Combining Arenal & Manuel Antonio - Recommended Itineraries from 6 to 10 Days

How many days do you need?

• Most travelers spend 6, 7, or 8 days in Costa Rica when combining Arenal/La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio
• Visiting Arenal/La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio in just 4 days is possible, but will feel rushed
• Longer trips are possible as well, but most travelers choose to add additional destinations to their trip when they have 9 or more days
• The most common extensions are Monteverde, Río Pacuare, and Tortuguero
• Most travelers also visit Monteverde, for a total trip duration of 8, 9, or 10 days

How Many Days Should You Spend in Costa Rica

Recommended Itineraries for Arenal/La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio

Recommended Itinerary for 6 Days

This exciting 6-day itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to experience quintessential Costa Rica. You'll take in awe-inspiring views of Arenal volcano, and have an exciting rafting day on the Sarapiqui River before heading to Manuel Antonio to explore the jungle and white sand beaches of this nature lovers paradise. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 7 Days

With the awe-inspiring Arenal volcano, an exciting rafting trip, visiting the jungle in Manuel Antonio, and just some time to relax on the beach in Manuel Antonio, this trip captures the essence of the Costa Rican motto - Pura Vida! Read more

Extended Itineraries

11-Day Itinerary Including Monteverde

This itinerary combines mountain excursions with a bit of a beach holiday and some aquatic adventure. You'll arrive in Liberia, the hub of Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province. From there, drive to Arenal Volcano National Park, where you'll hike to a waterfall, relax in natural hot springs, and raft world-class whitewater. Then it's west to the Monteverde to see the cloud forest canopy via suspension bridges and a zip-line tour. A drive south will take you to Manuel Antonio, a unique destination with a combination of the beach, jungle and national park. After a couple days enjoying the beach and wildlife in Manuel Antonio, you'll return to San Jose for your journey home. Read more

16-Day Itinerary Including Monteverde and Tortuguero

Costa Rica is a favorite destination for all ages. This 16-day adventure allows your family to experience the country from both coasts and includes a visit to the bustling capital of San José, the lush rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, the towering Arenal Volcano, the cloud forest of Monteverde and the spectacular, white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities along the way, from watching sea turtles hatch on a Caribbean beach to sampling locally produced chocolate to whitewater rafting. Read more

How to travel between Arenal/La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio

The most affordable and convenient way to get from the scenic peaks of Arenal to the coastal paradise of Manuel Antonio is driving the circuitous 168 miles (271 km). Another excellent alternative is to book a private transfer, so you're not too busy worrying about wrong turns to take in the gorgeous views. A shared shuttle is another good option, with door-to-door convenience, but you will have other passengers to pick up and drop off. Read more