Traveling Solo In Arenal and Monteverde

Adventure for one is easy when you book this pre-set itinerary which will have you exploring Costa Rican hotspots, and enjoying exciting activities.

Traveling Solo But Never Alone—Arenal to Monteverde | Anywhere

Alajuela & SJO Int'l

Alejandra Camacho Castillo

Lisa Bernazani

transport-san-jose-costa-rica-sjo-airport-alajuela-costa-rica

San Jose 

Alajuela, nicknamed City of the Mangoes, is one of the most important cities in [Costa Rica](/costa-rica). It is the capital city of the providence bearing its name and is located just 11 miles northwest (17 km) of [San Jose](/costa-rica/destinations/san-jose). Just outside of town is where you'll find the Juan Santamaria International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaria), Costa Rica's principal airport.

Ride Costa Rica

Standard Room 

"Chepe," as the city is referred to by locals, is the capital city of [Costa Rica](/costa-rica) and a hub for modern Costa Rican culture. It's also where most visitors depart for tours of central Costa Rica's volcanoes and coffee plantations. Before you leave,  take a fun-filled tour of the city's monuments and parks, and maybe sample the burgeoning craft beer scene. 

Hotel Recommendation #1

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Pacuare River Rafting 2 Day Trip

The Pacuare River is one of the most gorgeous rivers in the world and is home to lush rainforest and dozens of cascading waterfalls. The  river winds along the lush valley of Turrialba in the Central Valley of Costa Rica known for its exuberant beauty, wildlife and great rapids. This trip is excellent for those 14 years and up and for the adventurous beginner to the experienced rafter.  
  
Day 1 of the excursion begins with an early morning pick up from your San Jose hotel. After about an hour on the road there will be a stop for a lovely typical breakfast and then continue on to Tres Equis.  
  
Nestled in the jungle on amidst a 1,500-acre private reserve, the lodge offers you all the comforts you need in "Cabecar Indian" style bungalows. Private single and double rooms are spacious and equipped  with fresh linens and comfortable pillows and beds.  
  
Day 2: After yet another serving of Costa Rica's tastiest coffee and a hearty breakfast, its time to load the rafts in preparation for paddling down the Pacuare gorge past gushing waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids. An adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montanas and many more, will have you cheering ecstatically.  The take out point is the  the town of Siquirres. Lunch will be served at the Rio's Tropicales facilities where there are Showers, changing rooms, cold and hot drinks, snacks, a bar, and souvenirs are all available.  
  
Important: No pregnant women are allowed in this tour.

This multi day Rafting excursion allows visitors to get in more rafting and spend more time relaxing and to enjoy the Pacuare River Valley including a 1-night hotel by the river .

Pacuare River Two Day Trip

Breakfast, lunch,dinner round trip transportation, all safety and boat equipment. lodging.

Ground transportation to arrive at the lodge. Rafting transportation to leave the lodge.
Rafters must be at least 14 years old.
Maximum luggage weight 25 lb (12 kg) per person.

Sneakers or sandals with a back strap, cotton T shirt, shorts or long pants depending on weather, light rain jacket, appropriate luggage for an overnight stay.

Tropical Rivers

Standard Room with Balcony

Arenal

The charming and welcoming town of La Fortuna is a perfect getaway for families, couples, and friends. The only requisite is that you love outdoor adventure! So if you can’t wait to spend your vacation in the fresh air, biking, kayaking, hiking, and more, then discover why the Arenal region is just what you need. Best of all, you can enjoy luxe accommodations that boast volcanic views, and pamper yourself with a luxurious soak in a hot spring. Nature is waiting for you, and she’s easy to find when you book your Arenal adventure with Anywhere.

Hotel Recommendation #2

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The 15 suspension bridges, not for the faint of heart, loop through primary rainforest, where you can observe nature and wildlife from a bird's eye view. Tours can be done with a guide or on your own, at your own pace.  
  
After your hike, enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant which has views of the volcano.  


Discover the rainforest surrounding the Arenal Volcano from an unrivaled perspective on the Arenal Hanging Bridges tour.

Mistico Hanging Bridges Walk

Round trip transportation from the local hotels in Arenal (optional), entrance fee

Closed-toe shoes, camera, binoculars, water, raincoat, sunscreen.

