Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
Begin with the full travel day from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport to Juan Santamaría International Airport. Because this route normally involves at least one connection, allow the entire day for flying rather than planning anything fixed after arrival. After immigration, baggage claim, and customs, use your prearranged 30–60-minute hotel transfer—official taxis or a booked private shuttle are preferable to accepting unsolicited rides outside the terminal. Expect traffic on the approach into San José, especially later in the afternoon.
Check in at Hotel Presidente San José on Avenida Central and give yourselves about an hour to shower, change, and reset. Keep valuables secured and avoid carrying passports around the city; a photo or photocopy is usually sufficient for the evening. From the hotel, Mercado Central is an easy walk through the downtown grid, though take a taxi back if it is dark or you are tired. The market generally operates during daytime into the late afternoon, so if your flight is delayed, treat this as a flexible stop rather than counting on it after evening arrival. Inside, try a small serving of olla de carne, casado, or a fresh fruit drink, and browse the herb, produce, and souvenir stalls without rushing.
Continue by taxi or a roughly 15-minute walk, depending on energy, to La Calle in Barrio Amón for casual dinner and drinks. Budget about $15–30 per person, excluding any extra cocktails. This historic neighborhood is one of the more atmospheric parts of central San José, with colorful older facades and quieter streets than the downtown market area. Keep the first night low-key—jet lag, airport delays, and the next morning’s transfer to La Fortuna make an early finish worthwhile. Have the hotel arrange a taxi or confirm your shuttle pickup before bed.
Your shared door-to-door shuttle from San José should collect you around 7:00 AM; allow roughly 4–5 hours, including traffic, a comfort stop, and the winding approach to La Fortuna. Keep your day bag accessible with swimwear, sandals, sunscreen, and a light layer—the highlands can be cool early, while La Fortuna is warm and humid. On arrival, have the driver drop you near your accommodation or downtown, then take a short taxi ride if luggage makes walking inconvenient.
Once settled, spend about 45 minutes wandering La Fortuna Park, the town’s easy orientation point. From the central plaza, you may catch glimpses of Arenal Volcano when clouds lift, and it is a good place to withdraw cash or pick up snacks before heading to lunch. Walk a few blocks to Soda Viquez for a casual, filling Costa Rican meal such as casado or arroz con pollo—expect about $8–15 per person. Service is relaxed, so allow close to an hour rather than rushing.
Arrange a taxi or your resort’s transfer from downtown to Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, about 20 minutes outside town; confirm the pickup time with the resort when booking. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during the dry-season travel period, and entry generally costs substantially more than local hot springs—check the current day-pass price and arrival window directly with Tabacón. Plan on 3–4 hours among the naturally heated pools and gardens. Bring only essentials, as valuables should stay secured; resort towels are typically provided, but verify what your pass includes.
Return to central La Fortuna by taxi and have dinner at Don Rufino, a polished but welcoming choice for the evening. Budget roughly $25–45 per person, and reserve ahead if possible because the dining room can fill during peak season. Afterward, keep the evening low-key: the next few days are adventure-heavy, and the town’s compact center is pleasant for a short stroll before turning in.
Start with breakfast near your hotel, then arrange the tour operator’s shuttle or a taxi to Sky Adventures Arenal Park in El Castillo, roughly 30–40 minutes from central La Fortuna. Your zipline session will take about 3–4 hours, including check-in, safety briefing, gear fitting, and transfers between platforms. Reserve ahead, especially during the dry-season travel period; confirm the pickup time, weight limits, footwear rules, and whether transportation is included. Wear secure closed-toe shoes and quick-drying clothes—this is a proper rainforest-and-canyon course, not just a short introductory zipline.
After returning to La Fortuna, have an easy lunch at Spectaculuart, a relaxed option for rice-and-beans plates, sandwiches, and other casual meals. Budget about $10–20 per person and allow roughly an hour. From town, take a taxi or prearranged ride to Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails, approximately 35–45 minutes away near the volcano. Spend about two hours walking the property’s rainforest trails and stopping at the viewpoints when the clouds lift; visibility is often best earlier in the day, but the scenery is still worthwhile even when Arenal Volcano is partly covered. Trail access and viewpoint availability can vary with weather, so check conditions before leaving town, and bring water, insect repellent, and a light rain layer.
