- 4.9/5 403 Latest reviews
- Destination: Costa Rica
- Duration: 9 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
From Rio Celeste through Arenal to Tamarindo, this 9-day itinerary offers an ideal combination of jungles, volcanoes, and beaches in northern Costa Rica. Explore the lush rainforest of Tenorio Volcano National Park, taking in the fragrant scents of tropical flora along scenic hiking trails. Experience close encounters with diverse wildlife on a boat tour through Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, spotting a wide variety of birds and other animals in their natural habitats. Next, continue to Arenal Volcano National Park. Walk along the hanging bridges suspended above the forest to observe the vibrant rainforest canopy and enjoy spectacular views of Arenal Volcano. Conclude your journey in Tamarindo, where you can unwind and soak up the sun on some of the Pacific Coast’s most beautiful beaches.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1
Liberia - Rio Celeste
Arrive in Liberia, Transfer to Rio Celeste
2 - 3
Rio Celeste
Tenorio Volcano National Park, Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Rio Celeste Waterfall
4
Rio Celeste - Arenal
Sloth Watching
5 - 6
Arenal
Arenal Volcano National Park: Hanging Bridges, Rainforest, Wildlife, Volcano Views
7 - 8
Tamarindo
Pacific Ocean Beaches
9
Liberia
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Liberia – Transfer to Río Celeste
Known as La Ciudad Blanca, Liberia is home to Costa Rica’s second international airport and offers convenient access to volcanoes, rainforests, and beautiful beaches, making it an ideal starting point for your journey.
After landing, you will be greeted by our representative at the airport and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel, located near Tenorio Volcano National Park.
- Río Celeste
- Day 2: Río Celeste – Tenorio Volcano National Park Hike
Meet your guide at your hotel’s reception and set out on a guided walk through the park’s lush, humid rainforest. Along the trail, you’ll have the chance to spot a wide variety of wildlife and plant species while enjoying breathtaking views of the famous Río Celeste Waterfall.
After the hike, return to your hotel to unwind and freshen up. Relax in the tranquil garden restaurant, take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool, or soak in the hot Jacuzzis—perfect ways to end an active day in nature.
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- Río Celeste
- Day 3: Río Celeste – Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Exploration
Today, enjoy a scenic 90-minute drive to the remarkable Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary known for its rich biodiversity. This protected area is home to an impressive range of wildlife, including sloths, lizards, gaspar fish, turtles, caimans, white-faced monkeys, and numerous bird species.
Once there, embark on a leisurely boat ride along the river, winding through lush jungle landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pause to spot colorful birds in the treetops, young crocodiles resting on the riverbanks, and other animals that inhabit the refuge. If you visit during late fall or early spring, you may also witness seasonal bird migrations.
The experience concludes with a traditional Costa Rican lunch. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel to relax and reflect on a day filled with wildlife encounters.
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- Río Celeste
- Day 4: Río Celeste to Arenal – Sloth Encounter & Hot Springs
Travel onward to the Arenal region with your private driver. Along the way, stop at a small, family-run nature reserve dedicated to sloth conservation, where you’ll learn about their behavior, lifestyle, and the challenges they face in the wild. During this visit, you may also spot red frogs, porcupines, various bird species, and a variety of fascinating native trees.
Afterward, continue with a short drive to a luxurious five-star resort located in the heart of the rainforest near Arenal Volcano National Park. Upon arrival, check in and unwind by enjoying the hotel’s soothing thermal hot springs—perhaps while sipping a refreshing drink—as you relax after a day of exploration.
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- Arenal Vocanal
- Day 5: Arenal – Hanging Bridges Walk & Volcano Exploration
Many birds and animals prefer the upper levels of the forest where sunlight filters through the canopy. The 16 suspension bridges at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park create the perfect route to explore this vibrant treetop ecosystem. As you walk above the forest floor, you may spot a wide range of wildlife, from spiders and lizards to sloths and colorful toucans.
Begin the day with an exciting walk across the hanging bridges, followed by a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, continue on to Arenal Volcano, hiking along scenic trails that lead to hardened lava fields formed during the 1968 eruption. From here, enjoy impressive views of the volcano. Each visit offers something different, but you may encounter dart frogs, vultures, and the striking blue morpho butterfly along the way.
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- Arenal Vocanal
- Day 6: Arenal – Free Day at Leisure
Today is set aside for you to relax and make the most of your hotel’s amenities or to explore the La Fortuna area at your own pace. One enjoyable option is a horseback riding excursion through the surrounding mountains, offering scenic countryside views and a ride across a private cattle ranch for a memorable outdoor experience.
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- Arenal Vocanal
- Day 7: Arenal to Tamarindo – Beach Escape
Meet your driver for a private transfer to Jardín del Edén, a charming boutique hotel with direct access to the golden sands of Tamarindo Beach.
After checking in, spend the rest of the day enjoying the coast—go for a swim, try surfing, fishing, or other water activities, or simply relax on the daybeds in your hotel’s private beachfront garden while taking in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and a spectacular sunset.
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- Tamarindo
- Day 8: Tamarindo – Nature & Coastal Freedom
Tamarindo Beach is considered one of Costa Rica’s most stunning shorelines and is also an important nesting area for sea turtles. The area is well developed, with nearby golf courses, excellent dining options, and a lively nightlife scene.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, kayaking along the ocean and through Tamarindo’s mangroves and estuaries offers a wonderful opportunity to observe local wildlife in its natural habitat.
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- Tamarindo
- Day 9: Tamarindo – Liberia Airport Departure
At the scheduled time, meet your driver and enjoy a private transfer to Liberia International Airport for your onward flight home.
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