Start your first morning in San José with a relaxed stroll and breakfast at Mercado Central, sampling fresh gallo pinto and tropical fruit from local stalls. Afterward, take a short walk to the nearby Museo de Oro Precolombino for a concise, fascinating introduction to Costa Rican history, then enjoy a coffee tasting and light tour at Café del Barista to orient your palate for the week ahead.
Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the leafy Barrio Amon, stopping by the historic Teatro Nacional for a guided tour of its ornate interior and catching a late-afternoon coffee at the charming Caféoteca nearby. Follow that with a walk through Parque La Sabana to stretch your legs, watch local life and perhaps visit the small but engaging [Museo de Arte Costarricense](https://museocr.org/) before an early dinner at a sodalocal favorite like Restaurante Grano de Oro.
As twilight falls, head to the lively Barrio Escalante for dinner at a farm-to-table spot like Soda Tapia or Silvestre, sampling modern Costa Rican cuisine and craft beers; afterward, enjoy live music and cocktails at the cozy bar El Steinvorth. If you prefer a quieter end to your first day, take a short taxi to Parque Morazán for an evening stroll and stop by a nearby café for dessert while planning tomorrow's transfer to La Fortuna.
Begin your morning with a hearty breakfast and people-watching at Mercado Central de San José-wander the aisles for fresh fruit, casado bites, and artisan snacks before heading to the nearby [Museo Nacional de Costa Rica](https://www.google.com/search?q=Museo+Nacional+de+Costa+Rica+Costa+Rica+from+March+19-28%2C+San+Jose+on+March+19-20%2C+then+La+Tortuna%2C+March+21-24+and+Jaco+from+March+25-28.+Give+me+activities+official+site) to explore Costa Rica's archaeological and natural history exhibits in a beautifully restored fortress. Finish with a guided coffee plantation experience and tasting at Puerto Viejo Coffee Tour (a short drive from downtown) to learn about bean-to-cup processes and sip freshly brewed local roasts while planning the afternoon's museum-hopping.
Wander the bustling lanes of Barrio Otoya, stopping at the colorful stalls of Feria Verde de Aranjuez for fresh snacks and artisan goods, then head to the contemplative Museo de Jade to see the world's largest pre-Columbian jade collection and learn about indigenous craftsmanship. Finish the afternoon with a guided tasting and behind-the-scenes roastery tour at Café Britt's San José Experience, where you can cup different Costa Rican varietals and pick up beans to fuel tomorrow's transfer to La Fortuna.
As evening falls, savor a tapas-style dinner at La Luz Wine & Grill in Barrio Escalante before moving on to sample craft cocktails and live jazz at El Observatorio for a sophisticated nightcap. If you prefer a livelier scene, head to Club Vertigo for dancing or join a guided tapas-and-street-food crawl through Calle 2 to taste local snacks, learn neighborhood stories from a guide, and soak up San José's nightlife atmosphere.
After an early transfer from San José, settle into La Fortuna with breakfast at Arenal Paraíso Restaurant, then head to the nearby La Fortuna Waterfall viewpoint for a short hike and panoramic photos of the cascade framed by rainforest. Mid-morning, join a guided nature walk at Arenal Observatory Lodge trails to spot birds and butterflies while getting your first majestic views of Arenal Volcano before checking into your hotel and preparing for afternoon activities.
Spend a relaxed afternoon wandering the charming town center and sampling local flavors at Soda Viquez, then book a short guided chocolate-and-fruit tasting at Ecocentro Danaus to learn about rainforest ecology and sustainable farming. As daylight wanes, head to Los Lagos Hot Springs for a restorative soak in mineral pools with views of the volcano, followed by a casual dinner at the nearby open-air Don Rufino for fresh, regionally inspired cuisine.
As twilight settles, enjoy a casual farm-to-table dinner at Nene's Restaurant, sampling local trout and tropical ceviche while swapping photos from the day's drives. After dinner, head to Baldi Hot Springs' cooler, less-crowded relaxation pools or book a private evening soak at Tabacón's quieter thermal river terraces for a warm, star-lit end to your first La Fortuna night.
Kick off the morning with a guided canopy walk at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, where you'll traverse a series of suspended bridges through primary rainforest and spot toucans, tanagers, and cheeky squirrel monkeys from treetop vantage points. Afterward, head to La Fortuna Waterfall's viewpoint trailhead for a steep but rewarding hike down to the pool-enjoy a refreshing swim (if conditions allow) and panoramic rainforest-and-volcano views before a riverside breakfast at the nearby Soda La Abuela.