Return to central La Fortuna for dinner at Nanku Restaurant, where Costa Rican staples sit alongside international dishes. Expect roughly $20–35 per person and around 1½ hours for a comfortable meal. A taxi from the lodge area is the simplest option; agree on the fare before departing, since the ride back from the trails is too long to rely on finding an unplanned taxi. After dinner, keep the evening low-key—your zipline day includes an early start, a lot of walking, and plenty of adrenaline.
Have breakfast near your hotel, then meet Desafío Adventure Company for its guided ATV tour on the outskirts of La Fortuna. Allow about 3–4 hours door to door, including the operator’s pickup or a short taxi ride from town, check-in, safety briefing, and time to get comfortable on the machines. The route typically follows rough farm roads and volcanic terrain, with muddy stretches and river or stream crossings depending on recent rain.
Wear clothes and shoes you do not mind getting dirty, and bring a swimsuit or change of clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a waterproof phone pouch. Closed-toe shoes are required, and the tour should be booked ahead; confirm pickup location, driver requirements, and whether helmets, rain gear, and park or entrance fees are included. Expect roughly $70–120 per person, depending on the vehicle and tour length. Keep your phone and wallet secured—this is not the morning to carry anything loose.
After returning to town, take a taxi or walk to Pollo Fortuneño for an uncomplicated, inexpensive lunch. Order the house chicken with rice, beans, plantains, or salad; portions are filling and the casual atmosphere suits a group coming straight from an ATV ride. Plan on about $8–15 per person and roughly an hour, though service can be relaxed during the midday rush.
From downtown, use a taxi to Arenal Ecoglide Park, allowing around 15–20 minutes each way depending on traffic and your exact hotel. Spend 1½–2 hours on the hanging bridges and forest paths, taking the afternoon at an easy pace after the more physical morning. The canopy and surrounding vegetation are especially pleasant when clouds begin to gather around the volcano, and you may spot toucans, sloths, or howler monkeys if you move quietly. Check the day’s operating hours and last-entry time before leaving lunch; conditions and trail access can change after heavy rain.
Return to central La Fortuna for dinner at The Brewery Restaurant & Bar. It is a convenient, casual place to settle in after the tour-heavy day, with burgers, pizza, salads, and other familiar options at approximately $15–30 per person. Choose nonalcoholic drinks or beverages permitted for your age, and allow about 1½ hours. Afterward, keep the evening low-key—your canyoning day is next, and an early night will make the morning pickup much easier.
Start early with PureTrek Canyoning, one of the more memorable ways to experience the rainforest around La Fortuna. Allow roughly 4–5 hours door to door, including pickup, safety briefing, hiking, rappelling waterfalls, and the return ride. Confirm the pickup point and departure time the day before; most canyoning operators provide transport from central hotels, while accommodations outside town may require a small taxi connection.
Wear quick-drying clothes and secure sandals or closed-toe shoes that can get wet. The tour normally supplies helmets, harnesses, and other technical equipment, but bring a swimsuit, towel, dry change of clothes, sunscreen, and a waterproof pouch for valuables. This is a physically active morning, so keep breakfast light and expect muddy, slippery trails rather than a polished theme-park experience.
After returning to town, have a hearty casado at Soda La Hormiga. Plan about an hour and roughly $8–15 per person for rice, beans, salad, plantain, and your choice of meat or fish. It is a straightforward local meal and a good reset after canyoning; cash in colones is useful, although many La Fortuna restaurants accept cards.
In the afternoon, take a taxi or arrange a short ride to Arenal Natura Ecological Park, a quieter alternative to the area’s busier attractions. Allow about two hours for the rainforest paths, botanical areas, and wildlife spotting. Go slowly and keep your eyes on the trees and water edges—sloths, frogs, monkeys, and tropical birds are possible, but sightings are never guaranteed. Check the park’s current admission hours before leaving, since schedules can vary seasonally, and bring insect repellent and water.
Return to central La Fortuna for dinner at Lava Lounge Bar & Restaurant, where you can settle into an easygoing meal after a full adventure day. Budget approximately $15–30 per person, and allow about 1½ hours. The restaurant is walkable from much of downtown; otherwise, a short taxi ride is inexpensive. Keep the evening relaxed—after canyoning and the ecological walk, this is a better night for good food and an early rest than for another ambitious outing.
