Costa Rica Nature

Trip Template

Costa Rica Nature

Arenal & Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica · 7 days · $1,500 - $2,500 per person

Photo by J. Amill Santiago on Unsplash

Costa Rica packs more biodiversity per square mile than almost anywhere on Earth, and this seven-day itinerary takes you through the best of it. Start in the Arenal Volcano region with hanging bridges, zip lines, and volcanic hot springs, then drive to the Pacific coast at Manuel Antonio for pristine beaches, rainforest hikes, and incredible wildlife spotting. This trip works beautifully for couples, families, and small groups. The Pura Vida lifestyle is infectious -- by day three, you will be moving at Costa Rica speed and loving every moment.

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Highlights

  • Arenal Volcano hanging bridges at dawn
  • Zip lining over the cloud forest canopy
  • Volcanic hot springs under the stars
  • Manuel Antonio National Park wildlife hike
  • Sunset catamaran cruise on the Pacific

Sample Flight

United Airlines

Houston (IAH) to San Jose (SJO)

4h 15m · Nonstop

$300 per person

Sample Hotel

Arenal Springs Resort / Hotel Si Como No (Manuel Antonio)

Arenal Volcano (4 nights) then Manuel Antonio (3 nights)

$95/night

Full Itinerary

10:00

$50 rental car (daily)

Arrive in San Jose & drive to Arenal

Land at Juan Santamaria airport and pick up your rental car. The drive to La Fortuna takes about 3 hours through mountain scenery and small towns.

3 hours

14:00

Included

Check in & settle

Arrive at Arenal Springs Resort and settle in. Take a dip in the volcanic hot spring pools with views of the Arenal Volcano cone rising above the trees.

2 hours

16:30

$18 for two

La Fortuna waterfall

Drive to La Fortuna Waterfall and descend 500 steps through rainforest to a powerful 70-meter cascade. Swimming at the base is permitted and incredibly refreshing.

2 hours

19:30

$20 for two

Dinner in La Fortuna town

Eat at a local soda (small family restaurant) in town. Try the casado -- a traditional plate with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of meat.

1.5 hours

Budget Breakdown

flights$600
accommodation$665
food and dining$350
activities$450
transportation$200
total estimated$2,265

Prices are estimates and will vary depending on your departure city, travel dates, and availability.

Local Tips

  • •Costa Rica runs on Pura Vida time -- things happen when they happen. Embrace the relaxed pace and you will enjoy every moment more.
  • •Carry cash in colones for small purchases and tips. US dollars are accepted but change is given in colones at sometimes poor rates.
  • •Dry season (December-April) is the best time to visit, but green season (May-November) has fewer tourists and dramatically lower prices.
  • •Always hire a local naturalist guide for national park visits. They carry spotting scopes and can find wildlife you would walk right past.
  • •Tap water is safe to drink in most of Costa Rica, including San Jose, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio.
  • •Carry rain gear even in dry season -- brief afternoon showers are common and pass quickly.

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