Day 1
Arenal Volcano & hot springs
Base in La Fortuna and hike Arenal National Park across old lava flows with the volcanic cone in view. Visit the La Fortuna waterfall, then end the day soaking in a steaming thermal spring beneath the mountain.
Costa Rica packs an overwhelming variety between two oceans: steaming volcanoes, cloud forests, wild rivers and beaches on both coasts. Around a quarter of the country is protected, so sloths, toucans and howler monkeys are never far away.
The interior around Arenal and Monteverde is green, mountainous and made for adventure, all zip-lines, hot springs and hanging bridges; the Pacific coast around Guanacaste and Manuel Antonio brings surf, sun and wildlife at the beach. Over it all floats the way of life called "pura vida" — relaxed, friendly and never in a rush.
Itinerary
Day 2
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Move on to Monteverde and dive into the cloud forest on hanging bridges high in the canopy. Zip-line through the clouds, or take a guided walk to spot quetzals, hummingbirds and sloths.
Day 3
Pacific coast & wildlife
Head to the coast at Manuel Antonio National Park, where rainforest meets white sand. Look for sloths and monkeys with a guide in the morning, then relax on a sheltered beach in the afternoon.
Highlights
🌿Nature
Arenal Volcano
An almost perfect volcanic cone rising over rainforest, lava fields and steaming hot springs near La Fortuna. Hike the national park across hardened lava flows, then end the day soaking in a thermal spring beneath the mountain.
✨Experience
Monteverde Cloud Forest
A mist-wrapped mountain forest thick with orchids, hummingbirds and the rare quetzal. Cross canopy-level hanging bridges, or zip-line through the fog above the treetops.
🌿Nature
Manuel Antonio National Park
A compact coastal park where rainforest spills straight onto white-sand beaches, home to sloths, capuchin monkeys and toucans at arm's reach. Walk the shaded trails in the morning, then cool off in a sheltered cove.
🏖️Beach
Guanacaste Beaches
The golden Pacific beaches of the north-west, from Tamarindo to Nosara, are made for beginner surf and blazing sunsets. Take a surf lesson on the gentle breaks, then stay for the beachfront nightlife.
✨Experience
Pacuare River Rafting
The Río Pacuare charges through pristine rainforest on one of the world's most beautiful rafting runs. Paddle through rapids past waterfalls and toucans, and overnight at a remote riverside lodge.
🌿Nature
Río Celeste Waterfall
A vivid turquoise waterfall in Tenorio National Park, its colour born from a reaction of volcanic minerals. Hike through steamy jungle to the viewpoint, then on to bubbling hot springs and the spot where two clear rivers merge into sky blue.
Neighbourhoods
La Fortuna & Arenal
The adventure capital at the foot of Arenal Volcano, ringed by hot springs, waterfalls and rainforest trails. An ideal base for zip-lining, rafting and soaking in thermal springs beneath the mountain.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
A cool mountain destination in perpetual mist, famous for hanging bridges, zip-lines and extraordinary birdlife. Stay in Santa Elena and hike through canopies full of orchids and hummingbirds.
Manuel Antonio
The most popular Pacific corner, where a small national park blends rainforest with white-sand beaches. Perfect for spotting sloths in the morning and swimming in sheltered coves in the afternoon.
Tamarindo & Guanacaste
The sun-soaked north-west coast, home to the best beginner surf beaches and a lively beach nightlife. Best for long Pacific sunsets, surf lessons and days of beach-hopping.
Where to eat
Gallo pinto
The national breakfast dish: fried rice and beans seasoned with coriander and the local Salsa Lizano. Served with eggs, fried plantain and a cup of strong coffee.
Casado
A hearty lunch plate of rice, beans, salad, plantain and your choice of meat or fish. Found in every "soda" — the family-run diner — for very little money.
Ceviche
Fresh fish marinated in lime with onion, coriander and pepper, served cool and tangy. Best at a beachside spot with plantain chips and a cold beer.
Café
Costa Rica grows some of the world's most respected coffee, especially in the highland valleys of Tarrazú. Drink it black, poured through the traditional cloth filter called a "chorreador".
Good to know
Best time to visit
The dry season (December–April) brings sunshine and the best conditions for beaches and hiking. The green season (May–November) is lush and cheaper, with afternoon showers and far fewer crowds — September and October are actually finest on the Caribbean coast.
Getting around
A rented 4x4 gives you the most freedom on the bumpy mountain roads. Comfortable shuttle vans link the main tourist towns, public buses are cheap but slow, and domestic flights save hours on the longer hauls.
- Currency
- CRC ₡
- Languages
- Spanish
How much does Costa Rica cost?
A realistic daily budget per person, in three styles.
Backpacker₡15,000per person / day
Mid-range₡40,000per person / day
Comfort₡80,000per person / day
Costa Rica offers a range of options to suit different travel budgets.
Local tips
- ✓In the dry season, book your Manuel Antonio entry online in advance — daily visitor numbers are capped.
- ✓Always pack a rain jacket for the cloud forest and rafting — it can pour any time, even in the dry season.
- ✓Pay in colones rather than dollars; small "sodas" and buses give you the better rate.
