How many days do you need in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio & Río Pacuare?
- Most travelers spend 8-9 days in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, and Río Pacuare combined
- Visiting San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, and Río Pacuare in 6 or 7 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
- With 10 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Monteverde, Corcovado National Park, and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
How Many Days to Spend in Arenal
How Many Days to Spend in Manuel Antonio
Recommended Itineraries for San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio & Río Pacuare
Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José, Explore | San José |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Río Pacuare & Whitewater Raft | Río Pacuare |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Río Pacuare & Whitewater Raft | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 4 | Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Manuel Antonio, Optional Activities | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 6 | Morning Free Time & Afternoon Sunset Catamaran Cruise | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 7 | Return to San José, Free Afternoon | San José |
| Day 8 | Depart San José |
Get your adrenaline pumping with this active eight-day itinerary showcasing Costa Rica's magnificent natural wonders. Starting in the capital of San José, you'll journey through a land of rivers, jungles, waterfalls, and volcanoes to reach the spectacular white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. Along the way, enjoy a perfect blend of thrilling activities and relaxing downtime as you brave whitewater rapids, hike high into the rainforest's canopy, and sail and swim off the pristine Pacific coast. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
16-Day Itinerary Including Gulf of Papagayo & Monteverde
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José, Explore | San José |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Río Pacuare & Whitewater Rafting | Río Pacuare |
| Day 3 | Free Day in the Jungles of Río Pacuare | Río Pacuare |
| Day 4 | Rafting Class III-IV Rapids, Transfer to Arenal/La Fortuna | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 5 | Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 6 | Waterfall Rappelling in Arenal | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 7 | Transfer to the Gulf of Papagayo | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 8 | Guanacaste Beach Day & Sunset Catamaran Sail | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 9 | Free Day in Papagayo | Gulf of Papagayo |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Monteverde, Explore | Monteverde |
| Day 11 | Zipline Fun in the Cloud Forest | Monteverde |
| Day 12 | Transfer to Manuel Antonio National Park | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 13 | Explore Manuel Antonio National Park, Sailing & Snorkeling Trip | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 14 | Take a Surf Lesson in Manuel Antonio | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 15 | Return to San José, Night on the Town | San José |
| Day 16 | Depart San José |
Over an immersive 16 days, you'll alternate between adventure and leisure in Costa Rica. Some days will be filled with culture in the capital of San José, others you'll spend whitewater rafting, and others will involve zipline excursions over the jungle canopy. If that's not enough, you'll also visit Costa Rica's largest active volcano and even make time for surf lessons. Read more
How to travel between San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio & Río Pacuare
How to get to Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is a microcosm of Costa Rica's most iconic offerings: pristine beaches, rainforests with an abundance of wildlife, and active outdoor pursuits. It's also fairly easy to reach from other major hubs in Costa Rica. 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 different 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, of course, but this guide will give you insight into other highlights and activities. Read more
Map
