How many days do you need?
- Most travelers spend 5 days in the Gulf of Papagayo
- Visiting the Gulf of Papagayo in 3 or 4 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 Arenal/La Fortuna and Tortuguero
How Many Days Should You Spend in Costa Rica?
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Recommended Itineraries for the Gulf of Papagayo
Recommended Itinerary for 5 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Liberia - Transfer to Gulf de Papagayo | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 2 | Day of Adventure - Zipline, Horseback Riding, and Hot Springs | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 3 | Snorkeling tour at the Catalina Islands | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 4 | Beach Day and Sunset Catamaran Sail in Guanacaste | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 5 | Gulf of Papagayo to Liberia, Depart Costa Rica |
This five-day beach getaway takes you to the heart of Guanacaste Province, in northwestern Costa Rica. You'll have plenty of time to relax and soak up the unique landscapes and beaches of the region, with just the right amount of adventure thrown in. Read more
Extended Itineraries
8-Day Itinerary Including Arenal/La Fortuna and Monteverde
| 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
10-Day Itinerary Including Arenal/La Fortuna
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José | San José |
| Day 2 | San José Transfer to Arenal and Hot Springs | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 3 | Hanging Bridges & Hiking in the Arenal 1968 Lava Fields Reserve | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 4 | La Fortuna Waterfall - Free Afternoon | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 5 | Wildlife Spotting at the Caño Negro Refuge | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 6 | Arenal Transfer to the Gulf of Papagayo | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 7 | Beach Day and Sunset Catamaran Sail in Guanacaste | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 8 | Palo Verde Boat Tour and Artisan Village | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 9 | Free Day in Papagayo | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 10 | Depart San José |
Costa Rica is a favorite destination for all ages. This 10-day adventure allows your family to experience the highlights of the country from the towering Arenal Volcano, to the spectacular, remote beaches of Guanacaste. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities along the way, from sampling locally produced chocolate, to zip lining through the trees, to surf lessons in the Pacific. Read more
14-Day Itinerary Including Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Tortuguero
| 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