Personalized for Kathi Szabo
Hola Kathi, The following is your amended itinerary. We hope you like it as it as much as we think you will. We are available if you would like to reserve your vacation or for any further modifications. Hope to hear from you soon! ~ Gretchen Hamel
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is Costa Rica's largest airport and your best option for destinations on the Central Pacific, Central Highlands and Valley, or the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. There are several hotels in the immediate area as well as a couple of restaurants.
When you arrive at SJO Airport, you will first have to go through Immigrations. During your flight, the airline should have provided you with documents, which you will have to complete and present here. You can check regulations for entering Costa Rica here: http://www.costarica-embassy.org/index.php?q=node/72. After going through Immigrations, you will collect your luggage and then go through Customs. Again, the airline should have provided you with a document, which you will give to the Customs Agent. After going through Customs, you will continue to the outside of the airport. If you have booked an airport transfer or rental car through Pacific Trade Winds, the company will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it. Welcome to Costa Rica!
Sat, Mar. 30, 2024
Private transfers offer a safe, reliable and flexible way to explore Costa Rica. They allow you to relax and take in the beauty of the country while being chauffeured by a professional driver. They can be reserved based on your schedule and are a door-to-door service. All of our private transfers are provided in well-maintained vehicles that are air-conditioned and registered for professional tourism transportation service. Your private transfer may be provided in a (registered) car, SUV, minibus, coaster, or larger bus, depending on the size of your group, road conditions, and any special needs.
Airport transfers are scheduled based on your flight itinerary. You may stop *along the designated route* for any restaurants, souvenir stands, photos ops, or just to stretch your legs. Many guests choose to stop at a popular attraction such as La Paz Waterfalls or even an adventure park to break up the ride. If you know in advance that you plan to stop for more than an hour, we ask that you please let us know so that we can schedule vehicles accordingly. Additional charges may be necessary. If you do not book additional time in advance and stop for over an hour, please be prepared to pay your driver an additional $20 per hour. This rate is only applicable to stops along the designated route. If you intend to stop off of the designated route, advance reservations are required. Of course, tips are greatly appreciated as well but not mandatory. At times, if unreserved, time beyond an additional hour may not be possible due to scheduling.
While drivers are friendly and professional, they may not always speak English. Most English speaking tourism professionals work in hotels and as tour guides. They will however, always be prepared for your route and to assist you with your luggage. If you require an English spoken driver or guide, please notify us at time of reservation so we can make the appropriate arrangements. Sometimes, this may require an additional fee if we have to pay a guide to go with you.
Are you ready for fun in the sun, exotic wildlife, and gorgeous beaches? If so, start planning your Manuel Antonio vacation today! Located on the scenic Central Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio pairs perfectly with several other top Costa Rica destinations including Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, and Corcovado. Sun worshippers will love the gorgeous jungle-lined beaches and vibrant sunsets. Nature lovers can get up close and personal with exotic wildlife in the national park and surrounding forest. Adventurers will be blown away by the abundance of amazing adventures! Manuel Antonio just may be the perfect three to five-day beach destination to add to your Costa Rica vacation, so start planning your trip today!
How long should I visit?
Most visitors stay 3 - 5 nights.
Is Manuel Antonio safe?
Manuel Antonio is a safe destination. Violent crime is practically non-existent. Petty theft can be an issue, but nearly always in the form of opportunistic crime. Lock your doors when you go out, use your hotel safe, and of course, don’t leave valuables unattended.
When will I find the best prices?
May through November.
What is the weather like?
Weather in Costa Rica is affected more by precipitation than temperature changes, as is the case in Manuel Antonio. Most people consider the rainy season to be May through November, but the real consistent rains are from mid-August through mid-November. Even then, there will be periods of clear weather in-between. From December through July, average daytime temperatures are usually in the 80’s-90’s, with night temps dipping around 15 degrees. Of course, passing storms can change everything.
When is the best weather?
January through April is the best of the best, but if you can deal with a little rain here and there, you can add May, June, and July to the list.
Why are most hotels located on the hillside?
Costa Rica has strict maritime zone building regulations to ensure natural sectors stay that way. Some areas such as Jaco or Tamarindo are not as restricted. But one look down the jungle-lined beaches of Manuel Antonio, and you’ll understand!
Is Manuel Antonio too touristy for me?
