Self Drive Tour of Arenal and Monteverde

Self Drive Tour of The Arenal Volcano and Monteverde

4 days / 3 nights

From the Arenal Observatory, visitors have an impressive view of this "giant which rumbles" and erupts with spectacular displays of vapor and lava. The Observatory is the only lodge situated within the Arenal Volcano National Park, which encompasses thousands of acres of pristine rainforest and teems with tropical birds and wildlife.Monteverde was founded by Quakers from the United States. It was chosen for its cool climate which would facilitate dairy farming. In 2007, Costa Ricans voted Monteverde one of Costa Rica's Seven Wonders, along with Isla del Coco, Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano, Cerro Chirripo, Rio Celeste and Poas Volcano.

Costa Rica Tour Details

Day 1 - Arrive

Arrive San Jose Airport Take hotel shuttle to the Best Western Irazu.

Overnight in San Jose at Hotel Irazu, or upgrade to the Surperior Grano de Oro

Day 2  - Arenal Volcano

Today Your air conditioned Daihatsu Bego 4X4 (or similar) will be delivered to the hotel  and you're off to Volcan Arenal, one of the most active volcanos in the world. En route you will pass through Zarcero, famous for the sculpted bushes surrounding its picturesque church. Option: Going a few miles out of your way you can also visit Sarchí, home of Costa Rica's traditional brightly painted ox carts and a great stop for buying beautiful items made of Costa Rican hardwoods.

Overnight at Arenal Lodge or upgrade to the Superior at The Arenal Springs

Day 3 - Monteverde 

After taking the scenic drive around Lake Arenal through lush rolling hills you arrive at Monteverde where you will spend two nights at the chalet-style Hotel Belmar. While in Monteverde explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve or one of the other private reserves, or take a horseback ride to a 200 ft waterfall.  Overnight at Hotel Belmar, Superior at Fonda Vela (Jr. Suite).

Day 4 - Departure

On your way back home or before you move on to your next destination - Explore the main community of the area, Santa Elena, before going back to San Jose. You may just want to take advantage of banks and supermarkets or visit the local cheese factory, women’s cooperative (CASEM) or one of the many art and craft galleries to purchase some souvenirs or gifts for the folks back home. Local coffee, wood sculptures, embroidered clothing, and paintings by resident artists are just some of the offerings available. 

Included:

Standard package includes:

• Air conditioned Daihatsu Bego with unlimited mileage.
• First night at the Best Western Irazu (Premier Room, B)
• Second night at the Arenal Lodge.
• Thrid night at Hotel Belmar (Chalet).
• Self guided hikes in private reserves.
• All hotel taxes.
• Airport transfers (Airport-Hampton Inn-Airport) provided by Best Western Irazu.
  B = includes breakfast

Superior package includes:

• Air conditioned Suzuki Grand Vitara II  unlimited mileage ).
• First night Grano De Oro
• Second night at The Springs (Vista Guest Room).
• Third night at Hotel Fonda Vela (Jr Suite).
• Self guided hikes in private reserves.
• All hotel taxes.
• Airport transfers (Airport-Grano de Oro -Airport).

 

Not Included:
Airfare to Costa Rica , airport departure taxes, meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls, room service), gratuities, or costs associated with changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control.