Costa Rica 6 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in San José

  • Arrival: Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, the capital city of Costa Rica
  • Accommodation: Check-in to your hotel in the city center, such as Hotel Presidente or Casa Conde
  • Afternoon: Explore the city, visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and walk through the vibrant streets of Escazú
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican dinner at a local restaurant, such as Café 1930 or Alma del Pacifico

Day 2: San José to Arenal

  • Morning: Take an early morning bus (around $10) or shuttle (around $40) from San José to La Fortuna, the town nearest to Arenal Volcano
  • Afternoon: Visit Arenal Volcano National Park for a hike and stunning views of the surrounding landscape
  • Evening: Soak in the hot springs at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa or The Springs Resort

Day 3: Arenal

  • Morning: Take a guided tour (around $80) to explore the Arenal Volcano’s rainforest, waterfalls, and wildlife
  • Afternoon: Go zip lining (around $80) for an adrenaline-packed experience with breathtaking views of the volcano
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, such as The Flying Bean or Don Rufino

Day 4: Arenal to Monteverde

  • Morning: Take a scenic drive (around 4 hours) or shuttle (around $40) from La Fortuna to Monteverde
  • Afternoon: Explore the cloud forests of Monteverde, visit the Butterfly Garden, and take a guided tour (around $70)
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, such as Sofia or De Lucia

Day 5: Monteverde

  • Morning: Take a thrilling zip line tour (around $80) through the cloud forest canopy
  • Afternoon: Visit the Frog Pond or take a coffee tour (around $40)
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, such as El Jardín de Frida or Café Monteverde

Day 6: Departure from Liberia

  • Morning: Take a shuttle (around $40) or drive (around 4 hours) from Monteverde to Liberia International Airport (LIR)
  • Departure: Fly back home from Liberia International Airport

Things to Know

  • Visa Requirements: Citizens of the US, Canada, and most European countries do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica. Check with the Costa Rican Embassy or Consulate for specific requirements.
  • Language: Spanish is the official language, but many locals speak some English. Consider bringing a phrasebook or using a translation app.
  • Currency: The Costa Rican colón (CRC) is the local currency, although USD is widely accepted.
  • Safety: Take normal precautions to ensure your safety, such as keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings.

Transportation

  • Bus: An affordable option for traveling between cities, with prices ranging from $10-$30.
  • Shuttle: A convenient option for shorter distances, with prices ranging from $40-$80.
  • Car Rental: A good option if you prefer to drive, with prices ranging from $40-$100 per day.
  • Taxi: Available in major cities, but be sure to negotiate the price beforehand.

Other Tips

  • Pack: Lightweight and quick-drying clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a waterproof jacket.
  • Responsible Tourism: Be respectful of Costa Rica’s environment and culture. Choose eco-friendly accommodations and tour operators that support local communities.
  • Weather: Costa Rica has a tropical climate, with two main seasons: dry (December to April) and rainy (May to November). Be prepared for sudden rain showers and high humidity.

This itinerary provides a mix of adventure, nature, and culture, but feel free to customize it based on your preferences and interests. Pura Vida!