Costa Rica · Route map
Volcanoes, Cloud Forests and Pacific Coast
This classic first-timer's route delivers the country's three essential highlights with sensible, scenic drive times.
- 1
La Fortuna
3 nights
Arenal volcano hikes and natural hot springs
- 2
Monteverde
3 nights
Ziplines and misty cloud forest trails
- 3
Manuel Antonio
3 nights
Rainforest meets white-sand Pacific beaches
- ✦3 stops · 9 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Welcome to San José
Arrive into San José
Flight · Afternoon · San José
Land at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
Pick up 4WD hire car
Car hire · Afternoon · Alajuela
Collect your vehicle directly at the airport terminal.
A 4WD is essential for the gravel mountain roads to Monteverde later this week.
Self-drive SJO to La Fortuna
Self-drive · Afternoon · La Fortuna
Drive takes approximately 2.5 hours via Route 141.
Overnight in La Fortuna
Accommodation · Evening · La Fortuna
We love the garden bungalows at Areanal Observatory Lodge for unmatched volcano views.
Volcanic Trails & Natural Springs
Hike the Arenal 1968 Trail
Excursion · Morning · Arenal
Walk over the dramatic, rugged lava flows from the historic 1968 eruption.
Take the longer Bosque al Silencio loop for better chances of spotting toucans.
Soak in EcoTermales Hot Springs
Excursion · Afternoon · La Fortuna
Unwind in natural, magnesium-rich pools hidden deep in the rainforest.
This family-owned spot limits entry, keeping it peaceful and free of crowds.
Overnight in La Fortuna
Accommodation · Evening · La Fortuna
Waterfalls and Hanging Bridges
La Fortuna Waterfall descent
Excursion · Morning · La Fortuna
Descend 500 steps into a lush canyon to swim beneath a thundering cascade.
Go early at 7:30 AM to have the fresh natural pool to yourselves.
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
Excursion · Afternoon · Arenal
Hire an on-site naturalist guide; their nesting scope spotting is worth every colon.
Overnight in La Fortuna
Accommodation · Evening · La Fortuna
Ascending to the Cloud Forest
Self-drive La Fortuna to Monteverde
Self-drive · Morning · Monteverde
Scenic 3-hour journey around Lake Arenal on gravel routes.
Stop at Cafe Macadamia on the lake shore for stellar coffee and views.
Explore Monteverde Orchid House
Excursion · Afternoon · Santa Elena
A quiet, fascinating look at hundreds of orchid species, many micro-sized.
The tiny cafe inside serves the best freshly brewed pour-over in town.
Overnight in Monteverde
Accommodation · Evening · Monteverde
Stay at Senda Monteverde for a cozy mountain lodge vibe next to a private reserve.
Canopy Heights & Night Creatures
Zipline through Selvatura Park canopy
Excursion · Morning · Monteverde
The final Tarzan Swing is optional but highly recommended for a rush.
Stroll around Santa Elena town
At leisure · Afternoon · Santa Elena
Wildlife night walk at Curi-Canchar
Excursion · Evening · Monteverde
Search for sleeping toucans, tarantulas, and active sloths with flashlights.
Spotting active nocturnal mammals is far easier with these expert volunteer guides.
Overnight in Monteverde
Accommodation · Evening · Monteverde
Deep in the Green Reserve
Hike Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Excursion · Morning · Monteverde
Walk the damp, mossy trails of this community-run cloudforest.
It sits higher than Monteverde Reserve, meaning more mist, fewer tourists, and wilder trails.
Relax at Monteverde Cheese Factory
At leisure · Afternoon · Monteverde
Grab a block of local Monte Rico cheese and some fresh-scooped ice cream.
Overnight in Monteverde
Accommodation · Evening · Monteverde
Down to the Pacific Coast
Self-drive Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
Self-drive · Morning · Manuel Antonio
Drive takes roughly 4 hours down to the coastal highway.
Tarcoles River crocodile bridge stop
Excursion · Afternoon · Tarcoles
Break the drive to view massive wild crocodiles from the pedestrian walkway.
Park on the southern side of the bridge where the police presence is constant.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio
Accommodation · Evening · Manuel Antonio
Tulemar Resort offers incredible ocean views and wild sloths right on the property.
National Park Wild Trails
Explore Manuel Antonio National Park
Excursion · Morning · Manuel Antonio
The park is closed on Tuesdays; buy your timed permits online weeks in advance.
Swim at Playa Manuel Antonio
At leisure · Afternoon · Manuel Antonio
Relax on the protected white-sand crescent beach inside the reserve.
Keep all food securely zipped inside packs—the capuchin monkeys are professional thieves.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio
Accommodation · Evening · Manuel Antonio
Secret Coves and Sunsets
Hike to Playa Biesanz
Excursion · Morning · Manuel Antonio
Take the short, muddy jungle path down to a secluded locally loved cove.
Rent a kayak here to paddle around the calm, turquoise waters.
Afternoon at leisure by the pool
At leisure · Afternoon · Manuel Antonio
Overnight in Manuel Antonio
Accommodation · Evening · Manuel Antonio
Return to San José
Self-drive Manuel Antonio to SJO
Self-drive · Morning · Alajuela
Drive takes approximately 3 hours back to the airport.
Drop off hire car
Car hire · Afternoon · Alajuela
Return the car to the depot near San José airport.
Departure flight
Flight · Afternoon · San José
Fly home from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
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