After landing at Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela, allow roughly 1–2 hours for immigration, luggage, currency needs, and exiting the terminal. The airport is about 20–30 minutes from central San José in light traffic, but the first afternoon can be slower. An official airport taxi—recognizable by its orange color—or a prebooked transfer is easiest with luggage; agree on the destination before leaving. If you arrive after dark, go directly to your accommodation rather than trying to navigate unfamiliar streets.
Once settled, head into downtown for the Museo del Oro Precolombino, beneath Plaza de la Cultura. The collection is compact but excellent, with finely worked gold pieces and useful context about the Indigenous societies of Costa Rica; allow about 1½ hours. Check the museum’s holiday opening schedule in advance, as hours around December 28 can vary, and leave enough time for security and ticketing. From there, walk a few blocks to Mercado Central for a casual lunch—try a local soda for casado, olla de carne, or gallo pinto. Set aside about an hour and roughly US$8–15 per person; keep bags close in the crowded aisles and use a clearly marked taxi or rideshare if you prefer not to walk with luggage.
After lunch, continue to the Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica for its guided interior visit, usually around an hour. The ornate foyer and coffee-themed murals are the highlights, but guided-entry times can be limited, so check the official schedule and book ahead if your arrival timing is firm. Then take a gentle early-evening stroll through Barrio Amón, one of the city’s prettiest historic areas, where restored mansions, galleries, and leafy streets offer a calmer contrast to downtown. Stay on the more frequented streets and return by taxi or rideshare after sunset rather than walking a long distance.
Finish at Café Rojo in Barrio Amón for an easy dinner or coffee, budgeting approximately US$10–20 per person. It is a good first-night choice because the atmosphere is relaxed and the menu is approachable after travel. Costa Rica uses colones, though cards are widely accepted; keep a small amount of cash for the market and taxis, and confirm holiday hours before setting out, since December schedules can be reduced.
Leave San José around 8:00 AM for La Fortuna, allowing roughly 3.5–4.5 hours door-to-door once traffic, a fuel or coffee stop, and hotel check-in are included. The usual route follows Route 1 toward San Ramón, then Route 142 through the hills toward La Fortuna; the final approach is scenic but winding, so allow extra time if rain reduces visibility. If you are using the planned shuttle rather than driving, confirm whether hotel drop-off is included and keep valuables with you rather than in the luggage compartment.
After checking in and leaving your bags, spend about 45 minutes in La Fortuna Park, the small central plaza with gardens, benches, and views toward the surrounding hills when the weather is clear. It is an easy way to stretch after the transfer and get oriented without committing to a longer walk. A short stroll around the nearby town center brings you to Soda Viquez for lunch; order a traditional casado, usually rice, beans, salad, plantain, and a choice of meat or fish, for approximately US$8–15. Service is casual, and this is a good place to eat before the afternoon’s outdoor activities rather than trying to rush through a formal meal.
Arrange a taxi or drive about 25–30 minutes to Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails. Pay for the trail access at the lodge and choose a shorter rainforest route suited to your energy after the morning transfer; allow around two hours, including pauses at viewpoints. The volcano is often hidden by afternoon cloud, so treat a clear view as a bonus rather than the main reason for going. Wear shoes with grip, carry water and insect repellent, and check the last trail-entry time before setting out, as hours and access can vary seasonally.
Return to La Fortuna for the 2–3-hour visit to Kalambú Hot Springs. Advance reservations are sensible during the late-December holiday period, particularly if you want a preferred entry window. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and dry change of clothes; lockers and towel rental may cost extra. The pools are most enjoyable as the light fades, but leave enough time to shower and travel back into town.
Finish at Tierra Mia, a relaxed choice for dinner and dessert in La Fortuna. Budget approximately US$15–25 per person, and expect a busier atmosphere during the holiday season. Taxis are inexpensive for the short ride around town, while drivers should avoid drinking after the hot springs; roads outside the center are dark and can be slick after rain. Check current opening hours and reserve dinner if you are arriving during the New Year holiday week.
