Overview
The perfect combination for families who want to see a more authentic side of Costa Rica in some of the best luxury lodges in all of Central America! Beginning in San Jose or Liberia, Senda Monteverde is a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from either location (depending on traffic). Due to the high altitude and unpredictable winds in the cloud forest, it is not possible to fly here; the only way is to arrive by road. In Monteverde, you have a variety of adventures to choose from such as zip-lining, hiking through cloud forest reserves, catching an amazing sunset, or simply chilling out by the hot tub and pool. Senda Monteverde has 24 guest rooms and suites scattered among 15 acres, making it spacious and more private than any other hotel in the region.
Next is Senda Monteverde's cousin property (both managed and operated by Cayuga Collection): Arenas del Mar. It's easy to call this hotel "Costa Rica 101" because it encompasses everything that attracts people to Costa Rica. From hiking on suspension bridges to hidden waterfalls, snorkeling, ATVs, surfing, white water rafting, night hikes, wildlife tours, beach hopping...you name it! And of course, they have a friendly, local hospitality team who care about your experience. Not to mention, it's the only hotel in Arenas del Mar with immediate beach access. One access point is to the public beach, and another is to Playitas—the swimmable beach where Arenas del Mar has private access and a barefoot restaurant/bar. Enjoy seeing nature and experiencing the true Pura Vida way of life!
Quick Summary
Day 1
Arrival in San Jose
This additional night is optional... If your flight is arriving in Costa Rica late at night, then you will need to stay a night in San Jose. We recommend hotel Grano del Oro, then the next morning you will head to the cloud forest of Monteverde (2.5 - 3 hr drive depending on traffic).
*It is also possible to arrive from Liberia, but keep in mind that flying home from San Jose after Arenas del Mar is the best option. There are daily (20 minute) flights from Quepos to San Jose on Sansa Airlines or various private air charter companies.*
Daily Summary
Day 2
Private Transfer to Senda Monteverde
Depending on if you arrive in San Jose early on this day, or if you're staying at a hotel in San Jose, your private transfer needs to be arranged. We recommend leaving san Jose around 9:00am, that way you can take advantage of enjoying a half day at Senda Monteverde.
Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
This afternoon, explore the network of trails at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve by foot with an expert guide, discovering an astounding variety of flora and fauna along the way. Have your binoculars ready – there are some 500 bird species to spot including resplendent quetzals and toucanets, along with monkeys, amphibians, coatimundis and more. Following the hike, we will go to a nearby location to enjoy a sunset overlooking the Nicoya Peninsula.
Daily Summary
Day 3
Adventures from Senda Monteverde / Explore the Cloud Forest
Excursion of Choice from Senda Monteverde
Senda Monteverde is your gateway to the cloud forest, one of the most interesting places in all of Costa Rica. The cloud forest is located a higher altitude, so be prepared to take on rain any time of year and bring a rain jacket. Some of the best sunsets are from mountain-top peaks in Monteverde, looking over the Nicoya Peninsula. Combining high altitude, amazing trails, wildlife reserves, sky trams and canopy zip lines, there is no shortage of activities to choose from at Senda, part of the Cayuga Collection.
Tours to Choose From:
- Tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Sky Adventures (Zip Line)
- Selvatura Canopy
- The Original Canopy Tour
- Hanging Bridges & Tram
- Arboreal Tree Climbing
- E Biking or horseback riding with an Expert Guide to Cerro Pinoccho (Epic Sunset Tour)
- Monteverde Orchid Garden
- El Tigre Waterfall Experience
Daily Summary
Day 4
Senda Monteverde to ADM in Manuel Antonio
From Senda Monteverde to Arenas del Mar it is about a 4-hour scenic drive out of Monteverde, along the Pacific coast to Manuel Antonio. Upon arrival at Arenas del Mar, you can either spend the afternoon/evening relaxing by the beach, or choose an activity from their tour menu.
Excursion of Your Choice in from Arenas del Mar
There is a reason that we call Arenas del Mar "Costa Rica 101" because they provide a wide range of activities to choose from with the best local guides in Manuel Antonio. However, none of these tours besides the Sustainability Tour and surfing on your own are included at Arenas del Mar. The ones below (and more) can be booked during your clients stay.
Some of the tours & experiences to choose from at ADM:
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Yoga
- Spa Day (full spa and wellness menu)
- Farmers Market Tour
- Los Campesinos Reserve
- Whale Watching Tour
- Hike to Nauyaca Waterfall
- Mountain Horseback Riding
- Tarzan Canopy (Zipline)
- Naranjo River Rafting
- Savegre White Water Rafting
- Waterfalls Trail
- Kayak Mangroves
- Snorkeling
- Sailing
- Paddle Boarding/Surfing
- Sustainability and Plant a Tree Tour
https://www.dropbox.com/s/uow1ngl6wetznnl/ADM%20-%20TOUR%20BOOK%202023.pdf?dl=0
Daily Summary
Day 5
Adventures from Arenas del Mar / Explore Manuel Antonio
Excursion of Your Choice in from Arenas del Mar
There is a reason that we call Arenas del Mar "Costa Rica 101" because they provide a wide range of activities to choose from with the best local guides in Manuel Antonio. However, none of these tours besides the Sustainability Tour and surfing on your own are included at Arenas del Mar. The ones below (and more) can be booked during your clients stay.
