At a Glance
Click each day for more details.
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Day 1: San José to Arenal - Arrival - Welcome to the jungle
Touch down in San José, then kick off your journey with a scenic private drive through rolling hills and rainforest to Arenal. Your home base is Lomas del Volcán, a charming lodge with wooden bungalows and front-row views of the volcano. Spend the afternoon spotting toucans along the property’s nature trail or making a splash in the pool.
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Day 2: Arenal - Wildlife & volcano views from the hanging bridges
Step into the treetops on a guided hike across Arenal’s famous hanging bridges. This misty 2-mile loop offers up-close encounters with monkeys, sloths, and technicolor birds, with plenty of wow moments for little explorers. This afternoon, slip into the warm embrace of Ecotermales Hot Springs—natural pools tucked into lush jungle. As twilight falls, enjoy a delicious dinner onsite, followed by a family toast (mocktails included) back at El Volcán Bar.
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Day 3: Arenal - Choose your own adventure
Enjoy a free day to explore—or unwind. Explore town, hike to Fortuna Waterfall, paddle across Lake Arenal on a serene kayak tour, or visit Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue to feed monkeys and learn about animal rehab. Prefer to keep things low-key? Lounge by the pool or take a self-guided hike along the lodge’s peaceful trails.
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Day 4: Arenal to Monteverde - Into the cloud forest
Head skyward with a transfer to Monteverde, a cool, misty realm of cloud forest wonders. Settle into Senda Monteverde, an eco-luxe retreat with cozy bungalows and mountain breezes. After dark, head out on a guided night walk to spot glowing frogs, sleeping birds, and maybe even a tree-dwelling kinkajou.
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Day 5: Monteverde - Zipline thrills & butterfly gardens
Fly through the forest on a thrilling zipline adventure—10 cables, sweeping views, and endless excitement. After lunch, head to a butterfly garden where kids can marvel at the colors and creatures flitting all around. Back at Senda, unwind with board games or a family soak in the hot tub.
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Day 6: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio - The beach is calling
Trade mist for ocean mist as your private driver whisks you to Tulemar Resort, nestled in the jungle above the Pacific. Settle into your villa, then hit one of four pools (one just for kids!) or hop the resort shuttle to Tulemar’s secluded beach for sand, sun, and splash time.
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Day 7: Manuel Antonio - Monkeys, surf & coastal bliss
Explore Manuel Antonio National Park with a naturalist guide who’ll help you spot sleepy sloths, playful monkeys, and colorful birds. Cool off with a swim at Playa Manuel Antonio, perfect for kids and calm enough for wading. In the afternoon, try a beginner-friendly surf lesson on Playa Playitas—ideal for teens and adventurous parents alike. Then, back to Tulemar for a breathtaking Pacific sunset.
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Day 8: Manuel Antonio - Bean to bar - a private chocolate-making workshop
End your trip on a high note with a private chocolate-making workshop in Quepos. Learn the bean-to-bar process, then dive hands-first into creating (and tasting!) your own treats. Spend your final hours poolside or back at the beach. Need a little parent downtime? Babysitters are available while you sneak off to Tulemar’s adults-only pool.
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Day 9: Manuel Antonio to San José - Departure
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell. Your private driver returns you to San José, with volcano views in the rearview and hearts full of pura vida.