Start early with a pre-booked entry at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, ideally around 7:30–8:00 AM. From La Fortuna, it is roughly a 25-minute drive; arrange a taxi or hotel transfer, as parking and the entrance road can become busy later. Allow about three hours for the main trail, including the suspension bridges and forest viewpoints. A naturalist guide is well worth reserving in advance for spotting sloths, toucans, frogs, and howler monkeys—especially in the quieter morning light. Entrance is typically around US$30–40, with guided visits costing more; confirm the current rate and entry time when booking.
Return to town for lunch at Rainforest Café, allowing about an hour and roughly US$10–20 per person. It is a practical stop rather than a long meal, so keep the afternoon moving and carry water for the next walk. After lunch, continue by taxi or car—about 25–30 minutes—to Arenal Volcano National Park, entering through the La Peninsula sector. Spend around 2½ hours on the volcanic trails and viewpoints, where forest gives way to broad views across Lake Arenal and the volcano. Arrive by early afternoon, since cloud cover commonly builds later and trails can be muddy; check the park’s current opening hours and entrance fee before leaving.
Finish with a relaxed hour at El Salto Rope Swing on the Río Fortuna, around 15–20 minutes from the park area and close to town. It is a popular local swimming spot with no-frills facilities, so bring a dry bag, sandals with grip, and only a small amount of cash. Rocks are slippery and the current can be stronger after rain, so watch the water before jumping and follow local advice. Change before dinner, then take a taxi to Nayara Gardens, where you can enjoy a more polished meal surrounded by tropical planting. Expect approximately US$30–50 per person before drinks; reservations are advisable in this busy holiday period, and confirm whether non-hotel guests need advance booking.
Begin at Bogarin Trail, an easy wildlife walk just outside central La Fortuna. Aim for an early start, around 7:00–8:00 AM, when sloths and birds are generally easier to spot and the heat is gentler. The guided walk takes about two hours, and a guide is well worth arranging if wildlife is a priority; many animals are high in the canopy and easy to miss without a trained eye. Entry and guide fees vary, but allow roughly US$20–35 per person. Bring binoculars, insect repellent, water, and shoes that can handle damp ground.
For lunch, walk or take a short taxi ride into town to Soda La Hormiga, a straightforward local spot for casado, rice and beans, grilled meat, and fresh juice. Allow about an hour and US$8–15 per person. Afterward, take a taxi or prearranged hotel transfer to Catarata La Fortuna, roughly 15–20 minutes away; driving yourself is also easy, with on-site parking available for a small fee. The waterfall visit takes around two hours, including the steep descent and climb back up. Wear proper walking shoes rather than flip-flops, and note that swimming conditions and access can change with rain or local safety rules.
Continue to Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs for a quieter thermal afternoon. From the waterfall, allow approximately 20–30 minutes by taxi or car. Plan on two to three hours among the warm pools and gardens, with a little time to dry off and change before dinner. Because this falls during the peak holiday period, reserve the day pass or evening package in advance and confirm the exact access hours; prices commonly range from roughly US$40–70 per person depending on the package. Keep valuables secured and drink plenty of water between pools.
Return to central La Fortuna for a celebratory dinner at Don Rufino, one of the town’s more polished restaurants, with creative Costa Rican and international dishes and a good cocktail list. Reserve well ahead and verify the restaurant’s special New Year’s Eve seating, fixed menu, and closing time, as holiday arrangements may differ from normal service. Expect approximately US$30–50 per person before drinks. Taxis are easy to arrange through your hotel or restaurant; for midnight, ask about the local celebration schedule, since the town can become lively but informal rather than organized around one large public event.
Leave La Fortuna around 7:00 AM for Manuel Antonio, allowing 5.5–7 hours door to door. Your private transfer will follow Routes 142, 27, and 34, with a coffee or restroom stop along the way; January 1 can still bring holiday traffic, so keep the morning unhurried. The driver should drop you at your accommodation in the Manuel Antonio area, where narrow roads, steep hills, and limited parking make door-to-door arrival especially useful.
