After arriving, ease into Costa Rica with a relaxed stroll through Parque La Sabana, where locals jog, families picnic, and you can admire views of the old national stadium and surrounding greenery. Follow this with a coffee tasting at Café del Barista near the park to sample Costa Rica's famed beans and a light breakfast of gallo pinto at Soda Tapia to get a true taste of San José before checking into your hotel and preparing for the drive to La Fortuna tomorrow.
Ease into the city with a visit to the vibrant Mercado Central, where you can sample fresh tropical fruits, buy handcrafted souvenirs, and watch local vendors prepare casado lunches; pick up a cold fresco to sip while you explore. Later, stroll up Paseo Colón to the cultural hub of Museo del Jade for a compact, fascinating introduction to pre-Columbian art, then relax with an early evening craft beer or cocktail at La Criolla Gastrobar to cap off your first day and prepare for the drive to La Fortuna tomorrow.
As twilight falls, wander through the historic neighborhood of Barrio Amón to admire restored Victorian mansions and pop into boutique galleries; stop for a relaxed tapas-style dinner at La Terrasse to sample local seafood and ceviche. After dinner, enjoy live music and craft cocktails at the intimate bar El Sótano, or take a short taxi to Teatro Nacional for an evening performance or a guided after-hours tour to soak up Costa Rica's cultural pulse before an early night ahead of your drive to La Fortuna.
After an early check-out from San José, drive or shuttle to La Fortuna and stretch your legs with a scenic walk around La Fortuna Town Central Park, where vendors sell fresh fruit and you can grab a quick breakfast of empanadas and coffee. Then head to the outskirts for a guided hanging bridges walk at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, spotting toucans and howler monkeys among the canopy before checking into your hotel and preparing for an evening soak in the hot springs.
After checking into your hotel and a light lunch, head to the edge of town for an easy hike and wildlife spotting at La Fortuna Waterfall Viewpoint (without doing the full descent) to admire the falls from above and photograph the surrounding rainforest. Follow this with a relaxing riverside soak and local-style massage at Ecotermales Fortuna, where smaller pools, warm minerally waters, and attentive service make for a peaceful introduction to Arenal's thermal scene before an evening soak at your hotel.
As dusk settles, enjoy a leisurely dinner at Don Rufino, savoring fresh Costa Rican produce and volcanic-region specialties while the Arenal volcano silhouette emerges in the distance. Afterward, wander the charming grounds of Baldi Hot Springs' soaking terraces for a lively nightlife atmosphere with illuminated pools and optional cocktails, or choose the quieter, candlelit thermal pools at Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort for a tranquil soak beneath the stars.
Start early with a guided trail through Arenal 1968 National Park, where lava fields and secondary rainforest frame sweeping views of the volcano and you can spot agoutis and tropical birds along well-marked paths. After the hike, drive a short distance to La Fortuna River for a canyoning/river-rafting meetup (choice of gentle rapids or white-water half-day), then refuel with a hearty brunch at Nene's Restaurant back in town before an easier afternoon activity.
After a morning of trekking and (optional) river adventure, take a gentler afternoon exploring the lush trails around El Salto for birdwatching and a chance to spot colorful tanagers and hummingbirds, then cool off with a guided swim at the secluded plunge pools below Catarata Río Fortuna where natural rock slides and calm basins reward the hike. Finish with a visit to La Fortuna Chocolate Tour to learn about cacao processing and sample single-origin chocolate while enjoying panoramic views of the valley as the light softens toward evening.
As twilight deepens, enjoy a relaxed farm-to-table dinner at Chifa La Familia Feliz, where fresh local produce and Asian-Costa Rican fusion flavors make for a memorable meal after a day of hiking. After dinner, take a guided nocturnal wildlife walk at Ranario Night Tour & Frog Pond to spot tree frogs, katydids, and owls among illuminated boardwalks, then cap the night with star-gazing and a final soak in the warm mineral plunge pool at Los Lagos Hot Springs Resort for a peaceful end to an active day.
Get your adrenaline fix on a sunrise canopy tour at Sky Adventures Arenal Park, where high-speed ziplines and a sky tram offer sweeping views of the rainforest and Arenal's peak; the guided circuit includes a final rappel and a coffee stop with local beans. Afterward, drift into a gentler pace with a guided birding walk at Arenal Observatory Lodge trails, where naturalists point out toucans, keel-billed toucans, and endemic hummingbirds while you enjoy panoramic volcano-and-lake vistas before returning to town for lunch.
After a morning of ziplines and lodge trails, unwind with a guided walk through the lesser-known trails of Bosque Eterno de los Niños, where a naturalist will point out sloths in the canopy and resident toucans while you stroll quiet, shaded paths. Later, head to EcoTermales La Fortuna for a restorative soak in its smaller, family-run thermal pools and finish with a cacao-infused massage at Nayara Spa, blending volcanic minerals and local chocolate for a luxurious, regionally rooted relaxation experience.
