📍 Costa Rica

COSTA RICA CLASSIC: VOLCANOES AND BEACH PARADISE ROUTE

Volcanic smoke rises above the canopy, howler monkeys call at dawn, sloths cling to branches. Costa Rica is rainforest intensely alive.

≈ 12
Days
883
Km
4
Stops
📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Start from San José toward Arenal volcano, explore Monteverde's cloud forest and relax on Manuel Antonio beaches. In Costa Rica, nature reigns: monkeys, toucans and sloths keep you company.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

La Fortuna

volcano smoke hot spring

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8 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Journey from San José to La Fortuna (approx. 3h30 drive)
🎯

Activities

→
free walk in La Fortuna
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 135 km
Travel time: 3h30
2
Day

La Fortuna

volcano smoke hot spring

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8 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Arenal Volcano National Park: hiking on the 1968 trail and viewpoint
2
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges: canopy and wildlife observation
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming in the natural hot springs of El Choyin
3
Day

La Fortuna

volcano smoke hot spring

La Fortuna - Photo 1La Fortuna - Photo 2La Fortuna - Photo 3La Fortuna - Photo 4La Fortuna - Photo 5La Fortuna - Photo 6La Fortuna - Photo 7La Fortuna - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
La Fortuna Waterfall: descent of the 400 steps and swimming
2
Visit to Don Jorge plantation: coffee, cocoa and sugar cane demonstration
🎯

Activities

→
Sloth observation on the Bogarin Trail
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 34.7 km
Travel time: 1h09
4
Day

Monteverde

cloud forest canopy hanging

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6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Scenic route La Fortuna – Monteverde via Lake Arenal
🎯

Activities

→
Relaxing evening in Santa Elena, free walk in the village
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Next stop
Distance: 115 km
Travel time: 4h
5
Day

Monteverde

cloud forest canopy hanging

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6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: hanging bridges and biodiversity
2
Hummingbird garden and butterfly park visit
🎯

Activities

→
Canopy tour (zip lines through the canopy)
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Next stop
Distance: 165.2 km
Travel time: 2h04
6
Day

Manuel Antonio

tropical beach wildlife park

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7 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Journey Monteverde – Manuel Antonio (approximately 4h30)
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset on Espadilla beach
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 180 km
Travel time: 4h30
7
Day

Manuel Antonio

tropical beach wildlife park

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7 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Manuel Antonio National Park: main trail and interior beach
🎯

Activities

→
Sloth and capuchin monkey observation with naturalist guide
→
Swimming in the turquoise waters of the park
8
Day

Manuel Antonio

tropical beach wildlife park

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7 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Kayak excursion in the Isla Damas mangrove
🎯

Activities

→
Free time at Biesanz beach
9
Day

Manuel Antonio

tropical beach wildlife park

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7 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Catamaran tour on the Pacific coast: snorkeling and dolphin watching
🎯

Activities

→
Seaside dinner in Quepos
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Next stop
Distance: 88.5 km
Travel time: 1h29
10
Day

San Jose

gateway capital city

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5 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Return to San José from Manuel Antonio (approx. 3h)
🎯

Activities

→
Last evening in San José, stroll through downtown
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Next stop
Distance: 165 km
Travel time: 3h

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

COSTA RICA ADVENTURE: VOLCANOES, FORESTS & BEACHES

📅 13 days 🛣️ 852.9 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - Costa Rica

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Dry Season (December-April): Perfect weather, minimal rainfall, peak tourist season, highest prices, ideal for beaches and outdoor activities.

Green Season (May-November): More rainfall, lush landscapes, fewer crowds, lower prices, afternoon showers typical, excellent for wildlife viewing.

Shoulder Seasons (April-May, November-December): Good balance weather and prices, moderate crowds, transitional periods, flexible travelers benefit.

Regional Variations: Caribbean coast different pattern, Pacific drier, mountain areas cooler, microclimates vary significantly.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 10 and 14 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Costa Rica?

"Pura Vida" philosophy with incredible biodiversity, adventure activities, and eco-tourism leadership. Experience cloud forests, pristine beaches, and exotic wildlife in stable Central American democracy. The country offers zip-lining, volcano hikes, and sustainable tourism practices. Costa Rica provides adventure and nature in environmentally conscious paradise.