8-Day Best of Northwest Costa Rica from San Jose: Arenal Volcano National Park, Alajuela and Guanacaste
Active
8d
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the best of northwest Costa Rica on this 8-day tour including Arenal Volcano National Park, Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and the super combo tour in Guanacaste. Visit some of the most popular destinations and explore the wonders of nature in this small country inhabited by approximately six percent of the world’s biodiversity. You’ll see Arenal Volcano as you relax in a thermal hot spring, enjoy a floating safari through a tropical rainforest, go horseback riding and try a mud bath – with two days to relax at your leisure or continue adventuring with multiple options.
Available options
4-Star Option: Double
Hotel accommodation in a double occupancy room at Presidente Hotel or similar in San Jose; at Arenal Kioro Hotel in Arenal; Cala Luna Hotel in Guanacaste<br/>Pickup included
4-Star Option: Single
Hotel accommodation in a single occupancy room at Presidente Hotel or similar in San Jose; at Arenal Kioro Hotel in Arenal; Cala Luna Hotel in Guanacaste<br/>Pickup included
3.5-Star Option: Double
Hotel accommodation in a double occupancy room at Country Inn & Suites or similar in San Jose; at Arenal Paraiso Hotel in Arenal; and Tamarindo Diria Hotel or similar in Guanacaste<br/>Pickup included
3.5-Star Option: Single
Hotel accommodation in a single occupancy room at Country Inn & Suites or similar in San Jose; at Arenal Paraiso Hotel in Arenal; and Tamarindo Diria Hotel or similar in Guanacaste<br/>Pickup included
4-Star Option: Triple
Hotel accommodation in a triple occupancy room at Presidente Hotel or similar in San Jose; at Arenal Kioro Hotel in Arenal; Cala Luna Hotel in Guanacaste<br/>Pickup included
3.5-Star Option: Triple
Hotel accommodation in a triple occupancy room at Country Inn & Suites or similar in San Jose; at Arenal Paraiso Hotel in Arenal; and Tamarindo Diria Hotel or similar in Guanacaste<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Shared airport transfer
4 nights accommodation in Tamarindo
2 nights accommodation in La Fortuna
Lunch
Dinner
Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Breakfast
1 nights accommodation in San Jose
Transport by air-conditioned minivan in Arenal/Guanacaste
What's not included
Food and drinks, unless specified
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
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Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note: you can book the optional tours while in destination
Note: single rooms are only available for 1 person, double rooms for 2 and triple rooms for 3. If you book additional passengers in the rooms, your booking will be rejected and a full refund will be processed
Important notes
Additional phone number:
(506) 4010-1004
24/7 (506) 8612-4747
This operator requires you to contact them directly prior to this tour/activity.
About San José
San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and colonial architecture. Nestled in the heart of the Central Valley, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty, with nearby volcanoes and coffee plantations adding to its allure.
Top Attractions
Museo del Jade
This museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts, showcasing the rich history of Costa Rica.
Museum
1-2 hours
¢5,000 (CRC)
Mercado Central
A bustling market offering a variety of local foods, souvenirs, and crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture.
Market
1-2 hours
Free entry
Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica
A stunning example of neoclassical architecture, this theater hosts various cultural performances and events.
Historical
1 hour
¢6,000 (CRC) for tours
Parque La Sabana
A large urban park with walking paths, sports facilities, and a lake. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Gallo Pinto
A traditional breakfast dish made with rice, beans, onions, and peppers, often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Casado
A typical lunch dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or fish.
Lunch
Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications
Olla de Carne
A hearty beef and vegetable soup, often served with rice, tortillas, and salad.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian
Chifrijo
A popular bar snack made with fried pork, beans, rice, and avocado.
Snack
Can be made vegetarian with modifications
Popular Activities
Hiking in national parks
Zip-lining in nearby areas
Coffee tasting tours
Spa treatments
Museum visits
Historical tours
White-water rafting in nearby rivers
Coffee plantation tours
Best Time to Visit
December to April
The dry season offers pleasant weather with minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
22-28°C
72-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6)
Electricity
110VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
San José is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and keep valuables secure.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Juan Santamaría International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
By bus
Cariari Bus Terminal, San José Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around San José. They cover most of the city and its suburbs.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Barrio Escalante
Barrio Amón
San Pedro
Day trips
Poás Volcano National Park
50 km (31 miles) • Half day
A stunning national park featuring the active Poás Volcano and beautiful crater lakes.
Irazú Volcano National Park
55 km (34 miles) • Half day
A national park featuring the Irazú Volcano, one of the highest peaks in Costa Rica, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Alajuela
20 km (12 miles) • Half day
A charming city known for its colonial architecture, museums, and the Juan Santamaría Museum, dedicated to Costa Rica's national hero.
Festivals
Fiesta de las Luces • December
Festival de las Artes • March
Pro tips
- Visit the Mercado Central early in the morning for the freshest produce and to avoid crowds.
- Try local street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
- Explore the city's museums and cultural attractions to gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica's rich history.
- Take a day trip to nearby natural attractions, such as Poás Volcano National Park, for stunning views and outdoor activities.
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the culture.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
