Best of Gulf of Papagayo

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Gulf of Papagayo

The Gulf of Papagayo is nicknamed the "Gold Coast" of Costa Rica, with some of the most breathtaking beaches in the country. The gulf itself, situated in Costa Rica's northwest corner, is teeming with marine life and great opportunities for snorkeling. Seasonal sightings include whales, dolphins, and turtles. For those interested in adventure, some of the country's best diving spots can be accessed nearby (for advanced divers), and just an hour away lie amazing volcanoes and national parks with hiking trails, waterfalls, and adventure sports such as ziplining and whitewater rafting.

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Gulf of Papagayo Essentials

The Best Turtle Nesting & Hatching Experiences in Costa Rica

One of the most popular experiences in Costa Rica is observing the mighty sea turtles. For thousands of years, several turtle species have used Costa Rican beaches to safely lay their eggs, with each turtle laying roughly 60 to 100 eggs at a time. About two months later, baby turtles wriggle out of the sand and make their way to the surf. Two of the best places to observe nesting and hatching are Guanacaste and Tortuguero, and kimkim provides details on which tours to choose.

Best Places to Eat in the Gulf of Papagayo

On the north end of Costa Rica's Pacific coast lies the Gulf of Papagayo, a tropical beach-laden region that's still relatively undiscovered. As remote as Papagayo is, you'll find many options for grabbing a bite. Most are centered in Playas del Coco, where you'll find (very) fresh seafood, vegetarian Lebanese cuisine, and authentic Italian fare. The list below also includes a beachfront option in Playa Ocotal and innovative Asian-fusion in Playa Hermosa.

Best Things to Do in the Gulf of Papagayo

Enjoy the incredible scenery of Costa Rica's Gulf of Papagayo, a large stretch of coastline offering some of the best beaches in the country. Set along the Guanacaste region, you can enjoy water sports, including sailing, paddling, and snorkeling, or watch the famous Pacific green turtles nest on the beach at night. Explore natural parks with adventures like hiking, horseback riding, and soaking in hot springs, or view some of Costa Rica's most beloved wildlife, such as monkeys and sloths.

Photo courtesy of Casa Chameleon Hotel Las Catalinas

The 5 Best Boutique Hotels in the Gulf of Papagayo

The hidden coves and beaches along the Gulf of Papagayo's rugged coastline offer a relaxing and active stay. Spend your days sunbathing at the beach or enjoy ventures like kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding in the protected waters. And if you're after that beachfront experience, this region offers plenty of options.

Top Family Experiences in Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers adventures suitable for all ages, making it an excellent choice for a family vacation. Kids and adults alike love spotting wildlife, ziplining through cloud forests, learning how to surf, touring organic farms, and much more. The unique experiences you can enjoy in Costa Rica—a country leading the world in eco-tourism and wildlife conservation—will leave a lasting impression on the entire family for years to come.

Gulf of Papagayo Itineraries

The Guanacaste region on the Pacific Coast is known for its arid landscape and beautiful beaches

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.

Explore Guanacaste from Liberia - 4 Days

Great for travelers flying in and out of the Liberia airport, this 4-day beach getaway takes you to the heart of Guanacaste. 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.

Gulf of Papagayo: Best Itinerary Ideas

Eight to 10 days is the most popular trip length for Costa Rica travelers interested in visiting the Gulf of Papagayo, especially when also including Arenal/La Fortuna and Monteverde. For travelers wanting to visit the Gulf of Papagayo exclusively, plan about 5 days for a well-paced trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in 3 or 4 days for travelers with limited time. Check out our favorite Gulf of Papagayo trips below.

Experience a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation on a luxury trip to the Gulf of Papagayo

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.

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.

Explore the best of Costa Rica's coastline

Arenal & Gulf of Papagayo: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Costa Rica typically plan a trip for 8 to 10 days when combining both Arenal and Gulf of Papagayo with Monteverde. If you're only headed to Arenal and Gulf of Papagayo, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in 7 to 8 days. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as 5 or 6 days. Read on for the best itineraries including Arenal, Gulf of Papagayo, and beyond.

Take in unforgettable sunsets on the Gulf of Papagayo

Family Trip to Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Coral Reefs - 7 Days

Unforgettable outdoor experiences await on this colorful week-long journey around Costa Rica's beautiful landscapes. Spend the first part of the week exploring Rincón de la Vieja National Park, enjoying rainforest hikes and a dip in hot springs heated by a volcano. Then move on to the pristine Gulf of Papagayo for several days of boating through mangroves and snorkeling around a coral reef with tropical fish, manta rays, and sea turtles. Featuring a sunset catamaran cruise and several waterfall hikes, this family-friendly itinerary takes you to the best of Costa Rica's wilderness.

