Highlights
- Relax in hot springs heated by the Rincón de la Vieja volcano
- Marvel at the underwater visibility while snorkeling off the coast of Sámara
- Soar high above the cloud forest on a zip-line adventure
- Visit a chocolate farm and sample locally made chocolates
- Kayak through the clear waters of Isla Chora
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Liberia, Soak in the Río Negro Hot Springs | Rincón de la Vieja |
| Day 2 | Hike in Rincón de la Vieja National Park | Rincón de la Vieja |
| Day 3 | See the Rio Celeste & Drive to Arenal | La Fortuna |
| Day 4 | Hike Around a Volcano & Soak in Hot Springs | La Fortuna |
| Day 5 | Enjoy a Sloth and Bird Hike & Visit a Chocolate Farm | La Fortuna |
| Day 6 | Discover the Children's Eternal Forest | Monteverde |
| Day 7 | Tour the Cloud Forest & Sky Adventures Park | Monteverde |
| Day 8 | Experience Pacific Green Turtle Nesting | Tamarindo |
| Day 9 | Snorkel, Swim & Surf on the Beaches of Guanacaste | Tamarindo |
| Day 10 | Explore the Beaches Around Sámara | Sámara |
| Day 11 | Kayak & Snorkel Around Isla Chora | Sámara |
| Day 12 | Hike in the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve | Sámara |
| Day 13 | Drive to San José | San José |
| Day 14 | Depart Costa Rica |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Liberia, Soak in the Río Negro Hot Springs
Welcome to Costa Rica! You'll arrive in Liberia and transfer to your hotel in Rincón de la Vieja. Thermal waters have rejuvenating and therapeutic properties that people worldwide have appreciated for millennia. Today is your chance to experience this at some of Costa Rica's loveliest hot springs. Located on the edge of Rincón de la Vieja National Park and the country's most active volcano, you can take a dip in the incredible hot springs of the Río Negro. Beautiful and relaxing, these volcanic hot springs are naturally heated by the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano.
Surrounded by a dense, dry tropical forest, the Río Negro Hot Springs area is beautiful and peaceful. The crystal clear waters of the river flow beside 10 thermal pools built on the riverbank, each rich in minerals and naturally heated in the volcano's depths. You can use some of the hot volcanic mud to plaster over your body: this works just like a body mask in a spa, with all the associated benefits of nutrient-rich volcanic mud on your skin.
Learn more about the Top Nature Experiences in Costa Rica.
Day 2: Hike in Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Today you'll transfer to the outskirts of Rincón de la Vieja National Park and embark on a brisk 45-minute walk along a scenic forest trail to the entrance. Pause to enjoy views of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, the largest and most active volcano in Guanacaste Province. Some of the highlights along the hike are steaming fumaroles, mini-geysers, and bubbling volcanic mud pits.
Hike the Las Pailas loop trail over 2.5 miles (4 km) through tropical forest. Lookout points along the way feature some of the best views of the volcano and the wildlife that abounds nearer the trail, including tropical birds, armadillos, collared peccaries, iguanas, white-nosed coatis, and various types of monkeys. When you finish your hike, you'll be ready for a refreshing swim in the Oropendola Waterfall. It is located a short walk from the park entrance on a trail that winds along the Río Blanco. The Oropendola Waterfall plunges an impressive 82 feet (25 m) down to a bright turquoise pool.
Day 3: See the Rio Celeste & Drive to Arenal
Today you'll begin the road trip with a drive to La Fortuna. There's no need to rush: you can stop along the way at Tenorio Volcano National Park for a moderate three-hour hike along the Río Celeste, one of the most stunning natural attractions in Costa Rica. Legend says that after God painted the sky, He washed His brushes in this river, which resulted in its famous electric-blue waters. The hike takes you 4 miles (7 km) along the river through a rainforest ecosystem home to animals like monkeys, sloths, peccaries, and anteaters. The hike culminates with a descent of 253 steps to reach the Catarata Río Celeste, a waterfall of such profound beauty you'll think you've found your private paradise.