It depends on how you look at it. Quepos, Manuel Antonio, and the immediate surrounding area combined only have a population of around 22,000 people. In the busiest of seasons, there are only enough rooms for another 4,000 or so tourists. Of course, there are tourist-geared attractions, shops, etc., but the number of people/tourists pales in comparison to most other tourist geared destinations in Latin America or the Caribbean, and most beach destinations in the United States are beyond comparison.
Manuel Antonio is a suburb of the port town, Quepos, on the Central Pacific coast. San Jose and SJO Airport are due north of Manuel Antonio, approximately 170 km or 2.5 hours drive away.
Check in: Sat, Mar. 30, 2024
Check out: Tue, Apr. 2, 2024
Nestled next to the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park, and within easy walking distance to the beach, Hotel San Bada provides guests with the ultimate jungle-beach experience. Guest will feel at one with nature, yet still enjoy the quality and comforts of a four-star hotel at this popular midrange accommodation. Hotel amenities include three swimming pools with lounge areas, a restaurant and bar, tropical gardens, a spa, fitness room, events... room, and WiFi internet in some common areas.
While at Hotel San Bada, you will enjoy a Standard Room 3rd Floor. Standard Room 3rd floors offer the following amenities: air conditioning, alarm clock, balcony, cable tv, coffee service, hair dryer, internet, iron, jungle view, mini fridge, phone, radio, safe deposit box, tub.
(Please see below for room and bed assignments which can be modified.)
3 Nights at Hotel San Bada in 7 Standard Room 3rd Floors with 2 queen/double beds**
Date | Quantity | Room Type | Adults | Kids | Beds | Meals | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0-11 | King | Double | Single | B* | L | D | |||||
2024-Mar-30 | 2 | Standard Room 3rd Floor | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | |||
5 | Standard Room 3rd Floor | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | ||||
2024-Mar-31 | 2 | Standard Room 3rd Floor | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | |||
5 | Standard Room 3rd Floor | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | ||||
2024-Apr-01 | 2 | Standard Room 3rd Floor | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | |||
5 | Standard Room 3rd Floor | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | ||||
*Breakfast is included the morning following the night(s) of your stay. | |||||||||||
Additional items: Dinner (12), Dinner (24) |
** Exact bed styles often cannot be guaranteed due to hotel policies. Hotel images on this page are not specific to the room category you have been offered, they are collective photos of the hotel facilities and may include other room styles.
Sat, Mar. 30, 2024
Private transfers offer a safe, reliable and flexible way to explore Costa Rica. They allow you to relax and take in the beauty of the country while being chauffeured by a professional driver. They can be reserved based on your schedule and are a door-to-door service. All of our private transfers are provided in well-maintained vehicles that are air-conditioned and registered for professional tourism transportation service. Your private transfer may be provided in a (registered) car, SUV, minibus, coaster, or larger bus, depending on the size of your group, road conditions, and any special needs.
Airport transfers are scheduled based on your flight itinerary. You may stop *along the designated route* for any restaurants, souvenir stands, photos ops, or just to stretch your legs. Many guests choose to stop at a popular attraction such as La Paz Waterfalls or even an adventure park to break up the ride. If you know in advance that you plan to stop for more than an hour, we ask that you please let us know so that we can schedule vehicles accordingly. Additional charges may be necessary. If you do not book additional time in advance and stop for over an hour, please be prepared to pay your driver an additional $20 per hour. This rate is only applicable to stops along the designated route. If you intend to stop off of the designated route, advance reservations are required. Of course, tips are greatly appreciated as well but not mandatory. At times, if unreserved, time beyond an additional hour may not be possible due to scheduling.
While drivers are friendly and professional, they may not always speak English. Most English speaking tourism professionals work in hotels and as tour guides. They will however, always be prepared for your route and to assist you with your luggage. If you require an English spoken driver or guide, please notify us at time of reservation so we can make the appropriate arrangements. Sometimes, this may require an additional fee if we have to pay a guide to go with you.
Sun, Mar. 31, 2024
The Sailing and Snorkeling tour is a great way to observe tropical islands, marine life and the beautiful Pacific coastline either aboard a comfortable 49 foot trimaran or a sleek 54 foot monohull. After cruising along taking in the scenery we will stop to snorkel or kayak. Species that are frequently spotted on this trip include whales during mating season, dolphins, sea turtles and various tropical fish species making... this a highlight for many! This fun filled half day excursion includes round trip transportation in the Manuel Antonio area, drinks, and a delicious meal.