Admire the views over Costa Rica's Gulf of Papagayo from your luxury accommodations

Luxury Costa Rica Romantic Escape: Arenal & Gulf of Papagayo - 7 Days

Enjoy a romantic Costa Rican getaway with this luxurious seven-day itinerary. Travel from the rainforests of Arenal to the beach-studded Gulf of Papagayo, staying in 5-star secluded cabins and private pool villas. Along the way, you'll explore pristine national parks with your beloved on foot and horseback, discovering crashing waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and healing hot springs. Highlights include couples' spa sessions, sunset catamaran cruises, and private surfing lessons.

Relaxed Costa Rica Family Adventure - 10 Days

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.

Teach the little ones to surf in Tamarindo

Family Trip to Costa Rica's Mountains, Volcanoes & the Gulf of Papagayo - 10 Days

Surf lessons, whitewater rafting, river tubing, and nighttime jungle hikes are on the agenda for this active 10-day trip around Costa Rica. Designed with families in mind, this itinerary features a wide range of exciting outdoor activities to entertain travelers of all ages. Frolic in the mud at the Río Negro Hot Springs, brave the rapids of the Río Balsa, learn to catch a wave in Tamarindo, and cruise around the Gulf of Papagayo at sunset—it's all part of the fun on this family-friendly adventure!

Family Trip to Costa Rica's Mountains, Volcanoes & the Gulf of Papagayo - 11 Days

Learn to surf, go whitewater rafting, and spot sloths in the wild on this action-packed 11-day trip around Costa Rica. Created for families, the itinerary is full of outdoor adventures. Start with zip-lining and a dip in hot springs in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, then brave the river rapids in Arenal before moving on to coastal Tamarindo for surf lessons and beach time. Wrap up the itinerary on the beautiful Gulf of Papagayo, where you'll enjoy a sunset cruise and a mangrove boat tour.

Enjoy a sunset sail on the Gulf of Papagayo

Volcanoes and Pacific Beaches For Families - 8 Days

On this family-oriented 8-day adventure, you'll explore Costa Rica's top natural attractions, from the towering Arenal Volcano and its nearby hot springs to the beautiful beaches of Guanacaste. The itinerary takes you to three distinct regions: Arenal and La Fortuna, the Monteverde cloud forest, and the pristine Gulf of Papagayo. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities along the way, including waterfall hikes, wildlife viewing tours, and a jungle canopy adventure, plus optional excursions to try kayaking and whitewater rafting.

Costa Rica Culinary, Nature & Beaches Tour - 8 Days

Experience Costa Rica's cuisine on this eight-day itinerary that will have you visiting food stalls at San José's Mercado Central, trying your hand at traditional recipes in a cooking class, and sampling coffee at a plantation. You'll also have time to relax and experience the jungles and beaches the country is known for.

View of Arenal Volcano from La Fortuna town.

Costa Rica Adventure: Papagayo, Monteverde & Arenal - 8 Days

Combine adrenaline-pumping adventure with a relaxing beach holiday on this 8-day active tour of northwest Costa Rica. Snorkel and sail in the turquoise Gulf of Papagayo, then transfer to Monteverde for an immersive rainforest experience. After touring a local coffee farm and soaring through the treetops of the country’s most famous cloud forest, you’ll end your trip in the shadow of Arenal Volcano—hiking the lush El Silencio reserve and rafting the rapids of the Rio Balsa.

Take a cooking class focused on traditional Costa Rican cuisine

Discover Costa Rica's Cultural & Natural Highlights - 8 Days

Delve into Costa Rica's fascinating traditions and magnificent landscapes on this eight-day tour that blends culture and nature. Highlights along the journey include a cooking class with a Costa Rican chef, tours of two local farms to learn about agriculture and rural life, and a visit to an indigenous community, where you'll have the chance to purchase handicrafts. You'll also go horseback riding to La Fortuna Waterfall, enjoy a jungle cruise in Palo Verde National Park, and sail on the Gulf of Papagayo at sunset.

Sunset off the coast of Guanacaste over the Pacific Ocean

Coast to Coast: Beach and Cloud Forest Adventure - 9 Days

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 the Monteverde Cloud Forest for incredible wildlife and rainforest trails. After two nights in the heart of the jungle, 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.

