Quintessential Costa Rica

Journey from San José to La Fortuna, gateway to Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano.
Hike the El Silencio trail beneath Arenal Volcano’s dramatic rainforest slopes.
Cross Mistico’s hanging bridges for immersive views of Arenal’s tropical canopy.
Cruise past crocodiles en route to Manuel Antonio on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
Explore Manuel Antonio National Park, then wander through a colourful butterfly garden.

Days

from C$4,006 - C$4,990

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,326 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,326 Reviews

Trip Features

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Wildlife Encounters

Offers chances to observe animals responsibly in their natural habitats.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Wildlife Encounters

Offers chances to observe animals responsibly in their natural habitats.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Welcome to Costa Rica

DAY

Volcano Hike & Hanging Bridges

DAY

Relaxing in Thermal Hot Springs

DAY

Arenal to Manuel Antonio with Crocodile Boat Tour

DAY

Exploring Manuel Antonio National Park

DAY

Unwind along the Pacific Coast

DAY

Depart from San Jose

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Welcome to Costa Rica

Transfer

San Jose to La Fortuna - Arenal

Your Accommodation

Arenal Manoa Resort Hotel and Hot Springs

Arenal Manoa Hotel is a beautiful place to rest, relax and enjoy the marvelous view of Arenal Volcano. Surrounded by gardens, pastures and animals, our rooms have been designed so that each one offers you a panoramic view of the volcano. Our visitors can take advantage of our spacious gardens for walking and meditation as well as the opportunities to see the daily operations of a typical Costa Rican farm.

Duration

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Full Breakfast

Arenal Manoa Resort Hotel and Hot Springs

Show on Map

DAY

Volcano Hike & Hanging Bridges

Day Tour

At Leisure at Arenal Manoa Resort, Hotel & Hot Springs

Let the volcanic hot springs of Arenal Manoa melt your worries away. With two thermal pools, a bubbling jacuzzi, and a swim-up bar right on property, relaxation is always within reach. An entry ramp makes the main pool welcoming for all guests.

Day Tour

Private Arenal Volcano El Silencio Expedition

Following pickup from your hotel, you'll be privately transferred to El Silencio Private Reserve, found near the base of the Arenal Volcano, where you'll set out on a guided hike. Walking for approximately two-thirds of a mile (1 kilometer) along a volcanic stone path that is considered moderately challenging to traverse, you'll reach a viewpoint which is also the closest point to the volcano that is permitted for public access. From this vantage point, your private guide will provide you with information on the formation of the volcano, its periods of activity, as well as unpublished details of its violent eruption in 1968. You can also enjoy the excellent views of the Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal here, and soon after, begin your return along the same trail. For a change of scenery, you will then enter a regenerating forest and then into the primary rainforest located along the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano. With a little luck, this one-mile (1.6-kilometer) trail will provide you with the opportunity to see a wide variety of animals that inhabit the rainforest, like toucans, turkeys, orioles, peccaries, snakes, and monkeys. Later, a vehicle will be waiting to privately return you back to your hotel.

Day Tour

Shared Mistico Hanging Bridges Tour

Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is located on the Arenal fault in a tropical transition humid forest. The trail is 3 km (2 miles) long and allows guests to walk on 15 bridges; 6 of which are hanging. This is a highly diverse forest since it lies between the boundaries of highland and lowland forests, integrating species from both areas. At Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, the junction between the two types of ecosystems forming a transitional vegetation strip with high biodiversity occurred. One of the advantages of walking on Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park compared to walking on the ground is that it allows for the observation of more species, more closely. Along the tour you can see a variety of flora and fauna; over 700 species of flora can be found in the area, while with regard to Fauna, the Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is the only biological corridor that allows the flow of large mammals or megafauna like pumas, jaguars and tapirs around both ranges. Also, there are more than 300 species of birds, including highland and lowland species, as well as migratory species. The excellent visibility from the bridges allows enjoying the mass migration of raptors between November and February each year. Following a shared transfer to the hanging bridges, you will enjoy a group tour of the park, and then be returned to your hotel.

DAY

Relaxing in Thermal Hot Springs

Day Tour

At Leisure in Arenal

Enjoy a day at leisure beneath the (often clouded) gaze of Arenal Volcano. Whether you choose to relax at your hotel, hike through the lush trails of Arenal Volcano National Park, cross hanging bridges for incredible rainforest views, take a dip in one of the region's natural hot springs or explore the town of La Fortuna, you're sure to find "pura vida" today. In the evening, consider treat yourself to dinner at local favorite like La Fonda 506, Restaurante Foruneno or La Street Bistro.

