Costa Rica 6 Day Itinerary

Costa Rica 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in San José

  • Morning: Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José.
  • Afternoon: Check-in to your hotel and take some time to rest.
  • Evening: Explore the city of San José. Visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, which features an impressive collection of Costa Rican gold artifacts from the pre-Columbian era.

Day 2: San José to Arenal

  • Morning: Depart for Arenal ( approx. 3-hour drive).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Arenal Volcano National Park and take a guided hike through the rainforest.
    • Hike: Explore the Arenal Volcano Hike, which takes you through the rainforest and offers stunning views of the volcano.
    • Other activities:
      • Soak in the natural hot springs at Tabacon Thermal Resort
      • Take a scenic drive around Lake Arenal for panoramic views

Day 3: Arenal to Monteverde

  • Morning: Depart for Monteveride (approx. 4-hour drive).
  • Afternoon: Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
    • Hike: Take a guided hike through the cloud forest, which features stunning views of the surrounding landscape and unique flora and fauna.

Day 4: Monteverde

  • Morning: Visit the Frog Pond at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This is a great spot for birdwatching.
  • Afternoon: Explore the town of Santa Elena and visit the Butterfly Garden, which features over 40 species of butterflies.

Day 5: Manuel Antonio

  • Morning: Depart for Manuel Antonio (approx. 4-hour drive).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Manuel Antonio National Park.
    • Beach time: Spend some time on one of the beautiful beaches in the park, such as Espadilla Sur Beach.
    • Hike: Take a guided hike through the rainforest and explore the park’s many trails.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Depart for San José (approx. 4-hour drive).
  • Afternoon: Return to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) for your departure flight.

Visa Requirements

Citizens of the United States, Canada, and other European countries can enter Costa Rica without a visa. However, you will need:

  • A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity.
  • Proof of onward travel or return ticket.
  • Proof of sufficient funds ( approx. $50 USD per day).
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate if traveling from or through an infected area.

Transportation

  • Flights: Fly into Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José.
  • Private transfers: Arrange for private transfers to and from the airport and between destinations.
  • Rental cars: Rent a car for flexibility, but be aware that driving on Costa Rican roads can be challenging.

Other Things of Interest

  • Dining: Try local cuisine such as gallo pinto (a mix of rice and beans), casado (a hearty plate of meat, rice, and vegetables), and empanadas.
  • Safety: Costa Rica is a relatively safe country, but take normal precautions to protect yourself from theft and robbery.
  • Weather: Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season (December to April) and rainy season (May to November).
  • Responsible tourism: Support eco-tourism initiatives that promote sustainable practices and respect for the environment.