Costa Rica 2026 Itinerary

Arenal Monteverde Manuel Antonio Poás
Pre-trip checklist
Crucial items:
Tickets & reservations:
Navigation & offline:
Clothing & gear checklist:
Essentials
  • Conf #1256174
  • VehicleHyundai Tucson 4WD
  • PickupFeb 7 @ 1:00 PM
  • DropoffFeb 18 @ 12:30 PM
  • Phone+506 2542 4800
Call
  • Manuel AntonioBook ASAP
  • Poás VolcanoBook ASAP
Buy Tickets Online
  • Arr (Feb 7)12:55 PM (DL 1937)
  • Dep (Feb 18)02:20 PM (DL 1756)
Delta My Trips

🌋 Arenal / La Fortuna
Feb 7 – Feb 11 (4 nights)
Sunrise 6:00 • Sunset 5:44 Typical Feb: warm + humid • high ~90°F / low ~72°F • quick showers possible

Lost Iguana Resort & Spa

A rainforest perch with big Arenal Volcano views—quiet, green, and close to the best “hands-in-the-air” experiences (hanging bridges, waterfall, hot springs). Great base for sunrise light and wildlife soundscapes.

  • Activity Snapshot: Mistico Hanging Bridges (guided), Pure Trek Canyoning, ATV day.
  • Driving note: You’re a bit outside La Fortuna town—plan 20–30 min each way for dinners offsite.
Dining picks (Arenal / La Fortuna)
  • Onsite: Blue Hibiscus Restaurant (Lost Iguana)
  • Steakhouse: El Novillo del Arenal
  • Easy local: Pick a soda in La Fortuna town for lunch
Lodging notes
  • Includes daily breakfast. Mini‑bar refrigerator, satellite TV, and Wi‑Fi.
  • Check‑in: credit card required as guarantee + copy of ID.
  • Email: info@lostiguanacr.com
Check-in3:00 PM
Check-out11:00 AM
RoomSuite Deluxe
Conf #DF9CF2D
🚙 Drive: SJO → Lost Iguana
The Plan
  • 12:55 PM: Arrive SJO. Shuttle to Adobe Rental.
  • 02:00 PM: Pickup Car. Drive ~3.5 hrs.
  • Warning: Sunset is 5:47 PM. Last hour is dark.
Booked activity
Mistico Park — Hanging Bridges Guided Tour (English)
  • Time: 9:00 AM (Sun, Feb 8)
  • Arrive by: 8:30–8:40 AM (check-in)
  • Duration: ~2.5 hours (approx.)
  • Location: Místico Park Arenal Hanging Bridges, 2 km east from the Arenal Lake Dam, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Alajuela
  • Website: misticopark.com/
  • Contact: +506 2479 8282 | info@misticopark.com
  • Bring/wear: Closed-toe shoes, rain layer, water only (no food/bags)
  • Notes: Waiver required before arrival. No drones. Keep voices low; no flash; observe wildlife from a distance. Pickup (if used): 8:50 AM at Hotel Lost Iguana.
🧭 Directions (self-drive backup): Lost Iguana → Mistico Park
Booked activity
Pure Trek — Canyoning / Waterfall Rappelling (Regular Tour)
  • Time: Meet 7:15 AM (Mon, Feb 9) | Tour start: 8:00 AM
  • Arrive by: 7:05 AM (meeting point)
  • Duration: Half day (approx.)
  • Location: Pure Trek office (between Volcano Lodge and Arenal Springs hotels). Meeting at the office.
  • Website: puretrek.com/
  • Contact: Call +506 2479-1313 | WhatsApp +506 8792-7092 | canyoning@puretrek.com
  • Bring/wear: Quick-dry clothes, shoes that can get wet (good traction), change of clothes; sunscreen/bug spray optional
  • Notes: Guide waits max 5 minutes at meeting point. Towels provided after tour; lunch included.
🧭 Directions (self-drive): Lost Iguana → Pure Trek office
Booked activity
Arenal Volcano ATV Guided Experience (Viator)
  • Time: 10:00 AM (Tue, Feb 10)
  • Arrive by: 9:30–9:40 AM (check-in / briefing)
  • Duration: Varies by route (confirm on-site)
  • Location: Outback ATV Tours / Arenal Volcano Adventures, La Fortuna (21007), Alajuela
  • Website: www.viator.com/tours/La-Fortuna/Jungle-and-Malekus-ATV-Guided-Experience/d821-48497P11
  • Contact: Outback Adventures: +506 7037-0130 (call/WhatsApp)
  • Bring/wear: Driver’s license, closed-toe shoes, sun protection; expect dust/mud
  • Notes: Self-drive from Lost Iguana (no pickup selected in Viator). Viator note: if pickup is selected, the operator shares pickup time one day before your reservation date.
🧭 Directions (self-drive): Lost Iguana → Outback ATV Tours
☁ Monteverde
Feb 11 – Feb 13 (2 nights)
Sunrise 6:00 • Sunset 5:46 Typical Feb: cooler + windy • high ~75°F / low ~60°F • mist (“pelo de gato”) common

Koora Hotel

Cloud-forest edge lodging that keeps you close to Monteverde’s signature vibe—cool air, soft light, and that ‘everything is alive’ feeling. Ideal for zipline/bridges by day and a slow, cozy wind-down at night.

