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6-Day Costa Rica Route: SJO → La Fortuna (Royal Corin) → Manuel Antonio (La Mariposa) — Zipline in La Fortuna Nov 13

Viewed by 137 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Settle

La Fortuna, Costa Rica on November 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — SJO or en route

If you're arriving this morning, grab a coffee and quick bite at SJO (Cafe Britt or airport cafés) or plan to eat once you reach La Fortuna; Royal Corin also offers a breakfast buffet (confirm hotel hours).
USD8, 0h30m

11:00am

Transfer SJO → La Fortuna

Private shuttle or rental-car drive from Juan Santamaría (SJO) to La Fortuna/Arenal takes about 2.5–3.5 hours depending on traffic — this is the most direct logical move for your Royal Corin check-in. Reserve a private shuttle or shared transfer in advance.
USD150, 3h30m

2:30pm

Check-in at Hotel Royal Corin

Drop bags, freshen up; the hotel has mineral hot springs on site (verify opening hours) and is centrally located for walking into La Fortuna town.
USD0, 0h30m

3:15pm

Lunch — La Fortuna town (Soda Viquez or La Fortuna Bakery & Café)

Casual Costa Rican lunch: a 'casado' or gallo pinto and fresh juice at a local soda or bakery to get a taste of local flavors; many spots are open mid‑day (approx. 8:00–15:00, some later).
USD10, 1h

4:30pm

Explore La Fortuna town & viewpoint

Walk the main street, visit small shops and the central park; if time, head to the La Fortuna waterfall viewpoint or Mirador for sunset photos (town areas open all day).
USD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner — Don Rufino (recommended)

Upscale local/international cuisine in downtown La Fortuna — a great first-night dinner choice (open ~6:00pm–10:00pm; reservations recommended).
USD30, 1h30m

9:00pm

Optional soak — hotel hot springs or Ecotermales

Relax in Royal Corin’s on‑site thermal pools or book a session at Ecotermales (check hours; many hot springs open into the evening).
USD25, 1h30m

Day 2: Zipline Adventure

La Fortuna, Costa Rica on November 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — Royal Corin buffet or local café

Hearty breakfast at the hotel or at a nearby café (La Fortuna Bakery & Café / Kapi Kapi) to fuel your zipline tour; most operators require you to eat before activity.
USD12, 0h30m

8:00am

Zipline canopy tour — La Fortuna

Your scheduled ziplining in La Fortuna: expect multiple cables, hanging bridges and sometimes a Tarzan swing — morning slots commonly start 7:30–9:00am; book ahead and confirm pickup time with the operator.
USD75, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch — Nene's Restaurant or La Choza de Laurel

Comfortable midday meal with local and international dishes; many restaurants near the central park serve until mid-afternoon (typically open 11:00–15:00 then reopen for dinner).
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

La Fortuna Waterfall hike

Hike down to the impressive Arenal/La Fortuna Waterfall and swim in the pool (park generally open 7:00am–5:00pm; last entries vary). Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and swimwear.
USD18, 2h0m

4:00pm

Optional chocolate/coffee tour or free time

Half-day chocolate or coffee farm tours are popular and usually start in the mid/late afternoon; otherwise return to hotel to rest or enjoy the pools.
USD25, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner — La Parrilla de Maria or Don Rufino (if not used Day 1)

Local grilled specialties or a refined menu; both are good choices for variety — check restaurant hours (often 6:00pm–10:00pm) and book ahead on busy nights.
USD20, 1h30m

Day 3: Arenal Nature Day

La Fortuna / Arenal, Costa Rica on November 14, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast — early coffee & pastries

Early breakfast at the hotel or a café for an active day; many trails and guided walks begin early to maximize wildlife sightings.
USD10, 0h30m

7:30am

Mistico Hanging Bridges or Arenal Volcano National Park hike

Choose Mistico Hanging Bridges (wildlife & canopy views; open ~7:30am–4:30pm) or hike Arenal Volcano National Park trails for volcano and lava field views (park hours typically 8:00am–4:00pm). Arrive early to avoid crowds.
USD25, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch — Soda Viquez or Lava Lounge

Casual lunch in town with typical Costa Rican plates or light international options; many places are open 11:00am–3:00pm and re-open for dinner.
USD12, 1h

1:30pm

Optional activities: horseback riding, ATV, or La Fortuna town spa

Afternoon options include a guided horseback ride to viewpoints, ATV tours, or a longer spa/hot-springs session; book based on energy level and weather.
USD45, 2h30m

