5-Day Adventure and Foodie Itinerary in the Costa Rican Rainforest

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

San José, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café del Parque

Start your Costa Rican adventure with a hearty breakfast at Café del Parque, famous for its Gallo Pinto, a traditional rice and beans dish.
Take a short walk to the café from your hotel.
CRC4500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Jade Museum

Discover the rich history and artistry of Costa Rican jade at the Jade Museum, offering fascinating insights into pre-Columbian culture.
Drive 5 minutes to the museum.
CRC10,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Criollita

Enjoy a locally sourced lunch at La Criollita, where you can savor Costa Rican-style casados, which is a platter that combines various local dishes.
15-minute drive to La Criollita.
CRC8000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

Follow lunch with a visit to the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum to see artifacts that provide a glimpse into the ancient civilization.
A short 10-minute walk from La Criollita.
CRC12,000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Volunteer at a Local Wildlife Rescue

Get involved and volunteer your time at a local wildlife rescue, where you can learn about the conservation efforts in place.
Drive 30 minutes to the wildlife rescue.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurante Silvestre

End your first day with a delightful dinner at Restaurante Silvestre, known for its innovative farm-to-table cuisine.
30-minute drive back to San José.
CRC18000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Arenal Adventure

Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with a tasty breakfast at your hotel before setting off to Arenal.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Arenal Volcano

Enjoy the scenic drive to Arenal, surrounded by lush landscapes.
2.5-hour drive from San José to Arenal.
Cost of gas - approx. CRC30000, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Arenal Volcano Hiking

Join a guided hike through the rainforest trails, with breathtaking views of the volcano and wildlife.
Park entrance is easy to locate upon arrival.
CRC15,000, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at La Ventanita

Refuel at La Ventanita, known for its fresh fish tacos and local juices.
10-minute drive to the restaurant.
CRC7000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Hot Springs Relaxation

Unwind at Tabacón Hot Springs, surrounded by lush greenery and natural waterfalls.
15 minutes from La Ventanita.
CRC50,000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Don Rufino

End the day with a delicious dinner at Don Rufino, featuring local ingredients and flavors with an international twist.
15-minute drive from the springs.
CRC22000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Monteverde Magic

Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your hotel before heading to Monteverde.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Monteverde

Head to Monteverde, famous for its biodiversity and picturesque landscapes.
3-hour drive from Arenal to Monteverde.
Cost of gas - approx. CRC40000, 3 hours

12:00PM

Coffee Tour at Don Juan Coffee Tour

Immerse yourself in Costa Rican coffee culture with a guided tour that includes tasting fresh coffee.
Easy to find the coffee tour location near the cloud forest.
CRC18000, 2 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Sabor Tico

Savor typical Costa Rican cuisine at Sabor Tico, featuring local favorites for lunch.
5-minute drive from the coffee tour.
CRC6000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Discover the breathtaking biodiversity of the Monteverde Cloud Forest with a guided hike.
10-minute drive from lunch.
CRC25,000, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Tree House Restaurant

Dine in an enchanting setting at Tree House Restaurant, surrounded by nature and delightful ambiance.
15 minutes' drive from the reserve.
CRC20000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Manuel Antonio Retreat

Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast before checking out and heading to Manuel Antonio.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Manuel Antonio

Travel to the stunning coastal area of Manuel Antonio, known for its beautiful beaches.
3.5-hour drive from Monteverde.
Cost of gas - approx. CRC45000, 3.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at El Wagon

Replenish your energy with great pizza at El Wagon before exploring the beaches.
5 minutes from the park entrance.
CRC9000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Manuel Antonio National Park Hike

Embark on a guided hike through the national park to spot wildlife and enjoy stunning coastal views.
Easy access from the restaurant.
CRC18,000, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Beach Relaxation

Unwind on the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio, soaking in the sun and the beautiful surroundings.
Minutes away from the park exit.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at La Lambretta

Relish a delicious Italian-inspired meal at La Lambretta, known for its vibrant atmosphere and fresh ingredients.
10-minute drive from the beach.
CRC23000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Coastal Relaxation & Departure

Montezuma, Costa Rica

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel while taking in the last views of the coast.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Montezuma

Take a scenic drive down the coast to the charming town of Montezuma.
1.5-hour drive from Manuel Antonio.
Cost of gas - approx. CRC25000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Montezuma Beach Relaxation

Spend the morning relaxing on the beaches of Montezuma, or catch some waves if you're in the mood to surf.
The beach is easily accessible from town.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cocolores

Enjoy a tasty lunch at Cocolores, known for its tropical atmosphere and delicious burritos.
Located within walking distance from the beach.
CRC7500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Waterfall Hike

Take a short hike to the Montezuma Waterfalls, a stunning spot to relax and swim in natural pools.
Easy to find with local signage.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Amigos

Savor your final evening meal at Amigos, with an array of Costa Rican dishes and a friendly vibe.
A short walk from the waterfall.
CRC10000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Departure

Pack and depart from Montezuma or extend your stay to explore more of Costa Rica.
Drive back to San José if departing from the airport.
N/A, N/A
View Hotel Availability