Break the drive at Tárcoles River Bridge, roughly 30 minutes before continuing south. The bridge viewpoint is informal and free, with large American crocodiles usually visible below; keep bags and phones secure and don’t lean over the rail. Continue to Vista Los Sueños near Herradura for lunch—allow about an hour and US$15–30 per person for a relaxed meal with Pacific views. Check whether the restaurant is operating its normal holiday hours before leaving La Fortuna, as January 1 schedules can change.
After lunch, continue along Route 34 toward Quepos and stop at Marina Pez Vela for about 45 minutes. It’s a pleasant place to stretch your legs, browse the waterfront, and ask local operators about boat trips for the following days; sunset and fishing excursions are popular, so this is a good time to compare schedules rather than booking impulsively. From the marina, allow roughly 15–25 minutes by car to reach your accommodation in Manuel Antonio, depending on traffic and the exact location.
After checking in and taking a short rest, have dinner at El Avión, the well-known restaurant built around a retired aircraft. Expect approximately US$20–35 per person, plus drinks, and arrive before dark if you want the best atmosphere and coastal outlook. The restaurant is uphill on the main Manuel Antonio road, so use a taxi or arrange a hotel transfer rather than walking—the road is narrow, poorly lit, and busy with traffic. Confirm New Year’s Day opening and reserve if possible; this is a high-demand travel period.
Start early at Manuel Antonio National Park, ideally with an official entry reservation for the first available morning slot. January is busy, and entry is controlled, so do not rely on buying tickets at the gate. From the Manuel Antonio hotel area, take a taxi or drive along the coastal road; allow 15–30 minutes depending on where you are staying. The park generally opens around 7:00 AM and is commonly closed on Mondays, so Saturday is a good day for this visit. Expect roughly four to five hours inside, including the rainforest trails, coastal viewpoints, and beach time. Wear shoes with grip, bring water and insect repellent, and avoid carrying food in plastic bags—wildlife is very accustomed to visitors, and park staff enforce food rules. Official admission is usually around US$10–20 for international visitors, with guides costing extra if arranged separately.
After leaving the park, walk or take a short taxi ride to El Wagon, a relaxed pizza stop near the park area. Allow about an hour, though service can be leisurely when the area is busy; lunch is approximately US$12–25 per person. Afterwards, continue by taxi or car toward Playa Biesanz, allowing around 15–25 minutes depending on traffic and the condition of the access road. This sheltered cove is much calmer for swimming than many of the open Pacific beaches, but the final approach can be uneven and parking is limited, so arrive with minimal valuables and use a licensed taxi if you are not comfortable driving. Spend around two hours swimming and relaxing, and bring cash for any small parking or beachside purchases.
Return to Emilio’s Café in the Manuel Antonio hills for sunset drinks and dinner, allowing 20–30 minutes from Playa Biesanz. Aim to arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset if you want a good viewpoint table; reservations are sensible during the January holiday period. The menu and drinks typically work out at about US$20–35 per person, and the open-air setting is best enjoyed before darkness settles over the coast. Arrange a taxi back to your accommodation in advance rather than waiting roadside after dinner, especially if you are staying farther toward Quepos.
Book a half-day catamaran and snorkeling cruise departing from Marina Pez Vela in Quepos. Confirm the exact check-in time the day before—most operators ask you to arrive 30–45 minutes early, and a morning departure is best for calmer water and clearer visibility. From the Manuel Antonio hotel area, allow about 20–30 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic; a taxi typically costs roughly US$15–25 each way. The cruise itself usually lasts around four hours and may include snorkeling, swimming, light refreshments, and a short coastal sail. January is generally favorable, but keep the operator’s weather-cancellation policy in mind and bring sunscreen, a dry bag, and cash for marina incidentals.
After returning to the marina, walk or take a very short taxi ride to El Gran Escape for fresh seafood and a relaxed lunch. Allow about an hour, though service can be leisurely after a boat trip. Expect approximately US$15–30 per person, depending on whether you choose ceviche, grilled fish, or a larger seafood plate. The marina and central Quepos are easy to explore on foot, but the midday heat is strong, so refill water before heading back toward Manuel Antonio.
