A Week in Costa Rica: San José, Arenal & Guanacaste
8 days | 10 days with Guanacaste Coast extension |
Walk through lush rainforests, hike past immense volcanoes, and get to the core of la pura vida.
You could spend an entire tour focused on Costa Rica’s impeccable greenery—protected land makes up more than a quarter of the country, after all—but to really understand the Tico way, you shouldn’t lose the forest for the trees. From the colonial confines of Cartago and the modern sprawl of San Jose on the main tour, to the colorful traditions of Santa Cruz and the humble craftsmanship of Guaitil on the extension, you’ll see (and meet) vivid examples of the nation’s laid-back lifestyle.
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
Welcome to Costa Rica! Touch down in San Jose and transfer to your hotel. Settle in, then meet some of your groupmates in the evening over a light dinner.
Please note: If you arrive after 9 p.m., dinner will be served in your hotel room.
Day 2: Cartago & Irazú Volcano National Park
Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome dinner
Today, journey to the 16th-century city of Cartago—the first colonial settlement established on Costa Rican soil. Upon arrival, join your Tour Director for some guided sightseeing.
- Visit the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles, a uniquely designed Roman Catholic cathedral that combines both colonial and Byzantine elements. Built in 1639, it predates the founding of Costa Rica by almost 200 years.
- Explore the Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins—a half-completed, 150-year-old church that now anchors a public park—and end with a walk through the bustling Central Market.
- Make your way through the Central Valley, Costa Rica’s stunning heartland, to Irazu Volcano National Park. Then, set off for a leisurely trail walk around its namesake attraction. Called “El Coloso,” or “The Colossus,” by locals, Irazu towers over 11,000 feet above sea level, making it the tallest active volcano in the country.
- Stop at viewing platforms to soak in the beauty of the volcano’s massive main crater and the brilliant green lagoon at its center.
Make the drive back to San Jose and freshen up. Tonight, you’ll keep getting to know your group at a welcome dinner—a folklore-themed outing filled with traditional music, regional dance, and sweeping views of the Costa Rican capital. During the meal, enjoy your choice of beer or rum punch.
Reviews
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.
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.