Costa Rica Adventure, Beach and Fun Week

 Volcanoes, Rainforests, Waterfalls, Wildlife Relaxing Hot Springs,
Scintillating All Inclusive Beaches,
plus Zip-lining and more!

NOVEMBER 15-22, 2025

THE AWESOME SITE OF POAS VOLCANO AS SEEN FROM THE OBSERVATION DECK

Admiring one of the many stunning waterfalls at La Paz Waterfall Gardens

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND… WE ARE RETURNING TO COSTA RICA AGAIN!

IF HAVE NEVER BEEN TO THIS INCREDIBLY DIVERSE PLAYGROUND OF NATURE’S WONDERS, OR EVEN IF YOU HAVE AND JUST WANT MORE…THIS TRIP HAS SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR PAST COSTA RICA TRIPS, PLUS SOME NEW AND EXCITING ADVENTURES WE HAVE ADDED THIS TIME!

OUR COSTA RICA ITINERARY:

NOV 15, 2025 SAT.  ARRIVE IN SAN JOSE COSTA RICA  (on your own flight arrangement)

Transfer yourself from the San Jose Costa Rica airport to our hotel by the airport , The HILTON GARDEN INN for this one night stay.  We will have a group orientation this evening at the hotel.

NOV 16, 2025 SUN: (B) Breakfast Included at our hotel today

PRIVATE TRANSFER to the ARENAL VOLCANO AREA FOR THREE STAY WITH SIGHTSEEING STOPS ALONG THE WAY, AT THE AMAZING POAS VOLCANO and at the Beautiful LA FORTUNA WATERFALLS, WILDLIFE PRESERVE  & GARDENS


Our first stop today will be at the POAS VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK for observation of the active Volcano from its observation deck. We will enjoy a short walk up a paved path to the Observation Deck, for amazing views looking down straight into the volcano.  Have your camera ready for the amazing photos you will get here!

Poas Volcano National Park
Considered by most to be one of the most breathtaking sites in the entire country, the Poas Volcano sits high above 14,000 acres (5,666 ha) of various habitats and life zones which make up Poas Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcan Poas). Rising up to 8,885 ft. (2,708 m), Poas remains one of Costa Rica's largest and most active volcanoes. This fact alone is enough to attract thousands of visitors per year.

Walking just 15 minutes from the visitor's center, the main crater supplies guests with a spectacular view. At almost a mile in diameter (1.6 km), the crater & rain-fed sulfuric pool still bubbles and emits smoke into the air, reminding you of its imposing activity. Although the last major eruption was in 1910, visitors can still see geysers explode into the air up to 820 ft. (250 m) high. Chances of getting wet are pretty remote as the crater descends almost 1,000 ft.

THE AWESOME SITE OF POAS VOLCANO AS SEEN FROM THE OBSERVATION DECK

We will continue thru the beautiful country side of Costa Rica up to La PAZ WATERFALLS AND GARDENS.  Here we will enjoy time at leisure to stroll through its paved walking paths of their animal preserve, featuring numerous local animal and plant species, including Costa Rican monkeys and the rare Costa Rican hummingbirds, which are among the fastest birds in the world.  You will be amazed as you watch them fly by your eyes.  (Try to catch one in a photo with your camera)

 La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the #1 Most Visited Privately Owned Ecological Attraction in Costa Rica featuring the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica, a rescued wildlife preserve with over 100 species of animals and an environmental education program.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park is the Most Popular Nature Tour in the San Jose Area featuring Five Famous Waterfalls and The Largest Animal Sanctuary in Costa Rica. It is by far the best place to see the most wildlife in one place in Costa Rica.

The Most Popular Ecological Attraction in Costa Rica. Lush tropical rain forest, flowing white rivers, spectacular waterfalls, birds, butterflies, monkeys, hummingbirds, felines and frogs. At La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge, you are guaranteed to see all that and more.

The Five Waterfalls of La Paz Waterfall Gardens
The Most Famous Waterfalls In Costa Rica

As you wander the trails of La Paz Waterfall Gardens your senses will delight at the Five Waterfalls that line the trail. The La Paz Waterfall is the Most Famous Waterfall in Costa Rica where visitors often stop on the road to take photos on their way to Arenal, but the most stunning falls are above the La Paz Waterfall along a steep canyon accessed by our easy hiking trails. The natural beauty of the mixed Cloud and Rainforest along the La Paz River makes these Five Waterfalls the most scenic in the country. Our waterfalls are accessible via paved trails and steps with hand railings, 

Admiring one of the many stunning waterfalls at La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Butterfly Observatory

Our La Paz Butterfly Observatory is the largest enclosed structure of its kind in Central America and is a spacious habitat and breeding ground for over 25 species of butterflies from Costa Rica. The reproduction laboratory offers an educational perspective into the stages of development of the most popular species found in the country. With over 4,000 of these flighty creatures in the Observatory at any one time, you will be delighted by these colorful and fanciful creatures flying all around you. You will also be able to see and photograph them up close as they land and feed on the flowers and fruit feeding stations.

