How many days do you need in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Gulf of Papagayo?
- Most travelers spend 8-10 days in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and the Gulf of Papagayo combined
- Visiting San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and the Gulf of Papagayo in 1 week is possible, but it will feel rushed
- With 11 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio, and Tárcoles
How Many Days to Spend in Arenal
How Many Days to Spend in Monteverde
Recommended Itineraries for San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Gulf of Papagayo
Recommended Itinerary for 9 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José | San José |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Arenal, Rafting on the Río Balsa | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 3 | La Fortuna Waterfall, Free Afternoon | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 4 | Boat to Monteverde, Nocturnal Nature Tour | Monteverde |
| Day 5 | Zipline Fun in the Cloud Forest | Monteverde |
| Day 6 | Transfer to the Gulf of Papagayo | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 7 | Beach Day & Sunset Catamaran Cruise in the Gulf of Papagayo | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 8 | Free Day in Papagayo | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 9 | Transfer to San José, Depart |
This nine-day self-drive adventure covers three of Costa Rica's most distinct, exotic, and naturally beautiful regions: Arenal Volcano National Park, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and the Guanacaste Province's Pacific coast. Set off from the capital of San José to explore the lush jungles and imposing volcanoes of Arenal, then make your way to the cloud forests of Monteverde for ziplining and wildlife spotting. Head for the coast to end your trip on the spectacular beaches of the Guanacaste Province, where you can surf, snorkel, and go dolphin-watching on a sunset catamaran cruise. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
12-Day Itinerary Including Manuel Antonio
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Costa Rica, Explore | San José |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Manuel Antonio, Optional Hiking | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 3 | Catamaran & Snorkeling Trip | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 4 | Transfer to La Fortuna | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 5 | Wildlife Spotting at the Caño Negro Refuge | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 6 | Boat to Monteverde, Nocturnal Nature Tour | Monteverde |
| Day 7 | Guided Hike of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve | Monteverde |
| Day 8 | Transfer to the Gulf of Papagayo | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 9 | Palo Verde Boat Tour & Artisan Village | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 10 | Relaxation at Tizate Wellness Garden | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 11 | Free Day | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 12 | Gulf of Papagayo to Liberia, Depart |
Costa Rica is a nation as biodiverse as it is beautiful. The best way to experience all this nature and beauty is by touring the country's many national parks, reserves, and protected areas. Also, no trip to Costa Rica is complete without visiting the famous Pacific coast. This nearly two-week itinerary delivers both these highlights with plenty of time to kick back, relax, and enjoy the Costa Rican way of living "Pura Vida!" Read more
2-Week Itinerary Including Tortuguero
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José | San José |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Tortuguero National Park | Tortuguero |
| Day 3 | Turtle Spotting in Tortuguero | Tortuguero |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Arenal, Whitewater Rafting on the Sarapiquí River | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 5 | Hike Arenal 1968 & Visit Tabacón Hot Springs | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 6 | Chocolate Experience & Swimming in Waterfalls | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 7 | Boat to Monteverde, with Coffee & Chocolate Tour | Monteverde |
| Day 8 | Zipline Fun in the Cloud Forest | Monteverde |
| Day 9 | Guided Hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve | Monteverde |
| Day 10 | Transfer to the Gulf of Papagayo | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 11 | Beach Day & Sunset Catamaran Cruise in the Gulf of Papagayo | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 12 | Zipline, Horseback Riding & Hot Springs | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 13 | Free Day | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 14 | Transfer to Liberia, Depart |
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
2-Week Itinerary Including Manuel Antonio & Tárcoles
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José, Explore | San José |
| Day 2 | Pick Up Rental Car, Drive to Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 3 | Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 4 | Waterfall Hike & Cooking Class | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 5 | Drive to Gulf of Papagayo via Río Celeste | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 6 | Afternoon Snorkel & Catamaran Cruise in the Gulf of Papagayo | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 7 | Drive to Monteverde, Nocturnal Nature Tour | Monteverde |
| Day 8 | Zipline Fun in the Cloud Forest | Monteverde |
| Day 9 | Birdwatching in Monteverde | Monteverde |
| Day 10 | Drive to Tárcoles | Tárcoles |
| Day 11 | Drive to Manuel Antonio | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 12 | Guided Hike of Manuel Antonio National Park | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 13 | Free Day in Manuel Antonio | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 14 | Return to San José, Depart |
This self-guided road trip is ideal for those who love nature, beaches, and adventure activities. It covers all of Costa Rica's highlights, starting at the famous Arenal Volcano. From there, on to the Gulf of Papagayo on the northern Pacific coast. It's the perfect spot to snorkel and take a sunset sailing cruise. Then, you'll venture into the misty cloud forests of Monteverde—spot rare birds, partake in a zipline canopy tour, and embark on a nocturnal wildlife excursion. End your trip with hiking and beach time in Manuel Antonio National Park. Read more
How to travel between San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & the Gulf of Papagayo
How to get from San José to Monteverde
While the 83 miles (133 km) of Costa Rica that lay between San José and Monteverde may look short, the landscape makes the hilly, scenic trip between them at least 3 hours long. The best option for transportation is via car—by shuttle specifically. Allowing someone else to drive is the most popular and efficient way to get to Monteverde's remote cloud forest area. Read more
How to get from Arenal/La Fortuna to the Gulf of Papagayo
When heading from Arenal/La Fortuna to the Gulf of 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
How to get from San José to Arenal/La Fortuna
In about an hour, visitors from San José can be amid the volcanic splendor of Arenal/La Fortuna. The most direct mode of transportation is a domestic flight to Arenal Airport. A few carriers operate these daily flights, so you can fly out of San José International or Tobias Bolanos Airport. Most people come to this area for its famous volcano, but this guide will give you insight into other highlights and activities. Read more
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