Costa Rica 5-Day Itinerary - Step by Step

Day 1: City Exploration

San Jose, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafeoteca

Start your day with delicious Costa Rican coffee and traditional breakfast options at Cafeoteca in San Jose.
Cafeoteca is located in Barrio Escalante, easily reachable by taxi or public bus from most hotels in the city. It takes about 15-20 minutes to get there.
10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore National Museum of Costa Rica

Immerse yourself in Costa Rican history and culture at the National Museum, housed in a former military barracks.
The National Museum is centrally located in San Jose, a short walk or taxi ride from Cafeoteca. Plan for at least 2 hours to explore the museum.
15, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Enjoy a variety of traditional dishes at Mercado Central, a bustling market offering authentic Costa Rican flavors.
Mercado Central is a short taxi or bus ride from the National Museum. Expect to spend 1-2 hours exploring and eating.
20, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Teatro Nacional

Admire the neoclassical architecture of Teatro Nacional, one of the most iconic buildings in San Jose.
Teatro Nacional is within walking distance from Mercado Central. Allocate about 1 hour for the visit.
10, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Grano de Oro Restaurant

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Grano de Oro Restaurant, known for its upscale ambiance and fusion cuisine.
Grano de Oro Restaurant is located in the city center, a short taxi or walk from Teatro Nacional. Make a reservation in advance.
50, 2 hours
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Day 2: Historical Sites & Local Markets

San Jose, Costa Rica

9:00AM

Breakfast at Maza Bistro

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Maza Bistro, a charming cafe known for its fresh pastries and specialty coffee.
Maza Bistro is located in Barrio Amón, a short taxi ride from most hotels in San Jose. Allow 1 hour for breakfast.
12, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

Discover Costa Rica's rich pre-Columbian heritage through the impressive collection of gold artifacts at the museum.
The museum is located in the city center, near Maza Bistro. Plan for 1-2 hours to explore the exhibits.
15, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at El Patio del Balmoral

Savor traditional Costa Rican cuisine at El Patio del Balmoral, a popular restaurant in the heart of San Jose.
El Patio del Balmoral is a short walk from the museum. Enjoy a relaxed lunch for about 1 hour.
18, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shop at Mercado Borbón

Browse through local handicrafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce at Mercado Borbón, a vibrant market in San Jose.
Mercado Borbón is a short taxi or bus ride from El Patio del Balmoral. Spend 1-2 hours exploring the market.
Varies, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kalú Restaurant

End your day with a contemporary dining experience at Kalú Restaurant, offering a fusion of local and international flavors.
Kalú Restaurant is located in Barrio Otoya, easily accessible from Mercado Borbón. Enjoy a delightful dinner for about 2 hours.
40, 2 hours
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Day 3: Adventure & Nature

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Soda Viquez

Fuel up for the day with a hearty Costa Rican breakfast at Soda Viquez, offering local dishes and fresh fruit juices.
Soda Viquez is located in La Fortuna town, near Arenal Volcano. It takes about 4 hours by car from San Jose to reach Arenal.
8, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Arenal Volcano National Park

Embark on a guided hike through Arenal Volcano National Park to witness the breathtaking views of the volcano and surrounding rainforest.
The entrance to the park is a short drive from La Fortuna. Join a guided tour for a comprehensive experience lasting about 3-4 hours.
15, 3-4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at La Choza de Laurel

Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican meal with a view at La Choza de Laurel, known for its authentic flavors and lush garden setting.
La Choza de Laurel is located near the park entrance. Relax and dine for about 1-2 hours.
20, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Tabacon Hot Springs

Unwind in the natural thermal pools of Tabacon Hot Springs, surrounded by tropical gardens and the sounds of the rainforest.
Tabacon Hot Springs is a short drive from Arenal Volcano National Park. Spend a relaxing afternoon at the springs for 2-3 hours.
60, 2-3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Don Rufino

Treat yourself to a gourmet dinner at Don Rufino, a renowned restaurant in La Fortuna offering a mix of local and international cuisine.
Don Rufino is located in the town center of La Fortuna, a convenient stop after visiting the hot springs. Enjoy a delightful dinner for about 2 hours.
45, 2 hours
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Day 4: Cloud Forest & Wildlife

Monteverde, Costa Rica

9:00AM

Breakfast at Stella's Bakery

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Stella's Bakery, known for its freshly baked goods and organic coffee.
Stella's Bakery is located in Santa Elena town, the main hub of Monteverde. It takes about 4 hours by car from Arenal to reach Monteverde.
10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Embark on a guided nature walk through the mystical cloud forest of Monteverde, home to diverse flora and fauna.
The entrance to the reserve is a short drive from Santa Elena. Join a guided tour for a comprehensive exploration lasting about 2-3 hours.
25, 2-3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Tree House Restaurant

Dine in the treetops at Tree House Restaurant, offering panoramic views of the cloud forest and delicious fusion cuisine.
Tree House Restaurant is located near the cloud forest reserve entrance. Enjoy a unique dining experience for 1-2 hours.
30, 1-2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Selvatura Park

Explore the canopy bridges, butterfly garden, and hummingbird gallery at Selvatura Park, a must-visit attraction in Monteverde.
Selvatura Park is a short drive from the cloud forest reserve. Spend 2-3 hours enjoying the various attractions.
40, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Morpho's Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious dinner at Morpho's Restaurant, known for its cozy ambiance and locally sourced ingredients.
Morpho's Restaurant is located in Santa Elena town, a convenient choice for dinner after exploring Selvatura Park. Relax and dine for about 2 hours.
35, 2 hours
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Day 5: Beach Relaxation

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

9:00AM

Breakfast at Falafel Bar

Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at Falafel Bar, a beachside eatery offering a mix of Mediterranean and Costa Rican dishes.
Falafel Bar is located near the beach in Manuel Antonio. It takes about 4 hours by car from Monteverde to reach Manuel Antonio.
15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Relax at Manuel Antonio Beach

Spend the morning soaking up the sun and swimming in the turquoise waters of Manuel Antonio Beach, one of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches.
The beach is within walking distance from Falafel Bar. Enjoy a leisurely morning by the sea.
Free, 2-3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at El Avión

Enjoy a unique dining experience at El Avión, a restaurant housed in a converted cargo plane with stunning ocean views.
El Avión is a short walk from Manuel Antonio Beach. Relish in a delicious lunch with ocean vistas for about 1-2 hours.
25, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park

Discover the rich biodiversity of Manuel Antonio National Park through its scenic trails, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife.
The park entrance is near El Avión. Allow 2-3 hours for a guided tour of the park.
20, 2-3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Gabriella's

Indulge in a romantic beachfront dinner at Gabriella's, known for its elegant atmosphere and fresh seafood dishes.
Gabriella's is located near Manuel Antonio Beach, offering a perfect setting for a memorable dinner overlooking the ocean. Enjoy a delightful meal for about 2 hours.
50, 2 hours
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