After a morning of canopy walks, spend the afternoon on a guided naturalist hike through Arenal 1968 National Park, exploring lava fields, secondary rainforest and learning about the volcano's 1968 eruption from an expert guide. Wrap up with a relaxing visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs for a quieter thermal soak surrounded by jungle, followed by a casual dinner at the nearby La Fortuna Brewing Company to compare local craft beers and swap wildlife sightings.
Wind down after a full-adrenaline day with a sunset dinner at Chifa La Familia, savoring fresh local fish and fusion flavors while watching the sky over the volcano; afterward, join a guided night-walk at Arenal Natura Ecological Park to spot nocturnal wildlife like tree frogs, kinkajous and sleeping birds with expert-led spotlighting. Finish the night with a late soak in the mineral pools at Paradise Hot Springs, where quieter pools and candlelit terraces offer a peaceful, starlit end to your adventure-filled day.
Begin the day with an adrenaline-packed canopy tour at Sky Adventures Arenal Park, launching from high platforms and cruising over primary rainforest for unbeatable views of the valley and distant volcano; choose the full-course zipline with the Tarzan swing for an extra thrill. If you prefer river action, meet your outfitter at Balsa River Basecamp for a morning briefing followed by Class II-III rapids on a guided white-water rafting run-expect scenic rainforest banks, a few splashy drops, and a riverside picnic to recharge before afternoon relaxation.
After a morning of high-flying adrenaline, slow the pace with a riverside lunch at Café Mediterráneo before an easy guided float trip on the calmer section of the Balsa River-perfect for spotting kingfishers and iguanas from the water while your guide shares local ecology. Alternatively, if you still crave action but want a different perspective, book an afternoon stand-up paddle or guided kayak on Lake Arenal with Arenal Stand Up Paddle for sweeping volcano views, birdwatching and a mellow sunset paddle before a relaxed dinner in town.
After a day of adrenaline, unwind with a lakeside sunset cocktail at La Fortuna Rooftop Bar & Grill where you can watch the sky over Arenal while sampling local craft cocktails and ceviche. For a more intimate nature finish, book an evening wildlife boat tour on Lake Arenal Eco-Tours to glide quietly along the shore, spot herons and basilisk lizards at dusk, then return to town for a relaxed farm-to-table dinner at Restaurante Hacienda La Fortuna.
Wake early for a guided birding walk at Arenal Botanical Gardens, where expert naturalists lead you through cultivated trails to spot toucans, motmots and resplendent quetzal (season permitting) while explaining local cloud- and rainforest plant life. After the walk, continue wildlife watching with a canoe trip on the quieter Peñas Blancas River, paddling slowly past riverbanks where herons, iguanas and capuchin monkeys forage, then return to town for a relaxed brunch featuring local trout at Soda La Hormiga before a lazy afternoon of gentle exploration.
Spend a tranquil afternoon on a guided wildlife tour through Mistico Arenal Sky Walk's lower trails, where naturalist guides point out sloths, toucans and tree frogs along quiet river corridors, then enjoy a gentle boat safari on Arenal Lake with Arenal Eco Adventures to watch herons and caimans as the sun tilts toward the volcano. Afterward, relax with a late-afternoon visit to the serene pools and garden terraces of Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort for mineral dips and a restorative volcanic-mud treatment before an easy dinner nearby.
As dusk falls, take a guided nocturnal hike along the trails of Bosque Eterno de los Niños to spot kinkajous, tree frogs and owls with an experienced naturalist using silent spotlighting techniques; finish the walk with cocoa or herbal tea served near a riverside lookout. Afterwards, unwind at the more intimate thermal pools of EcoTermales Fortuna for private soaking terraces, jungle-side massages and a light tapas-style dinner paired with tropical fruit cocktails before returning to your hotel.
Arrive in Jacó after your La Fortuna transfer and start the morning with a beachfront breakfast at Cocolores, savoring fresh fruit bowls and Costa Rican coffee while watching surfers catch early waves. Follow that with a guided estuary kayak tour through the nearby Tárcoles River mangroves to spot crocodiles, herons and scarlet macaws, then return for a stroll along Playa Hermosa (just a short drive south) to collect shells and scout calmer coves before checking into your hotel and planning the afternoon surf or beach time.
After checking in, head to Playa Jacó's main beach for a relaxed afternoon of sun and beginner-friendly surfing lessons with Club La Ruta Surf School, or rent a board and practice pop-ups while watching local surfers. Mid-afternoon, stroll to the nearby Parque Nacional Carara visitor center for a short guided nature walk to spot scarlet macaws and crocodiles along the Río Tárcoles corridor, then return to town for sunset cocktails on the terrace of Costa Rica Surf & Beach Bar with fresh ceviche and ocean views.
