How many days do you need?
- Most travelers spend 4-5 days in Arenal/La Fortuna
- Visiting Arenal/La Fortuna in 3 days is possible, but will feel rushed
- With 6 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Manuel Antonio, Gulf of Papagayo, and Monteverde
How Many Days Should You Spend in Arenal?
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Recommended Itineraries for Arenal/La Fortuna
Recommended Itinerary for 4 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in San José -> Transfer to La Fortuna | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 2 | Day Trip from Arenal - Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 3 | Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 4 | La Fortuna - Drive back to San José | San José |
This itinerary is one of the shortest, yet most action-packed options for travelers looking for a compact Costa Rica experience. Zip-line, rappel, and horseback ride your way throughout the Arenal region and enjoy some of the best volcano views the country has to offer. Read more
Recommended Itinerary for 5 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in San José -> Transfer to La Fortuna | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 2 | Arenal Gondola, Zip-Line and Canopy Tour | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 3 | Volcano Hike & Hot Springs | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 4 | La Fortuna - Drive back to San José | San José |
| Day 5 | Depart San José |
This immersive nature expedition packs a lot of outdoor adventure in a short timeframe. In just five days you'll experience the greatest hits of Arenal Volcano National Park, including swimming in a waterfall lagoon, hiking above misty cloud forests, and soaking in hot springs. You'll also enjoy some metropolitan excitement as you spend an evening exploring Costa Rica's capital, San José. Read more
Extended Itineraries
6-Day Itinerary Including Manuel Antonio
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in San José - Transfer to La Fortuna & Hotsprings | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 2 | Arenal Gondola, Zip-Line and Canopy Tour | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Raft Rio Balsa | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 4 | Arenal to Manuel Antonio | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 5 | Morning Free Time - Afternoon Sunset Catamaran Cruise | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 6 | Manuel Antonio to San José - Depart Costa Rica |
This exciting 6-day itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to experience quintessential Costa Rica. You'll take in awe-inspiring views of Arenal volcano, and have an exciting rafting day on the Sarapiqui River before heading to Manuel Antonio to explore the jungle and white sand beaches of this nature lovers paradise. Read more
8-Day Itinerary Including Manuel Antonio and Monteverde
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in San José - Transfer to La Fortuna & Hotsprings | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 2 | La Fortuna Waterfall - Free Afternoon | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 3 | Arenal to Monteverde by Boat with Nocturnal Nature Tour | Monteverde |
| Day 4 | Sky Walk, Sky Tram & Sky Trek Zipline | Monteverde |
| Day 5 | Monteverde Transfer to Manuel Antonio - Free Afternoon | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 6 | Damas Island Kayaking Tour | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 7 | Morning Free Time - Afternoon Sunset Catamaran Cruise | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 8 | Manuel Antonio to San José - Depart Costa Rica |
This 8-day trip is ideal for travelers looking to experience Costa Rica's highlights. Go for a dip in Arenal's hot springs and spot monkeys and other wildlife on hikes around the famous volcano. Continue to Monteverde, where you'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. Read more
8-Day Itinerary Including Monteverde and Gulf of Papagayo
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in San José -> Transfer to La Fortuna | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 2 | Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 3 | Arenal to Monteverde by Boat with Free Afternoon | Monteverde |
| Day 4 | Free Day - Night Tour in Monteverde | Monteverde |
| Day 5 | Monteverde Transfer to the Gulf of Papagayo | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 6 | Beach Day and Sunset Catamaran Sail in Guanacaste | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 7 | Free Day in Papagayo | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 8 | Gulf of Papagayo to Liberia, Depart Costa Rica |
Costa Rica is an ideal destination for families and this itinerary ensures you'll experience the best the country has to offer. On your 8-day adventure, you'll explore the towering Arenal Volcano, visit the beaches of Guanacaste, and have time to relax in volcanic hot springs. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities along the way, from waterfall hikes to crossing suspension bridges above the trees. Read more
