verde

Day 10: Last Day in Paradise

There are two ways to make the most of your last day in Costa Roca. The first is by carrying on relaxing. That pool, that ocean, that sunset… Chill all day if you want. Or get active again. How about a horseback ride on the beach or a tour to chase waterfalls? Get out on the ocean for a spot of jet skiing. The day is yours.
Stay at Costa Verde

Day 11: Head Back Home

All good things come to an end, but not after a whole 10 days of creatin lifetime memories. A van takes yoy from Costa Verde back to the San Jose Airport in good time to make your flight home. It’s just a goodbye for now, and until you return again!