Start your adventure in Costa Rica's capital city, San José. Visit Museo del Oro Precolombino, which showcases the country's ancient history and art, and Parque Nacional, which is home to exotic birds, butterflies, and a variety of flora. Finish the day with a zip-line tour in Braulio Carrillo National Park for an adrenaline-fueled experience.
Head to the small town of La Fortuna, located at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Take a hike to see the La Fortuna waterfall, which cascades 75 meters down into a blue lagoon, and then soak in the Baldi Hot Springs to relax your muscles. For dinner, try traditional Costa Rican food at Restaurante Lava Rocks.
Drive down to the Manuel Antonio National Park, which is home to white-sand beaches, lush jungle, and a variety of wildlife. Take a guided tour of the park to see the Monkeys, Sloths, and Toucans. Take a surf lesson with Sunset Surf Dominical and then have a meal of fresh seafood at El Avion Restaurant.
Make your way towards Monteverde, a cloud forest reserve that offers dozens of activities to thrill-seekers. Dare to take a high-speed zip-line at 100% Aventura, bungee jump Monteverde Extremo, or walk first-hand with the exotic birds of Selvatura Adventure Park. End the day with a well-earned cocktail at Café Cabure.
Costa Rica has a well-developed transportation system, but car rentals are recommended for ease of travel during the trip. Renting a car will cost an estimated $30-100 USD per day, depending on the type of car and insurance desired. Taxis and public transportation are also available, but may be less reliable and more time-consuming. Expect driving times between destinations to vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Tortuguero National Park to see the sea turtles, or a trip to the Osa Peninsula for more remote hiking and wildlife discoveries. If you have less time, consider skipping Manuel Antonio or Monteverde to extend more time in La Fortuna for extra adventure activities, or exploring more of San José's museums and galleries. Be sure to pack light and breathable clothing, hiking shoes, a water bottle, and bug spray for your adventure.
Costa Rica's main international airport is located in San José, Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), which is about 30 minutes from downtown. Two domestic airports, Liberia International Airport (LIR) and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (DNO), serve the northern and western regions of the country. Liberia Airport is about a 2.5-hour drive from La Fortuna while the DNO airport is roughly a 2-hour drive from Monteverde.