Leave La Fortuna around 7:00 AM in your pre-booked private or shared shuttle. The drive through Routes 142, 1, and 27 takes roughly 5–6 hours, with a rest stop and traffic near the Central Valley built in. Keep valuables and swimwear in your day bag rather than the luggage compartment. Once you reach Jacó, have the driver drop you near the beachfront or your accommodation; parking in central Jacó can be limited, and most of today’s stops are easy on foot.
After checking in or leaving bags, walk the Jacó Walkway along the beachfront for about 45 minutes. It is a good, low-key way to stretch after the shuttle, with open Pacific views and plenty of places to pause. Continue to El Hicaco Seafood for lunch on the beach—allow about $20–35 per person, depending on your seafood choice and drinks. Ask about the catch of the day, and expect service to be relaxed rather than rushed.
After lunch, spend roughly two hours at Jaco Beach. Swim only where conditions look calm and stay aware of rip currents; this is a surf beach, and waves can be stronger than they appear. Leave phones and wallets secured at your lodging, use reef-safe sunscreen, and check the tide and red-flag notices before entering the water. If you need shade or a drink, walk back toward the central beachfront rather than carrying valuables onto the sand.
Freshen up, then walk to Graffiti Restro Café & Wine Bar for dinner, budgeting approximately $20–35 per person. It is a convenient first-night choice because you can reach it from central Jacó without arranging another ride. Dinner typically takes about 1½ hours; confirm opening hours and reserve or message ahead during busy periods, since schedules can change seasonally. Afterward, keep the evening easy—Jacó’s main streets become lively at night, but after an early departure and long transfer, an early night will set you up better for tomorrow’s activities.
Start with Jaco Ropes for a morning canopy and rope-course session in the hills above Jacó. Allow about 2–3 hours, plus transportation and check-in; reserve ahead and confirm the exact pickup point, minimum age, footwear requirements, and whether the day’s program is primarily ziplines, rope obstacles, or both. A taxi from central Jacó usually takes around 10–15 minutes, and closed-toe shoes, athletic clothes, sunscreen, and insect repellent are essential. The morning is generally the most comfortable time for the physical course, before the heat and humidity build.
After returning to town, have an easy lunch at The Pizza Shop, a practical choice before the afternoon boat. Expect roughly $10–20 per person and about an hour, though allow extra time if your boat operator has a fixed check-in deadline. Keep lunch moderate and drink plenty of water—the combination of sun, motion, and alcohol later can catch up with you quickly. From central Jacó, the restaurant is easiest to reach on foot or by a short taxi ride, depending on your hotel.
Head to the Ocean Ranch Park party boat departure point for the afternoon cruise, commonly around four hours. Confirm the meeting location, transfer arrangement, departure time, included drinks and food, and minimum-age policy when booking; some cruises require guests to be at least 18, while others may impose different rules for alcohol service. Bring a swimsuit, towel, waterproof phone pouch, and cash for optional purchases, but leave passports and valuables secured at your accommodation. The Pacific can be bright even when the breeze feels cool, so reapply reef-conscious sunscreen and take the first hour slowly if you are prone to seasickness.
After the boat returns, allow time to rinse off and change before dinner at Le Loft, where a meal typically runs about $20–35 per person and takes roughly 1½ hours. It is a convenient place to continue into Jacó’s evening scene, but check the venue’s age and ID policy before planning on late-night entry—being 19 does not guarantee access to every bar area or alcohol service. Use a registered taxi for the short ride back to your accommodation rather than walking the quieter side streets late, and keep the evening flexible after a full day in the sun.
Take a taxi or rideshare south from Jacó to Playa Hermosa, roughly 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Go in the morning, when the beach is quieter and the surf is usually more impressive; this is a viewing-and-swimming stop rather than a beginner-friendly place to enter the water, since the waves and currents can be powerful. Spend about two hours walking the dark volcanic-sand beach, watching local surfers, and relaxing under the palms. Bring cash for a drink, reef-safe sunscreen, and only minimal valuables—there is little reason to leave phones or wallets unattended on the sand.
Have lunch at Vida Hermosa, directly by Playa Hermosa, before driving north toward Tárcoles. Expect about $15–30 per person, and allow an hour; service can be unhurried, which suits the beach setting. Arrange a taxi for the full outing or use a rental car, since local transport between the beach, Carara National Park, and Crocodile Bridge is limited. From Playa Hermosa, allow roughly 35–45 minutes to Carara National Park via the Costanera Sur; confirm trail conditions and entrance procedures before leaving, and carry water, insect repellent, and closed shoes.
