Costa Rica by Bus - 6 Day Itinerary in May 2023

  1. Day 1: San Jose
    10 minutes (2.5 km) from Juan Santamaria International Airport

    Explore the capital city of Costa Rica and visit the National Museum, which showcases the country's natural and cultural history. Take a stroll in the Central Avenue and check out the colorful street art and the food stalls. End your day with a visit to the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, which houses a collection of ancient gold artifacts from Costa Rica.

  2. Day 2: Tortuguero National Park
    5 hours (245 km) from San Jose

    Take a bus to the town of Cariari and then a boat ride to Tortuguero National Park, home to over 400 species of trees, 60 species of amphibians, and 111 species of reptiles. Explore the park's extensive network of canals, which are a haven for river otters, caimans, and turtles. Witness the green sea turtles nesting on the beaches from July to October.

  3. Day 3: Arenal Volcano National Park
    5 hours (200 km) from Tortuguero National Park

    Visit the imposing Arenal Volcano and hike its trails to observe its stunning lava flows and craters. Take a dip in the Tabacon Hot Springs, a series of natural hot springs heated by the volcano's geothermal activity. Explore the park's lush rainforests and its diverse wildlife, which includes monkeys, sloths, toucans, and jaguars.

  4. Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
    3 hours (121 km) from Arenal Volcano National Park

    Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the most biodiverse places on earth. Walk along the park's numerous trails and admire its stunning flora, which includes 2,500 plant species, and its diverse fauna, which includes over 400 bird species, 120 reptile and amphibian species, and 100 mammal species. Take a canopy tour to see the park's unique ecosystem from above.

  5. Day 5: Manuel Antonio National Park
    4 hours (148 km) from Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

    Visit the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park, which boasts a stunning combination of tropical rainforest, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Hike the park's trails and watch out for its diverse wildlife, which includes monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and over 350 bird species. End your day with a sunset yoga class on the beach.

  6. Day 6: Jaco Beach
    2 hours (80 km) from Manuel Antonio National Park

    Relax and soak up the sun on the beautiful Jaco Beach, one of Costa Rica's most popular surf spots. Take a surfing lesson or go on a canopy or zipline tour. Visit the town's bustling markets and try out some of Costa Rica's delicious street food. End your day with a spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • National Museum (2 hours, $15)
  • Pre-Columbian Gold Museum (1.5 hours, $9)
  • Tortuguero National Park (1 day, $10)
  • Arenal Volcano National Park (1 day, $15)
  • Tabacon Hot Springs (3 hours, $65)
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (1 day, $20)
  • Manuel Antonio National Park (1 day, $16)
  • Jaco Beach (1 day, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $150
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