Costa Rica 5-Day Tours & Itineraries

Explore 27 trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to Costa Rica.

Five days is all you need to experience the variety of Costa Rica. With 2 international airports, one in San José and one in Liberia, you'll likely need 2 full days for transfers, leaving you with 3 to explore. Beach-bound travelers looking for a fast-paced trip can head to the Caribbean Coast, stopping in Turrialba along the way to raft down the Pacuare River. For a more relaxed pace, consider an inland adventure at Arenal Volcano or Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve—these areas can be visited from both airports with reasonable transfer times by road.

See our itineraries below, or read a roundup of 5-day trip ideas for Costa Rica.

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Beautiful Toucan in Corcovado National Park
Map of Osa Peninsula Luxury Jungle Adventure - 5 Days
Osa Peninsula Luxury Jungle Adventure - 5 Days

The Osa Peninsula is located in one of the most remote areas of Costa Rica and is home to windswept beaches, virgin rainforest, and exotic wildlife. Over five days you'll alternate between a pampered holiday lifestyle, rugged jungle treks, and scuba-diving/beach adventures. It's the best way to enjoy this gem of biodiversity tucked away in the great tropical paradise that is Costa Rica.

Pacuare river rafting trip
Map of Costa Rica Adventure: Whitewater Rafting and Surfing - 5 Days
Costa Rica Adventure: Whitewater Rafting and Surfing - 5 Days

Make your trip to Costa Rica one to remember! From a whitewater rafting adventure along miles of tropical scenery on the Pacuare River to an excursion to one of the country's top surf spots, this short and sweet itinerary is jam-packed with thrilling aquatic experiences.

The Guanacaste region on the Pacific Coast is known for its arid landscape and beautiful beaches
Map of Explore Guanacaste from Liberia - 5 Days
Explore Guanacaste from Liberia - 5 Days

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.

Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast is known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful beaches
Map of San José and Manuel Antonio - 5 Days
San José and Manuel Antonio - 5 Days

This quick getaway will let you experience the many sides of Costa Rica in just five days. After enjoying an evening in San José, you'll head to Manuel Antonio, a national park boasting some of Costa Rica's most famous white sand beaches and coastal jungles. Hike, kayak, and snorkel until your heart's content before heading home.

Arenal Volcano
Map of Arenal Expedition - 5 Days
Arenal Expedition - 5 Days

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.

A panoramic view of Lake Arenal
Map of Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud  Forest - 5 Days
Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest - 5 Days

Enjoy a quick and eventful five days exploring two of Costa Rica’s best-known attractions. Begin in La Fortuna, where you can take some time to explore the village and dine in town. Then, discover Arenal Volcano on a nature hike, and soak in the natural hot springs. Next, float along scenic Lake Arenal to Monteverde. Mingle with the locals and then hike through the biodiverse Cloud Forest Reserve, which is home to many species of plants and animals—including plenty of exotic birdlife. Integrate this quick trip into other travel plans, or arrive and depart from San José, depending on your preference.

Hanging bridge in Monteverde National Park
Map of Monteverde Cloud Forest - 5 Days
Monteverde Cloud Forest - 5 Days

Costa Rica's mountainous Monteverde region is a traveler favorite, topping lists for its distinct cloud forest ecosystem, abundant wildlife, and options for hiking and zip-lining. Perfect for a quick getaway, the five-day version of this itinerary will take you to both Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserves, along with two nights in vibrant San José.

Hike to the Río Celeste waterfall
Costa Rica Rainforest & Beach Escape: Río Celeste & Playa Conchal - 5 Days

Escape to the lush rainforests and blissful beaches of northwest Costa Rica on this relaxing 5-day itinerary. Explore pristine cloud forests and brilliant blue rivers in the Río Celeste area, then transfer to the coast, where the white sands and crystalline waters of Playa Conchal beckon. With a perfect blend of laidback activities and lots of downtime, this quick Costa Rican getaway is sure to recharge your batteries.

Volcan Arenal
Map of Monteverde & Samara - 5 Days
Monteverde & Samara - 5 Days

This fun, five-day Costa Rica itinerary takes in many of the country's natural highlights, from wildlife reserves to beautiful beaches. Enjoy a combination of outdoor activity and relaxation, structured and free time, to ensure your quick trip to Monteverde and Samara is just what you want it to be. As this is a self-driving tour you can go at your own pace.

Arenal Volcano, an active stratovolcano in northwestern Costa Rica
Map of Arenal Volcano & Playa Sámara Excursion - 5 Days
Arenal Volcano & Playa Sámara Excursion - 5 Days

Embark on this five-day adventure that introduces you to the natural beauty of northwestern Costa Rica. You'll get to witness native animals during rainforest and sea tours, hike through Arenal Volcano National Park and stand on the active side of the volcano, and take up various activities at Sámara Beach, from snorkeling to horseback riding and laying on the golden sand.