Visit Carara National Park for two to three hours on its rainforest trails. The park is one of the best places on this coast for scarlet macaws, toucans, monkeys, and other wildlife, although sightings are never guaranteed. Heat builds quickly, so keep the walk relaxed and stay on marked paths. Afterward, continue a few minutes to Crocodile Bridge, the roadside walkway over the Tárcoles River. Spend 30–45 minutes looking for large American crocodiles below, but keep bags and phones securely in hand and stay behind the railings.
Return to Jacó—usually about 35–45 minutes from Tárcoles, depending on traffic—and finish at Costa Juice for a smoothie or light dinner, budgeting approximately $8–15 per person. It is an easy, low-key end to a full sightseeing day; order something cold, review your photos, and keep the evening free rather than adding another excursion. If you are using taxis, have your accommodation call one for the return trip, as availability can thin out later at night.
Take your pre-booked shared shuttle from Jacó around 8:00 AM along the Costanera Sur. The ride to Quepos generally takes 2–2.5 hours, though roadwork and traffic can add time. Keep your luggage tagged and valuables with you; most shuttles drop passengers near their Quepos accommodation rather than at a central terminal. If you use the public bus instead, allow closer to 3–3.5 hours and confirm the current schedule locally.
After checking in or leaving your bags, spend about an hour at Marina Pez Vela. It is a pleasant first look at the Quepos waterfront, with fishing boats, cafés, and tour offices; it is also a good place to confirm check-in details for your upcoming snorkeling and fishing trips. A taxi from central Quepos usually takes about 5–10 minutes, and the marina is easiest to explore before the stronger afternoon heat.
For lunch, head to El Arado, a relaxed local spot where a typical Costa Rican meal should run about $10–20 per person. Order a casado, grilled fish, or ceviche, and expect a more casual pace than at the tourist-facing restaurants along the coast. From there, take a taxi toward Playa La Machaca for roughly 15–20 minutes, depending on your starting point and road conditions. Plan about 1.5 hours on this quieter beach: bring water, sandals, and a small towel, and avoid leaving phones or bags unattended while swimming. There may be little shade or service, so buy drinks before leaving town.
Continue by taxi to El Avión in the Manuel Antonio area for dinner and sunset. Allow around 20–30 minutes from Playa La Machaca, with extra time if traffic builds on the coastal road. Arrive before sunset to get an ocean-facing table and look around the unusual converted aircraft before ordering; dinner is generally about $20–35 per person. Taxis back to Quepos are straightforward, but arrange the return with the restaurant or your accommodation before settling in, since rides become less frequent later in the evening.
Reserve the catamaran snorkeling cruise from Marina Pez Vela in advance and confirm the exact check-in time, since morning departures vary by operator and sea conditions. From Quepos, a taxi to the marina usually takes about 10–15 minutes; allow extra time for check-in, waivers, and fitting masks and fins. The cruise generally lasts around four hours and combines coastal sightseeing with a snorkeling stop, though visibility and the exact anchorage depend on wind, swell, and wildlife conditions. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof phone pouch, a towel, and motion-sickness medication if anyone is prone to seasickness. A typical excursion costs roughly $75–130 per person, depending on the boat and inclusions.
After returning to Marina Pez Vela, have lunch at Shrimp Shack, an easy marina-area choice for seafood, shrimp dishes, and cold drinks. Expect to spend about $15–30 per person, and allow roughly an hour so you are not rushing before the beach. If the catamaran returns later than expected, eat here first and leave the beach visit flexible; the marina and Manuel Antonio area are connected by taxi, usually around 15–25 minutes depending on traffic.
Take a taxi toward Manuel Antonio and continue to Playa Biesanz, a sheltered cove that is better suited to relaxed swimming and casual snorkeling than the exposed surf beaches. The final approach includes a short walk through forest, so wear sandals with secure straps and carry only what you need; there are limited facilities, and valuables should stay with the group. Spend about two hours in the cove, then head to Emilio’s Café for sunset coffee or dinner. It is a good place to slow down after the boat trip, with elevated coastal views and a relaxed setting; budget about $15–30 per person and allow 1–1½ hours. Sunset seating is popular, so arriving a little early is worthwhile, and confirm the day’s hours before setting out.