  • Activity Snapshot: El Trapiche farm tour, Nasua birding (early), Original Canopy zipline.
  • Rhythm: Cool mornings + misty afternoons—pack a light layer.
Dining picks (Monteverde)
  • Onsite: Kiré Restaurant (Koora)
  • Special dinner: San Lucas Treetop Dining
  • Healthy/casual: The Green Restaurant (Santa Elena)
Lodging notes
  • Guest Services can help build a bespoke itinerary / coordinate transport.
  • Email: reservations@koorahotel.com
  • Payment: Amex CC (on file) will be charged full payment Feb 14. Free cancellation until 6:00 PM local time on Jan 21.
  • Members Club one‑time PIN: 2606
Check-in2:00 PM
Check-out11:00 AM
RoomBungalow King
Conf #52841766
🚙 Drive: Arenal/La Fortuna → Monteverde
Logistics
  • 10:00 AM: Checkout. Drive ~3 hrs around Lake Arenal.
  • Afternoon: Check in at Koora. Light lunch + reset.
  • Late afternoon: El Trapiche Tour (Coffee + Chocolate + Sugar Cane) — time per your reservation.
  • Evening: Dinner in Santa Elena / early night.
  • Weather: Cooler + windy. Pants/jacket.
Booked activity
El Trapiche Tour — Coffee + Chocolate + Sugar Cane
  • Time: Per your reservation (confirm exact start time with operator)
  • Duration: ~2 hours (typical)
  • Location: El Trapiche Tour, Monteverde / Santa Elena
  • Website: www.eltrapichetour.com/
  • Bring/wear: Closed-toe shoes, light rain layer, camera, water
  • Notes: Action item: Confirm meeting point + start time 24–48 hours prior.
🧭 Directions (self-drive): Koora → El Trapiche Tour
Day flow (condensed)
  • 11:30 AM: Arrive Monteverde / Koora (bags, refresh, easy landing).
  • 12:45–1:45 PM: Lunch (Koora / Tree House / Sabor Tico).
  • 2:30–4:45 PM: Downtime (Koora trails, coffee, feet-up).
  • Late afternoon: El Trapiche farm tour (coffee + cacao + sugar cane).
  • Evening: Dinner (easy night—save energy for early birding tomorrow).
Booked activities
Nasua Tours — Private Birdwatching Tour
  • Time: 6:10 AM–10:30/11:00 AM (Thu, Feb 12)
  • Arrive by: 6:00 AM (meet-up)
  • Duration: ~4–5 hours
  • Location: Meeting point: Stella’s Bakery Monteverde
  • Website: www.nasuatours.com/
  • Contact: WhatsApp (text only) +506 8675 2530 | info@nasuatours.com
  • Bring/wear: Closed-toe shoes, long pants, rain jacket, fully charged phone/camera, binoculars (optional)
  • Notes: Entrance fee for Curi-Cancha or Monteverde reserve is paid on arrival. Bring passport number (copy/photo OK).
🧭 Directions (self-drive): Koora → Stella’s Bakery
The Original Canopy Tour Monteverde (Viator) — Zipline
  • Time: 2:00 PM (Thu, Feb 12)
  • Arrive by: ~1:20–1:30 PM (pickup window)
  • Duration: 2–3 hours (approx.)
  • Location: Hotel pickup & drop-off in Monteverde (you set pickup in Viator)
  • Website: www.viator.com/tours/Monteverde/Canopy-Tour-in-Monteverde/d24783-29956P2
  • Contact: Original Canopy Tour: +506 2645-5243 | info@canopyoriginal.com
  • Bring/wear: Closed-toe shoes, light rain layer
  • Notes: Viator note: one day before your reservation date, the operator will message your exact pickup time. If you haven’t received it by midday the day before, call/WhatsApp the operator.
🏝 Manuel Antonio
Feb 13 – Feb 17 (4 nights)
Sunrise 5:56 • Sunset 5:45 Typical Feb: hot + sunny • high ~88°F / low ~74°F • sticky afternoons, brief showers possible

Si Como No Resort

A lush, wildlife-rich stay that puts you close to the park while still feeling tucked into the canopy. Think: monkeys overhead, ocean light, and easy access to beach time, wildlife photography, and sunset water outings.

