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Monteverde Cloud Forest & Playa Hermosa

Costa Rica in 8 Days, 7 Nights in Destination

From

$2,599

$1,299

/person

-50%

Rachel, Travel Expert

Rachel
Travel crafter

Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of Costa Rica, discovering the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest, Carara National Park, the Tárcoles River, and the central Pacific Coast at Playa Hermosa.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Monteverde
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Playa Hermosa
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    San Jose

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. All transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Breakfast only

Availability

  1. Departures available until December 2025

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers available

  4. Add up to 3 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. charm included

  2. WHAT'S THIS?

Book with an expert:

1-888-488-0592

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Exoticca is a member of ASTA

Our Travel Protection takes care of you

More info

Itinerary

Touch down in San José to begin your journey in Costa Rica. Head straight to Monteverde, for hiking in a unique biosphere known for its diverse flora and fauna. Next, make a stop at Carara National Park for some bird watching. Continue on to Playa Hermosa for several days of fun in the sun with a special crocodile tour. End with one final stop in San José before returning home.

1st Day: US - San José

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Ready to discover the natural wonders of Costa Rica? Arrive at your chosen departure airport* and take off for Central America. Land at Juan Santamaría airport and transfer to your hotel in San José. Spend the evening resting or exploring the city as you please! Overnight stay in San José.

*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Aranjuez or similar
tripadvisor rating

1310 Reviews

See our full selection

2nd Day: San José - Monteverde

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Breakfast at the hotel. Begin with a transfer to Monteverde*. Check in to your hotel and take some free time to rest and enjoy an independent lunch. This region is best-known for the protected Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a unique biosphere covering over 10,000 hectares with six distinct zones.

You’ll have the afternoon at your leisure to explore the forest on your own, or join our optional zipline tour**. Overnight stay in Monteverde.

*Estimated transfer duration: 5 hours.

**Canopy zipline half-day tour: Explore Monteverde from above with a zipline excursion to Selvatura Park. Whizz along more than 3.5 km of cables, with a unique vantage point over the beautiful forest! Lunch or dinner included, depending on your timing.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Cipreses Monteverde... or similar
tripadvisor rating

575 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Canopy zipline half-day tour

Active

See more

3rd Day: Monteverde

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Breakfast at the hotel. The morning is free to spend as you please, getting acclimated to your new surroundings, relaxing, or joining our optional Monteverde Reserve tour*.

In the afternoon, embark on a guided exploration walk through the cloud forest, where you’ll learn about the rich biodiversity and history of Monteverde. The lesson begins on your drive to the group’s chosen reserve, where your guide will tell the story of how 12 American missionaries first settled here and began conservation efforts. Your hike through this super-diverse ecosystem will last about three hours, and you’ll have access to special telescopes to get the best views of the 1000s of unique plant and animal species. After the tour, return to your hotel for your overnight stay in Monteverde.

*Half-day tour Monteverde Reserve: Enjoy stunning views of the Monteverde Cloud Forest from a series of connected hanging bridges, first riding a gondola to reach the desired elevation. Take in the views on this tranquil, flat hike appropriate for all fitness levels.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Cipreses Monteverde... or similar
tripadvisor rating

575 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Monteverde Cloud Forest Exploration

Moderate

See more
Optional
Half-day tour Monteverde Reserve

Moderate

See more

4th Day: Monteverde - Playa Hermosa

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Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to Monteverde as you make your way to Playa Hermosa! Sit back and relax as you take in scenic views of the countryside on your approximately 4-hour journey. On the way to Playa Hermosa, make a stop at the Carara National Park, an excellent spot for bird watching known especially for the endangered scarlet macaw.

When you arrive in Playa Hermosa, check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day soaking in this stunning setting. Located in well-known Puntarenas on the country’s west coast, Playa Hermosa is a tranquil setting to enjoy the sun, surf, and fresh seafood that this region is known for. Overnight stay in Playa Hermosa.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Terraza Del Pacifico or similar
tripadvisor rating

332 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Explore Carara National Park

Light

See more

5th Day: Playa Hermosa

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have a free day in Playa Hermosa to enjoy the beach, which offers plenty of opportunities to jetski, snorkel, or tan in the sun. If you’re interested in seeing more of Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife, book an optional hike through the Manuel Antonio National Park*! Overnight stay in Playa Hermosa.

*Manuel Antonio National Park Hike: Take a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its biodiversity and beautiful beaches. The trail is almost flat and approximately 2 miles long, and your guide will be equipped with telescopes that you can use to observe wildlife from afar. You may encounter toucans, sloths, raccoons, coatis, snakes, various species of monkeys and much more! Halfway through the hike you will make a stop at a beach located within the National Park.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Terraza Del Pacifico or similar
tripadvisor rating

332 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Manuel Antonio National Park Hike

Moderate

See more

6th Day: Playa Hermosa

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Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, set off on a crocodile tour of the nearby Tárcoles river! Expect to see a host of exotic birds along with several varieties and sizes of crocodile, enjoying spectacular scenery as you navigate a boat along the dense canals of the Guacalillo mangrove forest. Observe other jungle wildlife like iguanas, basilisks, monkeys and more!

