Days 1–3 · 3 nights
La Fortuna
Three nights in the volcanic foothills pair a guided waterfall outing with a hanging-bridges-or-zipline day.
Your selected stayArenal: Arenal Springs Resort and Spa
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La FortunaPuerto ViejoSan Jose
8-day customizable vacation
Lava and Rasta Getaway
Begin among the rainforest and volcanic foothills of Arenal, where a spectacular waterfall and a choice of canopy adventures fill your days with discovery. Then trade the treetops for the Southern Caribbean: beautiful beaches, Puerto Viejo’s colorful streets and local flavors, and two full days of well-earned ME TIME. With three nights in each region and a final night near San José, Lava and Rasta brings together the excitement of Costa Rica’s rainforest and the pleasure of slowing down by the sea. Pacific Trade Winds makes it easy to add your personal touch.
8 days / 7 nights3 destinationsPrivate planning
Plan Lava and Rasta Getaway around your dates and interests.
Explore the starting route, stays, and experiences, then share the ideas that fit your vacation with a Pacific Trade Winds specialist.
- Price
- from $1,117 pp*
- Route
- Arenal → Puerto Viejo → San Jose
- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Planning
- Customizable sample itinerary
*Starting price varies with travel dates, party size, availability, and the choices you make.
Make this trip minePlan with Pacific Trade WindsYour Costa Rica vacation specialist will shape the details of the trip with you.
The sample route
Why La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo, and San Jose work together
Three nights near Arenal put you close to the rainforest, a waterfall and a canopy adventure. On the Southern Caribbean coast, three more nights give you time to settle into Puerto Viejo’s easygoing atmosphere, with two full days for beaches and your own discoveries. A final night in the San José area rounds out this eight-day journey before your flight home.
Days 4–6 · 3 nights
Puerto Viejo
Three Caribbean nights and two open days bring beaches, tropical gardens and Puerto Viejo’s laid-back atmosphere into the foreground.
Your selected stayPuerto Viejo: Hotel Le Cameleon
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Day 7 · 1 night
San Jose
A final night in the San José area gives you a restful pause between the Caribbean coast and your flight home.
Your selected staySan Jose: Hilton Doubletree Cariari Resort
Adjust destination order Stays along the route
Starting stays for Lava and Rasta Getaway
Keep the starting stays or compare the available alternatives. Your planner will confirm the final room basis, availability, inclusions, and price.
ArenalIncluded
Arenal Springs Resort and Spa
Tropical gardens and guest-only hot springs make Arenal Springs an inviting retreat after a day in the rainforest.
Puerto ViejoIncluded
Hotel Le Cameleon
Contemporary style meets tropical greenery across the road from Playa Cocles, with a pool and beach club for leisurely Caribbean days.
San JoseIncluded
Hilton Doubletree Cariari Resort
Tropical gardens and a swimming pool make Cariari a comfortable final pause near San José International Airport.
Experiences along the way
Included tours in the Lava and Rasta Getaway itinerary
These are the starting experiences included in the sample itinerary. Compare available ideas for each tour in Customize.
Available from La FortunaDay 2: La Fortuna Waterfall and La Finquita Farm
Starting experienceLa Fortuna Waterfall and La Finquita Farm Cultural Experience
Descend through lush forest to La Fortuna Waterfall, then discover organic agriculture at La Finquita Farm with a naturalist guide. Includes transportation, entrance fees, lunch and water. The waterfall involves about 530 steps; this outing is not recommended for low mobility or certain health conditions.
Available from La FortunaDay 3: Canopy Zipline Adventure - Arenal Paraiso
Starting experienceCanopy Zipline Adventure - Arenal Paraiso
Fly through the forest on Arenal Paraiso’s canopy zipline: 11 cables and 12 platforms bring a thrilling perspective on the treetops. Transportation, equipment and guides are included.
Starting package
What is included in this itinerary?
These are the stays, experiences and transportation included in the starting package.
- VIP Airport Greeting
- Three nights at Arenal Springs Resort and Spa
- Day 2 La Fortuna Waterfall and La Finquita Farm outing with lunch
- Day 3 Canopy Zipline Adventure - Arenal Paraiso
- Three nights at Hotel Le Cameleon
- One night at Hilton Doubletree Cariari Resort
- Private San José airport arrival and departure transfers; shared regional transfers along your requested route; transportation for the included tours
- Hotel breakfasts and lunch on the Day 2 waterfall and farm tour
- Optimized logistics and detailed itinerary planned with you by an expert Costa Rica Travel Planner
- Professional support before, during, and after your trip
- 24/7 Travel assistance while in Costa Rica (forget your passport or favorite shirt at a hotel? flight plan change? lose a contact lens while swimming? – WE’RE LOCATED IN COSTA RICA AND ARE HERE FOR YOU!)
- The best guides for day tours and professional drivers on transfers
- Easy booking with only a $100 deposit and flexible payment plans
Route at a glance
How Lava and Rasta Getaway moves through Costa Rica
See how the sample route connects each destination. Reorder the destination stops to explore another sequence; your planner will confirm the transportation and timing it requires.