The spacious glass and acrylic design of our Butterfly Observatory allows our guests and day visitors the opportunity to enjoy the butterflies no matter what Mother Nature has in mind for the weather outside. Our laboratory allows guests to see the butterflies up close as they emerge from their chrysalis or in the larval stages of their growth cycle.

Jungle Cats

Walk on the wild side as you come face to face with a 200 lb. male Jaguar looking back at you through safety glass. By reading our educational signage you will discover interesting facts about most of the species of wild felines found in the tropical Americas. Our friendly cats leap around their habitat and often come to greet our visitors. Many of them are together with their offspring and enjoy playing games with each other in their beautifully designed habitats.

The center that previously housed these animals lost funding and had to close. The Costa Rican Ministry of the Environment did not have the resources to care for the 35 felines so they were placed under the care of La Paz Waterfall Gardens. The cats were either very old, injured, or had been exposed to humans for too long to be released back into the wild. The mission of La Paz, as a rehabilitation facility, is to preserve the genetics of these tropical species of felines, so they or their offspring can one day be released back into the wild in a manner which is safe for the animals to survive on their own..

Please know that La Paz is completely against the capture or trade of illegally confiscated animals and La Paz will one day seek to release the offspring of its cats into protected zones if a safe and reliable training program can be developed to do so.

 
Take a photo of the jaguars through the clear safety glass

Hummingbirds

Our Hummingbird Garden attracts 26 different species of hummingbirds from Costa Rica, more species than any other in Costa Rica and quite possibly the world. Approximately 57 different hummingbirds have been reportedly seen in Costa Rica and it is possible to see over 40% of them here! Our hummingbirds have no fear of humans and will feed just inches away from you. This makes our hummingbird garden the best place in the world to photograph hummingbirds close up.

The hummingbirds you will see flying in the open air at La Paz will amaze you!

Monkeys

Spider Monkeys and White Faced Monkeys amuse our guests and themselves as they climb and swing through the trees of our Monkey Pass. Above, below, and beside you they will delight you with their antics. All of these monkeys were donated to us by the MINAE, the Costa Rican Ministry of Wildlife and were confiscated from people who held them illegally. In many cases the animals were abused and in near death condition when La Paz received them. We have rehabilitated them and combined them into sociable groups where they have become families.

Everyone wants to see monkeys when they visit Costa Rica but we have the best natural habitats in which to observe and photograph them. Our educational signage provides insight into the behaviors, reproduction and future survival of these monkeys in Costa Rica.

After our walk through their wildlife, gardens and waterfall trails, we will enjoy time for lunch on your own leisure at their sumptuous and extensive La Paz buffet, featuring both Costa Rican and American specialties. (The lunch buffet is an added cost of $15 which you can pay at the restaurant.)

After we depart from La Paz, we will continue our drive to the Arenal area and we will arrive in the late afternoon for the next 3 nights at

ARENAL PARAISO RESORT SPA & HOT MINERAL SPRINGS.

One of our most important attractions are our thermal mineral water pools. We have 8 thermal hot spring pools varied temperatures so you can choose to your liking, surrounded by gardens and small waterfalls.

 In the Wet bar, our special thermal pool so you can enjoy your favorite cocktails. The characteristic color of our waters is due to the large amount of minerals they contain.  This means that in addition to receiving thermotherapy and relaxation, it also provides a skin detoxification therapy.

Our thermal mineral waters are 100% natural and are surrounded by the beauty of our paradise. The waters spring from a natural underground river of the Arenal Volcano and carry a wide variety of minerals that benefit the skin in different ways, also providing peace and relaxation. relaxation you need.

The color of the water is due to the fact that it is completely natural and to the presence of minerals such as: 
PH – Alkalinity – Calcium – Magnesium – Chloride – Sulfate – Silicon – Iron – Sodium – Potassium – Manganese – Phosphate.

Bar service at the hot springs enables you to order, sit and drink, without leaving the hot springs

Enjoy the hot springs, with an incredible view of Arenal Volcano in the background

We will be staying in Superior Room category, which are like bungalows.

