Morning: Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport and transfer to your hotel in downtown San José. Take a brief rest before heading out to explore the historic National Theatre and its impressive neoclassical architecture.
Afternoon: Stroll through the bustling Mercado Central, sampling fresh tropical fruits and local coffee while browsing handmade crafts. Continue to the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum for a quick cultural immersion.
Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional sodalocal restaurant, tasting dishes like gallo pinto and casado. End the night with a leisurely walk along Avenida Central, soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early for La Fortuna, a scenic 3‑hour drive through lush valleys. Check‑in to your lodge with views of the towering Arenal Volcano National Park.
Afternoon: Explore the park’s network of trails, stopping at the iconic lava‑rock formations and the observation deck for panoramic volcano vistas. Keep an eye out for toucans and howler monkeys.
Evening: Unwind in the soothing waters of Tabacón Hot Springs, where natural geothermal pools are surrounded by tropical gardens. Dine al fresco while the volcano glows in the distance.
Find HotelsMorning: Hike to the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall, descending a staircase to a crystal‑clear plunge pool perfect for a refreshing dip.
Afternoon: Experience an adrenaline rush with a zip‑line tour through the rainforest canopy offered by Sky Adventures. The flight over the Arenal basin provides breathtaking aerial views.
Evening: Return to your lodge for a relaxed dinner, followed by optional night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife such as kinkajous and owls.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to Monteverde, crossing the dramatic hillsides of the Nicoya Peninsula. Settle into a eco‑lodge nestled in the misty cloud forest.
Afternoon: Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, wandering among moss‑covered trees and spotting the rare resplendent quetzal.
Evening: Join a guided Night Wildlife Tour, where you’ll encounter glow‑worms, amphibians, and the occasional nocturnal sloth.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart Monteverde and head southwest to the Pacific coast, arriving in the charming town of Quepos.
Afternoon: Relax on the golden sands of Playa Espadilla, swimming in turquoise waters and soaking up the sun.
Evening: Watch a spectacular sunset from the cliffs overlooking Manuel Antonio National Park, then enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a guided hike through Manuel Antonio National Park, spotting white‑footed capuchins, sloths, and colorful tropical birds.
Afternoon: Snorkel in the protected marine area near Marino Ballena, admiring vibrant coral reefs and playful sea turtles.
Evening: Savor a sunset cocktail at a beach bar, reflecting on the day’s wildlife encounters before a relaxed dinner.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel back to San José, stopping at the Central Market for last‑minute souvenir shopping and a quick bite of empanadas.
Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely coffee at a local café or visit the Gold Museum for a final cultural glimpse.
Evening: Transfer to the airport for your departure, carrying memories of Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes and warm hospitality.
Find HotelsIf you have extra days, consider adding a visit to the remote Tortuguero canals for turtle‑watching or extending your stay on the Nicoya Peninsula for surf lessons at Tamarindo. To shorten the trip, you can combine Day 5 and Day 6 by skipping the beach relaxation and focusing only on the main highlights of Manuel Antonio National Park.