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Editable trip sequence
Arrival and departure stay in place while you explore a different order for the destination stops.
- 1San José International Airport
- 2ArenalDays 1–3
- 3Puerto ViejoDays 4–6
- 4San JoseDay 7
- 5San José International Airport
8-day Costa Rica itinerary
What happens each day on Lava and Rasta Getaway?
Follow the starting itinerary day by day, then use Customize to explore stays, experiences, transportation, and pace.
Current route: Arenal → Puerto Viejo → San Jose
Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica and Arenal Volcano
Meet your Pacific Trade Winds representative at San José International Airport and travel privately to the Arenal region. The first of three nights at Arenal Springs Resort and Spa brings you into Costa Rica’s green volcanic foothills.
Day 2: La Fortuna Waterfall and La Finquita Farm
Follow the rainforest trail down toward the rush of La Fortuna Waterfall with a naturalist guide. Then visit La Finquita Farm for a closer look at organic agriculture and enjoy lunch before returning to your hotel.
Day 3: Canopy Zipline Adventure - Arenal Paraiso
Take to the treetops on Arenal Paraiso’s 11-cable zipline for the thrill of flight through the canopy.
Day 4: Travel to the Southern Caribbean
Leave Arenal behind on a shared transfer toward the Southern Caribbean coast. Arrive in the Puerto Viejo area for three nights at Hotel Le Cameleon, with two full days ahead to enjoy the coast at your own pace.
Day 5: A free day on the Caribbean coast
Wake to a day with no scheduled tour. Head for the beach, wander Puerto Viejo’s colorful streets or take your time over a meal of local flavors. Today is yours to enjoy the Caribbean without a packed itinerary.
Day 6: Another open Caribbean beach day
A second open day gives you the luxury of lingering. Return to a favorite stretch of coast, spend time at your hotel or explore more of Puerto Viejo. Let the mood of the morning guide the day.
Day 7: Travel back to the San José area
Travel by shared transfer back to the San José area for your final night at Hilton Doubletree Cariari Resort. Settle in, unwind and enjoy a pause between the cross-country journey and tomorrow’s flight.
Day 8: Private transfer to San José International Airport
A private transfer takes you to San José International Airport for your flight home, bringing your rainforest-and-Caribbean journey to a close.
MAKE THIS COSTA RICA VACATION YOURS
Plan your Lava and Rasta Getaway
Tell Pacific Trade Winds what your ideal Costa Rica vacation looks like—your dates, interests and the experiences you are most excited to enjoy.
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Explore ideas for your Lava and Rasta Getaway
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Arenal rainforest adventures and Caribbean ME TIME
At the foot of Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna opens the door to a world of rainforest and volcanic landscapes. Hot-springs resorts dot the green foothills, and the area’s rich variety of nature and adventure experiences gives these first three nights their energy.
La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the region’s memorable sights: a powerful cascade surrounded by emerald-green jungle, with views into the forested gorge.
The Southern Caribbean changes the rhythm. Lush jungle meets the coast, while Puerto Viejo’s colorful houses and shops, local restaurants and laid-back reggae culture give the region its unmistakable personality. Enjoy the beaches, linger over the area’s spicy cuisine and leave room for the discoveries that make a place feel like your own.
Is Lava and Rasta the right mix of adventure and beach time for me?
- Looking for adventure followed by downtime? The sample plan pairs two guided Arenal outings with two full ME TIME days near Puerto Viejo, giving you rainforest experiences before unhurried Caribbean beach time.
- Prefer walking through the canopy to ziplining? Choose the naturalist-guided Arenal Mistico hanging bridges instead of the Arenal Paraiso zipline for a different view of the forest.
- Want a gentler Arenal outing? The Río Peñas Blancas safari float or rainforest chocolate tour are available alternatives; the Río Balsa Class II–III rafting option adds whitewater excitement.
- What kind of Caribbean stay suits you? Compare Le Cameleon’s contemporary style across from Playa Cocles, Azania’s rustic garden bungalows, and the adults-only Namu Gardens retreat.
Across Costa Rica, from rainforest to coast
Private airport transfers welcome you to Costa Rica and take you back for your flight home. Between those bookends, shared regional transfers connect Arenal, Puerto Viejo and the San José area. Private regional transfers are also available, or explore a rental-car option if you enjoy setting your own pace on the road.
Practical details for your trip
From $1,117 pp*, based on double occupancy, with private airport transfers and shared regional transfers. Your dates, room and meal arrangements, and any hotel, tour or transportation substitutions are reflected in your personalized quote; all-private transfers and rental-car travel are available at an adjusted rate. Explorer selections are requests, not reservations. International flights, travel insurance and extras are additional. The La Fortuna Waterfall descent involves about 530 steps; this outing is not recommended for low mobility or certain health conditions.
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Lava and Rasta Getawayfrom $1,117 pp*
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