As dusk falls, enjoy a relaxed riverside dinner at Soda Viquez, sampling casados and fresh ceviche while listening to the chorus of tree frogs. After dinner, join a guided night-vision wildlife walk at Arenal Natura Ecological Park to spot nocturnal mammals and amphibians, then return to your lodge for a private soak in the Hotel Tabacón-style volcanic mineral pool (many boutique lodges offer similar on-site thermal plunge options) under starry skies to close the day.
After a scenic drive from La Fortuna, stretch your legs with a beachfront breakfast at Cocodrilo's Café, then stroll the palm-lined sands of Playa Herradura for a quieter introduction to the Central Pacific before heading into town. Mid-morning, join a short guided mangrove boat tour in Tárcoles River to spot crocodiles and shorebirds, then return to Jaco for surfboard rentals and a breezy lesson at Jaco Surf School to ease into the beach vibe of your next few days.
After checking into your Jaco hotel, head to Playa Hermosa for a relaxed afternoon of sun and tide pooling-it's quieter than Jaco beach and excellent for watching surfers and local shorebirds. Later, wander the colorful stalls and cafés of Mercado Municipal de Jaco to sample fresh ceviche and artisanal snacks, then pause at Pez Vela Rooftop for a cold drink and sweeping coastal views as the light softens toward sunset.
As the sun sinks, head to Los Sueños Marina for a leisurely waterfront paseo, enjoying sunset views over luxury yachts and stopping at Marina Pez Vela's bars for a refreshing tropical cocktail and light bites. Afterward, explore the lively Calle Principal, popping into Tacobar Jaco for casual seaside tacos and then catching live music or a laid-back DJ set at Le Loft Nightclub to sample Jaco's energetic nightlife before turning in.
Get an early start with a private lesson and guided surf session from the friendly instructors at Calypso Surf School, who will pair you with a board suited to your level and scout the best breaks for morning swells; afterward, stroll over to Rancho La Merced for a beachfront brunch of fresh ceviche and tropical fruit while watching surfers carve the line-up. Finish the morning with a short coastal hike to Mirador Cerro Turrubares for panoramic views of Jaco Bay and a chance to spot frigatebirds and pelicans before returning to town to rest and prepare for an afternoon of snorkeling or paddleboarding.
Swap boards for a calm afternoon on the water with a guided snorkel and SUP tour at Tortuga Island Excursions' nearby reefs, where an instructor points out reef fish and sea turtles in relatively shallow waters; opt for a sunset paddle to catch warm golden light on the bay. Afterward, stroll the palm-fringed promenade to AquaSport Beach Club for a seaside cocktail and small-plate seafood tasting while live acoustic music plays, keeping the pace relaxed before an evening of local dining.
As dusk falls, wander down to Playa Jaco Beachfront Promenade to watch sunset surfers and enjoy casual bites from beachfront carts before heading to Graffiti Restro Café & Wine Bar for a vibrant dinner of fresh seafood tapas and craft cocktails. After dinner, take a short taxi to Ritmo Night Bar for live Latin music and dancing, or savor a quieter nightcap at Tico Brew House with locally brewed beers and laid-back conversation to close out an active beach day.
Depart Jaco early for a scenic drive to Manuel Antonio National Park, arriving at opening to beat crowds; take a guided trail walk to spot white-faced capuchins, squirrel monkeys, and sloths while your guide points out endemic birdlife and hidden tide pools along Playa Espadilla Sur. After the park loop, relax with a beachfront brunch at El Avión, perched above the sand in a converted cargo plane, where fresh seafood and tropical fruit plates recharge you for an afternoon of snorkeling or a mangrove boat tour in nearby Quepos Marina.
After a morning in Manuel Antonio's trails, linger on the quieter side with a guided kayak and snorkeling combo from Playa Biesanz, where a local naturalist will point out reef fish, sea urchins, and occasional rays in the sheltered cove. Later, visit the nearby Finca Naturales Wildlife Rescue Center for an up-close educational tour to learn about rescue and rehabilitation efforts for sloths, toucans, and parrots before returning to Jaco with coastal views for an easy evening.
After returning from the park, enjoy a sunset seafood feast at Café Milagro Manuel Antonio on the hillside, where farm-to-table flavors and cold craft beers pair with sweeping ocean views. Finish the night with a guided bioluminescence kayak tour from Playa Biezán Night Paddle, gliding through glowing waters and listening for nocturnal wildlife before a relaxed stroll and a final cocktail at Barba Roja Beach Club to cap the day.
Ease into your last morning with a sunrise walk and tide-pool exploration at Playa Blanca, where calm shallows and scattered rock pools reveal hermit crabs and colorful starfish; grab a coconut water and a light breakfast from the beachfront stand Cocos & Pan. Afterward, enjoy a final pampering session with a beachfront yoga class at Pura Vida Yoga Jaco followed by a quick surf refresher or bodyboard session rented from Jaco Board Rentals so you leave Costa Rica with one last ocean memory before packing up.
