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A Week in Costa Rica: San José, Arenal & Guanacaste

8 days  |  10 days with Guanacaste Coast extension

Group size
15–35 travelers
Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars

72
Activity level

Discover the essence of la pura vida lifestyle.

Did you know that 26% of the land in Costa Rica is made up of protected parks, reserves, and preserves? The country’s love of and dedication to nature means there is no shortage of monkeys, sloths, and birds to see! Spend one week in Costa Rica spotting all the animals while getting a taste of picture-perfect landscapes, from the misty rainforests of Arenal to the beachy paradise of Guanacaste.

Your tour package includes

  • 7 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 2 lunches
  • 3 dinners with beer or wine
  • 1 tasting
  • 4 sightseeing tours
  • Expert Tour Director & local guides
  • Private deluxe motor coach

Included highlights

  • Irazú Volcano National Park
  • Plaza de la Cultura
  • Coffee farm & tasting
  • La Paz Waterfall
  • Arenal Volcano National Park hike
  • Palo Verde National Park wildlife cruise
  • Guanacaste beaches

Itinerary

San José

Day 1: Arrival in San José

Included meal: Light dinner

Welcome to Costa Rica! Settle in to your hotel and enjoy an included dinner.

Please note: Travelers arriving at the hotel late this evening will have an informal dinner.

Day 2: Cartago & Irazú Volcano National Park

Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome dinner

Journey to the old capital of Costa Rica, Cartago, where your Tour Director will show you the city’s most important sites.

  • Visit the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, a uniquely designed Roman Catholic basilica that combines both colonial and Byzantine elements
  • Explore the 16th-century Santiago Apóstol Parish Ruins and end with a walk through the central market
  • Make your way through the stunning Central Valley to the Irazú Volcano National Park and set off for a leisurely trail walk around the country’s tallest volcano
  • Stop at viewing platforms to soak in the beauty of the volcano’s massive crater and the brilliantly colored lagoon at its center

Later, head to a local restaurant to enjoy live music, dancing, and scenic vistas as you get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers during tonight’s welcome dinner.

Reviews

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Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

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Hilton Garden Inn San José La Sabana

This modern hotel is centrally located in San José’s Sabana Park area. Guests enjoy the rooftop pool, spacious rooms, and fitness center. Nearby, you’ll find the Costa Rican Art Museum, Museo de los Niños, and the National...

Lomas del Volcan

This mountain hotel is located at the foothills of Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna. Guests enjoy individual cabins with private terrace, an outdoor pool, and magnificent views of the volcano. Nearby you’ll find La Fortuna...

Wyndham Tamarindo

This serene hotel is located perched on a hillside of Tamarindo on the Guanacaste coast. Guests enjoy sweeping ocean views, outdoor infinity pool, a local area shuttle. Nearby you’ll find Tamarindo Beach, Las Baulas National...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare and you’ll get:

  • Round-trip flight for your tour
  • Airport transfers at your destination
  • A great price locked in today
  • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
  • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
  • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

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