If you have time, you could also stop at the hillside town of Tilaran. Activities here include horseback riding in the hills and windsurfing on the lake. There are good birding opportunities here as well. Continue to La Fortuna, where you'll check into your hotel.Day 4: Hike Around a Volcano & Soak in Hot Springs
This morning is your chance to explore the Arenal Hanging Bridges. This trail system features suspension bridges that take you high above the treetops before treating you to a once-in-a-lifetime view of Arenal Volcano soaring above the canopy. With more than 350 avian species found here, birdwatching is superb.
In the afternoon, go for a hike around Arenal Volcano. Start at the entrance of the 1968 Trail, where you'll hit the well-maintained trails that skirt the base of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. This 1.5-hour route offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the park, and your naturalist guide will keep a well-trained eye out for exotic birds, monkeys, and other animals along the way. After hiking the trails, your guide will drop you off at Tabacon Hot Springs so you can soothe your muscles with a dip in mineral-rich waters.
Find out more about hiking around Arenal Volcano here.
Day 5: Enjoy a Sloth and Bird Hike & Visit a Chocolate Farm
Go on a hiking excursion today along the so-called "Sloth Trail." This nature trail cuts through a habitat for sloths (both two-toed and three-toed) who like to hang on the branches of the trees and feed on bright green leaves. It's fun to look for these slow-moving creatures overhead! On this two-hour guided hike, you'll see a few of these animals and perhaps even spy a mother sloth and its baby. During the walk, your bilingual guide will also point out other animals common to this area, like the famous red-eyed tree frog.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
A delicious activity awaits in the afternoon. During a hands-on chocolate tour, you'll learn about the origin, history, and production of one of Costa Rica's most famous exports. You'll participate in the cacao harvest and the drying and grinding of the seeds used to produce creamy cocoa butter and learn how a traditional Costa Rican chocolate drink was developed centuries ago. You'll also have the opportunity to sample plenty of freshly made chocolate.
Day 6: Discover the Children's Eternal Forest
Travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde today, pulling off at a roadside restaurant for a local lunch. Typical options at these traditional eateries include casado, a dish featuring rice, beans, and your choice of chicken, beef, pork, or fish. The 3.5-hour trip will take you almost all the way around Lake Arenal.
You'll arrive in Monteverde in the afternoon and check into your hotel. In the evening, go on a nocturnal walk through the Children's Eternal Forest, the largest private reserve in Costa Rica. The tour starts right after nightfall, allowing you to watch the animals awakening and others seeking their nests and caves to sleep.
Check out this article on the Best Things to Do in Monteverde for more ideas of what to see and do.
Day 7: Tour the Cloud Forest & Sky Adventures Park
Although the Santa Elena Cloud Forest is slightly higher in elevation than the nearby reserve in Monteverde, the increase in rainfall and cloud coverage is considerable. Combined with the lack of crowds, this makes the atmosphere of the cloud forest all the more ethereal and mesmerizing. On a guided morning hike, you'll have the chance to see an astonishing number of animals, like the elusive feline species of pumas, jaguarundi, and the endangered jaguar. More commonly seen species include spider monkeys, sloths, bright red poison dart frogs, and tarantulas.
Day 8: Experience Pacific Green Turtles Nesting
After driving to Tamarindo in the morning, you'll have some free time to relax. In the evening, you'll witness an incredible phenomenon of nature as hundreds of green sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. The tour's departure time is based on the tides and the park ranger's predictions for the turtles' arrival. Naturally, sea turtles operate on their schedule, so the waiting period can vary.
As soon as some of the turtles are ready to begin laying their eggs, you will head out to the beach, making your way to the nesting place where the large sea turtles dig holes in the sand to lay between 65 to 90 eggs. Watch as the mother turtles cover their nests with sand to protect their offspring from predators. After an incubation period, the tiny hatchlings will emerge and make their way to the ocean.
You may want to look at this Best Things to Do in Tamarindo article.
