Costa Rica 6-Day Tours & Itineraries

Explore 23 trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to Costa Rica.

Get acquainted with one of Costa Rica's regions and spend a night in vibrant San José with a quick 6-day tour. Wondering where you should focus your time? Head to the Monteverde region if you want to experience a distinct cloud forest ecosystem, spot tons of wildlife, and have plentiful options for hiking and zip-lining. Choose an itinerary based in the Osa Peninsula for biodiversity—over half of all animal species in Costa Rica exist here, making it one of the best areas for unique flora and fauna. Or, combine Arenal and Manuel Antonio into a quintessential Costa Rica experience.

See more options below, or check out 6 Days in Costa Rica: 5 Unique Itineraries.

Plan your trip to Costa Rica
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Learn to surf in Tamarindo
Map of Volcano & Pacific Beach Family Adventure - 6 Days
Volcano & Pacific Beach Family Adventure - 6 Days

With cascading waterfalls, idyllic beaches, and smoking volcanoes, Costa Rica is an ideal destination for families. This exciting 6-day itinerary takes you to some of the country's major highlights. Hike around the towering Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, then go for a swim in Oropendola Waterfall. Then move on to the surf village of Tamarindo, where you'll learn to ride the waves during a private lesson. Finish the trip with a whitewater rafting adventure or a safari float before heading back to Liberia, where the journey comes to an end.

Arenal Volcano
Map of Costa Rica Highlights: Arenal & Manuel Antonio National Park - 6 days
Costa Rica Highlights: Arenal & Manuel Antonio National Park - 6 days

This exciting 6-day itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to experience quintessential Costa Rica. You'll take in awe-inspiring views of Arenal volcano, and have an exciting rafting day on the Sarapiqui River before heading to Manuel Antonio to explore the jungle and white sand beaches of this nature lovers paradise.

La Fortuna Waterfall
Map of La Fortuna & Monteverde - 6 Days
La Fortuna & Monteverde - 6 Days

This six-day trip is ideal for travelers looking to unwind yet still experience the country's natural wonders. You'll learn to prepare traditional Costa Rican cuisine and visit a coffee plantation near Arenal, and have the chance to spot monkeys and other wildlife during a night walk in Monteverde. Spend your last full day ziplining and exploring the cloud forest by day before heading back to San José for your flight home.

Hiking trail in Manuel Antonio National Park
Map of Monteverde Cloud Forest & Manuel Antonio National Park - 6 days
Monteverde Cloud Forest & Manuel Antonio National Park - 6 days

Perfect for nature lovers and first-time travelers to Costa Rica, this fast-paced itinerary takes you to two of the country's most beloved national parks. With the diverse wildlife of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the jungle-lined white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio, you'll get to the essence of the Costa Rican motto: Pura Vida!

Hanging bridge in Monteverde National Park
Map of Costa Rica's Cloud Forests - 6 Days
Costa Rica's Cloud Forests - 6 Days

Head to the Monteverde region if you want to experience a distinct ecosystem, spot wildlife, and have plentiful options for hiking and zip-lining. Perfect for a quick getaway, the 6-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.

Surf until sunset on Costa Rica's west coast
Map of Costa Rica Surfing Adventure - 6 Days
Costa Rica Surfing Adventure - 6 Days

Travel to three of the best destinations in Costa Rica to ride the waves on this 6-day trip.  Start in Playa Santa Teresa, home to major surf competitions and some of the most consistent waves in the country. End the adventure in Playa Tamarindo for surf days that end with glorious Pacific Coast sunsets. You'll also have time to relax on the beach and get acquainted with the country's vast wildlife.

Sloth and her baby
Map of Wonders of Tortuguero National Park & Arenal Volcano - 6 Days
Wonders of Tortuguero National Park & Arenal Volcano - 6 Days

With a mix of rugged jungles and active volcanoes, Costa Rica offers some of the best natural sights and experiences in the world. We have packed some of our all-time favorites into this 6-day itinerary. With almost a quarter of the land preserved within national parks,  the country is rich in wildlife and unique flora and fauna, making Costa Rica an ideal destination for eco-tourism. Sloths, birds, macaws, and monkeys are awaiting your visit!

Tortuga Island on the Nicoya Peninsula
Map of Family Costa Rica Getaway: Arenal & Tambor Beach - 6 Days
Family Costa Rica Getaway: Arenal & Tambor Beach - 6 Days

This family-friendly trip allows you to experience two sides of Costa Rica. Begin in La Fortuna—home of the stunning Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall—to enjoy nature walks, hikes, and an excursion over hanging bridges. Then, it's off to the Nicoya Peninsula for a few days of fun in the sun, snorkeling, nature discovery on Tambor Beach. The trip winds down in San José to do some sightseeing.

