Morning: Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport and transfer to your boutique hotel in downtown San José. Take a leisurely walk to the historic Plaza de la Cultura and sip a fresh Costa Rican coffee at a nearby café.
Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Costa Rica to discover the country’s rich history, then explore the vibrant Mercado Central for local crafts and tropical fruit.
Evening: Dine at a traditional “soda” restaurant, trying dishes like casado and fresh ceviche, followed by a relaxed stroll through the illuminated Parque La Sabana.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early for La Fortuna and enjoy scenic views on the drive to the iconic Arenal Volcano. Hike the short trail to the La Fortuna Waterfall for a refreshing dip.
Afternoon: Explore the lush Arenal Hanging Bridges walkway, spotting toucans and howler monkeys among the canopy.
Evening: Unwind in the natural thermal waters of Tabacón Hot Springs**, soaking under the stars while the volcano glows in the distance.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to the misty highlands of Monteverde and start with a guided walk through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, listening to the unique sounds of the cloud forest.
Afternoon: Experience a thrilling zip‑line canopy tour at Sky Adventures, offering panoramic vistas of the forest and distant Pacific Ocean.
Evening: Enjoy a farm‑to‑table dinner at a local eco‑lodge, sampling organic Costa Rican cuisine while learning about sustainable tourism initiatives.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to the Pacific coast and begin at Manuel Antonio National Park, where you’ll spot white‑sand beaches and abundant wildlife such as sloths and iguanas.
Afternoon: Relax on Playa Espadilla or take a short boat trip to the nearby Isla Chira for snorkeling among coral reefs.
Evening: Savor a sunset dinner of fresh grilled fish at a beachfront restaurant in Quepos, then return to San José for your departure flight the next day.
Find HotelsIf you have more time, consider adding an extra day in the Osa Peninsula to explore Corcovado National Park, a biodiversity hotspot. For a shorter trip, condense the itinerary to three days by focusing on either Arenal & Monteverde or Manuel Antonio, skipping the city tour in San José. Always pack lightweight rain gear, as weather can shift quickly in the cloud forests, and bring sunscreen for the coastal days.