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges 

Hanging Bridges Natural History Walks

The Guided Natural History Walk through the Hanging Bridges usually take around 3 hours. Although it is hard to predict exactly what you will encounter the day of the tour it is very common to see many different species of birds, howler monkeys and lizards.    
  
The hanging bridges can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages and physical conditions. It is recommended that visitors bring comfortable walking shoes and waterproof jackets.  

Explore the Hanging Bridges and rainforest overlooking the Arenal Volcano with a naturalist guide in search of birds and animals. The naturalist guide will help visitors get the most out of the experience in the rainforest by teaching visitors about native plants and animals.

Natural History Walk Hanging Bridges

Round trip transportation from local hotels in Arenal, Naturalist Guide, and entrance fee.

Hiking Shoes, camera, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent, jacket.

EcoTerra

Don Tobias Volcano Horseback Tour

This regular horseback riding tour takes you on a 2.5 hour adventure through various terrains around the Arenal Volcano. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

The Trails: You'll be riding through open fields, forests, and even cross rivers. You might also pass by cattle farms and the Arenal canyon.
The Wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled for Costa Rica's wildlife in their natural habitat!
The Views: The tour takes you to a vantage point with stunning views of the entire Arenal Volcano, from base to summit. This is a great spot for pictures!
Don Tobias Horseback Riding also offers complimentary transportation to and from your hotel if it's located in La Fortuna Town or along the main road leading to Arenal National Park up to Tabacon Hotel.

If you're looking for a unique way to explore the Arenal Volcano area and potentially see some wildlife, this horseback riding tour seems like a great option!



The Don Tobias horse tour is an adventurous horseback ride through forests and fields with stunning views of the Arenal Volcano.

Don Tobias Horseback Tour

Local expert guide, safety equipment and snack.

The minimum age is 7 years old; special child's sized equipment is available. Limit of weight 115 kg or  253 lbs.

Long pants, t-shirt, binoculars, camera, sun lotion and repellent.

Don Tobias Tours

2 in 1 Volcano Hike and Tabacon Hot Springs

**Volcano Hike**
Doing a hike should definitely be on your must-do list while in the area. Known for its iconic cone shape, Arenal Volcano has been an active volcano for decades, though it is currently in a resting phase with only occasional smoke visible from its peak. This makes it an excellent time to explore the park and learn about its history from a knowledgeable local guide.

A walk around the base of the volcano offers stunning views and the chance to see ancient lava flows up close. The tour is family-friendly and suitable for visitors of all ages, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.

**Tabacon Hot Springs**
At Tabacon Hot Springs, five primary spring sources deliver highly mineralized water heated underground by the magma of Arenal Volcano. Every minute, thousands of gallons of this pristine, naturally heated water flow through the resort, creating the enchanting Tabacon River. Along the riverbed, you'll discover a series of cascading waterfalls and warm pools with varying temperatures, offering a truly therapeutic experience. The natural flow of these thermal waters through the resort creates a soothing and healing environment, making it a perfect retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.  

Important Notice: Tabacon have very strict cancellation policies, so any modification or cancellation 15 days before the day of the tour, will be penalized in full.

A 2-in-1 combo tour featuring a volcano hike and a visit to Tabacon Hot Springs is a fantastic way to experience both adventure and relaxation in Costa Rica. 

1. The sequence of the activities is at the supplier’s discretion based on their operational logistics.


Hiking shoes, bathing suit, comfortable clothes (shorts, t-shirts, tank tops), change of clothing in case you want to enjoy at thermal pools, insect repellent, sunscreen, raincoat.

Green Vacations

Ecoglide Canopy Tour

Come and experience one of Costa Rica's most popular outdoor adventures: the canopy tour. In this tour, the professional staff at Arenal Ecoglide will help you to speed along a number of zip-lines set amidst a gorgeous rainforest. Cruise from one platform to the next, enjoying views that were once only reserved for birds.  
  
The tour is divided into three sections. The first section has 6 cables and 7 platforms, with cable lengths that vary from 10 to 110 meters. The second section has 5 cables and 6 platforms, with lengths ranging from 40 to 160 meters. At the end of this section, you'll find the much-loved Tarzan Swing, where you'll have the opportunity to swing from the trees like Tarzan himself. Following this is the final section of the tour, which has 4 cables and 5 platforms, with lengths ranging from 70 to 430 meters.  
  
Arenal Ecoglide is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Customers can pick the time that they would like the start the tour.    
  
