Spotlight on Costa Rica - Bill Beard Costa Rica

Spotlight on Costa Rica: Arenal & Monteverde Adventure Add-On

Kick off your Costa Rican adventure with this 4-day extension that blends lush landscapes, thrilling activities, and serene natural beauty. Designed as the perfect pre-safari add-on, this itinerary takes you from cascading waterfalls to volcanic hot spots and into the misty heights of the cloud forest.

Start your journey in La Fortuna, home to the iconic Arenal Volcano. Here, you’ll have the freedom to choose your own adventure:

  • Thrill Seeker’s Combo: Whitewater rafting + waterfall rappelling for a day packed with adrenaline
    OR
  • Nature Lover’s Escape: Hike across the famous hanging bridges and visit the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall
Colorful toucan perched in the Costa Rican jungle – Bill Beard Costa Rica wildlife tour

Next, you’ll journey by boat across Lake Arenal to reach the mountaintop haven of Monteverde, a magical place where the clouds kiss the treetops. Known for its rich biodiversity and mystical atmosphere, Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s most enchanting destinations.

This unforgettable extension begins in San José and wraps up in Puntarenas, where you’ll board your liveaboard dive safari—refreshed, inspired, and already in love with Costa Rica.

White Water Rafting in Sarapiqui River Class 3 and 4
  • 3 NTS accommodation – La Fortuna (2 nights), Monteverde (1 night)
  • Private transfer from San José Airport to Arenal Volcano
  • Choice of (1) Tour:
    • Hanging Bridges and La Fortuna Waterfall Tour or
    • Rafting and Waterfall Rappelling Combo Tour
  • Boat crossing of Lake Arenal transfer from La Fortuna to Monteverde
  • Guided Cloud Forest Tour
  • Private transfer from Monteverde to Puntarenas Dock to meet the dive safari ship
  • Breakfasts (3), Lunch (1)
  • Explore two of Costa Rica’s most iconic ecosystems: rainforest and cloud forest
  • Overnight near Arenal Volcano, a must-see adventure hub
  • Cross Lake Arenal by boat—scenic, serene, unforgettable
  • Walk among the treetops in Monteverde’s legendary cloud forest
  • Designed as a perfect land extension before your liveaboard trip
Arenal la Fortuna

Day 1: Arrival – La Fortuna / Arenal Volcano

Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), you’ll be greeted by one of our local representatives outside customs for your private transfer to the Arenal Volcano region.

Nestled at the base of a majestic 5,437-foot peak, La Fortuna is home to one of the country’s most iconic and awe-inspiring volcanoes—once Costa Rica’s most active until 2010.

Overnight in the Arenal / La Fortuna area.

Day 2: Arenal Adventure – Your Choice of Experience

After breakfast, get ready to explore the wonders of Arenal with a full-day adventure tailored to your travel style. Choose between:

Option 1: Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall & Local Lunch
Stroll high above the forest floor on a guided walk through the Arenal Hanging Bridges, then descend to the base of the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall before enjoying a hearty Costa Rican lunch.

Option 2: Rafting & Waterfall Rappelling Combo
Embrace the thrill! Rappel down lush canyon waterfalls and navigate the rapids of the Balsa River on this action-packed day. Includes hotel pick-up and a traditional lunch.

Overnight in the Arenal / La Fortuna area. (B, L)

Day 3: From Arenal to Monteverde Cloud Forest

Enjoy breakfast before heading off on a scenic journey from the rainforest to the clouds. A shuttle brings you to Lake Arenal, where you’ll cross by boat with breathtaking volcano views. On the other side, continue by road into Monteverde’s misty highlands.

Monteverde, founded by Quakers, is famous not only for its cool climate and rich biodiversity but also for its handmade cheese and ice cream.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with a local naturalist guide, where you’ll discover a rich variety of flora and fauna—keep an eye out for hummingbirds, toucans, and the elusive quetzal.

Overnight in the Monteverde area. (B)

Day 4: Monteverde to Puntarenas Dock

After breakfast, a private transfer will take you from your Monteverde hotel to the dock in Puntarenas, where your dive safari adventure begins. (B)

Day 1: Arrival – Puntarenas Dock to Monteverde Cloud Forest

Welcome back to land! After disembarking your dive safari vessel in Puntarenas, you’ll be met by a private driver for your scenic transfer into the misty highlands of Monteverde, one of Costa Rica’s most enchanting cloud forest regions.
Founded by Quakers and known for its handmade cheese, cool climate, and rich biodiversity, Monteverde is a nature lover’s paradise.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with a local naturalist guide. Keep your eyes open for hummingbirds, toucans, and the elusive resplendent quetzal.

Overnight in the Monteverde area. (B)

Day 2: Monteverde to Arenal Volcano / La Fortuna

After breakfast, you’ll make your way from the cloud forest to the rainforest. Travel by road to the edge of Lake Arenal, where a scenic boat ride offers panoramic views of the iconic Arenal Volcano. On the other side, a short drive brings you to La Fortuna, the adventure capital of Costa Rica.

Overnight in the Arenal / La Fortuna area. (B)

Day 3: Arenal Adventure – Your Choice of Experience

Fuel up with breakfast and choose how you want to explore the Arenal region:

Option 1: Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall & Local Lunch
Discover the rainforest from the treetops on a guided walk across the Arenal Hanging Bridges, then head down to the thundering La Fortuna Waterfall and enjoy a delicious Costa Rican lunch.

Option 2: Rafting & Waterfall Rappelling Combo
For thrill-seekers, this action-packed combo features rappelling down lush canyon waterfalls and whitewater rafting on the Balsa River, guided by expert instructors. Includes hotel pick-up and a local lunch.

Overnight in the Arenal / La Fortuna area. (B, L)

Day 4: Arenal to San José – Departure

After breakfast, your private transfer will take you from La Fortuna back to San José or SJO International Airport, depending on your onward travel plans. Reflect on your Costa Rican adventure as you travel through scenic countryside and lush valleys.

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