San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Gulf of Papagayo: Best Itinerary Ideas

How many days do you need in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Gulf of Papagayo?

• Most travelers spend 8-10 days in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and the Gulf of Papagayo combined
• Visiting San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and the Gulf of Papagayo in 1 week is possible, but it will feel rushed
• With 11 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
• The most common extensions are Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio, and Tárcoles

How Many Days to Spend in Arenal
How Many Days to Spend in Monteverde

Recommended Itineraries for San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Gulf of Papagayo

Recommended Itinerary for 9 Days

This nine-day self-drive adventure covers three of Costa Rica's most distinct, exotic, and naturally beautiful regions: Arenal Volcano National Park, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and the Guanacaste Province's Pacific coast. Set off from the capital of San José to explore the lush jungles and imposing volcanoes of Arenal, then make your way to the cloud forests of Monteverde for ziplining and wildlife spotting. Head for the coast to end your trip on the spectacular beaches of the Guanacaste Province, where you can surf, snorkel, and go dolphin-watching on a sunset catamaran cruise. Read more

Extended Itineraries

12-Day Itinerary Including Manuel Antonio

Costa Rica is a nation as biodiverse as it is beautiful. The best way to experience all this nature and beauty is by touring the country's many national parks, reserves, and protected areas. Also, no trip to Costa Rica is complete without visiting the famous Pacific coast. This nearly two-week itinerary delivers both these highlights with plenty of time to kick back, relax, and enjoy the Costa Rican way of living "Pura Vida!" Read more

2-Week Itinerary Including Tortuguero

Experience the country from both coasts on this two-week trip. You'll visit San José, Tortuguero National Park, the towering Arenal Volcano, Monteverde's cloud forest, and the remote beaches of Guanacaste. There will be plenty of activities to choose from along the way: watch sea turtles hatch on a Caribbean beach, sample locally produced chocolate, and take a surf lesson in the glittering Pacific. Read more

2-Week Itinerary Including Manuel Antonio & Tárcoles

This self-guided road trip is ideal for those who love nature, beaches, and adventure activities. It covers all of Costa Rica's highlights, starting at the famous Arenal Volcano. From there, on to the Gulf of Papagayo on the northern Pacific coast. It's the perfect spot to snorkel and take a sunset sailing cruise. Then, you'll venture into the misty cloud forests of Monteverde—spot rare birds, partake in a zipline canopy tour, and embark on a nocturnal wildlife excursion. End your trip with hiking and beach time in Manuel Antonio National Park. Read more

How to travel between San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & the Gulf of Papagayo

How to get from San José to Monteverde
While the 83 miles (133 km) of Costa Rica that lay between San José and Monteverde may look short, the landscape makes the hilly, scenic trip between them at least 3 hours long. The best option for transportation is via car—by shuttle specifically. Allowing someone else to drive is the most popular and efficient way to get to Monteverde's remote cloud forest area. Read more

How to get from Arenal/La Fortuna to the Gulf of Papagayo
When heading from Arenal/La Fortuna to the Gulf of Papagayo, the 108-mile (173 km) trip will take you almost directly west to the coast. These two locations are connected by some of the most direct routes in the country. Read more

How to get from San José to Arenal/La Fortuna
In about an hour, visitors from San José can be amid the volcanic splendor of Arenal/La Fortuna. The most direct mode of transportation is a domestic flight to Arenal Airport. A few carriers operate these daily flights, so you can fly out of San José International or Tobias Bolanos Airport. Most people come to this area for its famous volcano, but this guide will give you insight into other highlights and activities. Read more