Mon, Apr. 1, 2024
Manuel Antonio National Park is loaded with wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, toucans, and parrots! Your bilingual naturalist guide will lead the way down forest paths and a new boardwalk, pointing out an abundance of flora and fauna. This is truly an amazing place to see an incredible amount of rare and exotic animals in their natural habitat! After walking the roomed trails for a while, you will be able... to stop and enjoy one of the prettiest beaches in Costa Rica. This tour includes the park entrance fee, bilingual guide, and transportation. Note: This tour operator has improved wait conditions at the start of the tour during peak season, although it cannot regulate park-administrated delays. Depending on the distance from Manuel Antonio to your lodging, shuttle transportation may take from 15 minutes to an hour and a half. Regulations restrict bringing food into the park, and you may only bring water in with a reusable bottle. However, there is a new small food kiosk inside the park and water bottle refill stations.
According to Manuel Antonio National Park's internal regulations, it is mandatory to provide the following information: full name, date of birth, nationality, and valid passport number. Please be sure to provide this information when requesting this service. Unfortunately, Manuel Antonio National Park has different cancellation policies than most other activities. You may not cancel or change a reservation within 15 days of the planned service, or it will be penalized in full. This is a park policy and all tour operators must work with the same policy.
Get ready for adventure, hot springs and more at Arenal Volcano! This awe-inspiring destination in northern Costa Rica combines well with Guanacaste beaches, Central Pacific beaches, Monteverde and several other popular places. Thrill seekers will love the abundance of activities such as whitewater rafting, canyoning, zip lining, hiking, and more. Nature lovers can enjoy jungle at the base of the volcano, safari cruises, canopy hanging bridges, and the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfalls. Everybody enjoys the breathtaking scenery and soothing volcanic hot springs after a day of adventure! A three to five day trip to Arenal is practically a must to add to your Costa Rican vacation!
How long should I stay?
Most visitors stay 3 - 5 nights.
Is it safe to visit Arenal?
The last major eruption that harmed people was in the 1960’s, so it is highly unlikely to occur while you visit.
Similar to most other areas of Costa Rica, violent crime is practically non-existent.
When will I find the best prices?
May through November
What is the weather like?
The temperature is more affected by current weather systems than seasons. Most of the time, daytime temperatures hover in the upper 70s and 80s, though if a severe front comes in, temps can dip into the 60s during the day. Night time temperatures are usually around 15 degrees cooler. Arenal is a rainforest area, so expect rain. It can rain at any point in time, so always be prepared. At the same time, the frequent rains keep everything lush, green and beautiful.
Is the volcano active?
Arenal stopped spewing lava in October 2010. However, it is still the country’s top attraction as the hot springs are still hot, and the volcano remains an iconic backdrop for the country’s best adventure activities.
When is the best weather?
February through July, but people visit year-round. Also, keep in mind, the weather is very unpredictable in this area.
Is it touristy?
Some may view Arenal as touristy, but most would not when considering the big picture. There are only a few thousand year-round residents in La Fortuna. With tourists, even in the busiest of seasons, this number only swells to 5-6 thousand people. There are many small hotels and a handful of larger resorts. You'll find shops, restaurants, and plenty of tourist-geared activities. But when compared to popular “touristy” destinations in other areas such as Mexico or the Caribbean, 5-6k people is a drop in the bucket.
Arenal Volcano is near La Fortuna, Costa Rica in the Alajuela Province. It is 130 km northwest of San Jose and 142 km east of Liberia. Use the interactive map below to see where Arenal is when compared to your airport or other destinations.
Check in: Tue, Apr. 2, 2024
Check out: Fri, Apr. 5, 2024
Enjoy authentic Costa Rican charm and thermal hot springs at the Arenal Springs Resort and Spa of La Fortuna. Located across from the majestic Arenal Volcano, this highly-rated eco-resort delivers incredible views, lush tropical gardens, and private hot springs exclusively to their guests. The friendly staff will never allow you to forget that you are in Costa Rica. Guests are greeted with warm smiles and the service in all aspects... is delightful. Resort amenities include thermal hot springs, spa, swimming pool for adults, kids pool, Jacuzzi, lounge chairs, sun deck, restaurant, pizza bar, sushi bar, wet bar, souvenir shop, Wi-Fi internet access in some public areas, yoga platform and a conference room. As an additional treat if you book your vacation through us, the Arenal Springs Resort offers a special 15% discount per person on their Spa treatments for Pacific Trade Winds guests.