**Weather Policy: **Rain does not necessarily mean the tour will be cancelled. It is up to the tour operator to determine if the tour should be canceled due to bad weather. Be prepared and bring a raincoat with you!

Located near the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano, the Arenal Ecoglide Canopy Tour offers visitors a fast-flying, adrenalin-filled day of fun.

Ecoglide Canopy

Bilingual adventure guide, safety equipment

The minimum age to participate on this tour is 2 years. Children 2 years old may need to go accompanied by a tour guide, for an additional $10. Weight restriction: 260lbs and maximum waist width of 43 inches.

Long pants, closed-toed shoes or hiking boots, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a rain coat.

Ecoglide Arenal Park

Ride Costa Rica Taxi Boat Taxi

The mountainous cloud forest of Monteverde and the town of La Fortuna are two of Costa Rica's favorite tourist destinations and are only 25 km apart. But, with a difference in altitude of 1,150 m, a steep drop and several roadblocks – namely, an active volcano, Costa Rica's largest lake, seven rivers and a rugged, densely forested mountain range –direct passage between the two towns is difficult, to say the least.  
  
Making the trip by road entails a very bumpy 4 to 5 hour journey by car, or an 8 hour, 136 km bus journey, with a change-over in Tilaran. Two much more convenient routes are offered, taking hours off your travel time.   
  
The taxi-boat-taxi trip and the horseback-boat-taxi trip from Monteverde to La Fortuna, or vice versa, combine the thrill of an adventure tour with the convenience of a transportation service.  
  
This is the quickest and most popular route between Monteverde and Arenal. It runs twice daily, every day of the year, rain or shine.  
  
The trip combines comfortable door to door minivan transfers with a fun and scenic cruise across the tranquil Lake Arenal, where you will experience beautiful views of the majestic volcano and the forested Tilaran Mountain Range. You will also have the chance to see a variety of wetland birds such as king fishers, fly catchers, waders and other exotic species that abound on the lake shore.  
  
You will be picked up from your hotel in Arenal at 8:30 am or 2:30 pm and be driven to the Lake Arenal dam, where you will board a 22 person covered power boat. This is where the scenic 30 minute cruise across the lake begins. Next you will begin the impressive 1.5 hour journey up the mountainside on a steep road offering stunning views of the lush, green valley. You will be driven directly to your Monteverde area hotel.  
  
All boats and mini-vans are comfortable, safe, fully insured and regularly inspected by the Department of Transport. Drivers and boat captains are experienced professionals and carry cell phones so that they can reach the main office or emergency contacts at any time.  
  
The trip is also offered in reverse, from Monteverde to Arenal, departing from Monteverde area hotels at 8:00 am and 2:00 pm. It is possible to go round trip in one day, but this will leave you with only 3 hours in either destination. Travelers are advised against this, as at least two or three days should be planned in either location to fully appreciate the attractions.  


The taxi-boat-taxi service operates year round, making connections between Arenal and Monteverde and vice-versa twice per day, with great views of the Costa Rica highlands and the Arenal Volcano along the way.

Ride Costa Rica Taxi-Boat-Taxi

Door to door transportation, pick up at the hotel you choose and drop off to the hotel of your destination

Comfortable shoes, light clothing, camera, a coat

Deluxe Room

Monteverde

Heed the call of the great outdoors and let your next vacation take you to beautiful Monteverde, Costa Rica. Home to cool, misty cloud forests, and deep green foliage almost everywhere you look, there’s no mistaking that you’ve stepped away from everyday life.  If spending time in nature is at the top of your travel to-do list, then you’ll get your fill of adventure in this part of Costa Rica’s Central Highlands. From zip lining across a canopy to tours of coffee plantations, there are plenty of activities to keep you moving in the fresh air.

Hotel Recommendation #3

Monteverde Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is not permitted in the reserves, but there are a range of horseback tours on private land and trails, where you can appreciate the beauty and tranquility of rural Costa Rican life, a world away from the tourist crowds and traffic.  

Visitors are given the rare privilege of exploring this beautiful private reserve on horseback, from where they will see amazing views of the Gulf of Nicoya and its pacific islands, as well as enjoy coffee and sugarcane plantations, primary and secondary tropical forest, open fields and an array of local wildlife that includes toucans, green parrots, bellbirds, emerald toucanets, blue-crowned motmots and white-faced monkeys. 