You'll together brave the rapids on Río Pacuare, one of the best rafting rivers on earth
Map of Rafting & Romance in the Jungle - 5 Days
Rafting & Romance in the Jungle - 5 Days

This 5-day itinerary is ideal for adventure-loving couples. Starting and ending in San José, you'll brave the rapids of the scenic Río Pacuare on a guided whitewater excursion, zip line and hike the coastal jungle, and enjoy downtime together in a luxury eco-lodge. With plenty of free time to choose your own activities, it's bound to be a trip you'll always remember.

View of the Arenal Volcano
Arenal & Manuel Antonio - 5 Days

This whirlwind 5-day itinerary is perfect for first-time travelers who want to experience quintessential Costa Rica nature and rainforests. You'll take in awe-inspiring views of Arenal volcano and have an exciting day of zip lining before heading to Manuel Antonio to explore the jungle and white sand beaches of this nature lovers paradise.

Start your trip hiking in the rainforests of Rincón de la Vieja
Map of Honeymoon Adventure in Northwest Costa Rica - 5 Days
Honeymoon Adventure in Northwest Costa Rica - 5 Days

This five-day romantic escape in northwest Costa Rica is ideal for newlyweds who want that perfect balance between active adventures and beach time. This itinerary takes you to some major highlights, including towering volcanoes, secluded waterfalls, and white-sand beaches. Along the way, you'll enjoy horseback riding, rainforest hikes, a private catamaran cruise, snorkeling in the Pacific, and more.

End each day with epic sunsets in Tamarindo and Nosara
Map of Costa Rica Beach Honeymoon: Tamarindo & Nosara - 5 Days
Costa Rica Beach Honeymoon: Tamarindo & Nosara - 5 Days

Enjoy the ultimate couple's adventure on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. Over just five days, you'll take part in catamaran tours, sunset horseback rides, snorkeling excursions, and candlelit dinners on the beach. The grand finale is a kayaking trip to remote islands, followed by a meeting with an Indigenous tribe to complete this memorable trip.

See remarkable wildlife, including spider monkeys, on this quick jaunt to Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula
Map of Wildlife Adventure on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula - 5 Days
Wildlife Adventure on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula - 5 Days

Wildlife lovers will thrive on this quick trip around Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Five days may not seem like a lot, but this action-packed itinerary allows you to see the main highlights of the region. Hike through the world-renowned Corcovado National Park, snorkel among colorful fish, and traverse a mangrove forest by boat—with over half of all wildlife species in the country calling the peninsula home, you're sure to see some spectacular flora and fauna on each outing.

Boat through lush jungles near Costa Rica's Caribbean coast on your honeymoon
Map of Costa Rica Honeymoon Escape - 5 Days
Costa Rica Honeymoon Escape - 5 Days

Turn a quick holiday in Costa Rica into a honeymoon for the ages on this unforgettable adventure in San José and the Caribbean coast. Over five days, you'll enjoy a well-rounded experience that includes rainforest hikes, wildlife spotting, Afro-Caribbean culture, and plenty of romantic dinners. Cap the trip with a riverboat tour and a couple's massage, and you're sure to have memories that will last a lifetime.

Sunsets on Costa Rica's west coast are a nightly ritual
Map of Costa Rica Luxury Beach Honeymoon - 5 Days
Costa Rica Luxury Beach Honeymoon - 5 Days

This supremely romantic—and slightly active —honeymoon adventure in Costa Rica is made for beach lovers. Over five magical days, you and your special someone will experience two luxury hotels on the Pacific coast, starting at Manuel Antonio, for rainforest hikes and nearby waterfalls. Then head south to Dominical to enjoy more spacious beaches and snorkeling among sea turtles. End each day the same way—with predinner drinks that coincide with Costa Rica's amazing sunsets.

See magnificent wildlife on a tree-climbing adventure in Arenal Volcano National Park
Map of Luxury Costa Rica Rainforest Escape: Río Celeste & Arenal - 5 Days
Luxury Costa Rica Rainforest Escape: Río Celeste & Arenal - 5 Days

Immerse yourself in Costa Rica's pristine rainforests on this luxury, five-day nature escape. The trip begins on the banks of the Río Celeste, where you'll take a private trek through the wildlife-rich Tenorio Volcano National Park to its famous topaz waterfall. Continue to volcano-studded Arenal for a tree-climbing adventure and a 5-star rainforest villa complete with a hot spring plunge pool and gourmet dining experience.

Explore the Caribbean coast near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Map of Quick Road Trip to Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast & Turrialba Valley - 5 Days
Quick Road Trip to Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast & Turrialba Valley - 5 Days

Explore an intriguing slice of Costa Rica on this compact self-drive tour that takes you from the bustling streets of San José to the untamed rainforests and coastal wonders of the Caribbean coast. In just five days, you'll taste Afro-Caribbean cuisine as you learn to cook local dishes in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, traverse the lush landscapes of Cahuita National Park, make a thrilling choice between whitewater rafting or canyoning in the Turrialba Valley, and hike through a jungle full of wildlife at night.