While at Arenal Springs Resort and Spa, you will enjoy a Junior Suitewith breakfast-dinner. Junior Suites feature air-conditioning, cable TV, a ceiling fan, a minibar stocked with complimentary beverages for two people, a telephone, an in-room safe, a hair dryer, and a terrace area with a view of Arenal Volcano. Please note that when a single bed is listed, it is a single rollaway bed.
(Please see below for room and bed assignments which can be modified.)
3 Nights at Arenal Springs Resort and Spa in 7 Junior Suitewith breakfast-dinners with 2 queen/double beds**
Date | Quantity | Room Type | Adults | Kids | Beds | Meals | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0-5 | 6-11 | King | Double | Single | B* | L | D | |||||
2024-Apr-02 | 2 | Junior Suitewith breakfast-dinner | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
5 | Junior Suitewith breakfast-dinner | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | ✓ | |||
2024-Apr-03 | 2 | Junior Suitewith breakfast-dinner | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
5 | Junior Suitewith breakfast-dinner | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | ✓ | |||
2024-Apr-04 | 2 | Junior Suitewith breakfast-dinner | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
5 | Junior Suitewith breakfast-dinner | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | ✓ | |||
*Breakfast is included the morning following the night(s) of your stay. |
** Exact bed styles often cannot be guaranteed due to hotel policies. Hotel images on this page are not specific to the room category you have been offered, they are collective photos of the hotel facilities and may include other room styles.
Tue, Apr. 2, 2024
Private transfers offer a safe, reliable and flexible way to explore Costa Rica. They allow you to relax and take in the beauty of the country while being chauffeured by a professional driver. They can be reserved based on your schedule and are a door-to-door service. All of our private transfers are provided in well-maintained vehicles that are air-conditioned and registered for professional tourism transportation service. Your private transfer may be provided in a (registered) car, SUV, minibus, coaster, or larger bus, depending on the size of your group, road conditions, and any special needs.
Airport transfers are scheduled based on your flight itinerary. You may stop *along the designated route* for any restaurants, souvenir stands, photos ops, or just to stretch your legs. Many guests choose to stop at a popular attraction such as La Paz Waterfalls or even an adventure park to break up the ride. If you know in advance that you plan to stop for more than an hour, we ask that you please let us know so that we can schedule vehicles accordingly. Additional charges may be necessary. If you do not book additional time in advance and stop for over an hour, please be prepared to pay your driver an additional $20 per hour. This rate is only applicable to stops along the designated route. If you intend to stop off of the designated route, advance reservations are required. Of course, tips are greatly appreciated as well but not mandatory. At times, if unreserved, time beyond an additional hour may not be possible due to scheduling.
While drivers are friendly and professional, they may not always speak English. Most English speaking tourism professionals work in hotels and as tour guides. They will however, always be prepared for your route and to assist you with your luggage. If you require an English spoken driver or guide, please notify us at time of reservation so we can make the appropriate arrangements. Sometimes, this may require an additional fee if we have to pay a guide to go with you.
Wed, Apr. 3, 2024(8:00am)
Saddle up for a double adventure! Today you will be visiting the the incredibly beautiful La Fortuna Waterfalls and the coolest way to get there is by horseback! So saddle up for the ride like a true Costa Rican! Though slowly fading, most Costa Ricans from rural areas first learned how to drive on horseback. This excursion will help keep the tradition alive as you ride to... La Fortuna Waterfalls. Once you reach the falls you will be able to either observe the falls from the observation platform or take the hike down top the basin. This fun filled half day expedition includes transportation, guide, and entrance to the waterfall.
Thu, Apr. 4, 2024(8:30am)
The Natural History and Nature tour at Arenal Volcano is a fantastic opportunity to aquire knowledge about the history of the volcano and to see rainforest wildlife. This is a 3 hour intermediate hike with some steep climbing involved. With a little help from Mother Nature your guide will show you some of the animal species and explain the part their habitat plays in the eco system. You'll end up... at a mirador where if clouds permit you will have an excellent view of the volcano. This half day expedition includes entrance to the private reserve, transportation, and a naturalist guide.
