Private Tour Highlights
- Trekking the mossy, plant-lined trails of the beautiful La Paz Waterfall Gardens near San Jose
- Touring the Poas Volcano, one of the most stunning attractions in the Central Valley
- Walking the hanging bridges and canopy walkways of the Arenal National Park, gaining a unique perspective on the forests below
- Taking a bath in the natural hot springs of Arenal, known for the rejuvenating properties of their mineral rich waters
- Making the most of the ever-versatile Arenal National Park with free time to hike, bike or zip-line through the surrounding countryside
Tour Overview
Set out on Yampu’s Costa Rica Volcano Tour: Waterfalls and National Parks, which includes a visit to the San José area, La Paz Waterfalls and the Poas Volcano, and a 3-day visit to the Arenal Volcano, staying at a village close to the volcano. While in Arenal, take an excursion to the hanging bridges and spend the night at the rejuvenating Tabacon Hot Springs. Yampu travelers will also have time to go biking, fishing, hiking, horseback riding or gliding on the canopy. Some may choose to visit the Venado Caverns or the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.
This trip can be customized to fit your individual travel dates and any specific requests you may have. Your travel consultant will prepare a customized itinerary for you. We offer a choice of 3, 4, 5-star and deluxe accommodations at the Finca Rosa Blanca in San José.
Inclusions
Note:
*On day 5, you may fly from Arenal to San José, at an additional cost of $85 per person. Flights do not operate year round, so please check with your travel advisor.
*Local flights within Costa Rica have a weight limitation of 30 lbs (13 kgs) per person, including carry-on and storable luggage. Extra baggage (if any) can be left in San José where it will be stored at our local office. Collapsible carry-on bags are recommended to allow for separating luggage if needed.
Optional excursions in Arenal (one included):
Arenal Reserve Sky Tram/Sky Trek:
Placed in a unique transition area between the rain forest and the Monteverde Cloud Forest, you will find the Arenal Reserve. You may choose between a ride on the Sky Tram or the Sky Trek, with the most spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake. Sky Tram is a 15-minute Arenal tram tour through the rain forest to the Miguel Angel Observatory, where you will have spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake, and the Tilaran Mountain Range. Sky Trek is a 3,280-foot long zip line system that gives you the opportunity to enjoy the rain forest and its beautiful views in a fun, easy and safe ride. Duration: 4 hours
Recommended: long pants, hiking shoes, camera, binoculars, sun lotion, repellent and raincoat.
Venado Caverns:
The caverns were formed in the Miocene period some 15-20 million years ago. For a long time, they were submerged in the depths of the ocean. However, due to the movement of tectonic plates, the caverns rose to form part of the surface. Discover in one visit the limestone rock, stalactites, stalagmites and corals that make up the caves. Located only an hour from La Fortuna, these caverns offer an unforgettable underground mystical adventure. Get ready to get wet and muddy, and to see amazing stalactites, stalagmites, bats and subterranean streams. We will be trekking through some narrow winding passages.
Duration: 7 hours
Recommended: hiking boots, light clothing and shorts.
Participant requirements: Good physical condition; not recommended for those with claustrophobia.
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge:
Great for birdwatchers and nature lovers. This all-day trip takes you to the mighty Rio Frio near the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. One of our professional bilingual guides will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the small town of Los Chiles near the Nicaraguan border. Here we will begin our three-hour ride up the Rio Frio in search of sloths, caimans, lizards, tropical birds, various species of monkeys and more in the surrounding lush rainforest and wetlands. Learn about the wildlife, vegetation, ecology and culture of this tropical paradise. A typical Costa Rican hot lunch is included in this tour and is served on the tranquil banks of the Rio Frio.
Duration: 8 hours
Recommended: insect repellent, rain gear, binoculars, camera.
Sarapiqui River Rafting, Class II & III. La Virgen & Chilamate Section:
A delightful day—more than 20 rapids in a spectacular setting in the tropical rain forest. Sarapiqui is the rafter’s dream; natural whitewater, challenging rapids and crystal-clear pools. Enjoy the natural splendor and abundant wildlife.
Duration: 10 hours
Recommended: sandals or tennis shoes, short or swimsuit, towel, dry clothing for coming back, sweater, camera
Includes tropical fruits in the river, hot lunch, modern equipment and a kayaker to ensure safety.
Participant requirements: Good physical condition, beginners and advanced, ages: 12 to 60 years old.
Mountain Biking:
This is one of the tours we offer for those who want to go on a bike trip to the area where the forest, Arenal Volcano and the lake meet and lead through a beautiful trail. The tour starts from the Arenal Lake Dam, where we take an old trail into the forest. At the end of the trail, we will arrive at the entrance of the Arenal Volcano National Park and then get on the way to the observatory, and back in the main road.