Make this your earliest start in Quepos: most fishing charters leave Marina Pez Vela around 6:00–7:00 AM, with check-in 20–30 minutes beforehand. A taxi from central Quepos usually takes 10–15 minutes; arrange a pickup the night before, especially if your charter includes hotel transport. Offshore trips commonly last 6–8 hours, while inshore trips are shorter and calmer, so confirm the boat, fishing style, meals, drinks, licenses, and cancellation policy when booking. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses with a strap, a light rain layer, motion-sickness medication, and a waterproof pouch—leave passports and unnecessary electronics at your hotel.
After returning to Marina Pez Vela, have a relaxed meal at Runaway Grill or BAMBU Sushi Club, both convenient for a post-charter lunch and generally in the $15–35-per-person range. Allow about an hour, but do not rush if the boat arrives late; fishing charters can run over because of weather or a good bite. Later, browse the Quepos Farmers Market along the waterfront for mangoes, pineapple, coconut sweets, and other tropical snacks. The market is most associated with the weekend, so treat this stop as conditional and verify that it is operating on your day; if it is closed, use the waterfront walk for a quieter local alternative.
Arrange the paddleboard outing in advance with an operator serving the Damas Island estuary, since launches and tide conditions vary. A taxi from Marina Pez Vela or central Quepos generally takes 20–30 minutes, and the outing itself is about two hours. The estuary is a gentler choice after a long boat day, with mangrove channels and chances to see birds, monkeys, and small reptiles; go with a guide rather than paddling independently because the channels can be confusing and tidal. Wear quick-drying clothes, secure your phone, and ask whether transport, boards, life jackets, and dry bags are included. If the charter returns too late, move this to the following morning rather than trying to squeeze it in at dusk.
Take a taxi from Quepos toward Manuel Antonio National Park, allowing roughly 20–30 minutes depending on traffic and the line near the entrance. Aim to arrive for your timed entry as early as possible, when the rainforest is cooler and wildlife is more active. Tickets should be purchased through the park’s official reservation system in advance; do not rely on buying them from people approaching you along the road. The park typically takes 4–5 hours at an easy pace, including the trails, viewpoints, and beach time. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and sun protection, and avoid carrying food or plastic bags—the park is strict about what enters. Independent exploring is fine, but an official naturalist guide is worth considering if spotting monkeys, sloths, and small rainforest animals is a priority.
After leaving the park, continue into the Manuel Antonio village area for lunch at Falafel Bar. Plan on about an hour and roughly $10–20 per person for falafel plates, wraps, and other casual Middle Eastern fare. This is an easy break after the humid park walk, but service can slow down during the midday rush, so keep the afternoon relaxed rather than booking anything tightly. A short taxi ride from the park is usually simpler than walking the hilly roadside, especially in the heat.
Spend the rest of the afternoon at Playa Espadilla, the broad public beach just outside the park. It is a better choice for an unstructured beach break than trying to fit in another major attraction: swim in the calmer sections, rent chairs or an umbrella if available, and keep phones and wallets close when you are in the water. The beach is free, though parking and rentals may cost extra. Stay through sunset if conditions are clear; taxis are easy to find along the main road, but arrange a pickup if you plan to remain after dark.
Finish with the short Rico Tico Jungle Walk, allowing about 1–1½ hours. Reserve ahead if you want the guided version, since evening departures may be limited and are not something to assume will be available on arrival. Bring closed-toe shoes, insect repellent, and a small flashlight, and keep expectations focused on a quiet nighttime rainforest experience rather than guaranteed animal sightings. Afterward, take a registered taxi back to Quepos or your accommodation; avoid walking the highway after dark.
Take your pre-booked shared door-to-door shuttle from Quepos around 8:00 AM. The route follows the Costanera Sur and Route 27, typically taking 3.5–5 hours depending on traffic, especially approaching the Central Valley. Keep your valuables and a light layer with you rather than in the luggage compartment. On arrival in San José, have the driver drop you at your accommodation, then use a taxi or app-based ride to La Sabana Metropolitan Park—walking with luggage is not practical.