Afterwards, return to your hotel for a free afternoon to enjoy the beach. Overnight stay in Playa Hermosa.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Terraza Del Pacifico or similar
tripadvisor rating

332 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Half-day crocodile tour

Light

See more

7th Day: Playa Hermosa - San José

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today begin your journey back towards San José. The journey is about 2 and a half hours, with a special “Pura Vida” surprise on the way! In the afternoon, arrive in San José to spend your last night in Costa Rica. If you didn’t have the chance to explore the city before, you have some time now! Feel free to check out the La Sabana Metropolitan Park, the Plaza de la Democracia, or the Jade Museum, with the continent's largest collection of pre-Columbian jade artworks. Overnight stay in San José.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Aranjuez or similar
tripadvisor rating

1310 Reviews

See our full selection

8th Day: San José - US

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Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board your flight back home. Later, touch down in the US and end your trip, filled with brilliant memories and feeling refreshed after your Costa Rican adventure!

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

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September 2024
October 2024
November 2024
December 2024

Categories Available:

charm

From $1,299

Selected

  • Accommodation in Charm category hotels.
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Accommodation: 7 Nights

Included activities

Included

Monteverde Cloud Forest Exploration

Included activity for day 3 in Monteverde

Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest, a 10,000-hectare reserve with several distinct zones. Learn more about the flora and fauna from your expert guide.

Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 14:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

Dress in layers. It is recommended to bring binoculars and camera, hiking shoes, rain jacket, plastic bags for protecting electronic or camera gear and water.

more information
Included

Explore Carara National Park

Included activity for day 4 in Playa Hermosa

Make a stop at the Carara National Park, a location well-known for birdwatching. You might even spot the endangered scarlet macaw!

Duration 01:30h Approx. Pick up time: 07:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

Take into account transport will pick you up at hotel and the visit will take place along the way.

more information
Included

Half-day crocodile tour

Included activity for day 6 in Playa Hermosa

Head to the Tárcoles river for a crocodile tour! You’ll see various sizes and species of these imposing reptiles along with other members of the river’s ecosystem.

Duration 01:30h Approx. Pick up time: 10:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

more information

Available Activities

Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
Optional

Canopy zipline half-day tour

Suggested activity for day 2 in Monteverde

Fly high above the forest floor as you zoom through more than 3.5 km of cables, getting a privileged view of the plants and animals below.

Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Active

There are several departures per day, we will select the time that best fits your itinerary. Please bring closed shoes good for walking, long pants, raincoat, sweater, sunblock, mosquito repellent, camera, and pocket money.

more information
Optional

Half-day tour Monteverde Reserve

Suggested activity for day 3 in Monteverde

Take a gondola above the treeline before stepping out onto a series of connected bridges, allowing you to discover the forest’s secrets on safe, flat terrain.

Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 07:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Optional

Manuel Antonio National Park Hike

Suggested activity for day 5 in Playa Hermosa

Cross two miles of this stunning natural reserve, observing wildlife with the help of your expert guide and stopping at one of the park’s top beaches.

Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: 07:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

Second departure at 12:30h.

more information

The price includes

  • premium-care-icon
    Included in all our trips. more information
  • Departures from main US airports.
  • International flights: US - San José - US.
  • 7 nights hotel accommodation in Charm category hotels.
    See hotels included
  • 7 breakfasts.
  • All transfers
  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
    See itinerary
  • Half-day crocodile tour.
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest and Carara National Park Exploration.
  • English-speaking guide during the excursions only.

*The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase

Not included

Drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included. 

  • Entry requirements

    Valid passport with at least six months validity.

  • Visa

    Visa is not required for stays less than 90 days.

  • Currency

    Costa Rican Colon

  • Language

    Spanish

  • Electricity

    110 V. Adapter required.

  • Health

    Please consult your doctor regarding malaria prophylaxis.

  • Time zone

    UTC - 06:00

  • Other useful information

    Local emergency number: 128

  • Tourist Office website

    https://www.visitcostarica.com/en

Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline's website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +1 888-488-0592 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

Room allocation: We will do our best to accommodate your family in the same room. If availability doesn't permit this, we guarantee your family will be accommodated as close together as possible. Children will always be accomodated in a room with at least 1 adult.

Booster seats: Not available in all destinations. Feel free to take your own if you need one.

When booking a triple room, note that these accommodations are not larger than a double room, but will include either one double or two single beds and a sofa bed/rollaway.

Pay in installments

Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

Pay the rest in installments depending on your departure date

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