Enjoy a mix of relaxation and wellness activities in central Costa Rica
Map of Luxury Wellness Honeymoon in Costa Rica - 5 Days
Luxury Wellness Honeymoon in Costa Rica - 5 Days

Make the most of a five-day honeymoon by enjoying equal parts romance and adventure in Costa Rica, one of the most biodiverse spots in the world. You'll arrive in San José and set the mood with an intimate dinner before heading off to the cloud forests and waterfalls of Bajos del Toro, a reserve in the central highlands. Then wind down with stunning nature hikes, private yoga sessions, and relaxing spa treatments to complete this ultimate feel-good trip.

Get to know the beaches of Manuel Antonio on a luxury getaway
Map of Luxury Costa Rica Landscapes & Wildlife: Vara Blanca & Manuel Antonio - 5 Days
Luxury Costa Rica Landscapes & Wildlife: Vara Blanca & Manuel Antonio - 5 Days

Get a taste of Costa Rica's exotic landscapes and wildlife on this luxury five-day tour. Start in the lush Central Valley, where you'll stay at a lavish rainforest lodge in La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park, home to rescued wildlife and crashing waterfalls. Hike to the moon-like crater of the Poás volcano before escaping to Manuel Antonio to bask on soft-sand beaches, take a deep-sea fishing trip, and spot native wildlife on a private national park hike.

Explore the waterways of Tortuguero National Park
Map of Exotic Adventures on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast - 5 Days
Exotic Adventures on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast - 5 Days

Escape to the pristine paradise of Costa Rica's Caribbean coast with this itinerary of rich wildlife experiences, lively cooking classes, and thrilling activities on water and land. This memorable tour may only last five days, but it packs in a whole host of nature excursions and outdoor adventures as you journey between San José, Tortuguero, and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Enjoy unspoiled beaches on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast
Map of Luxury Costa Rica Beach Break: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - 5 Days
Luxury Costa Rica Beach Break: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - 5 Days

Enjoy a luxury five-day beach break on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Head straight to vibrant Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and check into a 5-star seafront hotel where white-sand beaches and rainforest spa sessions await. You'll get a taste of the local culture during a private chocolate-making session with the Indigenous Bribri community, then explore the natural delights of Cahuita National Park on exclusive kayaking and snorkeling tours.

Hike through jungles to hidden waterfalls and lagoons in Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Map of  Discover Costa Rica's Rincón de La Vieja National Park - 5 Days
Discover Costa Rica's Rincón de La Vieja National Park - 5 Days

Explore Costa Rica's Guanacaste region on this short but eventful self-drive itinerary through Rincón de la Vieja National Park. From an entire day of chasing waterfalls to horseback riding with Costa Rican cowboys, you'll understand the "pura vida" lifestyle in full by the end of this five-day tour. Soak away the day's hike in one of 10 hot springs, observe wildlife on a cruise through an endangered forest, and spot volcanoes slumbering in the distance.

The shimmering waters and white sands of Manuel Antonio National Park
Map of Costa Rican Nature Adventure in Manuel Antonio - 5 Days
Costa Rican Nature Adventure in Manuel Antonio - 5 Days

Experience some of Costa Rica's most pristine beaches and diverse wildlife with this immersive five-day trip that focuses on one spectacular location. You'll start and end in the city of San José but spend most of your time in the idyllic natural expanse of Manuel Antonio National Park, enjoying rainforest hikes, monkey meetings, and of course, the soft, white sands of the Pacific coast.

Experience a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation on a luxury trip to the Gulf of Papagayo
Map of Luxury Costa Rica Beach Escape in the Gulf of Papagayo - 5 Days
Luxury Costa Rica Beach Escape in the Gulf of Papagayo - 5 Days

Escape to Costa Rica's tropical Gulf of Papagayo on this luxury five-day beach break. Check into a boutique hotel steps from peaceful Playa Hermosa, where you can swim, snorkel, and laze on golden sands to your heart's content. Explore the area's pristine nature with a private ocean kayaking trip and a high-octane adventure tour in the Río Blanco Canyon, complete with ziplining, tubing, and a soak in the hot springs.

Time for some whitewater fun on the Río Pacuare on a Costa Rica luxury adventure
Map of Luxury Rafting Adventure in Costa Rica - 5 Days
Luxury Rafting Adventure in Costa Rica - 5 Days

Combine luxury and adventure over five memorable days as you brave the rapids of Costa Rica's most famous river, the Pacuare. Located in the Central Valley, you'll spend some thrilling days navigating dozens of Class II-IV rapids with a private guide, alternating between whitewater fun and leisurely floating amid forest scenery. But that's not all—you'll also enjoy night hikes in the jungle and tours to sample Costa Rica's famous chocolate.

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