The bungalow style Superior Room category accommodations at
Arenal Paraiso Thermal Resort

Inside our bungalows are 2 comfortable beds with modern furnishings.

A comfortable and elegant room!

The rooms are individual rustic wooden cabins with wireless internet, private bathroom, hair dryer, in-room safe, hot water, air conditioning, telephone, cable TV, coffee maker and mini refrigerator. Additionally, they have a terrace with rocking chairs where you can enjoy the great view of the majestic Arenal Volcano.

• One bedroom with 2 queen beds
  
  
• Porch with 2 chairs and beautiful views
  
  
• reservation required

• Daily house maintenance
  
  
• 24 hour security
  
  
• Hot Springs

• Incredible view of the Arenal Volcano
  
  
• Surrounded by beautiful gardens

The view of Arenal Volcano from the bungalows at the Arenal Paraiso.

DINING AT ARENAL PARAISO

One of the best parts of traveling is enjoying gastronomy and that is why we have 2 different environments where you can taste our cuisine:  Breakfast is included each morning.  In the afternoons and evenings, you can enjoy at your own leisure, two restaurant dining options at Arenal Paraiso, which you can order and pay for whatever you wish to order directly off their menu.

Oscar's Steak House

Elegant atmosphere where you can enjoy our specialties in cuts of meat and seafood. You will also find vegetarian and vegan options on our menu, as well as different varieties of pasta, chicken and salads.

Roxy's Snack Bar

Here you will find an open and fresh environment with a swimming pool and thermal spring. Plus, TV screens so you don't miss your favorite events. It is the ideal place to taste our refreshing cocktails and delight your palate with the varied dish options we
offer, in addition to enjoying our atmosphere at the bar with the best view of the Arenal Volcano.

NOV 17, 2025 MON: ARENAL -CANOPY ZIP LINING and Horseback Riding       (B)  Breakfast Included at our hotel

Zip-lining is the tour that is everyone’s “must do experience” when coming to Costa Rica and that is today’s exciting Costa Rican experience!.

You will love the personalized attention. You will be given your safety equipment such as a helmet, harness, and gloves, and receive a thorough safety talk about the tour. Then, get ready for an experience of a lifetime, zip-lining through the rainforest on a series of zip-line cables that reach up to 845 meters long!

Our canopy is the best way to experience the rainforest in an adventure activity, here through a cable (zip-line), you can fly in the middle of nature between one tree and another, having direct contact with the forest that abounds in our property and the imposing Arenal River.

You will be able to enjoy this great adventure, knowing that we have all the safety standards required for this type of activities and with certified guides on the subject.

During the tour, you will have amazing views of the surrounding mountains, rivers and the colossal Arenal volcano. Keep your eyes open for toucans, monkeys, sloths, butterflies and different kinds of birds! (Duration 2 hours) (B) Breakfast included at our hotel today

This afternoon we will enjoy a fun HORSE BACK RIDING excursion

It is incredible experience as you ride your horse at the base of the Arenal Volcano, you will ride through various types of terrain including small rivers and beautiful scenery. You will eventually reach the look-out point which is as close as you can get to the Arenal Volcano.

This Arenal, Costa Rica horseback riding experience will bring you as close as you can get to the Arenal Volcano and the unique Costa Rican wildlife in the area. You will horseback ride through creeks and through lush primary rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as sloths, toucans and many other types of birds!

This will be a horseback riding tour, fully directed by our specialist guides in the area, where you will pass streams and waterfalls in the middle of the lush tropical jungle. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like sloths, toucans, and many other types of birds!

Duration: 1 hour and a half

It is recommended to bring: Closed shoes and long pants, 

Duration 2 1/2 hours

The horses grazing with the stunning background of Arenal Volcano.

Guests horseback riding from Arenal Paraiso, through lush forested trails and along beautiful waterfalls

After our full day of two exciting activities, and after returning to your bungalow accommodations at Arenal Paraiso, you may wish to indulge yourself in an optional spa or massage session at the property’s own facility.

Mayim Spa

Pamper your skin with exclusive facial and body aesthetic treatments and delicate hand and foot therapy. In our spa, you will be cared for by highly qualified and experienced personnel, who seek satisfaction and high-quality results for each of our clients.
Enjoy the magic that distinguishes our Mayim Spa from the rest, where natural resources and the entire environment in harmony will give you moments of relaxation and spiritual pleasure.