Day 9: Snorkel, Swim & Surf on the Beaches of Guanacaste
Explore the beautiful beaches surrounding the Gulf of Papagayo today. Your first stop is Flamingo Beach, a pretty white-sand crescent. You'll then visit Grand Beach, known for the rare leatherback turtles that lay their eggs on the sand each year. The third destination is Tamarindo Beach, the perfect spot for those who want to learn how to surf.
One of the most beautiful places on this trip comes at the end. Playa Conchal consistently tops lists as one of the best beaches in Costa Rica, with good reason. The beach is made up of small white shells instead of sand, making a striking contrast to the bright turquoise waters. It's a beautiful place to snorkel, and the mild temperatures of the water make it a fabulous swimming spot, too.
This article on the Best Things to Do on the Gulf of Papagayo has more ideas and information on the area.
Day 10: Explore the Beaches Around Sámara
After breakfast, you will travel onward to Sámara. This afternoon is the perfect time to enjoy the region's fantastic beaches. Playa Sámara is by far the most accessible and lively option. Located on the outskirts of town, it sits on a small cove with a flourishing coral reef just offshore. This means the currents here stay relatively calm, so the waves are suitable for beginner surfers, making it an excellent option for families and more active travelers wanting to try out some water sports.
Other options include Playa Carrillo, a 10-minute drive south of town. This is a quieter beach with a more local vibe. Playa Barrigona is the furthest option from town (about a 30-minute drive), but it is also considered the most beautiful beach in the area. Because it is only accessible by car (4WD recommended), tourists are unlikely to visit the beach. However, the waves aren't as calm, so Playa Barrigona is better suited to travelers who are comfortable swimming among strong currents or even looking to catch a few waves. This quiet escape is well worth the trek! You'll overnight in Sámara.
Day 11: Kayak & Snorkel Around Isla Chora
Join a kayak and snorkeling tour today to explore the underwater world surrounding Isla Chora. Just off Sámara's coast, the island is a haven of white-sand beaches and aquamarine-hued waters. After breakfast, you'll drive to the south end of Sámara's beach, where your choice of kayaks and SUP boards await.
After gearing up and receiving a brief explanation of paddling techniques and safety procedures, set out with your guide on a 25-45 minute paddle across the lagoon to the petite Isla Chora. Once there, snorkel around the island's reefs, looking for sea turtles. Then savor some well-earned snacks and beverages on the beach. Before paddling back, check out the island's iguanas as they sun themselves on the hillside.
Day 12: Hike in the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve
The Werner Sauter Biological Reserve paths will lead you on a rainforest hiking adventure today. You'll be hiking in one of the Guanacaste province's only private reserves. This belt of tropical dry forest is one of the rarest—and due to wildfires and large-scale deforestation, the most vulnerable—biomes of Central America. In this forest haven, water scarcity has caused wildlife to evolve and thrive in an environment with fewer nutrients than in other tropical forests.
Your experienced guide will lead you through the reserve on a hike of approximately three hours, amazing you with information about this area's biodiversity and other wonders as you walk.
Day 13: Drive to San José
You'll depart Sámara today for the drive to San José, the capital of Costa Rica. The trip takes about four hours, but if you get an early start, you can stop and enjoy some attractions along the way. You'll pass by Parque Nacional Barra Honda, home to a network of over 40 limestone caverns, and Nicoya, the site of Costa Rica's first colonial town. Look for a quaint chapel that dates back to 1644 and is the oldest church in the country.
Before entering San José, you could stop at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, located just north of the city. This privately run ecological park includes five impressive waterfalls connected by well-maintained walking trails. The site also features a butterfly observatory and a hummingbird garden. Once you arrive in the city, go on a self-guided tour or join an evening food tour.
For more travel advice, check out 24 Hours in San José and choose a restaurant from this list of dining recommendations in San José.
Day 14: Depart Costa Rica
More Great Costa Rica Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these other Costa Rica itineraries, explore self-drive tours around Costa Rica, or discover the best time to visit Costa Rica.
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