Arenal & Gulf of Papagayo: Best Itinerary Ideas

How many days do you need?

• Most travelers spend 7-8 days in Arenal/La Fortuna and Gulf of Papagayo combined
• Visiting Arenal/La Fortuna and Gulf of Papagayo in 5 or 6 days is possible, but will feel rushed
• With 9 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
• The most common extensions are Monteverde, Tortuguero, and Tamarindo

How Many Days Should You Spend in Arenal?

Recommended Itineraries for Arenal/La Fortuna and Gulf of Papagayo

Recommended Itinerary for 7 Days

On this 7-day food-themed itinerary you'll explore food stalls at San José's Mercado Central, learn how to make traditional dishes during a hands-on cooking class, participate in chocolate making—one of Costa Rica's most important exports. You'll also experience the country's incredible natural surroundings with jungles, beaches, and plenty of relaxation. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days

One of the best ways to experience a destination is through its cuisine, and Costa Rica is no exception. This itinerary will have you visiting food stalls at San José's Mercado Central, trying your hand at traditional recipes in a cooking class, aand sampling coffee at a plantation. You'll also have time to relax and experience the jungles and beaches Costa Rica is known for. Read more

Extended Itineraries

8-Day Itinerary Including Monteverde

Costa Rica is an ideal destination for families and this itinerary ensures you'll experience the best the country has to offer. On your 8-day adventure, you'll explore the towering Arenal Volcano, visit the beaches of Guanacaste, and have time to relax in volcanic hot springs. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities along the way, from waterfall hikes to crossing suspension bridges above the trees. Read more

10-Day Itinerary Including Monteverde and Rincon de la Vieja

This 10-day itinerary combines mountain adventures with a bit of a beach holiday. Spend two days in Rincón de la Vieja exploring the area around one of the country's most active volcanoes. Then travel deeper inland to cross suspension bridges in the jungle, zip-line over trees, and enjoy guided hikes in La Fortuna and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. You'll end your trip by returning to Guanacaste for relaxation on the beaches of Papagayo. Read more

14-Day Itinerary Including Monteverde and Tortuguero

Experience the country from both coasts on this two-week trip. You'll visit San José, Tortuguero National Park, the towering Arenal Volcano, Monteverde's cloud forest, and the remote beaches of Guanacaste. There will be plenty of activities to choose from along the way: watch sea turtles hatch on a Caribbean beach, sample locally produced chocolate, and take a surf lesson in the glittering Pacific. Read more

How to travel between Arenal/La Fortuna and Gulf of Papagayo

When heading from Arenal/La Fortuna to the Gulf de Papagayo, the 108-mile (173 km) trip will take you almost directly west to the coast. These two locations are connected by some of the most direct routes in the country.  Read more