DAY

Arenal to Manuel Antonio with Crocodile Boat Tour

Day Tour

Arenal to Manuel Antonio with Crocodile Boat Tour

Today you will be privately transferred from your hotel in Arenal to Manuel Antonio, a journey that will take approximately five hours. En route, stop at EcoJungle Cruises to participate in a two-hour boat tour of the local mangroves, which are home to a large colony of crocodiles. As you meander along the Tarcoles River, observe an abundance of crocodiles, exotic birds - often times including the Scarlet Macaw - iguanas, lizards, monkeys and more while enjoying light snacks and refreshments. Following your cruise through the mangroves, return to land, reenter your private vehicle, and complete the transfer to your hotel in Manuel Antonio. Total travel time, including the mangroves cruise, is approximately seven hours.

Your Accommodation

Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge

Discreetly integrated into this tropical paradise is Si Como No. Proudly occupying the most idyllic hilltop in Manuel Antonio, this award-winning eco-designed Resort & Spa provides its own signature version of "barefoot luxury" to all its guests.

Duration

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Full Breakfast

Show on Map

DAY

Exploring Manuel Antonio National Park

Day Tour

Private Manuel Antonio National Park Tour

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most famous in the country, thanks to its wide variety of flora and fauna. Home to three of the four species of monkeys in Costa Rica, the park has three different paths that vary in difficulty, from flat to very steep. The path that is covered during this tour is flat and easily accessible, and is approximately 3 km (~2 miles) long. A naturalist guide who knows the area well will escort you during the walk, explaining the different animals and plants that can be observed on the tour. Upon reaching the third beach, a 20-minute break will be taken to rest, sunbathe or take a dip in the sea if you wish. During the tour you can observe monkeys, sloths, birds, and reptiles, as well as admiring orchids, butterflies, and tropical trees. The guides are equipped with Pentax and Swarovski telescopes for a better wildlife observation or for taking pictures with a different perspective. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

DAY

Unwind along the Pacific Coast

Day Tour

At Leisure in Manuel Antonio

A day at leisure in Manuel Antonio is all about beachside bliss and natural beauty. You may wish to explore the national park's jungle trails where monkeys and sloths roam freely, take it easy at your hotel, or relax on its postcard-perfect beaches. A visit to the vibrant town of Quepos for local art and fresh seafood makes for a solid morning or afternoon. End your day with the spectacular Pacific sunset, perhaps with a cocktail in hand, overlooking the ocean.

Day Tour

Butterfly Garden at Si Como No

Make the most of your free time at Si Como No Resort, where there's something for every kind of traveler. Cool off on the waterslide, unwind by the pool, or head to the beach via the resort's complimentary shuttle. Explore the butterfly garden and step into the atrium to discover the remarkable transformation from caterpillar to butterfly, then wind down with a film at the resort's private theater. Round out your day with a restorative treatment at Cala Spa (not included). Complimentary admission to the butterfly garden is included with your stay, offering a self-guided journey through a uniquely designed 1,000-square-foot atrium housing more than 10 butterfly species.

DAY

Depart from San Jose

Transfer

Quepos /Manuel Antonio to San Jose Juan Santamaria Airport

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Crocodile, Tarcoles River

Manuel Antonio National Park

Hot Springs in La Fortuna

ExcellentBased on 5,326 Reviews

Verified

Bijal and Martin (tour guide in Kenya) made this the trip of a lifetime. I felt safe every minute of the trip. I did not care for the travel from the Serengeti to Ngorogoro Crater. I felt the last hotel was too far from the crater i was exhausted not wanted to travel to the crater. The travel was absolutely brutal for 6 hoursKathie Becker

Verified

Josie was incredible to work with. She replied to all emails quickly and effectively. She was very knowledgeable and always willing to help. Would definitely work with Josie again!! Clients had an incredible 14 days in Italy with no complaints. A dream vacation!!Chattell Blue

Verified

Our safari in Tanzania was excellent. Brooke Theron, our Goway representative, was easy to work with, responsive and knowledgeable. Our guide in Tanzania, Anwar Razak, was outstanding. His knowledge and his driving ability was impressive. He was also engaging. We enjoyed our time with Anwar. The camps that Goway recommended were comfortable, welcoming and surprisingly luxurious while capturing the essence of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. We had a wonderful trip. Jack B.