Siblings paint themselves in mud from a Costa Rican hot spring

Costa Rica Family Trip: Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Coral Reefs - 9 Days

From the heights of smoking volcanoes to the depths of a coral reef, this exciting 9-day tour leads the whole family around Costa Rica's most spectacular natural attractions. While exploring Rincón de la Vieja National Park, the Gulf of Papagayo, and the beautiful beaches of Sámara, you'll have plenty of opportunities to hike in the rainforest, splash in waterfalls, soak in hot springs, spot monkeys in the wild, and snorkel with tropical fish.

View from under the palm trees in Manuel Antonio National Park

Costa Rica's Relaxation & Wildlife Tour - 12 Days

Costa Rica is a nation as biodiverse as it is beautiful. The best way to experience all this nature and beauty is by touring the country's many national parks, reserves, and protected areas. Also, no trip to Costa Rica is complete without visiting the famous Pacific coast. This nearly two-week itinerary delivers both these highlights with plenty of time to kick back, relax, and enjoy the Costa Rican way of living "Pura Vida!"

Volcanoes, Cloud Forests, and the Pacific Coast - 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary combines mountain adventures with a bit of a beach holiday. Spend two days in Rincón de la Vieja exploring the area around one of the country's most active volcanoes. Then travel deeper inland to cross suspension bridges in the jungle, zip-line over trees, and enjoy guided hikes in La Fortuna and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. You'll end your trip by returning to Guanacaste for relaxation on the beaches of Papagayo.

Riverbank lined with untouched rainforest in Tortuguero

Wildlife & Beaches in Costa Rica - 10 Days

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.

Enjoy a culinary-focused trip—and one that features chocolate making—in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Culinary, Nature & Beaches Tour - 7 Days

On this seven-day food-themed itinerary, you'll explore food stalls at San José's Mercado Central, learn how to make traditional dishes during a hands-on cooking class, and participate in chocolate making—one of Costa Rica's most important exports. You'll also experience the country's incredible natural surroundings with jungles, beaches, and plenty of relaxation.

Sensoria, in Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Costa Rica Adventure: Whitewater, Volcanoes & Surfing - 9 Days

This fun 9-day itinerary highlights Costa Rica's amazing natural scenery through a thrilling series of adventurous activities including whitewater rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, and more. Starting in the nation's capital, you'll make your way to rivers, jungles, waterfalls, and cone-shaped volcanoes, culminating on the Pacific coast with time to do some surfing in Tamarindo's famous beaches.

Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & the Pacific Coast - 13 Days

This 13-day itinerary is perfect for travelers who like to combine their mountain adventures with a bit of a beach holiday. After arriving at the airport in Liberia, you'll head to Rincón de la Vieja to explore the nature surrounding one of the country's most active volcanoes. Then travel deeper inland to spend a few days crossing suspension bridges, ziplining over trees, and hiking through the jungles of La Fortuna and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. You'll end your trip by returning to Guanacaste for some relaxation on the beaches of Papagayo.

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.

The arid landscapes and stunning beaches of the Guanacaste Province

Costa Rica Road Trip: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & Pacific Beaches - 9 Days

This nine-day self-drive adventure covers three of Costa Rica's most distinct, exotic, and naturally beautiful regions: Arenal Volcano National Park, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and the Guanacaste Province's Pacific coast. Set off from the capital of San José to explore the lush jungles and imposing volcanoes of Arenal, then make your way to the cloud forests of Monteverde for ziplining and wildlife spotting. Head for the coast to end your trip on the spectacular beaches of the Guanacaste Province, where you can surf, snorkel, and go dolphin-watching on a sunset catamaran cruise.

Arenal, Tortuguero, & Gulf of Papagayo: Best Itinerary Ideas

Twelve to 14 days is the most popular trip length for Costa Rica travelers combining Arenal, Tortuguero, and Gulf of Papagayo with Monteverde. Without Monteverde, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in 9 to 10 days. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as 7 or 8 days. Check out our favorite trips including Arenal, Tortuguero, and Gulf of Papagayo below.

Turtle hatchling on the beach in Tortuguero

Coast to Coast Family Adventure - 13 Days

This 13-day adventure allows you to experience the country from both coasts. It includes a visit to the bustling capital of San José, the lush rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, the towering Arenal Volcano, the cloud forest of Monteverde and the spectacular, remote beaches of Guanacaste. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities along the way, from watching sea turtles hatch on a Caribbean beach to sampling locally produced chocolate to surf lessons in the Pacific.

Family Trip to Costa Rica's Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Coral Reefs - 11 Days

Featuring outdoor adventures and abundant opportunities to spot monkeys, sloths, and toucans in the wild, this family-friendly 11-day trip around Costa Rica is fun for all ages. Start by hiking to waterfalls and soaking in hot springs in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, then continue to the Gulf of Papagayo to snorkel around a coral reef and tour a coffee farm. Visit a scarlet macaw refuge before wrapping up the trip with a day of hiking and wildlife viewing in the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve.

