Independent Tropical Forest Adventure – Manuel Antonio
Arenal Volcano  / Monteverde Cloud Forest  / Manuel Antonio Beach
9 Days / 8 Nights

Day 1
Upon your arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica a representative of Costa Rica Sun Tours will meet you at the airport, present you with your land portion vouchers, and transfer you to your hotel in San José

Day 1-2
1 nights accommodations in San José at Hotel Grano de Oro (standard room) or similar
Hotel Grano de Oro is a converted Victorian mansion and maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home while offering the amenities of a fine hotel. The restaurant at the hotel is one of San José's finest.  It is located on a quiet street close to the city center, near restaurants, theaters and shops

Day 2
Morning pick-up at your hotel for an overland transfer (driver is not a guide and may or may not speak English) from San José to your hotel in Arenal

Day 2-3
1 nights accommodation in Arenal at the Arenal Observatory Lodge (Smithsonian volcano view room) (B)or similar
The Arenal Observatory Lodge is located only 1.6 miles south of the volcano across a gorge from the volcano and surrounded by lush rainforest.  Visitors have an impressive view of this "giant which rumbles" and erupts with spectacular displays of vapor and lava.   The Observatory is the only lodge situated within the Arenal National Park, which encompasses thousands of acres of pristine rainforest and teems with tropical birds and wildlife, and offers comfortable rooms (most with volcano views) a good restaurant, pool, Jacuzzi, and a guided hike each morning

Day 3  
This morning join the local guide for the hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park, entrance fees are included.  This hike takes you for a close-up exploration of recent lava flows which left a 50 ft. deep path of lava through the rainforest.  Mid-morning pick up at the lodge for a transfer to the Lake for the 20-minute boat ride across Lake Arenal to Rio Chiquito. From Rio Chiquito you will be met and overland transfer by 4WD to your Monteverde hotel.  Please be aware that strong winds or heavy rains can make for a rough, bumpy, & wet 60-minute boat ride.  The lake crossing takes 2-3 hours less than driving all the way around Lake Arenal 

Day 3-5 
2 nights accommodations in Monteverde at Hotel Fonda Vela (junior suite) (2B) or similar
Hotel Fonda Vela is an attractive eco-tourism lodge in a tranquil setting of 35 acres. All rooms were designed with natural lighting, privacy and warmth in mind.  The hotel also has an elegant restaurant

Day 4
Afternoon pick up at your hotel for a guided walk through the Monteverde Reserve, transportation, entrance fees & local guide included.  Monteverde Reserve is best known as home to the Resplendent Quetzal but has hundreds of other birds, mammals and plant species

Day 5
Morning pick-up at your hotel for an overland shuttle van transfer (driver is not a guide, and may or may not speak English) to your hotel in Manuel Antonio (approx a 6 hour drive)

Day 5-8
3 nights accommodation in Manuel Antonio at Hotel Costa Verde (double studio plus room) or similar
Hotel Costa Verde is located on a coastal rainforest bluff overlooking the Pacific beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park near Quepos.  The hotel features spacious rooms and balconies, as well as two cliffside pools with sundecks, all offering a bird's-eye view of the Park's coastline plus rainforest canopy vistas dotted with native birds and monkeys

Day 6 (Day of tour subject to change as the Park is closed on Mondays)
Pick-up at your hotel for a half-day guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, including roundtrip transportation from your hotel, park entrance fees and local guide.  Manuel Antonio is one of the country’s most popular parks because of its unique mix of beaches and forest trails.  If you would like to stay in the park to snorkel or swim, you will need to return to your hotel by bus, hotel shuttle or taxi on your own

Day 6 & 7
Free day in Manuel Antonio. 
While staying in Manuel Antonio you can explore the many optional activities (at your own expense) including ocean kayaking, world class sport fishing, horseback riding, canopy tours, sunset sailing, Isla Damas Estuary tours, Rain Maker Reserve, white water rafting (subject to water levels) or simply relaxing on the beautiful beaches or at your hotel.

Day 8
Morning pick-up at your hotel for a transfer to the airport in Quepos.  Domestic flight from Quepos to San José.  Upon your arrival in San José, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Note: There is the option at the same price of a transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José if you do not want to fly (approx a 4 hour drive)

Day 8-9
1 nights accommodation in Santo Domingo at Hotel Bougainvillea (standard room) or similar
Hotel Bougainvillea is a family owned and operated inn with 80 tastefully decorated rooms set in 12 acres of beautiful gardens. The restaurant offers continental cuisine in a wonderful dining room.  Guests can stroll in the gardens, swim in the heated pool, enjoy a sauna or use the tennis courts.

Day 9
Pick-up at your hotel for a departure transfer to the International Airport in San Jose to check-in 3 hours before your scheduled flight time 

Meal Codes  (B) = Breakfast    (L) = Lunch   (D) = Dinner