Start your trip in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Take a stroll through the historic center and visit the National Museum of Costa Rica to learn about the country's rich history. End the day with a delicious dinner at the family-friendly restaurant, La Terrasse San Jose.
Drive to Arenal Volcano National Park to admire the stunning views of the volcano and its surrounding rainforest. Take a hike to the La Fortuna Waterfall and enjoy a dip in its natural pool. End the day with a relaxing soak at Tabacón Hot Springs, surrounded by lush vegetation and the sound of nature.
Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of Costa Rica's most important conservation areas. Take a guided tour to learn about the fascinating flora and fauna of the cloud forest. End the day with a visit to the Butterfly Garden and Insect Museum, where you can see some of the country's most beautiful and exotic insects up close.
Head to Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its stunning beaches and abundant wildlife. Take a guided tour of the park to see sloths, monkeys, and other animals in their natural habitat. End the day with a stroll along the Manuel Antonio Boardwalk, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Spend a day relaxing on the beach at Jaco Beach. If you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at surfing or go on a horseback ride along the beach. End the day with a delicious seafood dinner at The Green Room, a popular family-friendly restaurant in Jaco.
End your trip by exploring Nara, a charming town known for its beautiful gardens and historic temples. Visit the Todaiji Temple, home to one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha. End the day with a visit to the Nara Park, which is full of friendly deer that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.
To get around Costa Rica, it is recommended to rent a car for the duration of your trip. This will give you the most flexibility to explore different areas of the country at your own pace. The cost of renting a car for 6 days ranges from $150-200, depending on the type of car you choose. It is important to note that some of the roads in Costa Rica can be narrow and winding, so it is recommended to drive during the day and exercise caution.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Corcovado National Park, which is home to some of the country's most pristine rainforests and beaches. If you have less time, consider skipping the visit to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and spending an extra day in the beach towns of Manuel Antonio or Jaco.
The main international airport in Costa Rica is the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), located about 12 miles from San Jose. The airport is modern and well-equipped, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and amenities for travelers. Another option is the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, which is closer to the northern part of the country and the beach towns of Guanacaste. The airport is smaller than SJO but still offers a range of services for travelers.