Costa Rica Road Trip: Arenal & the Nicoya Peninsula - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Liberia, Pick Up Rental Car, Drive to La Fortuna

Welcome to Costa Rica! Liberia is the northern hub of the Guanacaste Province, an area famous for both its Pacific beaches and mountainous inland regions. After touching down at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, you'll pick up your rental car and drive about two hours east to the town of La Fortuna, home base for excursions to one of Costa Rica's most famous landmarks: Arenal Volcano.

There's no need to rush the scenic journey. Once you leave the tropical dry scrub of western Guanacaste, you'll rise into the highland region and be treated to misty cloud forests and wild jungles. Before even reaching this area, you can kick off your road trip with a visit to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, which is located 40 minutes north of Liberia. It's home to a 6,266-foot (1,916 m) active volcano of the same name. At the park entrance, you'll find the Oropendola Waterfall, which plunges into a crystalline lagoon perfect for swimming.

Once on the road toward Arenal, consider stopping in Centro de Rescate Las Pumas, right off the Pan-American Highway. The rescue center rehabilitates wild animals like monkeys and jungle cats and offers visitors the chance to see Costa Rican wildlife up close. Farther east and closer to Lake Arenal, you can take a break at Tilaran. This laid-back mountain town is all charm and makes a great place to stop and stretch your legs. Activities here include horseback riding over the hills and windsurfing on the lake. There are excellent birding opportunities as well, with herons and egrets a common sight.

Eventually, you'll arrive in Arenal National Park, home to the iconic volcano. Standing an impressive 5,358 feet (1,633 m), it dominates the skyline of the entire area, looming prominently over your destination: the town of La Fortuna. After checking into your hotel, hit the town and sample one of the over 100 restaurants here.

Day 2: Volcano Hike & Hot Springs

After breakfast, take the morning to relax and get settled. In the early afternoon, you'll visit Arenal Volcano National Park to walk on the lava flow of 1968, the year of its last major eruption. The event was so catastrophic that it transformed some of the region's topography: lava fields now dominate one side of Arenal. Trails wind through those lava fields as well as the surrounding rainforest. Along the way, you'll find lookout points featuring prime views of the volcano.

After hiking the trails, soothe your muscles with a dip in mineral-rich waters at one of the hot springs in the area. These springs have been used as therapeutic baths for more than 200 years, and the nearby resort includes a spa where various treatments, like couples massages, are performed in rustic bungalows.

Day 3: Whitewater Rafting on the Sarapiquí River

After an early rise and breakfast at the hotel, you'll transfer by car to the Sarapiquí River for today's whitewater rafting adventure. After a lesson from your professional guide, embark on a seven-mile river journey featuring over 30 Class III and IV rapids. About halfway through the trip, you'll take a break onshore for some tropical fruit and a traditional Costa Rican lunch. After the second leg of the rafting journey, you'll be driven back to your hotel.

Day 4: Zipline Fun in the Cloud Forest & Canopy Tour

Today is jam-packed with adventure and starts with a bird's-eye view of Costa Rica—literally. You'll begin the day with a relaxing, scenic ride up a mountain by open-air gondola. The panorama broadens the higher you rise, and when you reach the top observation platform, you'll have 360-degree views of the Arenal landscape.

Next, it's time for an adrenaline-pumping zipline tour through the cloud forest. Fly like a bird for miles, from tree to tree and canyon to canyon, as you journey through untouched nature over eight cables that stretch 2,460 feet (750 m) and reach heights of 660 feet (201 m). Through it all, your knowledgeable naturalist guide will educate you about Costa Rica's exotic flora and fauna.

Lastly, discover the beauty of the Costa Rican forest on a canopy tour. The guided experience follows natural trails and amazing hanging bridges through the dense forests of Arenal. Have a one-on-one experience with nature at every level of these magical tropical forests. Along the way, a naturalist guide will point out the intriguing plants and animal life so that you won't miss out on any of the forest's remarkable details.

Day 5: Drive to Tamarindo

After breakfast at your hotel in La Fortuna, you'll head west through Guanacaste, past volcanic mountain ranges, flatlands, and villages as you head toward the Pacific coast. Stop for a bite and enjoy traditional foods, exotic local fruits, or perhaps a batido (fresh fruit smoothie) made con leche (with milk).

Once you arrive in Tamarindo, you can rest up at your hotel or spend the afternoon enjoying the area's beautiful beaches. If you happen to visit between October and March, head to Las Baulas National Marine Park to see leatherback turtles come ashore for a truly memorable experience. Every night during high tide in the nesting season, female leatherbacks make their way up the beach to lay their eggs.

For meals in Tamarindo, choose from a great selection of local favorites: 

• For breakfast, head to the charming La Bodega and order one of their fantastic egg sandwiches (like the Kristina, served with tomato, local organic goat chevre, red onion, and local smoked trout on a buttered and toasted homemade bread). Homemade banana bread and fresh juices are other standouts. 
• Pull up a stool at the Green Papaya, which serves some of the best tacos and burritos in town (also vegetarian options) in a casual atmosphere. 
• Steps from the beach, Surf Shack serves top-notch burgers, onion rings, and milkshakes in an aluminum-sided hut decorated with surfboards. 
• Nogi's is perfect for sunset dining thanks to its beachfront location. They serve a varied menu of seafood and grilled meat—and be sure to save room for a slice of their coconut cream pie. 

Day 6: Kayak & Snorkel in Tamarindo Bay

Head to the beach today for an exhilarating kayaking tour around Tamarindo Bay. After paddling out to the picturesque Capitán Island, located a couple of hundred meters offshore, you'll have the opportunity to do some snorkeling and observe the underwater coral reef, which abounds with exotic fish. This tour is perfect for enjoying with the entire family. Snorkeling equipment and drinking water are included, but make sure to pack sunscreen!

Day 7: Free Morning, Afternoon Snorkel & Sunset Catamaran Cruise

There's no shortage of secluded bays and inviting beaches in Guanacaste Province. Make the most of them this morning as you enjoy some leisure time for yourself. Relax on the white sands, or head to one of Tamarindo's excellent surf schools to try your hand on both beginner and advanced waves.

In the afternoon, you'll board a catamaran for a sunset sail. The ship will stop in a tranquil bay, drop anchor, and you'll explore the pristine waters while the crew prepares a dinner feast. While you eat, enjoy a colorful sunset over the Pacific horizon while keeping a sharp eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish, or even breaching whales.

Day 8: Return to Liberia, Depart

It's time to say adiós to Costa Rica! After breakfast, you'll begin the hour-long drive back to Liberia and the airport, where you'll catch your return flight home. 

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