Arenal & the Nicoya Peninsula - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Liberia, Pick Up Rental Car, Drive to La Fortuna

Welcome to Costa Rica! Liberia is the northern hub of Guanacaste Province, an area famous for both its Pacific beaches and inland mountainous regions. After touching down at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, you'll pick up your rental car and drive about two hours east through misty cloud forests and wild jungles to the town of La Fortuna, home to Arenal Volcano National Park. The volcano itself stands an impressive 6,266 feet (1,916 m) high and dominates the skyline of the area.

But there's no need to rush it. Once on the road toward Arenal, there are a number of stops you can make on the way. One is the Centro de Rescate Las Pumas, located right off the Pan-American Highway. It's a rescue center for wild animals like monkeys and jungle cats. Farther east and closer to Lake Arenal, you can stop at the hillside town Tilaran. This laid-back mountain town is all charm and makes a great place to stop and stretch your legs. Activities here include horseback riding over the hills and windsurfing on the lake. There are good birding opportunities here as well, with herons and egrets a common site. 

Day 2: Volcano Hike & Hot Springs

In the early afternoon, you'll visit Arenal Volcano National Park to walk on the lava flow of 1968, the year of the last major eruption of the volcano. The event was so catastrophic that it transformed some of the region's topography: lava fields now dominate one side of Arenal. Trails wind through those lava fields as well as the surrounding rainforest. Along the way, you'll find lookout points featuring prime views of the volcano. 

After hiking the trails, soothe your muscles with a dip in mineral-rich waters at one of the hot springs in the area. These springs have been used as therapeutic baths for more than 200 years, and the resort includes a spa where various treatments, like couples massages, are performed in outdoor bungalows. 

Day 3: Zipline Fun in the Cloud Forest

Enjoy a bird's-eye view of Costa Rica. You'll begin the day with a relaxing, scenic ride up a mountain by open-air gondola. The panoramic views broaden the higher you rise, and when you reach the top observation platform, you'll have 360-degree views of the Arenal landscape. 

Now you're in for a treat because it's time for an adrenaline-pumping zipline tour through the cloud forest. You'll fly like a bird for miles, from tree to tree and canyon to canyon. You'll journey through untouched nature over eight cables that stretch 2,460 feet (750 m) and reach heights of 660 feet (201 m). Through it all, your knowledgeable naturalist guide will educate you about Costa Rica's exotic flora and fauna.

Day 4: Drive to Tamarindo

Road trip time! This drive takes you from La Fortuna west through Guanacaste, past volcanic mountain ranges, flatlands, and villages as you head toward the Pacific coast. Stop for a bite and enjoy traditional foods, exotic local fruits, or perhaps a batido (fresh fruit smoothie) made con leche (with milk). 

Once you arrive, you can rest up at your hotel or spend the afternoon enjoying a sea kayak and snorkeling tour. As you paddle from Tamarindo Beach toward the white sands of Capitán Island, enjoy the azure blue and crystalline waters—all the better, observe the underwater coral reef and exotic fish. If you visit between October and March, head to Las Baulas National Marine Park to see female leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on the beach. It's truly an incomparable sight.

Day 5: Kayak & Snorkel in Tamarindo Bay

On the agenda today is some kayaking around Tamarindo Bay. Not only that, but you'll also be paddling out to Capitán Island, located about 656 feet (200 m) offshore (about a 20-minute trip). As you paddle over the azure waters near Playa Tamarindo, you'll eventually reach the crystalline waters and white-sand beaches of the island. Here you'll have an opportunity to do some snorkeling and observe the underwater coral reef, which abounds with exotic fish. This tour is perfect to enjoy with the entire family (snorkeling equipment and drinking water included).

Day 6: Free Morning, Afternoon Snorkel & Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Spend the morning relaxing on the beaches of Tamarindo. In the afternoon, you'll embark on a sailing trip. The boat will stop in a tranquil bay, drop anchor, and you'll be free to swim and snorkel. It's not uncommon to see schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins frolicking in the surf. Admire the sunset from the water with a tropical beverage in hand.

Day 7: Return to Liberia, Depart

It's time to say adiós to Costa Rica! After breakfast, you'll begin the hour-long drive back to Liberia and the airport, where you'll catch your return flight home. Until next time!

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