8 Days in Costa Rica

Depending on your arrival time and the length of your flight, you may or may not have the energy to explore San Jose on day one. Since I typically fly from Seattle, I’m tired upon arrival and may simply grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant and spend the night before hitting the road in the morning. If you find yourself with some time and desire to explore the city, check out the National Museum of Costa Rica to learn more about this amazing country.

Costa Rica is a small country and locations may appear to be in close proximity on the map, but the roads are underdeveloped, with many twists and turns, making commutes between locations much longer than one may think. It’s important to plan for this to avoid travel fatigue and spending most of your time in a car! This is why I incorporate these travel logistics into itineraries. The drive from San Jose to La Fortuna is a little over three hours without traffic. If you leave San Jose early, you can relax and enjoy some local dishes/beverages in La Fortuna. Check out the Lava Lounge for a great cocktail and some live music.

If you love nature and hiking, this is your paradise! Costa Rica has microclimates, which essentially means the atmospheric conditions in one area can differ significantly from another area. With that said, expect La Fortuna to be cooler and wetter than your coastal towns, like Manual Antonio. This is a great place to take a long, challenging hike. Arenal has a sister volcano, Cerro Chato, that you can hike. Be advised, this is a very challenging hike; even very physically fit folks often say this is one of the most challenging hikes. If you want something a little less adventurous, there are plenty of less strenuous nature walks where you can still enjoy the beautiful nature of La Fortuna.

At the end of your day, immerse yourself further in Costa Rican nature by soaking in Tabacon Hot Springs. If you are visiting during peak season, you may need to purchase these passes in advance.

Manuel Antonio is absolutely my favorite place in Costa Rica. I like to give myself time to enjoy it and I recommend that you do the same because, in my opinion, it is the picturesque definition of Costa Rica! Expect the drive from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio to take about five hours without traffic; I recommend departing as early as possible to avoid traffic and toll bottlenecks.

There is so much beauty in Manuel Antonio and there is something for everyone to enjoy! One of my favorite things to do is spend a day at Espadilla Beach. Locals on the beach rent sun loungers and umbrellas; last time I went it was $20 per person for the day, but the price has probably increased since then. The coolest thing about this is that the locals work with the bars and restaurants across the street; they will bring a menu to your shaded sun lounger, take your order, and deliver you food and beverages all day. What is better than that?

If you are looking for a little more adventure, you can spend a day ziplining or surfing. Ziplining is a great activity for couples and families with children. If you are traveling with very small children, a nature tour or evening jungle walk to see the nocturnal nightlife may be more appealing.

You will likely see some local wildlife during your time in Manuel Antonio (monkeys, sloths, toucans, etc). Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park is a great way to maximize your exposure to Costa Rica’s natural marvels. Self and guided tours are available; however, you will likely see more wildlife with a guide.

Unless your departing flight leaves late in the afternoon, I recommend making the drive back to San Jose a day prior. Traffic can be unpredictable and the last time I drove from Manuel Antonio to San Jose the expected three-and-a-half-hour drive turned into five hours. I usually spend my last night in San Jose; the stress of missing a flight simply isn’t worth the risk!