  • Activity Snapshot: Private Manuel Antonio wildlife walk, sunset sail, Quepos marina day, beach time.
  • Tip: Start park days early—animals + light are best before crowds/heat.
Dining picks (Manuel Antonio / Quepos)
  • Onsite: Claro Que Si (Si Como No)
  • Onsite casual: Rico Tico Jungle Grill (Si Como No)
  • Classic view stop: El Avión (touristy, but fun for a one-time sunset)
Lodging notes
  • Breakfast included. Requested: complete the online “Prepare my stay” form before arrival.
  • Important: 100% deposit due 30 days before arrival. (Jan 14, 2026 is final day for free cancellation.)
  • Phone: +506 2777 0777 • WhatsApp: +506 8337 7337
  • Email: reservations@sicomono.com
Check-in3:00 PM
Check-out11:00 AM
RoomHoneymoon Ste
Conf #202508...
🚙 Drive: Monteverde → Manuel Antonio
Logistics
  • 10:00 AM: Checkout. Drive ~4 hrs. Stop at Tarcoles Bridge.
  • Weather: Hot (90°F). Switch to shorts.
Booked activity
Efrain Nature’s Tours — Manuel Antonio National Park (Private)
  • Time: 8:00 AM (Sat, Feb 14)
  • Arrive by: 7:45 AM (ready in lobby)
  • Duration: Varies (confirm with guide)
  • Location: Pickup: Si Como No Resort (Manuel Antonio)
  • Website: efrainnaturetours.com/
  • Contact: WhatsApp/Phone +506 8707 4397 | info@efrainnaturetours.com
  • Bring/wear: Water, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, light rain layer
  • Notes: Action item: Confirm exact pickup time and meeting spot at Si Como No 24–48 hours prior.
Afternoon plan
  • After lunch: Easy beach time at a private / quieter beach (e.g., Playa Biesanz) — swim, shade, no agenda.
  • Bring: Towel, water, reef-safe sunscreen.
Booked activity
Brisa Elegante — Cruising on a 100' Wooden Sail Ship (Sunset Cruise)
  • Time: Departs 1:30 PM (Sun, Feb 15)
  • Arrive by: 12:45 PM at Marina Pez Vela | Check-in at Brisa office: 1:00 PM
  • Duration: Scheduled shared cruise
  • Location: Marina Pez Vela, Quepos. Redemption/check-in office on ground level (next to ATM) — look for BRISA ELEGANTE banner.
  • Website: sailcr.com/
  • Contact: +506 6037 1111
  • Bring/wear: Swimwear, beach towel, sun protection, comfortable shoes
  • Notes: Important: Do NOT go straight to the boat. Check-in at Brisa office first; the team escorts you to the boat. Leaves on time; no refunds if you miss boarding.
🧭 Directions (self-drive): Si Como No → Marina Pez Vela
Plan
  • Morning: Slow start + breakfast at Si Como No.
  • Late morning: Drive into Quepos for a marina walk + town wander.
  • Lunch: Casual local spot in Quepos (soda-style).
  • Afternoon: Back to resort or beach (Biesanz / Espadilla) — keep it flexible.
🧭 Directions (self-drive): Si Como No → Marina Pez Vela (Quepos)
🌋 Poás / Departure
Feb 17 – Feb 18 (1 night)
Sunrise 5:56 • Sunset 5:46 Typical Feb: cool highlands • high ~70°F / low ~55°F • fog/mist possible

Peace Lodge

A highland sanctuary near Poás with quick access to waterfalls and gardens—perfect for a restorative final stretch and some last strong photo opportunities (hummingbirds, water, and lush greens).

  • Activity Snapshot: Waterfalls, gardens, and the animal sanctuary—slow and immersive.
  • Tip: Bring a light jacket—this is cooler cloud-forest air.
Dining picks (Peace Lodge)
  • Dinner: Vista Poás (reservation-only)
Lodging notes
  • Dinner: reserve Vista Poás Restaurant seating (only onsite dinner option).
  • Contact: +506 2482 2100 • Email: reservations@waterfallgardens.com
  • Dinner: Vista Poás is the only onsite dinner option — reserve ahead. Seating times: 5:00, 5:45, 6:30, 7:15, 8:00.
  • Allergies noted: buckwheat, peaches, apples.
  • If arriving after 10:00 PM, notify the front desk.
Check-in3:30 PM
Check-out11:30 AM
RoomArtisan Room
Conf #BB250...
🚙 Drive: Manuel Antonio → Poás (Peace Lodge)
Plan
  • 10:00 AM: Checkout. Drive ~4.5 hrs back to mountains.
  • PM: Peace Lodge waterfalls & gardens.
🚙 Drive: Peace Lodge → SJO
Departure
  • Morning: Waterfalls + animal sanctuary (La Paz / on-site) — keep it unhurried.
  • 11:00 AM: Drive to SJO Airport (about 1 hr; allow buffer).
  • 12:30 PM: Drop car at Adobe.
  • 02:20 PM: Flight Home (Delta DL 1756).