We will have the chance to see many different birds, for example: Squirrel Cuckoos, Keel-Billed Toucans, Crested Guans, Slaty-Tailed Trogons, Black-Headed Trogons, Bare-Throated Tiger Herons (Laughing Falcons), as well as howler monkeys and raccoons.
Duration: 4 hours
Includes bikes, bilingual guide (English-Spanish), refreshments, water and cookies.
Horseback Riding to the La Fortuna waterfall:
This tour offers the perfect combination of beautiful sightseeing and physical activity. We begin with an easy and scenic horseback ride from La Fortuna to the entrance of the waterfall. After viewing the magnificent 40-meter waterfall from a distance, we descend on a challenging hike through the dense rainforest where you will see amazing specimens of flora. The hike will bring us to the base crystal-blue pool into which the waterfall pours; you will be able to take a wonderful and refreshing swim.
Duration: 4 hours
Recommended: insect repellent, rain gear, binoculars, camera, swimsuit and towel
Participant requirements: Good physical condition.
Package Price: From £$ 3068
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
International flight to Costa Rica.
Upon arrival in San Jose, transfer to the hotel.
Upon arrival in San Jose, transfer to the hotel.
La Paz Waterfalls and Poas Volcano
After read more...
After enjoying a delightful breakfast, begin your road trip to Poas Volcano National Park exploring the crater viewpoint with Sulphur fumaroles, hiking past Botos Lagoon, and learning about the area's ecosystems.
The next adventure begins at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. No doubt your previous trek will mean you've worked up an appetite - good thing lunch is your first activity at this new destination. In the midst of a luscious jungle, La Paz Waterfall Gardens you'll find monkeys, butterflies, tropical birds, rivers, waterfalls, and even dedicated exhibits!
At the end of the tour, continue to the Arenal hotel. ...read less
Arenal Hanging Bridges
Today, read more...
Today, enjoy a half-day tour at the Arenal Hanging Bridges. This 5 km / 3-mile rainforest tour leads visitors across 10 hanging bridges in the canopy of the rainforest and boasts an incredible up-close-and-personal interaction with the flora and fauna found here. Meander the trails and bridges with a keen eye on the lookout for monkeys, butterflies, and colorful birds.
In the early evening, enjoy Ecotermales Hot springs a network of natural hot springs in Arenal, amid the lush vegetation to a symphony of rushing waterfalls. Indulge in a renowned dinner experience. ...read less
Group Pure Trek Canyoning and Rappel Tour
Meet your guide at the reception of the hotel for today's thrilling 3-hour canyoning experience. Practice your inner Spiderman as you maneuver your way down waterfalls and a canyon wall in the middle of the rainforest.
Meet your guide at the reception of the hotel for today's thrilling 3-hour canyoning experience. Practice your inner Spiderman as you maneuver your way down waterfalls and a canyon wall in the middle of the rainforest.
Flight Home
Return to San Jose for transfer to the airport, or choose from optional add-ons in Costa Rica or other Central American countries.
Return to San Jose for transfer to the airport, or choose from optional add-ons in Costa Rica or other Central American countries.
San José, San Jose, Costa Rica
Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Places You'll See
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Arenal
Experience the excitement of visiting a 7,000 year old, active stratovolcano by visiting the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. Though it is now dormant, Arenal was the most active of Costa Rica’s seven active volcanoes until 2010. Its dense vegetation is also home to numerous species of wildlife.
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San Jose
Visit the largest, and one of the most exciting cities in all of Costa Rica, San Jose. Get lost in the beautiful shades of green at the Museo del Jade, home to the largest collection of pre-Columbian Jade in Central America. Take a Barrio Bird Walking Tour, or a tour through the butterfly farm and coffee farm. Watch street performers juggle, play music, and interact with their audience.
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
4 Star Properties
Presidente Hotel
San Jose , COSTA RICA
An iconic landmark in San Jose, Costa Rica, Hotel Presidente is a contemporary urban retreat in the heart of downtown San Jose. With its vibrant ambiance, modern decor and great service, our four-star upscale hotel is the symbol of hospitality and the cultural soul of Costa Rica’s capital city. Celebrated for our eco-friendly tourism practices, Hotel Presidente is a window into Costa Rica’s land, people and heritage. Experience an unforgettable vacation adventure, romantic getaway or business trip at our hotel, the place to relax, connect, inspire, dine, and explore Costa Rica.
Park Inn Hotel
San Jose , COSTA RICA
Within walking distance of the bustling downtown area, the Park Inn by Radisson San Jose, Costa Rica is an ideal choice for both leisure and corporate travelers. Spend the day at the Jade Museum to learn about the area’s rich culture, or immerse yourself in the displays at the Costa Rican Art Museum. Visit La Sabana Park, 10 minutes from our hotel, to walk beside exotic plants and lakes. If you’re up for a drive, make the three-hour trip to Arenal Volcano for fun outdoor activities like hiking, white-water rafting, and fishing.