Mayim Spa offers you a wide range of relaxing body and beauty therapies.

A thoroughly relaxed guest at the Mayim Spa at Arenal Paraiso Resort and Spa

NOV 18,2025 TUE: ARENAL- MORNING VOLCANO HIKE  (B) Breakfast included at our hotel

This morning, for those wishing another form of scenic activity, we will enjoy a two-hour scenic hike along the Coladas Trail which begins off the main road to the park entrance and crosses an open area before it enters the forest in front of the west flank of Arenal Volcano.  It leads to an old blocky lava flow that crushed its way through the area in 1992. We will end our hike where the steaming waters of a nearby river tumble from the lava fields and cascade delightfully..

We will be returned to our hotel and relax at the thermal pools at the resort.

The 7 river pools have cascading waterfalls.   These beautiful falls, provide spectacular views  
(B) Breakfast Included today at our hotel.

NOV 19 WED: TRANSFER TO  RIU GUANACASTE ALL INCLUSIVE with stop for sightseeing at ARENAL MISTICO HANGING BRIDGES

Breakfast included at our hotel before check out.  Dinner included at our All-Inclusive resort after check in. this afternoon.

Private group transfer to the Guanacaste area and its beautiful beaches with a stop at the ARENAL MISTICO HANGING BRIDGES for some spectacular views of the cloud forest.

This morning we will visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges.  Just a short 10 minute drive from our hotel , the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges are a unique marvel of nature.  Set in a forested domain, we will walk across pathways where are local expert naturalist guide will describe the many indigenous plants and other items that make the forest their home.   The highlight of the walk is the several bridges built into the forest.  As we cross these bridges, you will gain a wonderful perspective and a panoramic view of the forest.  You will even see a waterfall in the forest from one of the bridge overlooks.

Arenal Hanging Bridges is one the most beautiful environmentally-friendly projects in Costa Rica. Located in front of the Arenal Volcano and within the corridor followed by migratory birds between North and South America, the project's trails and bridges bring you close to the birds, flowers, and lush vegetation of the primary rainforest.  With safe and easy access, the trails take us across a series of paved paths and across a series of foot bridges, in the beautiful Costa Rican rainforest. The imposing hanging bridges overlook a dense canopy with Arenal volcano views in the background.

Next we will continue our drive in our private group vehicle to the RIU Guanacaste ALL INCLUSIVE BEACH RESORT.

 On the northwest coast of Costa Rica, this nearly white beach has the distinction of being composed of crushed sea shells. The water just offshore drops off quickly and is very clear and good for snorkeling. The region surrounding Conchal Beach is very scenic being composed of many small bays and beaches backed by low forested hills. The northwest region of Costa Rica has an ideal beach climate with warm weather year round,

3 nights’ stay at HOTEL RIU GUANACASTE -ALL INCLUSIVE with all meals and shows.

WELCOME TO THE HOTEL RIU GUANACASTE

The FIVE STAR Hotel Riu Guanacaste (24 hour All Inclusive), is situated in Guanacaste, Costa Rica in a seafront location on Mata Palo Beach. 

Highlights

• All Inclusive 24 hours.
  
  
•  BREAKFAST,LUNCH AND DINNER EACH DAY
  
  
• ALL DRINKS 24 hours a day (except in the discotheque)
  
  
•  ALL WIFI
  
  
• ALL GRATUITIES
  
  
•  ALL ENTERTAINMENT AT THE RESORT WITH DAILY OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT AND NIGHTLY INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT 

• Located on Matapalo beach]

• Awarded GOLD certification for the Travelife Sustainability System

• A wide ranging entertainment program offered by RIU's entertainment team

• "Riu Party" theme parties

• Windsurfing, stand up paddle surfing (SUP), snorkeling equipment, kayaking
  
  
• Water park "Splash Water World" (at the Riu Resort), open 6 times a week
  
  
• 1 introductory scuba diving lesson in pool
  
  
•  Beach Volleyball court
  
  
• Floodlit hard surface tennis court
  
  
• Steam bath, whirlpool bath

• Three swimming pools and whirlpool

• Workout Gym

• "Renova Spa" with a variety of treatments

This fully equipped hotel offers guests the best service in addition to a fresh water swimming pool, Jacuzzi, gym, sauna and the “Renova Spa” center with a range of different treatments and massages. Everything you could need to guarantee the maximum well-being during your stay. 

