How many days do you need in Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Tamarindo?
- Most travelers spend 7-9 days in Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Tamarindo combined
- Visiting Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Tamarindo in 5 or 6 days is possible, but will feel rushed
- With 10 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are San José, Liberia, and Manuel Antonio
How Many Days to Spend in Arenal
How Many Days to Spend in Monteverde
Recommended Itineraries for Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Tamarindo
Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Liberia - Transfer to La Fortuna & Hotsprings | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 2 | Trekking to Hule Lagoon | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 3 | Arenal to Monteverde by Boat with Nocturnal Nature Tour | Monteverde |
| Day 4 | Zip-Line Fun in the Cloud Forest | Monteverde |
| Day 5 | Monteverde Transfer to Tamarindo | Tamarindo |
| Day 6 | Private Surf Lesson at Playa Tamarindo | Tamarindo |
| Day 7 | Beach Day & Sunset Catamaran Sail in Tamarindo | Tamarindo |
| Day 8 | Tamarindo transfer to Liberia International Airport |
This eight-day trip to Costa Rica offers an array of adventures in a variety of landscapes, from the city to the cloud forest to the sea. Enjoy hiking near an active volcano, some of the world's best bird-watching, paddleboarding across a lagoon, and snorkeling with sea turtles. Begin in Arenal for nature walks, then transfer to Monteverde for zipline tours of the forest canopy. End in Tamarindo—a surfer's paradise. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
10-Day Itinerary Including San José
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José | San José |
| Day 2 | San José to the Monteverde Cloud Forest | Monteverde |
| Day 3 | Sky Tram & Suspension Bridge Walk | Monteverde |
| Day 4 | Monteverde Transfer to Tamarindo | Tamarindo |
| Day 5 | Private Surf Lesson at Playa Tamarindo | Tamarindo |
| Day 6 | Beach Day & Sunset Catamaran Sail in Tamarindo | Tamarindo |
| Day 7 | Tamarindo to La Fortuna via Rio Celeste | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 8 | Coffee Farm Tour & Tabacon Hot Springs | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 9 | Chocolate Tour - Transfer to San José | San José |
| Day 10 | Depart San José |
This 10-day self-drive itinerary takes you off the beaten path to discover Costa Rica's highlights at your own pace. After an evening in San José, embark from the capital and drive north to explore the cloud forests of Monteverde by zipline. Journey west to the Pacific coast and the surf village of Tamarindo for sea kayaking and wildlife spotting, then make your way inland to La Fortuna. Here you'll explore the lush landscapes of Arenal Volcano National Park, hike the brilliant blue Río Celeste, and visit a working coffee plantation. Read more
How to travel between Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Tamarindo
How to get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Monteverde
The distance between Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna and Monteverde is pretty short. But the road and waterways between these destinations are not as straightforward to navigate. The best option is taxi-boat-taxi. It is quick, convenient, and affordable. Read more
How to get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Tamarindo
The best way to get from the volcanoes of Arenal to the surf and sunsets of Tamarindo is by car or private transfer. It's about a four-hour drive (129 mi / 207 km), and the route winds around Lake Arenal and through Liberia before ending at the Pacific beaches of the Gold Coast. Read more
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