First Weekend: Trip to Arenal Volcano

Depart on Saturday morning. On the road to the volcano, visit the artisan town of Sarchí and the gardens of Zarcero. After hotel check-in in La Fortuna, hike along local trails to observe wildlife native to the region – monkeys, toucans, sloths and more. Spend the early evening bathing and relaxing at the local hot water springs with its spectacular view of the volcano. If the volcano is active on this day, you can see impressive lava eruptions.

On Sunday morning, hike to the Catarata La Fortuna and swim in the natural pools at the base of the waterfall.

Second Week-end: Manuel Antonio National Park

Leave on Friday afternoon. Pass by Río Tárcoles and receive a talk on the flora and fauna of the area; if you are lucky, you may see "lapas" and "cocodrilos." Arrive in Manuel Antonio, check-in, and eat a delicious dinner. Manuel Antonio National Park is a dry, tropical forest which is bordered by the blue waters of the Pacific ocean. On Saturday, enter the park where you may spend the day on the beach or hike along the trails and observe various species of wildlife such as white faced monkeys, sloths, birds, butterflies and iguanas. On Sunday, the morning is free to go to the beach area outside of the national park entrance.

Leave on Friday afternoon. Pass by Río Tárcoles and listen to a presentation on the flora and fauna of the area given by an experienced, bilingual guide. If you are lucky, you may see "lapas" and "cocodrilos." Arrive in Manuel Antonio, check-in, and eat a delicious dinner. Manuel Antonio National Park is a dry, tropical forest which is bordered by the blue waters of the Pacific ocean. On Saturday, enter the park where you may spend the day on the beach or hike along the trails and observe various species of wildlife such as white faced monkeys, sloths, birds, butterflies and iguanas. On Sunday, the morning is free to go to the beach area outside of the national park entrance.