Begin at the Museo de Arte Costarricense, located in the park’s former airport terminal. Allow about 1.5 hours for its Costa Rican painting and sculpture collection, including the striking golden room. Confirm the museum’s opening days and hours before setting out, since schedules can vary; admission is generally free or modestly priced. Afterward, spend about an hour strolling La Sabana Metropolitan Park, particularly around the lake and shaded paths. It is a pleasant way to decompress after the long ride, but keep phones and wallets secure in crowded areas.
From La Sabana, take a 10–15-minute taxi to Café Rojo in Barrio Amón for a relaxed lunch or coffee; budget roughly $10–20 per person. After eating, wander the neighborhood’s old wooden houses and small galleries rather than trying to pack in another major attraction. Continue by taxi to Bar Poas in Barrio Escalante for dinner and a lively evening atmosphere, budgeting about $15–30 per person. Since you have an early departure tomorrow, keep the night easy and arrange your airport transport in advance; San José traffic can make the trip to Juan Santamaría International Airport much longer than the map suggests.
Start at the National Museum of Costa Rica in Barrio Bellavista, ideally near opening time so you can explore before the midday heat and larger tour groups. Set aside about 1½–2 hours for the former Bellavista Barracks, whose exhibits cover Costa Rica’s Indigenous cultures, colonial period, military history, and abolition of the army. The museum is usually closed on Mondays and may adjust hours on holidays, so verify the schedule and admission details before setting out; budget roughly ₡3,000–₡4,000 per person. From central San José, walk uphill if you are nearby, or take a short official taxi or rideshare—useful in this area if you are carrying valuables.
Afterward, walk down to Plaza de la Democracia, allowing around 30 minutes for the overlook, sculptures, and views back toward the museum. It is an easy transition, but keep phones and wallets secure while moving through downtown, and avoid displaying cash. The plaza is a good place for a quick drink or photo stop rather than a long linger.
Continue by taxi or rideshare to Al Mercat in Barrio Escalante for lunch. The neighborhood is one of San José’s best areas for a relaxed meal, with a youthful café-and-restaurant atmosphere and plenty of people out walking. Plan approximately $15–30 per person and about an hour, though a longer meal fits the day well. From there, ride back toward the downtown museum district for the Museo del Jade, allowing roughly 1½ hours. Its collection of pre-Columbian jade, ceramics, gold, and stonework is exceptionally well presented; check the current closing time before lunch because this is the day’s most schedule-sensitive stop. Admission is commonly in the range of US$10–16 for international visitors.
Finish at Café Otoya in Barrio Otoya, a short taxi or rideshare ride from the Museo del Jade. Set aside about an hour for Costa Rican coffee and dessert—roughly $5–12 per person—and let this be the unhurried part of the day. Barrio Otoya is pleasant for a brief stroll in daylight, but return to your lodging by taxi or rideshare after dark rather than walking long distances through quieter streets. Keep the evening easy after several activity-heavy days, and confirm the café’s hours before leaving since independent businesses sometimes close earlier than expected.
Start with breakfast inside Mercado Central, where the covered lanes around Avenida Central are lively but manageable earlier in the day. Order a final gallo pinto with eggs, plantain, and natilla at a small soda, or keep it simple with Costa Rican coffee and a pastry; budget roughly $5–12 per person and allow about 45 minutes. It’s a good last stop for packaged coffee, chocolate, or spices, but avoid buying anything liquid or oversized that could complicate airport security. Keep passports, phones, and wallets secure in the busy market lanes.
Return to your hotel for luggage, then take your prearranged airport transfer from central San José to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Allow 45–90 minutes for the drive, with heavier traffic possible on the routes toward Alajuela; leave about three hours before an international departure so you have time for bag drop, security, and any airline or immigration queues. A hotel-arranged taxi or private transfer is easiest with three travelers and luggage, while app-based rides can be less convenient for airport pickup. Confirm whether your departure terminal and airline require a separate check-in or baggage step.
Treat the flight home as a full travel day. Your itinerary may involve one or more connections, and total elapsed time can be much longer than the time in the air because of connection waits, U.S. immigration and customs, and baggage recheck procedures at your first U.S. airport. Keep prescriptions, chargers, a change of clothes, and travel documents in your carry-on. On arrival at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, collect checked bags and arrange your final ride or overnight plan before leaving the airport; don’t schedule anything demanding after landing.
No packing list attached yet.