Costa Rica Unplugged: Arenal to Corcovado

Tour/Activity , Costa Rica

About this activity

From hot springs to cloud forests and coral reefs, this is wild Costa Rica unplugged

Your Travel Experience with ARRIVAL

Day 1

ARRIVAL

Touch down in the tropics. You’re met at the airport with big smiles and an even bigger welcome. A short drive gets you to your hotel where the city buzz melts away. Unpack, stretch out, maybe sip your first local brew. No plans tonight – just ease into Costa Rica’s slower, sweeter rhythm.

San José – Country Inn & Suites by Radisson

A calm and leafy pocket in the city, perfect for easing in or winding down. Comfortable rooms, tropical gardens and close to everything you need without the chaos.

Day 2

Arenal Hot Springs

Slip into volcanic bliss. These natural geothermal pools, heated by the lava veins of Arenal, are Costa Rica’s most soothing secret. Steam curls into jungle air as your body exhales travel tension. It’s not just a soak – it’s a full-body reset, served with rainforest ambience.

Day 2 - 4

Hotel Arenal Paraíso Resort & Spa

Tucked at the foot of the volcano with steaming hot springs on-site. Think jungle views, volcanic energy and hammocks you won’t want to leave.

Day 4

Monteverde Night Walk

When the sun sets, Monteverde’s real party begins. Flashlight in hand, follow your naturalist guide into the dark. Glow-in-the-dark fungi, chorus frogs, prowling kinkajous – this isn’t a nature doc, it’s real life. The forest breathes differently at night. Welcome to the underworld.

Day 4 - 6

Monteverde – Monteverde Country Lodge

Wood-panelled charm in the cloud forest. It’s cosy, rustic, and walking distance to trails, cafés and Monteverde’s misty magic.

Day 6 - 8

Manuel Antonio – Villas Lirio

Lush, private and a short stroll to the beach. Garden-style rooms wrapped in tropical greenery with a pool that’s perfect for lazy afternoons.

Day 7

Manuel Antonio Park Visit

Nature’s highlight reel. Manuel Antonio delivers dense jungle, secluded beaches and more wildlife per square metre than anywhere else. Sloths lounge, monkeys scamper and the ocean laps at palm-shaded shores. Hike, swim, repeat – this is Costa Rica at its show-off best.

Day 8 - 11

Corcovado – Aguila de Osa Rainforest Lodge

Perched where rainforest meets ocean, this open-air lodge is a wildlife front-row seat. Monkeys at breakfast, sunsets on the deck and nature as your soundtrack.

Day 9

Corcovado Hike

This is Costa Rica’s crown jewel of wild. Hike deep into Corcovado National Park with a guide who’s one step ahead of the jungle’s every move. You’ll dodge spider monkeys, follow tapir tracks and maybe spot a jaguar’s ghost. It’s humid, muddy and absolutely unforgettable.

Day 10

Caño Island Snorkelling

Underwater technicolour. Drift over coral gardens, float past reef sharks, and hang with rays like you’ve gatecrashed a sea creature rave. Caño Island is marine magic – visibility for days, biodiversity off the charts. You’ll come back salty, sun-drunk and full of fish tales.

Day 11

Return to San José

One last morning in paradise. Boat back to Drake Bay, then a short domestic flight over patchworked jungle and coast to the capital. The city feels louder now, like it’s waking you up slowly. Grab a final feast, maybe a craft cocktail and toast to a trip that’s rewired your senses.