The coastline of Cahuita National Park at sunset
Map of Luxury Adventure in the Osa Peninsula - 6 Days
Luxury Adventure in the Osa Peninsula - 6 Days

The Osa Peninsula is one of the most biodiverse areas on earth. Over half of all animal species in Costa Rica exist here, and on this six-day luxury tour, you'll have ample opportunity to spot unique flora and fauna. You'll also visit Corcovado National Park, a protected area and veritable Lost World that preserves one of the country's few remaining lowland rainforests.

costa rica
Map of Costa Rica Private Tour: Volcanoes, Rivers, & Secluded Beaches - 6 Days
Costa Rica Private Tour: Volcanoes, Rivers, & Secluded Beaches - 6 Days

Recharge your batteries with a quick six-day jaunt to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. This luxury holiday in the north of the country covers the major highlights, like Arenal Volcano and the unspoiled beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula. Not only will you get to view exotic wildlife on various nature tours, but you'll also get some exercise in with rainforest hikes and kayak excursions along the coast.

Arenal Volcano
Map of Costa Rica: Natural Highlights Luxury Tour - 6 Days
Costa Rica: Natural Highlights Luxury Tour - 6 Days

Even a mere six days is enough time to experience the highlights of Costa Rica. On this brisk itinerary, you'll do just that, visiting both Arenal and Corcovado National Park as well as enjoying waterfall hikes and exotic wildlife safaris. In between all this adventure you'll find time to relax in natural hot springs and enjoy the first-class amenities of your luxury accommodations.

costa rica
Map of Luxury Costa Rica: Exotic Beaches and Tropical Waterfalls - 6 Days
Luxury Costa Rica: Exotic Beaches and Tropical Waterfalls - 6 Days

In less than a week you'll get to visit two of Costa Rica's most stunning regions. This six-day itinerary you'll visit the cloud-forest region of the central highlands before heading south to the biodiverse wonderland that is the Osa Peninsula. Throughout it all, you'll enjoy horseback rides, waterfall hikes, and wildlife spotting all while enjoying luxury accommodations.

Take in views of Arenal Volcano at sunset
Map of Discover Costa Rica's Natural Highlights - 6 Days
Discover Costa Rica's Natural Highlights - 6 Days

Explore Costa Rica's great outdoors on this lively six-day tour around the country's natural highlights, from volcanoes and hot springs to forests and beaches. Start in Arenal with a visit to the Hanging Bridges, a hike around Arenal Volcano, and a dip in the Tabacón Hot Springs. Then transfer to Manuel Antonio National Park for snorkeling, hiking, a sunset catamaran cruise, and a boating excursion in the Damas Island Estuary.

Due to the exuberance of the vegetation that surrounds it, and the numerous rapids that form during its descent towards the Caribbean plains, suitable for rafting, the Pacuare is an important tourist attraction of Costa Rica. The Pacuare basin has been protected by the Matina Pacuare Forest Reserve.
Map of Costa Rica Luxury Hot Springs and Rivers Getaway - 6 Days
Costa Rica Luxury Hot Springs and Rivers Getaway - 6 Days

Even with a mere six days at your disposal, you can rejuvenate your mind and body while enjoying exciting adventures in Costa Rica. This itinerary begins with some luxury spa treatments followed by long soaks in the natural volcanic hot springs in the Arenal region of the country. You'll then learn how to prepare authentic Costa Rican chocolate before finishing the trip with more pampering at a wellness retreat.

Sail along the coast at sunset
Map of Family Trip to the Cloud Forests, Rivers & Beaches of Costa Rica  - 6 Days
Family Trip to the Cloud Forests, Rivers & Beaches of Costa Rica - 6 Days

Venture into Costa Rica's pristine landscapes on this 6-day itinerary featuring boat tours, jungle hikes, and wildlife viewing. An excellent choice for families, the adventure begins with a day of cultural sightseeing in historic San José. Then you'll move onward to the cloud forest of Monteverde, where you'll trek to waterfalls and visit the country's largest butterfly garden. Base yourself in Tamarindo for the last part of the trip, enjoying a sunset catamaran tour and a safari-style float down a jungle river to spot crocodiles in the wild.

Go cycling along the beach
Map of Costa Rica Cycling & Rafting Adventure - 6 Days
Costa Rica Cycling & Rafting Adventure - 6 Days

In less than a week you can enjoy one of the most rewarding physical adventures in the world. This excursion begins on Costa Rica's Pacific beaches and continues inland by mountain bike before culminating in a journey down the Pacuare River. By the end, you'll be tired, but you'll also have experienced the most beautiful sites in the nation.

