Costa Rica 5 Day Itinerary

5 Day Costa Rica Itinerary: Adventure & Nature

This itinerary focuses on experiencing the natural beauty and adventure activities Costa Rica is famous for. It’s easily customizable based on your interests and can be adapted to different regions of the country.

Day 1: Arrival & Rainforest Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San Jose.

    • Visa Requirements: As a tourist, most nationalities can enter Costa Rica without a visa for up to 90 days. Check https://www.visitcostarica.com/travel-info/visa-requirements for specific requirements based on your nationality.
    • Transportation:
      • Take a pre-booked shuttle from the airport to La Paz Waterfall Gardens (https://www.lapazwaterfalls.com/). This is an efficient and comfortable way to reach this popular eco-park, located about 2 hours from San Jose.
      • Enjoy the scenic drive through various landscapes of Costa Rica.

  • Afternoon: Explore the beauty of La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a stunning destination for wildlife viewing and breathtaking rainforest scenery.

    • Activity: Hike along the trails to see the five magnificent waterfalls and diverse flora and fauna.

  • Evening: Settle into your chosen accommodation near the waterfall gardens. Enjoy the tranquility of the rainforest and its unique soundscape.

Things to consider:

  • Weather: La Paz Waterfall Gardens are in a beautiful, lush rainforest setting. Be prepared for rain and humidity, even during the dry season.

Day 2: Whitewater Rafting & Wildlife Encounters

  • Morning: Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River.
    • Things to know: This is a fantastic way to see the stunning beauty of the Costa Rican rainforest. Tours are available for all skill levels, so choose one that suits your experience. Remember to apply sunscreen and wear a hat!
  • Afternoon: Relax at the lodge, enjoying the views and the tranquility of nature.

Day 3: Cloud Forest Adventure & Waterfall Wonders

  • Activity: Hike through the cloud forest and explore its wonders.

Day 4: Relaxation and Wildlife Viewing

  • Transportation: Take a bus back to the beach town where you are staying.
  • Accommodation: Relax in your comfortable cabin or hotel room. Enjoy the beach, take a swim, or simply soak up the sun and enjoy the sound of the waves.

Day 4: Relaxation and Wildlife Encounter

  • Activity: Explore the wildlife! Visit a nearby beach for swimming, snorkeling, or surfing.

  • Things to know:

    • Beach Safety: Always be aware of the currents and riptides when swimming in the ocean. Pay attention to any warnings or flags posted by lifeguards.

    • Wildlife Diversity: Costa Rica is known for its diverse wildlife. You’ll likely see sloths, monkeys, toucans, hummingbirds, and a variety of other creatures.

  • Things to do:

    • Beaches: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, surfing, or simply relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica.

Day 3: Waterfall Wonders

  • Visit: Hike through La Paz’s stunning waterfalls and enjoy the beauty of nature.
  • Things to know:
    • Transportation: Arrange for a local guide to take you on a guided tour of the rainforest.
    • Hiking Options: Choose from various trails within the park, some leading to secluded waterfalls and others through lush rainforests with breathtaking views.

Day 4: Rainforest Adventure

  • Activity: Visit a wildlife sanctuary or national park near your coastal accommodation.

  • Things to do: Enjoy the beauty of the Costa Rican rainforest with its stunning biodiversity.

Day 5: Farewell to Paradise

  • Relaxation and Departure: Spend the morning enjoying one last swim in the ocean or exploring the local shops and markets before heading back to San Jose for your departure.

  • Transportation:

    • Consider a taxi or bus to a nearby scenic viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Remember:

  • Bring cash: Many smaller vendors and artisans in the area only accept cash.
  • Respect the wildlife: Avoid feeding or touching the animals.

For a beach-focused adventure:

Day 5: Farewell to Nature

  • Transportation: Spend the day reflecting on your experiences and exploring the local culture of Costa Rica.
  • Things to do:
    • Enjoy a guided hike through the rainforest, experiencing its unique flora and fauna.
    • Relax by the beach and enjoy the sun and sand.

Activities:

  • Ziplining: Soar through the canopy on a thrilling zipline adventure.
  • Canyoning: Descend cascading waterfalls while rappelling into natural pools.
  • Whitewater Rafting (again!): Try a more challenging whitewater rafting experience for the final day.

For a beach-focused itinerary:

  • Day 3: Relaxing Beach Day: Enjoy a leisurely day on the beach, soaking up the sun and swimming in the Pacific Ocean.
  • Transportation: Relax by the beach and enjoy a guided tour of the local area.

Remember to be flexible! This is just a starting point for your itinerary. Weather can be unpredictable in Costa Rica, so be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary.

Day 5: Farewell to Adventure (and Nature):

  • Things to do:
    • Enjoy a beach-focused day with the following options:
      • Visit Manuel Antonio National Park: Explore this stunning national park on the Pacific Coast, known for its pristine beaches and abundance of wildlife.
      • Relax on the beach: Spend the day enjoying the beautiful sunsets and sunsets.

For the adventurous:

  • Explore:

    • Go whitewater rafting: Enjoy a thrilling adventure down a river with rapids for all skill levels.
    • Try canyoning: For the truly daring, try canyoning near the Pacific Ocean and experience its beauty from a different perspective.

Things to consider:

  • Safety: Always research and book with reputable tour companies who prioritize safety measures.

Day 5:

  • Transportation: Enjoy one last taste of adventure with a whitewater rafting trip down the Pacuare River, followed by a relaxing afternoon on its shores.

  • Accommodation: Enjoy a luxurious stay at a hotel or resort near the river with stunning views.

  • Canyoning: Canyoning is an adventure activity that involves descending waterfalls and rappelling through canyons.

Activities in Costa Rica are known for their beautiful scenery.

Day 5: Enjoy a final relaxing day by the beach, perhaps trying a new restaurant or taking a surfing lesson.

  • Things to do:
    • Relax on the beach: Enjoy a final afternoon of sun and sand before returning home.

Enjoy the beauty of nature:

Things to know:

  • Location: Consider a lodge or hotel location near the Pacific Ocean, as this is the perfect opportunity to experience the beautiful scenery of Costa Rica.
  • Safety: Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen for the journey!