Verified

My agent Lisa made the booking process easy. Her expertise on the Azores was extremely helpful. Final documents were precise and thorough. Transfers were on time, tours were informative and fun, and the lovely accommodations were well suited to our needs.Christine Hosty

Verified

I am so happy to use Goway for my tour experience while visiting Vietnam during Oct 15 through October 29, 2026. We had 3 very good, thoughtful, and caring guides in Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City. They were very knowledgeable for each of their respective areas. they all fulfilled every part of our itinerary. I wish to give an extra acknowledgment to my guide in Danang and Hoi An. Mr. Phung Van Hung was very friendly and caring for me. During my stay in Hoi An, I became sick and required a visit to the local hospital in Hoi An. I contacted Mr. Phung, and he graciously offered to take me and stay with me to interpret during my visit for medical care even though he was not working that day. I really appreciate his extra above and beyond service he provided. I really must let Goway know, he is a wonderful guide!George C.

Verified

Suzzette and her team provided exceptional support throughout our year‑long planning process for our Bali group. Despite multiple changes, updates, and last‑minute cancellations, she remained organized, responsive, and solution‑focused. Asia Trails Indonesia delivered a seamless experience from arrival to departure, and our guides, Dayu and Adit, were outstanding; prompt, knowledgeable, and attentive to every detail. The coordination across multiple departure cities, the curated excursions, and the overall flow of the itinerary were executed beautifully. My group thoroughly enjoyed the trip and is already asking about returning. I highly recommend Suzzette as a group coordinator for her professionalism, dedication, and high‑quality service.Anchored Memories Travel

Verified

Mike K. graciously provided us with a perfect itinerary, offering us flexible high quality options for our trip. We added in a few complex details and he maneuvered around them creating smooth transitions. Planning an overseas 11 day trip can be overwhelming and Mike made everything feel easy. I highly recommend!Amy Challgren

Verified

Goway staff was available to us throughout our entire trip to Costa Rica. Their involvement was seamless and surprisingly smooth between them and all of our hotels and tours. We have been totally impressed with their involvement with our travel agent and their complete resolution of the only problem we had during the 2 different international trips that we have taken.Diana McCrory

Verified

Thank you to Goway for a great and enjoyable 7 day tour in China, for our Canadian group of 14! Very special thanks to the local guides in Shanghai, Xi’an and Beijing ( Richard, Richard and James) who were second to none! Each was a knowledgeable ambassador for their home city, working hard to ensure our enjoyment and comfort, and to showcase the beauty of each area and its current and historical sites. They very kindly and patiently assisted everyone, and especially accommodated 2 of our group who encountered unexpected wellness challenges. The local bus drivers for our group were experts too, keeping us on time and safe on the roads and highways. Hotels were beautiful, welcoming, well located and appointed, quiet, comfortable and clean. Additional travel arrangements by air and high speed train went off without a hitch. KATHLEEN LLOYD

Verified

This was the first time we used Goway Travel and Brooke Theron was absolutely the best to deal with. Our safari in Africa was fabulous and we were able to have all four questions answered before we left. It was a trip to remember and we would recommend both Brooke and Goway to other who are looking for a great experience. Thanks Brooke and Goway.Joyce Robinson

Our Commitment

Why Travel with Goway?

Personalized Trips

Every vacation with Goway is tailored to your exact travel needs. Our vacations are as unique as you are.

Elevated Experiences

Travel experiences with up to 5-star accommodations and private guided tours that offers an intimate and exclusive way to see the world.

Authentic Experts

Work with our Destination Specialists who are true experts, having lived, worked, or traveled extensively in the destinations we offer.

Global Adventures

Enjoy great value on vacations to over 115 destinations on all seven continents. Explore the whole world in the way and style you choose.

What do the experts say?

Virginia Dameno

Destination Specialist

Learn More About This Expert

Costa Rica is not just all about the beaches. There is so much more to discover, including volcanoes, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife.

Learn More About This Expert

Virginia Dameno

Destination Specialist

Learn More About This Expert

Costa Rica is also globally admired for its environmental values. The country’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices is deeply ingrained in its DNA.

Learn More About This Expert

Kajal Gadhia

Destination Specialist

Learn More About This Expert

If your main interest is beach time, December to April offers the best weather. However do not discount visiting during the Green Season in September, which reveals a different side of the country, full of wildlife and vibrant scenery.

Learn More About This Expert