Costa Rica is the world's premier eco-tourism destination — a tiny Central American nation that contains 5% of Earth's total biodiversity, 28 national parks, 12 distinct climate zones, two coastlines, active volcanoes and cloud forests draped in mist. The national motto — Pura Vida, meaning 'pure life' — captures the Tico philosophy of living with joy, simplicity and deep reverence for nature.
Arenal Volcano rises 1,670 metres in a perfect cone above a steaming forest of waterfalls and thermal rivers, its flanks laced with ziplines, white-water rivers and hanging bridges. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is one of Earth's most magical ecosystems — a forest perpetually wreathed in cloud, home to the luminescent resplendent quetzal, 400 species of birds, 100 species of mammals and a canopy walkway above the clouds. And Manuel Antonio's rainforest meets a Pacific beach where sloths hang three metres above your towel. EternalMiles Costa Rica packages are crafted around authentic nature — not resort pools.
Pacific coast surfing at Nosara, Tamarindo or Jacó
Return flights from Delhi via USA to San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR)
San José (1N) + Arenal/La Fortuna (3N) + Monteverde (2N) + Manuel Antonio (3N)
Daily breakfast
Arenal Volcano National Park guided hike at dawn
La Fortuna Waterfall guided trail and swimming
La Fortuna volcanic hot springs evening
Monteverde Cloud Forest guided 3-hour walk
Monteverde zipline canopy tour
Manuel Antonio National Park wildlife guided walk
All transfers (4x4 vehicles on mountain roads)
Dedicated EternalMiles travel manager
No visa fee — Costa Rica visa-free for Indians for 90 days
US transit visa if routing via USA (B2 required for US transit)
Sea turtle guided night tour at Tortuguero (optional)
Surfing lessons on the Pacific coast
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Sample Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1Arrival in San José
Land at Juan Santamaría Airport. Transfer to downtown boutique hotel. Evening Barrio Amón — colonial neighbourhood. Traditional casado dinner.
Day 2Arenal Volcano
Drive to La Fortuna under Arenal. Afternoon Arenal Volcano National Park guided trail — lava fields and wildlife. Evening volcanic hot spring thermal pools at sunset.
Day 3La Fortuna Adventure
Morning La Fortuna Waterfall — 1.5km jungle trail to a 70m cascade. Afternoon white-water rafting Class III–IV on the Balsa River. Evening hanging bridges walk at dusk.
Day 4Lake Arenal & Monteverde Transfer
Morning kayaking on Lake Arenal with Arenal Volcano reflection. Afternoon 4x4 transfer via the famous 'Wind Turbine' road to Monteverde.
Day 5Monteverde Cloud Forest
Morning Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve guided walk (4hrs): quetzals, orchids, bromeliads, howler monkeys and five-wired canopy bridges above the cloud. Afternoon free for hummingbird garden.
Day 6Monteverde Ziplines
Morning high-speed Selvatura zipline canopy tour — 13 cables, 18 platforms, up to 4km above the cloud forest. Afternoon butterfly and reptile gardens.
Day 7Manuel Antonio Coast
Drive down to Manuel Antonio Pacific coast. Afternoon: arrive beachfront lodge. Evening Pacific sunset and fresh ceviche at beach restaurant.
Day 8Manuel Antonio Wildlife & Beach
Morning: Manuel Antonio National Park guided 3hr walk — three-toed sloths, howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, coatis and iguanas on the beach. Afternoon: Pacific swimming and beach time.
Day 9Departure
Transfer to Quepos or San José for return flight to Delhi.
Highlighted months offer ideal conditions. Plan around peak season for the finest experience.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
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Peak Season
December–April: dry season — less rain, sunny skies, easier road conditions. Best for wildlife spotting.
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Off-Season Advantage
May–November: green season — lush and beautiful. Lower prices, far fewer tourists. Still excellent for wildlife.
Visa Tip
Costa Rica is entirely visa-free for Indian passport holders — no application needed. However, if routing via the USA, a US B2 transit visa is required. EternalMiles advises on optimal routings.