Visitors can choose from three two hour tour options, all offering distinct views and attractions. The 8:00 am tour is great for bird watching, the mid-morning tour from 10:00 am captures the best of the weather and the clearest views and the afternoon tour offers spectacular sunset skies. All tours are suitable for inexperienced riders. 

Private tours can be arranged as well as group tours with prior notice.  
All their horses, with health certification and insurance, are easy to handle and are very well cared for. All saddles are equipped with a rain poncho, and helmets are available on request. Some basic English is spoken, otherwise smiling and rudimentary sign-language is usually sufficient!

A horseback riding tour is a wonderful way to experience Monteverde's green, mountainous countryside. Until recently, horseback riding was the most common form of transport in the region, and considering the state of the roads, some would argue that it is still the easiest way to get around.

Long pants, closed toed shoes, raincoat, camera, insect repellent.

El Rodeo

Suspension Bridges

The walkway consists of 8 suspension bridges connected by trails covering 1.9 miles (3km). The bridges vary from 150ft (50m) to 500ft (170m) in length and are suspended at heights ranging from 36ft (12m) to 180ft (60m). At almost 5ft (1.5m) wide, the bridge system is the widest and sturdiest in Costa Rica.  
  
Visitors will learn about the mammals, birds and plant life - particularly bromeliads, epiphytes and ferns – living in this unique eco-system, as well as hearing some of the fascinating cultural history of the region.  
  
The hanging bridges can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages and physical conditions. Children 4 years old and younger are free. Tours last up to 2.5 hours. Again, it is recommended that visitors bring long pants, suitable shoes and waterproof jackets.

The suspension bridges is the ideal cloud forest experience for those who wish to explore the beauty of the canopy at their own pace and appreciate the incredible array of vegetation and exotic bird life that the region has to offer.

Entrance fee, round trip transportation from the local hotels in Monteverde.

Long pants, camera, insect repellent, hiking shoes and rain gear.

Selvatura Park

Monteverde Coffee Tour

Discover what goes into crafting the perfect cup of coffee on this fun and educational 2-hour and 30-minute tour. Costa Rica’s coffee doesn’t just fuel your adventures every morning, it also serves as an economically important crop and prompts sustainable farming practices. 

## Step 1: Growing

This plantation is about one thing and one thing only — coffee cherries! This stage of the tour will teach you about the history of this farm, as well as how this humble red cherry is grown and harvested.

## Step 2: Roasting

So how does a red cherry turn into the brown coffee bean that you know and love? Welcome to the processing and roasting portion of the tour. Head into the roastery to discover why ‘aged’ and ‘roasted’ are more than just advertising terms. You might be surprised by what the ‘bean’ actually is! 

## Step 3: Sampling

This isn’t your average ‘cup of joe’. This special tasting in the Coffee Lab will teach you the finer points of coffee appreciation. Learn how to differentiate between the subtle changes in taste and aroma that can occur, and complete the cycle as you witness coffee go from cherry to brew.

Sustainable farming, supporting the local economy, regional history, *and* strengthening your knowledge of coffee production? You’re about to get a lot more than memories and fresh coffee out of this adventure, so add this tour to your itinerary today!


This coffee plantation doesn’t just produce an incredible cup of coffee, it’s also a vitally important part of the community. Learn how family, sustainability, and attention to detail all combine to nurture coffee from cherry, to bean, to brew on this educational tour that’s part local history and part culture. Yes, you will enjoy samples!

Cafe de Monteverde Coffee Tour

Local expert guide, entrance fees, round trip transportation from local hotels in Monteverde.

1-888-456-3212

1-844-840-8780

44-800-088-5758

1-844-840-8780

1-888-456-3212

44-800-088-5758

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My dream trip in Costa Rica
Peru
Costa Rica
Vietnam
Ecuador
Thailand
Belize
Indonesia
Guatemala
Panama
Laos
Cambodia
Honduras

That I’ll spend with Group type
My Spouse/Partner
My Family
Myself
My Friends

Is filled with Trip type
Natural Wonders
Culinary & Cultural Encounters
Adventure Sports
Hidden Local Gems
Photo Opportunities
Mind & Body Rejuvenation
Easy Sightseeing
City-Life Energy
Rugged Exploration
Rest & Relaxation
Romantic Moments
Mind-blowing Vistas
Off-The-Beaten-Path Exploration