5:30pm

Hot springs evening — Baldi or EcoTermales

Spend the evening soaking in thermal pools; Baldi is large and lively (open late) while Ecotermales is quieter and more intimate (often open evenings, check times).
USD40, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Tip: sample Costa Rican seafood or casados

Choose a relaxed dinner near town to finish your Arenal stay — many restaurants remain open until 9:00–10:00pm; make reservations on weekends.
USD20, 1h30m

Day 4: Transfer to Coast

Transfer to Manuel Antonio / Quepos, Costa Rica on November 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & check-out

Early breakfast at Royal Corin and check out (most hotels have 11:00am check-out but confirm); pack for a coastal stay and store any luggage if doing a midday activity.
USD12, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive La Fortuna → La Mariposa (Manuel Antonio area)

Scenic drive southwest toward the Pacific / Manuel Antonio (approx. 4–5 hours depending on route and traffic). Plan stops for views and a restroom break. If you prefer, arrange a private shuttle or fly the short domestic hop to Quepos (seasonal).
USD160, 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch en route or in Quepos — Café Milagro or local soda

Arrive mid-day and enjoy fresh seafood or a light lunch in Quepos/Manuel Antonio; Café Milagro is a popular choice for coffee and sandwiches (open mornings through afternoon).
USD15, 1h

2:30pm

Check-in at La Mariposa (Manuel Antonio)

Settle into your coastal hotel with ocean views; La Mariposa’s location is perfect for sunsets and quick access to nearby beaches and restaurants.
USD0, 0h30m

3:30pm

Beach time — Playa Espadilla

Relax on Playa Espadilla (main public beach near Manuel Antonio) — open all day and great for swimming or soaking up the sun; be mindful of tidal/current conditions and lifeguard flags.
USD0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — El Avión or Café Milagro (Manuel Antonio)

El Avión is an iconic restaurant with sunset views and a varied menu (typically open ~11:00am–10:00pm); Café Milagro offers great coffee and lighter fare if you want casual dining.
USD25, 1h30m

Day 5: Manuel Antonio Park

Manuel Antonio / Quepos, Costa Rica on November 16, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast — hotel or Emilio's Café

Early breakfast to prepare for a morning in Manuel Antonio National Park; arriving early is the best time for wildlife viewing (monkeys, sloths, birds).
USD12, 0h30m

7:00am

Manuel Antonio National Park guided walk

Enter the park at opening (park generally opens 7:00am; recommended to arrive at opening to avoid crowds) and take a guided nature walk to maximize wildlife sightings and learn about ecosystems.
USD18, 3h0m

10:30am

Beach time inside park (Playa Manuel Antonio)

Relax on the park's beautiful beaches which are within the park boundaries; they are open all day but the best wildlife is usually earlier in the morning.
USD0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Kapi Kapi or La Luna Restaurant (if you want a view)

Eat at a seaside café or at La Luna for elevated Pacific views; many lunch spots are open 11:00–15:00 and serve fresh seafood and local dishes.
USD18, 1h

3:00pm

Optional afternoon activities — kayak, snorkeling, or ATV

Book a half-day ocean kayak or snorkeling trip from the marina, or an ATV tour inland for varied coastal and jungle scenery; check operator hours and include transit time.
USD55, 2h30m

6:30pm

Dinner — La Luna (sunset dining) or town restaurant

Reserve a sunset table for ocean views at La Luna or choose a local restaurant in Manuel Antonio village; confirm opening hours (often 6:00pm–10:00pm).
USD30, 1h30m

Day 6: Return to SJO

Manuel Antonio → San José (SJO), Costa Rica on November 17, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast & quick beach walk

Early breakfast at La Mariposa or Emilio's Café, then a short stroll to enjoy one last sunrise view from the coast.
USD12, 0h45m

7:30am

Check-out and depart for SJO

Drive/transfer from Manuel Antonio / Quepos to SJO (approx. 3–4 hours). For international flights, allow extra time — aim to arrive at SJO 3 hours before your departure time.
USD160, 3h30m

11:30am

Arrive SJO — lunch / buffer time

Arrive at the airport with buffer time for rental return, check-in and security; if you have a later flight, enjoy lunch at SJO (airport restaurants open throughout the day).
USD12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Depart Costa Rica

Board your flight home. If you have a late departure, consider a short stop in downtown Alajuela for souvenirs (time-permitting), but prioritize airport arrival times.
USD0, 0h0m
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