Return toward Manuel Antonio and spend roughly 90 minutes at Playa Espadilla Sur, where you can take an easy beach walk and enjoy a less hurried stretch of coast outside the busiest park zone. Check tide and surf conditions before swimming, and keep valuables secured—this is a better place for walking, shade, and scenery than for leaving bags unattended while in the water. A taxi from Quepos generally takes 15–25 minutes; agree on the fare before setting off, or ask your hotel to arrange the ride.
Finish at La Luna Restaurant at Gaia Hotel, where the elevated setting gives you broad coastal views and a relaxed dinner atmosphere. Reservations are strongly advisable in January, particularly for a preferred sunset table; confirm whether the restaurant requires hotel-gate access or provides a transfer from the entrance. Allow approximately US$30–50 per person, excluding drinks. Wear something smart-casual and arrange a return taxi in advance, as taxis can be less readily available later at night in the hillside hotel area.
Leave the Manuel Antonio area around 7:30 AM for Dominical, following Route 34 south toward Uvita before turning toward the coast. Allow 1.5–2 hours each way, depending on traffic and roadworks. A rental car is the easiest option for this day; fill up in Quepos first, download offline directions, and avoid leaving luggage or electronics in the vehicle while you are away from it.
Start at the Dominical Farmers Market, usually held on the beachfront side of town on Monday mornings, though holiday-season schedules can change—check locally or with your accommodation the day before. Spend about an hour browsing fruit, baked goods, crafts, and small food stalls; allow roughly $8–15 per person for breakfast and snacks. Then walk over to Playa Dominical for around two hours. It is a beautiful, broad surf beach, but the waves and currents can be powerful, so treat it as a walk-and-surf-watch beach unless you have a qualified instructor. Keep valuables locked in the car or, better, leave them at your hotel.
Drive inland from Dominical to Nauyaca Waterfalls, allowing roughly 30–40 minutes. Reserve the access transport in advance if you want the shuttle or 4WD transfer; otherwise, the hike can take much of the day and the trail is hot, steep, and muddy in places. Plan about three hours at the falls, including time to swim in the pools and eat any food you bring. Wear secure footwear, carry plenty of water, and bring a dry bag—there is limited shade and no need to take phones or wallets into the water.
Back in Dominical, have an early, casual dinner at Soda y Restaurante El Coco, budgeting about $10–20 per person for a filling Costa Rican plate, juice, or smoothie. Leave soon afterward for the return drive to Manuel Antonio, again allowing 1.5–2 hours. Try to be on the road before full darkness: Route 34 is manageable but can be poorly lit, and cyclists, pedestrians, animals, and occasional potholes are harder to spot at night. Share driving if possible and return the car only after checking that all beach and waterfall gear is dry and accounted for.
Leave Manuel Antonio around 8:00 AM by shared shuttle or, ideally for this sightseeing day, a private transfer. The drive via Routes 34 and 27 takes roughly 3.5–5 hours door to door, and traffic can build near Quepos, the coastal highway, and the approach to San José. Ask the driver to drop you at Parque Nacional Carara in Tárcoles; the stop works best with luggage secured in the vehicle rather than left unattended. Allow about two hours for a short forest walk and birdwatching—scarlet macaws are the highlight, though sightings are never guaranteed. Check the park’s current opening hours and entry procedure before leaving, and bring water, insect repellent, and closed shoes.
Continue a few minutes to Restaurante El Jardín for lunch, allowing about an hour. Expect approximately US$12–25 per person and a relaxed stop rather than a rushed roadside meal. After lunch, the onward drive to San José usually takes around 1.5–2.5 hours, depending heavily on traffic. Have the driver take you directly to your hotel, then leave your bags there before heading into the center; if you are using a shared shuttle, confirm in advance that the Carara stop and luggage arrangements are possible, as a private transfer is much more practical for this itinerary.