The resplendent quetzal
Costa Rica Birdwatching Experience: Arenal, Monteverde & Tarcoles - 6 Days

Home to over 900 rare and resplendent species, Costa Rica is a paradise for bird lovers. Visit three distinct ecosystems and experience unforgettable guided birdwatching excursions on this 6-day itinerary. Hike past parrots and toucans in the volcanic jungles of Arenal, search for the iconic quetzal in the lush Monteverde Cloud Forest, then head to the coast to spot flocks of scarlet macaws in the biodiverse eden of Carara National Park.

Relax in natural hot springs warmed by a volcano
Map of Outdoor Family Adventures in Costa Rica - 6 Days
Outdoor Family Adventures in Costa Rica - 6 Days

Explore the natural beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica on this 6-day adventure around the country's beautiful landscapes. The itinerary begins with a hike around La Fortuna Waterfall Reserve and a walk along the famous Arenal Hanging Bridges. Enjoy views of volcanoes and relax in natural hot springs before continuing to Manuel Antonio National Park, where you'll interact with sloths at a wildlife sanctuary and boat through a unique tidal landscape around Damas Island. Offering a mix of active excursions and relaxation, this trip is perfect for families.

Swim in thermal waters at an eco lodge
Map of Luxury Wildlife Adventure in the Osa Peninsula - 6 Days
Luxury Wildlife Adventure in the Osa Peninsula - 6 Days

Enjoy Costa Rica in style on this high-end six-day trip around the wildlife habitats of the Osa Peninsula and Arenal. After a day exploring the capital city of San José, you'll travel to Drake Bay for a colorful birdwatching tour and hiking in Corcovado National Park. Continue to La Fortuna—and check into a luxury hotel—where you'll soak in hot springs, spot nocturnal mammals on a private jungle tour, and get up close with animals at a wildlife rehabilitation center.

Whitewater rafting on the Rio Pacuare
Map of Active Adventure on Costa Rica's Rivers & Caribbean Coast - 6 Days
Active Adventure on Costa Rica's Rivers & Caribbean Coast - 6 Days

Whitewater rafting, hiking, cycling, and kayaking await on this action-packed six-day adventure around Costa Rica. The start of the trip features a two-day rafting excursion down the Río Pacuare on Class III-IV whitewater. You'll explore Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on a bicycle, then see Cahuita National Park on a guided hike. Kayak around the lush jungle waterways around Punta Uva before the journey ends.

Discover an underwater world while snorkeling in Costa Rica
Map of Family Tour of Wetlands & Caribbean Beaches - 6 Days
Family Tour of Wetlands & Caribbean Beaches - 6 Days

Boating, hiking, snorkeling, cycling—all outdoor activities await travelers on this family-friendly 6-day tour around Costa Rica's beaches and wetlands. Beginning and ending in San José, and you'll get to know the historic city on a walking tour before heading into the wilderness of Tortuguero National Park for a nighttime wildlife hike and a boat trip along jungle canals. Spot monkeys in the wild and baby turtles on the sand before continuing onto a snorkeling excursion in Cahuita National Park and the stunning black, golden, and white sand beaches around Puerto Viejo.

Traditional Costa Rican pottery
Map of Explore Culture & Nature in Costa Rica - 6 Days
Explore Culture & Nature in Costa Rica - 6 Days

From visiting an indigenous village to riding horses in a national park to snorkeling with tropical fish, this six-day itinerary around Costa Rica offers a mix of cultural and outdoor activities. Start at Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where you'll soak in natural hot springs, then move on to the Gulf of Papagayo for a sunset sail, a jungle cruise, and a visit to an indigenous village. End your trip with a snorkeling adventure offshore the Catalina Islands.

Enjoy a zipline adventure in the rainforest
Map of Active Family Adventures & Wildlife Spotting Around Arenal Volcano - 6 Days
Active Family Adventures & Wildlife Spotting Around Arenal Volcano - 6 Days

Spend six thrilling days exploring the natural wonderland around Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano. On this family-oriented itinerary, you'll spend a day sightseeing in San José before moving on to the rainforest. Base yourself in La Fortuna as you head out on daily excursions to hike around the volcano, spot sloths in the wild, observe nocturnal insects on a night hike, soar through the forest on a zip line, and feel the spray of the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall. Blending educational activities with adrenaline-pumping adventures, this trip plan is fun for all ages.

Other durations: 4 days · 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days