Smooth Tropics

Smooth Tropics begins inland, where La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano put rainforest and thermal water in the same part of the journey. Three nights at Arenal Springs Resort and Spa leave two full days to explore before the coast. The starting Junior Suite stay includes breakfast and access to the resort’s hot springs, so a guided outing can give way to a quieter afternoon in the pools. Volcano views depend on the weather; the forest remains part of the experience even when clouds hide the summit.

Day 2 starts with the Arenal Mistico Hanging Bridges guided hike, following trails and suspension bridges through different layers of the rainforest. The original canopy zipline choice remains an alternative for travelers who prefer an active ride through the treetops. Day 3 starts with the Caño Negro riverboat safari, a chance to watch the waterways and banks for birds, caimans and monkeys without promising a sighting. Río Balsa Class II and III rafting is the original more active counterpart. A coffee tour, a hands-on Costa Rican cooking class, Lake Arenal kayaking or an evening wildlife walk can replace an outing after your planner checks the schedule and suitability. Time in La Fortuna’s shops or restaurants is another way to enjoy a free afternoon; purchases and extra meals are separate.

After the volcano country, the shared road transfer to Playa Flamingo changes the rhythm of the vacation. Margaritaville Beach Resort is the starting base for three nights, with a Garden Pool Side Room and the all-inclusive plan. Two unscheduled beach days give you room for a shoreline walk, time around the resort pools and the activities covered by your confirmed stay. Flamingo’s sandy Pacific setting feels different from Arenal’s enclosed green forest: this part of the trip leaves more space for the coast and for doing less.

If you want an outing during the beach stay, ask about a Lazy Lizard catamaran and snorkeling cruise or an offshore fishing trip. These are paid additions, not part of the two starting Arenal tour slots or the included beach days. Arenal Manoa and Amor Arenal provide different lodging styles inland; Hotel Conchal in Brasilito and W Costa Rica at Reserva Conchal provide nearby coastal alternatives rather than the same Playa Flamingo resort stay. Changing hotels can change the beach location, meals and hot-springs access. Your Pacific Trade Winds planner can adjust nights, outings and the complete transportation plan together, confirming current room arrangements, activity requirements and pricing for your dates.

• Forest or adrenaline on Day 2? The starting Mistico guided bridges walk explores the canopy on foot; the original zipline choice provides a more active alternative for that same outing.
• Wildlife or whitewater on Day 3? The starting Caño Negro riverboat safari focuses on wetland wildlife, while the Río Balsa Class II and III rafting alternative adds rapids. Your planner checks age and activity requirements.
• Where is the breathing room? Two full Arenal outing days lead into two unscheduled Playa Flamingo days. Resort pools and beach walks suit a slower finish; a sailing or fishing outing is an optional paid addition.
• What changes with another hotel? Arenal Springs includes hot springs in the starting stay, and Margaritaville includes its selected all-inclusive plan. Alternatives in Arenal, Brasilito or Reserva Conchal need their own room, location and meal-plan confirmation.
• How does the road journey work? Private LIR airport transfers bookend a shared Arenal–Flamingo transfer. Request all-private road transfers or an airport-to-airport rental car instead; the rental replaces the mainland road transfers.