We want your vacation to be everything you expect and more. Please check each aspect of your itinerary on all iterations, particularly hotel room details which can change based on availability until officially reserved. Check the "alternative options" links for other hotels and tours in each area and please provide feedback as we rely on this when determining suggestions. We will be happy to check availability and update pricing if you are interested in alternative options before you select your hotels and reserve. Please follow this link to read "How It Works".
When reserving a complete vacation package, you will receive the Pacific Trade Winds service package which includes personalized service, VIP Airport Greeting, 24/7 in-country emergency assistance, Costa Rica Preparation Essentials email series, unlimited toll free assistance, unlimited email support, 4 point confirmation and reconfirmation reservations system = smooth sailing vacation.
Summary of What is Included
Date | Quantity | Room Type | Adults | Kids | Beds | Meals | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0-11 | King | Double | Single | B* | L | D | |||||
2024-Mar-30 | 2 | Standard Room 3rd Floor | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | |||
5 | Standard Room 3rd Floor | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | ||||
2024-Mar-31 | 2 | Standard Room 3rd Floor | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | |||
5 | Standard Room 3rd Floor | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | ||||
2024-Apr-01 | 2 | Standard Room 3rd Floor | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | |||
5 | Standard Room 3rd Floor | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | ||||
*Breakfast is included the morning following the night(s) of your stay. | |||||||||||
Additional items: Dinner (12), Dinner (24) |
Date | Quantity | Room Type | Adults | Kids | Beds | Meals | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0-5 | 6-11 | King | Double | Single | B* | L | D | |||||
2024-Apr-02 | 2 | Junior Suitewith breakfast-dinner | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
5 | Junior Suitewith breakfast-dinner | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | ✓ | |||
2024-Apr-03 | 2 | Junior Suitewith breakfast-dinner | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
5 | Junior Suitewith breakfast-dinner | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | ✓ | |||
2024-Apr-04 | 2 | Junior Suitewith breakfast-dinner | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
5 | Junior Suitewith breakfast-dinner | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ✓ | ✓ | |||
*Breakfast is included the morning following the night(s) of your stay. |
Meal Counts
Date | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
---|---|---|---|
2024-Mar-31 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
2024-Apr-01 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
2024-Apr-02 | 12 | 0 | 12 |
2024-Apr-03 | 12 | 0 | 12 |
2024-Apr-04 | 12 | 0 | 12 |
2024-Apr-05 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
Total | 72 | 12 | 36 |
Add Ons
Sales and turismo taxes as of Mon, May. 15, 2023
** Exact bed styles often cannot be guaranteed due to hotel policies. Hotel images on this page are not specific to the room category you have been offered, they are collective photos of the hotel facilities and may include other room styles
If you delay or cancel your trip for any reason, your $100 deposit will be valid until you are ready to go. It is also transferable to a friend.
Complimentary Rescheduling Coverage for the Preferred Plan (a $250 value)!We are offering complimentary Rescheduling Coverage for qualifying complete vacations when the Preferred Plan is selected. This coverage is valid for one rescheduled vacation per client for all tours, transfers, and most hotels (over 95% of the hotels we work with) and is only applicable if we are notified in writing more than 7 days or more before your scheduled arrival date. Some restrictions apply, including non-refundable rates, and promotional rates, which sometimes do not qualify for this offer. In some cases, dependent on your new travel dates, there may be seasonal price differences, which you will be required to pay. Rescheduled dates must be within 18 months of the original travel dates. Rescheduling coverage does not take the place of trip insurance, which we strongly recommend obtaining. Please check with us before booking your vacation to ensure the hotels and rate plans you have selected are eligible for this extraordinary offer and book with confidence! Note that this is not valid for clients who book the Super Saver Plan.*
We Are Your Best Choice!Not only have we earned the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence every year of eligibility but we also were honored with the designation of TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence HALL OF FAME every year of eligibility! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and between these websites, there are hundreds of 5-star reviews about our company. We are 100% committed to providing the best customer service experience and to showing you the true meaning of "pura vida" in Costa Rica!
*Restrictions may apply. Please review our policies for details.This is just one thread and there are many more reviews on it that you can check out here! Like us and follow us on Facebook to see the most beautiful places and best things to do in Costa Rica. We love this country and look forward to sharing it with you!
We have made a modification to this itinerary which requires a price update. This was likely due to availability, so please check back in a few minutes and thoroughly review the itinerary again. If you have any questions, please call 1-866-853-9426.