Climb into the canopy of the Monteverde Cloud Forest

Luxury Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & Beaches - 7 Days

Experience Costa Rica's diverse landscapes in style on this weeklong luxury tour. You'll stay in 5-star resorts and enjoy private hikes through the showstopping Monteverde Cloud Forest and Arenal Volcano National Park, home to hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanic peaks. Sample Costa Rican treats on an exclusive coffee and chocolate tour, then head west to the rugged Guanacaste coast for a lavish beach-hopping tour and a dose of sun-soaked relaxation.

Boys trekking in the jungle to waterfalls

Family Trip to Costa Rica's Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Coral Reefs - 10 Days

From crocodile spotting to frolicking in volcanic mud, this family-oriented 10-day trip features thrilling adventures for kids and adults alike. Start by hiking to waterfalls and spotting wildlife in Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Then move on to the Gulf of Papagayo, where you and the kids will witness sea turtles nesting, snorkel around a coral reef, and visit a working coffee farm. Get up close with vibrantly colored birds at a scarlet macaw refuge, then finish the trip with a day of hiking in the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve.

A colorful street in Costa Rica's San José, including the correos (post office)

San José, Arenal/La Fortuna & Gulf of Papagayo: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Costa Rica typically plan a trip for 8 to 10 days when combining San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, and Gulf of Papagayo with Monteverde. For travelers wanting to visit San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, and Gulf of Papagayo exclusively, consider a week to nine days for a well-paced trip. A condensed highlights trip is possible in six days for travelers with limited time. Read below for the best itineraries, including San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, and Gulf of Papagayo.

View of Rincón de La Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Active Adventure on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast - 11 Days

Enjoy waterfall hikes, horseback riding, a sunset sail, and snorkeling with tropical fish on this active 11-day trip around Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. You'll begin the journey in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where you'll soak in natural hot springs and ride horses. Continue to Arenal for a few days of rainforest adventures, including a visit to a sloth habitat, then head to the Gulf of Papagayo for a jungle cruise. Finish the itinerary with snorkeling, swimming, and hiking around coastal Sámara.

End your trip on the Gulf of Papagayo at Casa Chameleon (photo courtesy of Casa Chameleon)

Coast-to-Coast Luxury in Costa Rica: Tortuguero, Arenal & Papagayo - 10 Days

This 10-day journey from one side of Costa Rica to the other delivers highlight tours and off-the-beaten-path adventures without sacrificing luxury. Witness nesting sea turtles in Tortuguero National Park before heading to Arenal for waterfall visits, zipline tours, and hiking around the famous volcano. Then, continue to the dazzling Gulf of Papagayo for Pacific coast adventures, including snorkeling, kayaking, and more.

Discover Costa Rica's Natural Highlights - 14 Days

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.

Coast to Coast Family Adventure - 11 Days

Experience the best Costa Rica has to offer on this family-friendly 11-day adventure. You'll watch sea turtles on the Caribbean beaches of Tortuguero National Park, hike around Arenal Volcano, zip-line through the cloud forest of Monteverde, and finally relax on the remote, Pacific beaches of Guanacaste. Along the way, you'll make your own hot chocolate and coffee from bean to cup, spot monkeys in the wild, swim under a waterfall—and maybe even catch a wave.

Snorkel among coral reefs in the Pacific

Coast to Coast Family Adventure - 15 Days

This 15-day adventure allows you to experience the country from both coasts and is designed from start to finish with kids in mind. You'll visit the bustling capital of San José, the rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, the towering Arenal Volcano, the cloud forest of Monteverde and the spectacular beaches of Guanacaste. There are plenty of family-friendly activities along the way, from watching sea turtles hatch on a Caribbean beach to sampling locally produced chocolate to snorkeling in the Pacific.

Family Journey to the Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Coral Reefs of Costa Rica - 8 Days

Explore the natural wonders of Costa Rica on this exciting 8-day journey around the country's volcanoes, waterfall pools, and top snorkeling spots. Spend the first part of the week hiking through the rainforest and soaking in hot springs in Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Then you'll spend a few days wildlife viewing and boating through mangroves around the Gulf of Papagayo. Finish this family-friendly adventure with a couple of days in coastal Sámara, where a kayak and snorkel tour introduces you to the pristine Isla Chora and the underwater world that surrounds the island.

