Explore the La Paz Waterfall Gardens which is a privately-owned nature reserve with five different waterfalls. Walk along the easy-to-navigate trails and see hummingbirds, toucans, monkeys, and snakes. Check out the butterfly observatory, the aquarium, and the serpentarium.
Visit the active Poás Volcano National Park, which has one of the world's largest active craters. Hike the trails up to the crater, and be mesmerized by the beautiful nature around you. You can also visit the Poasito Shelter, the Botos Lake, and the Fredo Waterfall if time allows.
Explore the Orosi Valley, which is a picturesque area filled with rustic villages and overflowing with natural wonders. Enjoy scenic hikes through the winding roads while passing chocolate and coffee farms. Also, visit the beautiful colonial-style church and serene Tapanti National Park to round out your day.
Drive towards the Pacific coast and visit the Manuel Antonio National Park, widely recognized as one of the most beautiful parks in Costa Rica. Hike through the hiking trails, lounge on the beach, and watch one of the best sunsets in the world. Keep your eyes peeled for sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and toucans. Swim in the ocean, go ziplining, or just enjoy the scenery.
If you have more time, add a day to your itinerary and visit Arenal Volcano National Park. Also, there are several hot springs in the area that are worth checking out if you're in need of a relaxing soak. If you have less time, skip Manuel Antonio National Park, and allocate those extra hours to La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Poás Volcano National Park.