Spend a leisurely afternoon at Playa Blanca South, renting a paddleboard from Blue Surf Shop Jaco to glide over calm shallows and scan for rays, then settle under a palapa at El Encanto Beach Club for a light seafood ceviche and a cold drink. Mid-afternoon, visit Galería del Mar for last-minute artisan souvenirs and stop by Clinica de Masajes Jaco for a short deep-tissue or foot massage to ease travel tension before returning to your hotel to pack and freshen up for departure.
As the day cools, enjoy a sunset seafood dinner at Soda Garabito, savoring freshly grilled fish and coconut rice while watching fishermen bring in the evening catch. After dinner, take a slow stroll along Playa Jaco Pier to catch the last coastal light, then cap the night with handcrafted cocktails and live acoustic music at Café del Mar Jaco before returning to your hotel to finalize packing and an early check-out routine.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Parque La Sabana | Free |
| Café del Barista (coffee tasting) | $8 |
| Soda Tapia (gallo pinto breakfast) | $6 |
| Mercado Central (sampling & fresco) | $5 |
| Museo del Jade | $12 |
| La Criolla Gastrobar (drink) | $8 |
| Barrio Amón (self-guided stroll) | Free |
| La Terrasse (tapas dinner) | $25 |
| El Sótano (live music, drinks) | $12 |
| Teatro Nacional (performance or guided tour) | $12 |
| La Fortuna Town Central Park | Free |
| Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park | $45 |
| La Fortuna Waterfall Viewpoint | $5 |
| Ecotermales Fortuna (riverside soak & massage) | $60 |
| Don Rufino (dinner) | $35 |
| Baldi Hot Springs (entrance) | $45 |
| Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort (evening soak) | $75 |
| Arenal 1968 National Park (guided hike) | $30 |
| La Fortuna River canyoning/river-rafting (half-day) | $85 |
| Nene's Restaurant (brunch) | $12 |
| El Salto (trail / birdwatching) | Free |
| Catarata Río Fortuna (guided swim/plunge pools) | $20 |
| La Fortuna Chocolate Tour | $28 |
| Chifa La Familia Feliz (dinner) | $20 |
| Ranario Night Tour & Frog Pond | $20 |
| Los Lagos Hot Springs Resort (evening soak) | $30 |
| Sky Adventures Arenal Park (canopy + sky tram) | $79 |
| Arenal Observatory Lodge trails (guided birding walk) | $30 |
| Bosque Eterno de los Niños (guided walk) | $15 |
| EcoTermales La Fortuna (soak) | $45 |
| Nayara Spa (cacao-infused massage) | $120 |
| Soda Viquez (riverside dinner) | $10 |
| Arenal Natura Ecological Park (night-vision walk) | $30 |
| Hotel boutique thermal plunge (example on-site soak) | $20 |
| Cocodrilo's Café (beachfront breakfast) | $12 |
| Playa Herradura (beach stroll) | Free |
| Tárcoles River mangrove & croc boat tour | $30 |
| Jaco Surf School (group lesson & board rental) | $40 |
| Playa Hermosa (afternoon beach) | Free |
| Mercado Municipal de Jaco (snacks) | $8 |
| Pez Vela Rooftop (drink) | $10 |
| Los Sueños Marina / Marina Pez Vela (paseo & drinks) | $15 |
| Tacobar Jaco (tacos) | $12 |
| Le Loft Nightclub (cover / drinks) | $20 |
| Calypso Surf School (private lesson) | $70 |
| Rancho La Merced (brunch) | $15 |
| Mirador Cerro Turrubares (short hike/viewpoint) | Free |
| Tortuga Island Excursions (snorkel & SUP tour) | $85 |
| AquaSport Beach Club (drink / small plates) | $18 |
| Graffiti Restro Café & Wine Bar (dinner) | $25 |
| Ritmo Night Bar (live music) | $10 |
| Tico Brew House (craft beers) | $8 |
| Manuel Antonio National Park (entrance + guided trail) | $18 |
| El Avión (brunch) | $20 |
| Quepos Marina (snorkel / mangrove boat tour) | $40 |
| Playa Biesanz kayak & snorkeling combo | $45 |
| Finca Naturales Wildlife Rescue Center (tour) | $15 |
| Café Milagro Manuel Antonio (dinner) | $25 |
| Playa Biezán Night Paddle (bioluminescence kayak) | $60 |
| Barba Roja Beach Club (drink) | $12 |
| Playa Blanca (sunrise walk / tide pools) | Free |
| Cocos & Pan (coconut water & breakfast) | $6 |
| Pura Vida Yoga Jaco (beach yoga class) | $12 |
| Jaco Board Rentals (surf/bodyboard rental) | $12 |
| Playa Blanca South (paddleboard rental) | $20 |
| Blue Surf Shop Jaco (paddleboard rental) | $20 |
| El Encanto Beach Club (ceviche & drink) | $20 |
| Galería del Mar (souvenirs) | $15 |
| Clinica de Masajes Jaco (short deep-tissue/foot massage) | $30 |
| Soda Garabito (sunset seafood dinner) | $18 |
| Playa Jaco Pier (stroll) | Free |
| Café del Mar Jaco (cocktails / live music) | $15 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $2256 |