Some of the tours & experiences to choose from at ADM:
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Yoga
- Spa Day (full spa and wellness menu)
- Farmers Market Tour
- Los Campesinos Reserve
- Whale Watching Tour
- Hike to Nauyaca Waterfall
- Mountain Horseback Riding
- Tarzan Canopy (Zipline)
- Naranjo River Rafting
- Savegre White Water Rafting
- Waterfalls Trail
- Kayak Mangroves
- Snorkeling
- Sailing
- Paddle Boarding/Surfing
- Sustainability and Plant a Tree Tour
https://www.dropbox.com/s/uow1ngl6wetznnl/ADM%20-%20TOUR%20BOOK%202023.pdf?dl=0
Daily Summary
Day 6
Excursion of Your Choice in from Arenas del Mar
Excursion of Your Choice in from Arenas del Mar
There is a reason that we call Arenas del Mar "Costa Rica 101" because they provide a wide range of activities to choose from with the best local guides in Manuel Antonio. However, none of these tours besides the Sustainability Tour and surfing on your own are included at Arenas del Mar. The ones below (and more) can be booked during your clients stay. Although, we can make them commissionable to travel advisors if booked beforehand. Some of the tours & experiences to choose from at ADM:
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Yoga
- Spa Day (full spa and wellness menu)
- Farmers Market Tour
- Los Campesinos Reserve
- Whale Watching Tour
- Hike to Nauyaca Waterfall
- Mountain Horseback Riding
- Tarzan Canopy (Zipline)
- Naranjo River Rafting
- Savegre White Water Rafting
- Waterfalls Trail
- Kayak Mangroves
- Snorkeling
- Sailing
- Paddle Boarding/Surfing
- Sustainability and Plant a Tree Tour
https://www.dropbox.com/s/uow1ngl6wetznnl/ADM%20-%20TOUR%20BOOK%202023.pdf?dl=0
Daily Summary
Day 7
Private transfer or domestic flight from Manuel Antonio to San Jose
Depending on the time of your international departure flight from SJO, arrange a private transfer or purchase a domestic flight ticket accordingly.
You can also choose to extend your journey through the Pacific side of Costa Rica, or even into Panama by visiting Uvita, Osa Peninsula, or Isla Palenque.
Daily Summary
Accommodation
| Accommodation | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Grano de Oro | San Jose, Costa Rica | |
| Senda Monteverde | Monteverde, Costa Rica | |
| Arenas del Mar | Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica |
San Jose, Costa Rica
Hotel Grano de Oro
Hotel Grano de Oro is a true oasis, a sanctuary in the heart of a bustling city. San Jose is located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica known for its beauty, nature and richness in arts and culture. The city itself is considered the most cosmopolitan city in all of Central America; here you’ll find unlimited shopping, international cuisine, several parks, cafes, and theatres.
With 34 comfortable bedrooms, a courtyard restaurant open all day, 2 jacuzzis on the rooftop balcony along with a gym, Hotel Grano de Oro is the perfect location to begin or end your journey in Costa Rica.
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Senda Monteverde
Senda Monteverde is a cozy mountain retreat located just a stone’s throw from the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve and adjacent to a smaller private reserve with miles of hiking trails accessible to guests. Reflecting the warmth and outdoor spirit of mountain living, Senda Monteverde offers an upscale casual yet contemporary lodging experience in harmony with its lush surroundings. All 24 rooms and suites are situated within spacious stand-alone cabins and feature open-air porches overlooking either verdant gardens or the Gulf of Nicoya in the distance. Room configurations cater to couples, groups and families, and the main lodge is a warm gathering space for guests to swap stories around the bonfire, catch a naturalist talk on birds, or sample a flight of local craft beers.
While Senda Monteverde opened in December of 2018, travel industry veterans who have sold Costa Rica for many years will recognize it as the former El Sapo Dorado Hotel. Sustainable tourism pioneer John Aspinall acquired the hotel and partnered with the Cayuga Collection to bring it back to life, albeit as a sleeker and far more comfortable lodge catering to the modern traveler. On-property highlights include private nature trails with a hanging bridge, happy hour bonfire gatherings accompanied by Monteverde’s artisanal cheeses or s’mores, and yoga classes. Their newly opened Explora Center allows guests to visit with the in-house guides to decide on what tours fit their desires best. In addition, a recent renovation has refreshed all Junior Suites. It is safe to say that Senda holds dear its reputation as one of Costa Rica’s top-rated adventure lodges and is operating better than ever thanks to its amazing team of local staff members.
Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Arenas del Mar
Set within an 11-acre private rainforest reserve located a few minutes from Costa Rica’s most popular national park, with direct access to two sandy beaches ideal for swimming and surfing, Arenas Del Mar Resort offers guests the very best location in all of Manuel Antonio. Resident naturalist guides help guests explore the abundant wildlife on the property; agoutis, sloths, coatis, howler monkeys and white-faced capuchin monkeys are frequently spotted. Each of the 37 rooms and suites feature a spacious balcony with ample room to relax and enjoy the spectacular sunsets and ocean vistas. Two restaurants offer elevated local fare including seasonal catches from the Dock-to-Dish program and staff throughout the resort embody the friendly Pura Vida vibe that makes Costa Rica famous.
Arenas Del Mar offers guests a myriad of ways to explore the surrounding rainforest and beaches. Choose from a selection of small-group or private tours to Manuel Antonio or beyond; learn to surf or SUP; go zip-lining through the canopy; swim beneath waterfalls; ride horses through the rainforest; or learn about Costa Rican culture during visits to the market and Los Campesinos Reserve. A member of the Cayuga Collection, the resort is proudly carbon neutral and employs sustainable practices throughout all levels of operation.
