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Itinerary

Pura vida in five days: sloths and monkeys in Manuel Antonio, a beach inside a rainforest, hanging bridges in front of the Arenal volcano and a night soaking in volcanic hot springs.

Five days are enough to fall in love with Costa Rica, if you choose the right places. We will start on the Pacific in Manuel Antonio, the national park where the rainforest ends directly on white sand beaches. With a naturalist guide and his telescope we will spot sloths hanging in the trees, white-faced monkeys, iguanas and toucans, then cool off in a bay of turquoise water where the forest is the only backdrop. The free afternoon is ours for a catamaran on the Pacific or a first surf lesson on Playa Espadilla.

Then we will cross the country, through the coffee hills of the Central Valley, to La Fortuna, at the feet of the perfect cone of the Arenal volcano. We will walk the hanging bridges over the canopy, go down the 500 steps of the La Fortuna Waterfall for a swim in its emerald pool and end the day the Tico way: a dinner and an evening between the pools of volcanic hot springs, cocktail in hand, while the volcano disappears into the night. Wildlife, adrenaline and relax, without wasting a single day of vacation. Pura vida!

Cocktail with a view over the Pacific coast of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Arrival and transfer to Manuel Antonio

Arrival and transfer to Manuel Antonio

Welcome to Costa Rica! Flights are not included, so you can choose where and when to fly from. We will meet our Group Leader at the airport of San José at 5pm and drive to the Pacific coast (about 3 hours). First dinner together in Manuel Antonio, with the sound of the ocean below.

White-faced capuchin monkey in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Rainforest beach in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Green headlands and beach on the coast of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
A sloth hanging from a branch in the Costa Rican rainforest

Guided wildlife walk

Guided wildlife walk

Early entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park with a naturalist guide: through his telescope we will see sloths, howler and white-faced monkeys, iguanas, crabs and, with some luck, toucans.

Beach inside the rainforest

We will end the walk on Playa Manuel Antonio, a bay of white sand surrounded by forest, for a swim. Free afternoon for a catamaran trip or a surf lesson in Playa Espadilla.

The cone of the Arenal volcano above the plains of La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Travelers relaxing in the volcanic hot spring pools of La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Across the country

Across the country

Morning drive through the Central Valley and the northern plains to La Fortuna (about 5 hours with stops), with the cone of Arenal appearing on the horizon.

Volcanic hot springs

We will reward ourselves with an evening in the hot springs: natural pools heated by the volcano, waterfalls of warm water and a dinner buffet included.

The Arenal volcano rising above the rainforest near La Fortuna
La Fortuna Waterfall falling into its pool in the jungle, Costa Rica
Hanging bridge crossing the rainforest canopy in Costa Rica

Arenal Hanging Bridges

Arenal Hanging Bridges

Morning with a guide on the hanging bridges over the rainforest canopy, with the volcano in front of us: birds, frogs and, from time to time, a coati crossing the path.

La Fortuna Waterfall

Afternoon at La Fortuna Waterfall: 500 steps down into the jungle and a 70-meter jet of water falling into a pool where we can swim. Last evening in town.

Transfer to San José airport

Transfer to San José airport

Last look at the volcano and private transfer to San José airport (about 3 hours). End of WeRoad services. N.B. The program may be subject to changes due to weather, local conditions or operational needs.

What's included

What's not included

Roundtrip flight to/from destination
  • Food and beverages when not specified
  • Local tourist taxes and resort fees where applicable
  • All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
  • Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section

Optional activities

Please note, some extra optional activities will be available for this trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group once the trip starts. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.

Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.

  • Catamaran tour in Manuel Antonio - approx. USD80
  • Surf lesson on Playa Espadilla - approx. USD50
  • Ziplining in Arenal - approx. USD70
  • White water rafting on the Balsa River - approx. USD75
  • All extra activities that each member of the group agree on doing

Additional info

Learn more about accommodation, transport, and other useful travel information.
  • Accommodation: 3-star hotels with private bathroom: near the beach and park in Manuel Antonio, with volcano view in La Fortuna. Twin rooms; single room with supplement.

  • Transport: Private air-conditioned van with driver for the whole trip. Day 3 is the long one: about 5 hours with stops.

  • Documents: US citizens need a passport valid for the length of stay; no visa required for tourism. No mandatory vaccinations.

  • Physical effort: Dynamic: walks in the national park, about 500 steps each way at the waterfall, easy trails on the hanging bridges.

  • Meeting and goodbyes: We will meet at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José on day 1 at 5pm and say goodbye at the same airport on day 5 in the early afternoon.

  • Good to know: Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays: departures are scheduled so that the park visit never falls on a Tuesday.

  • Info on private roomsShow all details

Why WeRoad

  • Small groups, on average 11 people

  • Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure

  • Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed

The Group Leaders

Our Group Leaders are chosen because they’re people just like you: passionate travelers who share the experience authentically, while having the skills to take care of the organisation, and help you get the most out of every moment of the trip.

Find your flight

For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.

ArrivalSan José (Alajuela) (SJO)
ReturnSan José (Alajuela) (SJO)
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FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

About this trip

About WeRoad

About Costa Rica