San José & Arenal
Fly into San José, hit volcanoes, cloud forests, and Pacific beaches within 4 hours.
Costa Rica packs an entire Central American ecosystem into a country the size of West Virginia. Base in Arenal for volcano + hot springs, then head to Monteverde or Manuel Antonio.
Highlights
- 01Arenal Volcano hike + Tabacón hot springs
- 02Zip-line and hanging bridges at Sky Adventures Monteverde
- 03Wildlife walk at Manuel Antonio
- 04Rio Celeste turquoise waterfall
- 05Coffee tour in the Central Valley
Where to stay
7-day itinerary
- 01Arrive SJO
Drive to La Fortuna, hot springs at Tabacón.
- 02Arenal
Volcano hike, La Fortuna waterfall.
- 03Rio Celeste
Day trip to Tenorio waterfall.
- 04Monteverde
Cloud forest reserve, night walk.
- 05Coast
Drive to Manuel Antonio.
- 06Beach
Park hike, beach afternoon, sloth spotting.
- 07Return
Drive back to SJO, late flight.
Local intelligence
- 01Rent a 4WD; roads to Monteverde are unpaved and steep.
- 02Bug spray and reef-safe sunscreen are essentials.
- 03Book Manuel Antonio Park tickets online in advance — daily caps.
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