A baby white-faced capuchin in Corcovado National Park

Family Adventure: Jungles, Beaches, and Volcanoes - 16 Days

This itinerary is designed for families who want a nature excursion with plenty of adventure mixed in. Your first adventurous destination is the remote Osa Peninsula, where you'll indulge in beaches and rainforest hikes. From here, you'll head inland to pay a visit to Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you'll hike among the treetops via suspension bridges and enjoy even more natural wonders. Finally, make your way to The Gulf of Papagayo to spend three days relaxing on pristine beaches.

Coast to Coast Adventure: Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano, & Guanacaste - 9 Days

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.

On the Río Tárcoles in Costa Rica, famed for its crocodiles

San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Gulf of Papagayo: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 8 to 10 days is perfect for a well-paced Costa Rica trip with stops in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and the Gulf of Papagayo. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in a week, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Alternatively, extend your trip and explore more of the country; some of the best-loved trip extensions include Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio, or Tárcoles. See below for more ideas for San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Gulf of Papagayo itineraries.

Costa Rica's Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & Golden Coast - 14 Days

Explore some of Costa Rica's most classic settings on this adventure trip, from active volcanoes to the rainforest to its gorgeous Pacific beaches. You'll see volcanic fumaroles in Rincon de la Vieja, visit hot springs and cross hanging bridges in Arenal, encounter tons of tropical wildlife in Monteverde, and unwind on the beaches of the Gulf of Papagayo. Get ready to go hiking, whitewater rafting, zip-lining, and more on this thrilling tour of Costa Rica's northwest.

Costa Rica's Whitewater, Jungle and Beach Adventure - 14 Days

Experience Costa Rica's many ecosystems on this two-week trip. You'll visit San José, the towering Arenal Volcano, Monteverde's cloud forest, and the remote beaches of Gulf de Papagayo. There will be plenty of activities to choose from along the way: raft on the world-class rapids of Río Pacuare, sample locally produced chocolate, and take a surf lesson in the glittering Pacific.

Thrill to a rappelling adventure in Costa Rica

Rafting, Rappelling & Hiking in Costa Rica - 16 days

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.

Count the crocs in Costa Rica's Tárcoles

Classic Costa Rica Self-Drive Adventure - 14 Days

This self-guided road trip is ideal for those who love nature, beaches, and adventure activities. It covers all of Costa Rica's highlights, starting at the famous Arenal Volcano. From there, on to the Gulf of Papagayo on the northern Pacific coast. It's the perfect spot to snorkel and take a sunset sailing cruise. Then, you'll venture into the misty cloud forests of Monteverde—spot rare birds, partake in a zipline canopy tour, and embark on a nocturnal wildlife excursion. End your trip with hiking and beach time in Manuel Antonio National Park.

Costa Rica Nature Tour: Tortuguero, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, & Corcovado - 14 Days

This two-week nature tour is all about Costa Rica's biodiverse national parks. Begin in Tortuguero, where, depending on the time of year, you can embark on a nighttime turtle nesting tour. In Monteverde, explore the cloud forests via the hanging bridges and ziplines. Manuel Antonio provides the best of both worlds—rainforest and beach scenery–while a tour of the famous Corcovado National Park is a bucket list field trip for nature enthusiasts.

Costa Rica Pacific Coast Road Trip - 7 Days

This seven-day itinerary is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive beach holiday. You'll arrive in Liberia, the hub of Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province. From the airport, head south to Playa Sámara, a coastal village on the Nicoya Peninsula. Then, make the drive back north to the popular surf town of Tamarindo, where you'll spend your days riding the waves and taking part in nature excursions—you might even get to see nesting sea turtles, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Costa Rica Volcanoes & Pacific Coast Adventure - 12 Days

Combine a beach holiday and jungle adventure in one self-drive vacation. Arrive in Liberia and head to Tenorio National Park, where you'll hike along the electric blue waters of the Río Celeste. Next up is Arenal Volcano National Park, a hotbed of adventure activities. After a waterfall trek and whitewater rafting excursion, drive to Monteverde for a zip-line tour of the cloud forest canopy and a guided wildlife night hike. Finally, it's off to the beaches of Sámara and Tamarindo on the Nicoya Peninsula for surfing and relaxation.

Other popular travel destinations in Costa Rica
Arenal/La Fortuna · San José · South Pacific Coast · Monteverde · Caribbean Coast · Manuel Antonio · Guanacaste Pacific Coast · Puerto Viejo de Talamanca · Nicoya Peninsula · Tamarindo · Tortuguero · Osa Peninsula · Río Pacuare · Sámara · Rincón de la Vieja · Drake Bay · Nosara · Corcovado National Park · Santa Teresa

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