Luxurious 9-Day Costa Rica Adventure: From Arenal to the Beach

Day 1: Travel Day

Chicago, USA on September 19, 2025

5:00 AM

Flight to Costa Rica

Depart from Chicago O'Hare on an early morning flight to San José, Costa Rica. It's approximately a 4-5 hour flight.
USD500, 5 hours
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Day 2: Arriving in San José

San José, Costa Rica on September 20, 2025

12:00 PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Experience local flavors at Mercado Central, where you can find Costa Rican dishes including 'casado' with beans and rice.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Check-in at Hotel

Check into a five-star hotel in San José. Recommended: Hotel Grano de Oro.
USD300/night, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Visit the National Museum

Explore Costa Rica's history and culture at the National Museum, featuring beautiful exhibits and a lovely garden.
USD15, 2 hours
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Day 3: Arenal Explorations

Arenal, Costa Rica on September 21, 2025

8:00 AM

Travel to Arenal

Enjoy a scenic drive or pre-arranged transport from San José to Arenal, taking in the lush landscapes.
USD100, 3 hours

11:00 AM

Check-in at Tabacón Thermal Resort

Relax in luxury at Tabacón, where your private pool awaits you, offering stunning views of Arenal Volcano.
USD450/night, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Restaurant at Tabacón

Indulge in a gourmet meal with local ingredients while overlooking the lush gardens.
USD25, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Visit La Fortuna Waterfall

Hike to the majestic La Fortuna Waterfall—bring your swimsuit for a refreshing dip.
USD18, 3 hours
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Day 4: Adventure in Arenal

Arenal, Costa Rica on September 22, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet at Tabacón, featuring a variety of tropical fruits and local dishes.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Canopy Tour (Zip-lining)

Experience the thrill of zip-lining through the treetops and get a unique view of the rainforest.
USD70, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Soda La Parada

Enjoy authentic Costa Rican 'casados' at this local favorite, known for its delicious and affordable meals.
USD10, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park

Explore the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park with its stunning scenery and rich biodiversity.
USD10, 3 hours
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Day 5: Relax in Arenal

Arenal, Costa Rica on September 23, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy another delightful breakfast at Tabacón before a day of relaxation.
Included with stay, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Thermal Springs

Soak in the natural thermal springs at your resort and unwind amidst the beautiful surroundings.
Included with stay, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Hotel

Dine on the patio at Tabacón, enjoying the lush views and a variety of Costa Rican dishes.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Free Time

Take advantage of leisure time. You can relax in your private pool or explore more of the hotel’s amenities.
Free, Rest of the day
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Day 6: Beach Transition

Tamarindo, Costa Rica on September 24, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a delightful breakfast one last time at Tabacón.
Included with stay, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Travel to Tamarindo

Depart Arenal and head to Tamarindo for a beach getaway; it is about a 4-hour drive.
USD100, 4 hours

2:00 PM

Check-in at JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa

Arrive at this luxurious resort featuring beautiful ocean views and a stunning beach.
USD400/night, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Lunch at the Resort

Savor fresh seafood and tropical drinks at one of the resort's beach restaurants.
USD30, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Beach Time

Spend the evening relaxing on the beautiful sands of Tamarindo Beach—perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Free, Rest of the day
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Day 7: Beach Day

Tamarindo, Costa Rica on September 25, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Resort

Start your day with breakfast at the Marriott, featuring an extensive buffet to fuel your beach day.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Surfing Lesson

Take a surfing lesson and ride the Pacific waves with an experienced instructor; Tamarindo is known for its consistent surf.
USD75, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Pangas Beach Club

Enjoy a delicious lunch right on the beach at Pangas, known for its flavorful tacos and cocktails.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Snorkeling Trip

Join a snorkeling tour to explore the vibrant marine life along the coast of Tamarindo.
USD60, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Happy Hour at El Be! Cafe

End the day at this beachfront spot with happy hour drinks and tapas while watching the sunset.
USD20, 2 hours
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Day 8: Leisure and Relaxation

Tamarindo, Costa Rica on September 26, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Resort

Another delicious breakfast included with your stay at the JW Marriott.
Included with stay, 1 hour

10:00 AM

yoga Class at the Resort

Join a relaxing morning yoga session by the beach to unwind and stretch.
USD15, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Cala Luna Restaurant

Enjoy a meal that blends Costa Rican and Mediterranean cuisine, by the shore.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Spa Treatment

Indulge in a spa day at the resort with a variety of treatments available, perfect for relaxation.
USD100, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at the Resort

Finish your trip with a farewell dinner at the hotel, enjoying fresh local dishes.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 9: Return Home

San José, Costa Rica on September 27, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Resort

One last breakfast by the beach at JW Marriott before check-out.
Included with stay, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Travel to San José Airport

Head back to San José for your return flight to Chicago; it's approximately a 5-hour drive.
USD100, 5 hours

4:00 PM

Flight to Chicago

Take your evening flight back to Chicago O'Hare, filled with beautiful memories of Costa Rica.
Included in initial flight cost, 5 hours
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