As the sun lowers, enjoy a beachfront dinner at Graffiti Restro Bar, sampling fresh seafood ceviche and tropical cocktails while watching surfers ride the last waves. After dinner, take a stroll along Playa Jacó's promenade to catch a vibrant Pacific sunset, then head to Le Loft Rooftop Bar for live music and craft cocktails to round out your first evening in Jacó.
Begin the morning with a private surf lesson at Tito's Surf School on Playa Hermosa (Jacó)-instructors tailor technique drills, wave selection and paddling tips for your level, then let you practice on mellow breaks with hands-on coaching. After a few runs, stroll to Café Mono Congo for a beachfront brunch of tropical smoothies and fresh gallo pinto, then join a guided stand-up paddle tour of the nearby coves with Jaco SUP Adventures to spot coastal birds and enjoy calm, protected waters before the midday crowds arrive.
Spend a sun-soaked afternoon honing your skills with a guided intermediate surf clinic at Del Mar Surf Camp, where instructors film your waves for instant technique feedback before a warm-down stretch on the sand. After surf practice, stroll a few blocks to Soda Garabito for a casual seafood lunch, then join a guided mangrove kayak tour from Jacó Adventures through the quieter estuary channels to spot herons and crocodiles as the tide slips toward sunset.
As the sky softens, head to Playa Herradura for a relaxed sunset paddleboard session with Herradura SUP Tours, where calm bay waters and distant island silhouettes make for easy glides and photo-ready views. Follow with a casual seaside dinner at Soda El Muelle, sampling freshly grilled fish and handheld empanadas, then finish the night with live music and cold drinks at Jaco Blu, a laid-back bar that keeps the beach-town vibe going after dark.
Start early with a scenic drive to Manuel Antonio National Park and join a guided trail walk from the park entrance to spot white-faced capuchins, sloths and colorful toucans while your naturalist guide points out native flora; finish the hike with sun-warmed relaxation and snorkeling at the sheltered cove of Playa Manuel Antonio. Alternatively, for a calmer start, book a morning boat tour through the Damas Island mangroves-paddle past winding channels to see herons, howler monkeys on the shorelines and the dramatic estuary ecosystems up close with a local guide who can explain tidal wildlife behavior.
After a morning in the park or estuary, spend the afternoon exploring the coastal village of Quepos, meandering its artisan shops and grabbing a seafood lunch at Restaurante Marlin Azul where ceviche and fresh-caught tuna are local highlights. Later, join a guided boat tour to the nearby Isla Damas islets for calm-water snorkeling among rays and colorful reef fish, or opt for a sunset wildlife cruise from Quepos Marina to search for frigatebirds and dolphins while sipping a cold drink as the Pacific light fades.
After a day of wildlife and beach time, enjoy a relaxed dinner at El Avión Restaurante, an iconic converted Fairchild C-123 plane perched on a hillside with sweeping coastal views-order fresh ceviche and a tropical cocktail while the sunset paints the Pacific. Later, take a moonlit stroll along Playa Espadilla to listen for waves and nocturnal birds, then finish with a nightcap at Barba Roja Beach Club, where live acoustic sets and laid-back cocktails close out a memorable Costa Rican day.
Ease into your final morning with a leisurely breakfast and souvenir hunt at Mercado Central de Jacó, where you can pick up locally made coffee, handmade hammocks and small art pieces. Then take a gentle coastal walk to Playa Mantas for last-minute shell collecting and a short paddle with a rented board from Jaco Paddle Rentals before packing up and beginning your mid-morning transfer back toward San José.
Spend a relaxed afternoon browsing artisan goods and gourmet coffee at Mercado del Artesano Jacó, then grab a late-light lunch of fresh ceviche and plantain chips at Restaurante Soda Jacó before your transfer. If time allows, enjoy a final mellow swim or sunset paddle at Playa Herradura with Herradura Kayak & Tours-their short guided trips are perfect for gentle birdwatching-then collect your luggage and head to your prearranged shuttle back to San José.
For a relaxed final evening, enjoy a sunset seafood dinner at Soda Jaco Blu with fresh ceviche and local draft beer on a covered terrace overlooking the surf, then stroll the nearby boardwalk to browse handcrafted jewelry and souvenirs at Galería Arte y Mar. If you prefer a quieter farewell, book a seaside couples massage at Mar y Sol Spa followed by nightcaps on the hotel rooftop at Hotel Club Del Mar, watching the Pacific horizon as you prepare for your transfer back to San José.