How many days do you need?
- Most travelers spend 9-10 days in Arenal/La Fortuna, Tortuguero, and Gulf of Papagayo combined
- Visiting Arenal/La Fortuna, Tortuguero, and Gulf of Papagayo in 7 or 8 days is possible, but will feel rushed
- With 11 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extension is Monteverde
How Many Days Should You Spend in Arenal?
Recommended Itineraries for Arenal/La Fortuna, Tortuguero, and Gulf of Papagayo
Recommended Itinerary for 9 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José | San José |
| Day 2 | Private Transfer San José to Tortuguero National Park | Tortuguero |
| Day 3 | Turtle Tour in Tortuguero | Tortuguero |
| Day 4 | Tortuguero Transfer to La Fortuna | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 5 | Volcano Hike & Hot Springs | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 6 | River Float & Chocolate Tour in Arenal | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 7 | Arenal Transfer to the Gulf of Papagayo | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 8 | Beach Day and Sunset Catamaran Sail in Guanacaste | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 9 | Gulf of Papagayo to Liberia, Depart Costa Rica |
Experience both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica — and all that's in between — on this 9-day adventure. Starting in the bustling capital of San Jose, you'll make your way to Tortuguero National Park, where you'll watch sea turtles hatch on the beach. Then head inland to Arenal Volcano and its magnificent rainforest trails. After a long day of hiking, soothe your muscles in the natural hot springs at Tabacón. After a river wildlife safari and a chocolate lesson, you'll travel to the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Papagayo. Here you'll go snorkeling and surfing, and end your journey with a spectacular sunset cruise around the bay. Read more
Recommended Itinerary for 10 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José | San José |
| Day 2 | Private Transfer San José to Tortuguero National Park | Tortuguero |
| Day 3 | Turtle Tour in Tortuguero | Tortuguero |
| Day 4 | Tortuguero Transfer to La Fortuna | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 5 | Hanging Bridges & Hiking in the Arenal 1968 Lava Fields Reserve | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 6 | Day Trip from Arenal - Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 7 | Arenal Transfer to the Gulf of Papagayo | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 8 | Beach Day and Sunset Catamaran Sail in Guanacaste | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 9 | Free Day in Papagayo | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 10 | Gulf of Papagayo to Liberia, Depart Costa Rica |
This 10-day adventure allows you to experience Costa Rica from both coasts. Visit San José, check out Tortuguero National Park, marvel at Arenal Volcano, and lounge on the remote beaches of Guanacaste. Enjoy plenty of activities along the way: watch sea turtles hatch on a Caribbean beach, sample locally produced chocolate, or take a surf lesson in the Pacific. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
14-Day Itinerary Including Monteverde
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José | San José |
| Day 2 | Private Transfer San José to Tortuguero National Park | Tortuguero |
| Day 3 | Turtle Tour in Tortuguero | Tortuguero |
| Day 4 | San Jose Transfer to Arenal - Whitewater Rafting on the Sarapiquí River | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 5 | Volcano Hike & Hot Springs | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 6 | Chocolate Experience - Swimming in Waterfalls | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 7 | Boat to Monteverde, with Coffee & Chocolate Tour | Monteverde |
| Day 8 | Zip-Line Fun in the Cloud Forest | Monteverde |
| Day 9 | Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike | Monteverde |
| Day 10 | Monteverde Transfer to the Gulf of Papagayo | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 11 | Beach Day and Sunset Catamaran Sail in Guanacaste | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 12 | Day of Adventure - Zipline, Horseback Riding, and Hot Springs | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 13 | Free Day in Papagayo | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 14 | Gulf of Papagayo to Liberia, Depart Costa Rica |
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
How to travel between Arenal/La Fortuna, Tortuguero, and Gulf of Papagayo
How to Get from Tortuguero to Arenal/La Fortuna
Because there are no roads in Tortuguero, most travelers will need to make the final leg of their 111-mile (179 km) journey to Arenal by boat. Taking a flight is the best option as you can land directly in La Fortuna, but this option is only available from December-April during the high season. Read more
How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Gulf de Papagayo
When heading from Arenal/La Fortuna to the Gulf de 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
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