Arenal : Arenal Observatory Lodge (standard Room)
Arenal Observatory Lodge (standard Room)
Arenal , COSTA RICA
The very comfortable Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa is perfectly positioned directly between the massive Arenal Volcano and deep blue Lake Arenal. The hotel offers 48 comfortable rooms surrounded by gardens, all with screened doors and fans to enjoy the naturally cooling rainforest breeze. The majority of the rooms have a direct view of the volcano and/or the forest. Activities at the hotel include hikes to the waterfall or to explore Cerro Chato, horseback riding, bicycling through the trails, enjoying a refreshing swim in the pool, or simply relaxing with a massage in the Spa.
Arenal : Arenal Manoa Hotel & Spa
Arenal Manoa Hotel & Spa
Arenal , COSTA RICA
Arenal Manoa Hotel is a beautiful hotel to relax and enjoy the marvelous view of Arenal volcano in Costa Rica. Surrounded by gardens, pastures and animals, the rooms have been designed so that each one offers guests a panoramic view of the Arenal volcano. They are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, a refrigerator, a private bathroom, and a terrace with views of the volcano. The spa offers aromatherapy, reflexology, and other facial and body treatments. Guests can enjoy both national and international cuisine with amazing views at La Saca Restaurant.
5 Star Properties
Grano de Oro
San Jose , COSTA RICA
five-star Grano de Oro Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colon, San Jose’s main thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro is a true oasis in the heart of the city. Converted from a Tropical Victorian mansion, the 40-room hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home with all the amenities of a fine hotel. Service is paramount and the perpetually smiling staff of the Hotel Grano de Oro welcome guests to their “home away from home” time and again
San Jose : Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen
San Jose , COSTA RICA
Experience a seamless blend of high-tech and high-touch service at Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen. After landing at Juan Santamaría International Airport, your stay begins almost immediately. Our convenient location offers unparalleled access to many prominent locales such as the San Antonio district and Britt’s Coffee Tour. After exploring our grounds, featuring a golf driving range and tennis court, pamper yourself at our full-service spa. Then, unwind in our spacious rooms complete with luxury bedding and mini-refrigerators. When hunger strikes, satisfy your appetite with international cuisine from one of our on-site restaurants. To stay active, visit our fitness center and outdoor pool. Need to host an event? Choose from one of our 28 venues for your convention or reception. Whatever the reason for your travels, Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen provides an elevated experience you won’t soon forget.
Arenal : Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
Arenal , COSTA RICA
The Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort is nestled in the heart of the tropical rainforest at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano in the northern Region of Costa Rica. Tabacon provides luxurious accommodations, services and amenities in a picture-perfect natural setting. The resort’s unique healing thermal mineral spring river emerge from the volcanic earth, cascading to form waterfalls, streams, and tranquil pools. Delight the senses with world- class cuisine inspired by local fares. Inside the gardens is the resort’s Grand Spa, which combines a beautiful location with a singular spa experience, where treatments are rendered in open air bungalows all of them with private jacuzzi.
Arenal : Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens
Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens
Arenal , COSTA RICA
Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens is Arenal’s jewel. The casitas, suites, and villas have large screened windows that open up to bring nature inside. Light flows through the interiors, from the bedroom to the private gardens, to the private terraces with secluded Jacuzzis. Modern amenities compliment the rooms to make them the most desired and exceptional accommodations in the area. Enjoy the modern facilities, including remarkable restaurants offering international and local cuisine, a pool bar, and a wine and tapas bar. The Spa at Nayara is incomparable. Perched on a cliff overlooking the forest, the Spa is a spiritual enclave in an emerald jungle, a place of rejuvenation, harmony, and beauty.
Luxury Properties
San Jose : Finca Rosa Blanca (Santa Barbara)
Finca Rosa Blanca (Santa Barbara)
San Jose , COSTA RICA
Finca Rosa Blanca offers an incomparable lodging experience with three extraordinary Master Suites and Villas and eleven elegant Junior Suites. Almost all of our well-appointed rooms include Jacuzzi baths, King beds with exotic bamboo linens as well as private verandas overlooking the green Central Valley, the volcanoes above, and secluded patios surrounded by tropical gardens and flowers.
San Jose : Xandari Resort & Spa (Alajuela)
Xandari Resort & Spa (Alajuela)
San Jose , COSTA RICA
On a ridge overlooking Central Valley in the foothills of Poas Volcano, this chic 16-hectare resort is 6 km from the town of Alajuela.
