5-Day Affordable Tropical Beach Getaway to Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast

Day 1: San José intro

San José, Costa Rica on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Miel Garage

Enjoy excellent Costa Rican coffee and fresh pastries in a trendy café atmosphere that’s popular with locals.
USD6, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore San José Central Market

Immerse yourself in local culture by exploring colourful stalls selling fresh produce, souvenirs, and street food.
Free to explore, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit the Gold Museum

Head to this fascinating museum displaying pre-Columbian gold artefacts and learn about Costa Rican history.
USD15, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Soda Tapia

Taste traditional Costa Rican dishes such as casado and gallo pinto at this affordable and popular local eatery.
USD8-12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Travel to Jaco Beach

Depart San José by shuttle or rental car to Jaco (approx. 1.5-2 hours), a vibrant beach town with a lively atmosphere.
USD20-30, 2h0m

4:30pm

Relax at Jaco Beach

Enjoy swimming or sunbathing on this popular and accessible beach surrounded by shops and restaurants.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Soda Garabito

Savour freshly grilled seafood and local specialties in a casual and budget-friendly setting.
USD15, 1h30m
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Day 2: Manuel Antonio nature

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Milagro

Start with organic coffee and homemade breakfast dishes in a lush garden setting.
USD8, 0h45m

9:00am

Travel to Manuel Antonio

Drive or shuttle from Jaco to Manuel Antonio area (approx. 1.5 hours) to experience stunning national park beaches.
USD15-25, 1h30m

10:30am

Manuel Antonio National Park

Explore beautiful trails, spot monkeys and sloths, and relax on some of Costa Rica’s most picturesque beaches. Park open 7am-4pm.
USD18 entrance fee, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at El Avion

Dine at this unique restaurant built inside an old airplane, offering great views and fresh seafood options.
USD15-20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Beach time at Playa Espadilla

Enjoy swimming or relaxing on this nearby beautiful public beach, less crowded in the afternoon.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Soda Sanchez

Try affordable local food staples in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere before heading back to your hotel.
USD10-15, 1h30m
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Day 3: Dominical surf

Dominical, Costa Rica on June 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Mono Congo

Enjoy fresh tropical fruit and Costa Rican coffee in a cosy setting to fuel your day.
USD7, 0h45m

9:00am

Travel to Dominical

Drive or shuttle south along the Pacific coast to Dominical (approx. 1 hour), a relaxed surf town with beautiful quiet beaches.
USD10-20, 1h0m

10:00am

Surf or beach time at Playa Dominical

Try surfing at this famous wave break or simply relax on the expansive black sand beach.
Free, surfboard rental approx. USD15, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Soda La Amistad

Enjoy authentic Costa Rican dishes like arroz con pollo and fresh ceviche at very affordable prices.
USD8-12, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Nauyaca Waterfalls

Take a short guided hike or horseback ride to these striking waterfalls to swim and enjoy nature. Open 8am-5pm.
USD10 entrance, USD20 guide, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Mono Congo

Relax with dinner featuring fresh local ingredients and international dishes in a friendly setting.
USD15, 1h30m
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Day 4: Uvita wildlife

Uvita, Costa Rica on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Olam Pure Food

Start your day with wholesome organic breakfast options and fresh juices in a health-focused café.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00am

Travel to Marino Ballena National Park

Drive or shuttle to Uvita’s famous marine park (approx. 30 mins), known for its whale tail-shaped sandbar and marine wildlife.
Free entrance, 0h30m

9:30am

Whale watching boat tour

Take a boat tour to see humpback whales (seasonal) and dolphins; tours generally run from 9am to noon.
USD40-50, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sibu Café

Enjoy fresh and healthy meals featuring local ingredients in a charming setting near the beach.
USD15-20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at Playa Uvita

Spend your afternoon swimming or sunbathing on the peaceful shores of this protected beach.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Rancho Corcovado

Taste Costa Rican and international dishes on an open-air deck surrounded by tropical gardens.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 5: Return home

San José, Costa Rica on June 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at ArteSano Bakery

Pick up a light breakfast of coffee and pastries in this artisanal bakery before travelling back to the capital.
USD5, 0h30m

8:30am

Travel back to San José

Begin the shuttle or drive back to San José airport (approx. 3-4 hours) for your flight home.
USD30-40, 4h0m
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