Once checked in, take a taxi or app-based ride to Museo de Jade downtown. Give yourself about 1.5 hours to explore its excellent pre-Columbian jade collection and archaeological exhibits. It is generally open during daytime museum hours, but verify the current schedule and admission price before going, especially around the holiday period. Keep valuables discreet in the city center and use a registered taxi or reputable ride-hailing service rather than walking unfamiliar streets after dark.
From the museum, a short taxi ride brings you to Barrio Escalante, one of San José’s best areas for an easy evening of cafés, small bars, and restaurants. Spend about an hour wandering around the food-and-drink streets before dinner at Sikwa, where Indigenous Costa Rican ingredients are presented in thoughtful, modern dishes. Reserve ahead—January evenings can be busy—and expect roughly US$30–50 per person before drinks. This is a good final night in the city: lively enough to feel local, but compact enough that you can return to your hotel without a late cross-town journey.
Start around 9:00 AM at Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, housed in the former Cuartel Bellavista in the Bellavista neighborhood. Allow about 90 minutes for the pre-Columbian gold, archaeology, colonial history, and modern political exhibits; the old barracks courtyard and butterfly garden are especially pleasant. It is usually open Tuesday–Sunday, with admission commonly around US$10 for international visitors, but verify holiday-season hours and ticket requirements before setting out. From central San José, take a short taxi or rideshare—the uphill walk is possible, but not especially comfortable in the midday heat.
Walk or take a brief taxi to Parque Nacional, a compact, shaded green space near the National Assembly. Spend roughly 30 minutes beneath the trees and around the monuments rather than treating it as a major sightseeing stop. This is a good moment to slow down and observe everyday San José life; keep phones and bags secure, as you would throughout the city center.
Continue to Café Miel Garage for coffee and lunch, budgeting about US$10–20 per person and roughly an hour. A taxi is the simplest connection, while walking across central San José can take 25–35 minutes depending on your exact starting point. After lunch, head west to the Museo de Arte Costarricense in La Sabana, the former airport terminal. Set aside about 90 minutes for its Costa Rican painting and sculpture collection; check the museum’s current opening days because public-holiday schedules can change, and allow time for the short security check at the entrance.
Finish the afternoon with an easy stroll through Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, following the paths around the lake and open lawns for about an hour. The park is free and works well as a gentle final outing after the museums; avoid displaying valuables, especially near quieter edges, and take a taxi between the museum and your dinner rather than walking after dark.
For your final meal, take a taxi or rideshare to Silvestre in Barrio Escalante, one of the city’s best areas for an evening out. Expect approximately US$20–35 per person before drinks, depending on how extensively you order; the menu focuses on contemporary Costa Rican flavors and is a fitting close to the trip. Reserve ahead, particularly during the January holiday period, and confirm the restaurant’s service hours directly. After dinner, return by registered taxi or rideshare rather than wandering the quieter residential streets late at night.
Keep your last morning deliberately light. Have breakfast near your hotel, then finish packing and check that passports, medication, chargers, and any liquids are in your hand luggage. If you are staying in central San José, avoid making extra sightseeing plans: the airport is in Alajuela, west of the city, and traffic on Route 1 can become unpredictable even outside the main rush hours.
Leave San José for Juan Santamaría International Airport around three hours before your international flight. A taxi or rideshare is simplest; ask the driver to use Route 1 and confirm whether your hotel is charging a separate airport-transfer fee. Allow roughly 30–60 minutes for the drive, longer if traffic is heavy. If returning a rental car, follow the company’s signs or instructions to its off-site depot, then allow another 20–30 minutes for inspection and the shuttle to the terminal. With checked luggage, queues at check-in and security can easily add 60–90 minutes, so arriving early is worthwhile.
Before leaving the city, use any remaining colones for coffee or small snacks rather than exchanging a large amount at the airport, where rates are often less favorable. At Juan Santamaría International Airport, confirm your airline’s terminal and check-in area on the departure screens, then keep your boarding pass and passport accessible through security.
No packing list attached yet.