The quality of the cuisine prepared by the chefs in our restaurants goes hand in hand with a wide variety of flavors on offer at this hotel, which will make you want to sample all our menus. The All Inclusive system gives you the opportunity to try out the buffet restaurant and the various themed restaurants on offer at the hotel. All Meals are included.

From its prime location, the hotel offers a wide range of activities on its beautiful beaches such as diving or fishing in the Pacific Ocean and ecotourism in the volcanic regions. During the day, we also offer you several entertainment programs for all ages, whether you’re travelling with your family, as a couple or with friends. The hotel includes a gym, table tennis, volleyball, a tennis court, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking and other water activities. 

ONE OF THE GLORIOUS POOLS WITH PLUSH SUNLOUNGERS BOTH AROUND THE POOL AND REFRESHING SUN LOUNGERS INSIDE THE POOL TOO, ALL AT OUR ALL INCLUSIVE RIU GUANACASTE FIVE STAR RESORT, AT WHICH WE WILL ENJOY THE FINAL THREE NIGHTS OF OUR TRIP

The Grand Jacuzzi at our 5 star All Inclusive Resort

The elegant lobby that greats us at our 5 star All inclusive RIU Guanacaste resort

The swim up bar at our 5 star All inclusive RIU Guanacaste Resort

The lush scenery around our resort

Our rooms at the Hotel Riu Guanacaste are equipped with the best amenities for you to enjoy an unforgettable escape. These 31-m2 rooms have two small double beds (125x200 cm) or one king-size bed (200x200 cm), satellite TV, air conditioning, a minibar and beverage dispenser, and a balcony or terrace.

Do you like going to top parties on your holidays? RiuParty is made for you! Dance to the rhythm of top DJs and be carried away by the shows and performances offered at each party. Make the most of your all-inclusive service and enjoy the most fun possible at the Hotel Riu Guanacaste!

NOV 20-21,2025 THU-FRI : TWO ALL INCLUSIVE FREE DAYS AT LEISURE TO RELAX ON THE BEACH OR DO OPTIONAL SIGHTSEEING EXCURSIONS

Enjoy two days at leisure to enjoy the hotel beach facilities and the amenities of our all-inclusive resort or sign up for optional half or full day excursions with pick up at our resort.

From the hotel, they offer several excursions which, if you wish to stay active, offer more stunning natural Costa Rican experiences such as a visit to Rincón de la Vieja Nature Park, the Safari Park, or interested in something outside Costa Rica, a full day excursion to the neighboring country of Nicaragua can be arranged..

NOV 22.2025 SAT: PRIVATE GROUP TRANSFER TO THE LIBERIA COSTA RICA AIRPORT

Our trip ends today with a Private group transfer to Liberia Costa Rica airport, approx.. 45 minutes to one hour from our hotel.  Passengers should book their return flight home from this airport (the airport code is LIR). We will depart the hotel approx.. 10-10:30am, arriving at the airport between 11-11:30am.

YOUR COSTA RICA ADVENTURE , BEACH AND FUN WEEK INCLUDES

• ONE NIGHT AT THE HILTON GAREN INN SAN JOSE COSTA RICA AIRPORT  WITH BREAKFAST
• 3 NIGHTS AT THE FOUR STAR ARENAL PARAISO THERMAL HOT SPRINGS RESORT AND SPA WITH BREAKFAST DAILY
• 3 NIGHTS AT THE ALL INCLUSIVE FIVE STAR RIU GUANACASTE RESORT
• ALL GROUP ACTIVITIES AS LISTED IN THE TRIP ITINERARY
• ALL GROUP TRANSPORT AS LISTED IN THE TRIP ITINERARY

TRIP PRICING:

WITH TWO PEOPLE PER ROOM IN A ROOM WITH TWO BEDS AT EACH HOTEL (EITHER TWO PEOPLE TRAVELING TOGETHER OR WE ASSIGN YOU A ROOMMATE OF THE SAME GENDER, UPON YOUR REQUEST):  ONLY $2499 PER PERSON

OPTIONAL SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: Only $899

A $300 deposit is due within 7 days of booking your reservation on this trip.

The balance is due July 1st, 2025

Cancel policy for this trip

If you book with a request that we assign you a roommate and then you cancel, after making your $300 deposit, you will get a future trip credit of the full $300 deposit, good toward booking any new trip listed our site departing anytime in either 2024 or 2025

If you book with your own friend as your trip roommate or in single occupancy and you cancel within 150 days of making your deposit And your cancelation is made by May 15th, 2025, you will receive the full $300 back on the same card used for the deposit.

All cancelations made after making your final payment for this trip are Non Refundable.