Colorful villas provide free Wi-Fi, sitting areas and private terraces with valley views, plus minibars, tea and coffeemakers, and wet bars. Some have gardens and/or thatched roofs. An upgraded 2-bedroom villa includes a TV, a kitchen and an office. There’s no air-conditioning.
Parking and continental breakfast are free. There’s also a relaxed restaurant, an open-air spa and a game room. Other amenities include hiking trails, an infinity pool with views of the valley, and 2 more outdoor pools with hot tubs.
Arenal : Nayara Springs (Adults only)
Nayara Springs (Adults only)
Arenal , COSTA RICA
Hidden among the tropical forest, the Springs Villa features its own private plunge pool fed by natural mineral hot springs, an expansive private garden with dual rain showers, an oversized bathroom, a sleek, four-poster bed, and indoor and outdoor sitting areas. Exotic touches, modern amenities, and indigenous wood and stone are widely used to produce an unparalleled, authentic, and romantic experience.
Arenal : The Springs Resort & Spa
The Springs Resort & Spa
Arenal , COSTA RICA
The Springs Resort & Spa is a world class luxury resort featuring spectacular hot springs, picture perfect views of the Arenal Volcano from every guest room and four restaurants including the famous Ginger Sushi Bar and Las Ventanas fine dining. Enjoy the 28 mineral laden, artesian Hot Springs and the 14,000 square foot Spa and Fitness Center. All of the amenities make The Springs Luxury Resort & Spa a great destination for Costa Rica vacations, weddings, or a honeymoon. The 27,000 square feet of event, convention and meeting space have also made us the leading Costa Rica conference hotel.
Testimonials
Alison
Traveled February, 2012
All of the staff and guides were excellent
We had a great holiday thank you.We saw loads of birds, pelicans, egrets, 5 or more heron species, 3 monkey species including a mutant one that was all ginger, both sloth species, lots of caimen, loads of iguana, 4 kingfisher species, raccoons, 2 sorts of toucan, 2 sorts of buzzard, Jesus Christ lizards, white ibis, a variety of hummingbirds and best of all a female and a juvenile Resplendent Quetzal. I’m sure there were more but I need to see what turns up on the photos.Manatus lodge was fabulous. Because we stayed there 3 nights, when most people stay 2, they offered us a special meal for lunch on the 3rd day. It was a traditional meal and was excellent. All of the staff was excellent.Tabacon Spa was very good but we were busy every day we didn’t get much of a chance to try their hot springs and facilities.We were a little disappointed with El Establo. The rooms were great and the hotel had obviously been built so that they all had fabulous views. The problem was it advertised tea & coffee making facilities in all rooms and ice machines on all blocks. The manager had decided the coffee machines were too much trouble and had removed them from the rooms. Free coffee was available in the restaurants and reception. Our room was in the 800 block, about a mile down a steep hill from reception. It was not practical to ring for a shuttle bus down to a restaurant or reception to collect coffee to take back to your room. We asked a maid where the ice was in our block and there wasn’t any but, without being asked, somebody turned up within minutes with a bag of ice.All of the staff and guides were excellent but especially good were Pablo on the Cano Negro tour and the driver who took us from Monteverde back to San Jose.
Traveled To
Kurt & Rosabel, family of 5
Traveled August, 2010
I consider using your company again
The trip was fantastic. No complaints about the accomodations and I was truly impressed with the transportation arrangements. The guides from the various companies were courteous, polite and extremely helpful whenever a problem arose. The atmosphere on the Caribbean coast (Tortuguero) was completely different from that encountered on the Pacific coast (Guancaste), as was each location along the way. I honestly can’t say I preferred on spot over the others, though perhaps I was little more outspoken about the comforts of Arenal Springs compared to rest. The two beach spots along the Pacific were memorable for the ocean and all the things we did there.All the above said, I have no problem recommending your firm, and yourself in particular, to any of my friends and acquaintances regarding having you help them with their travel plans. Indeed, I have done so repeatedly today and will continue to do so into the future. It also goes without saying that I consider using your company again when Rosabel and myself start planning our next vacation or adventure trip.
Traveled To
Tasneem
Traveled July, 2011
We have already recommended Yampu to our friends and will continue to do so!
My brother and I had a wonderful time in Costa Rica. Similar to our prior experience with Yampu in Peru, every part of the trip went smoothly after the initial (very tiny) hiccup with the spelling of Irfan’s name on the airline ticket. It was not an issue on our return flight back to NY. We had fantastic guides (particularly, Jorge Calderon of Rios Tropicales), nice and courteous drivers, and the hotels accommodations and provided meals were great. Thanks for all of your assistance in organizing our trip. We have already recommended Yampu to our friends and will continue to do so!
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