The Shoestring tour of Costa Rica is aimed to show you some of the country’s highlights without bursting the bank! This trip is based on renting a car, which is a fun and easy way to get around the country! You start with a night in San Jose to rest after your journey before the car is delivered to you and you head to Arenal Volcano area. Spend three nights here relaxing at your hotel, heading out on a canopy tour and adding extra activities if you so wish. Following this you have two nights in the cloud forest of Monteverde, a completely different climate and therefore ecosystem – perfect for bird watching! Finally enjoy your final three nights in Manuel Antonio on the Pacific Coast to flop on the beach, trek through the National Park or perhaps try your hand at surfing!
Upon your arrival at San Jose Airport, a representative will meet and greet you, and they will provide you with all the necessary documentation you will need during your vacation. Then, you will be transferred to Presidente hotel in San Jose. This is a central property which is great for an overnight stop before heading off on your Costa Rican adventure!
Today in the morning at the hotel, you will be provided with a 4×4-car rental vehicle for the rest of your trip.Your first stop is the journey to the Northern area of Costa Rica and near to its main attraction Arenal Volcano. It rises 1,633 meters above sea level and is an almost perfect conic shape. In the area, there is a diverse range of adventure activities, hot springs and hikes. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
This morning you will head out for a wonderful canopy tour which consists of 15 cables and 18 platforms mostly within the trees. There are three sections with cables that range from 10 metres to 430 metres. At the end of the final section you will find the Tarzan Swing for a final adrenaline rush through nature. Once you have finished head back to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Today is free for you to spend as you wish. If you are looking for some adrenaline, we would recommend the Sky Tram & Sky Tre adventure which takes you to the top of the mountain by tram and you then get back to the bottom on a selection of zip lines. A more relaxed excursion could be either the hanging bridges or a trek in the national park which takes in the beautiful view of the volcano and a great way to see animals, flora and fauna here.
Time to get back into the car and drive to Monteverde Cloud Forest. It is a beautiful journey up to 1,300 metres. Thehighland cloud forests of Monteverde are known for 3,021 species, including 755 species of trees. It is also where the greatest diversity of orchids are found on the planet with over 500 species and of which there are 34 endemic flowers making it a nature lovers paradise. Check in at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens hotel where you will stay for the next two nights
Day at your leisure to explore on your own around the Monteverde Cloud Forest characterized by its spectacular protected forests, which are home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. If you prefer to add adrenaline to your trip, you can enjoy activities like ziplining, or you may prefer horseback riding, nature trails or the cultural experience of visiting the Trapiche. Tonight, head out with a guide and see a new world waking up in the cloud forest, offering a unique experience of contact with nature
You will continue today to one of the most beautiful areas of Costa Rica’s central Pacific, the Manuel Antonio area. As you descend from the mountains of the cloud forest to the coast, you will feel a warm change in temperature and the landscapes will be adorned by various beaches along the Pacific coast to Manuel Antonio. This is is a paradise that mixes lovely white sand beaches with jungle and rain forest full of wildlife and perfect for activities or just relaxing.
These days are at your leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or take an excursion (extra cost). We recommend visiting the Manuel Antonio National Park as it has, a charming combination of lush tropical forest and beautiful beaches with clear waters. Inside the park, there is a wide variety of vegetation, lagoons, mangroves, 109 species of mammals and 184 bird species. You can see several species of birds, reptiles and monkeys including the three-toed sloth. Among other activities in the area are horseback riding, surfing lessons, canopy, kayaking, fishing and mask diving.
After enjoying unforgettable days in the pacific coast, will be time to return to the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in the city of San Jose for your flight home. We hope you have had an amazing adventure in Costa Rica.
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