Think of this itinerary as a starting point rather than a fixed package. Adriana, one of our Costa Rica local experts, created this example route, but every trip is adapted to the traveler - with destinations, pace, activities, and accommodation style tailored to create a journey that feels personal from beginning to end.
Costa Rica Rainforest and Coast - 10 days
Crafted by Adriana, travel expert from Costa Rica
Trip crafted by: 
Adriana
4.9
Travel Expert
Costa Rica
Costa RicaStep into a Costa Rica Rainforest and Coast trip that feels crafted just for you, where misty jungle trails and ocean breezes awaken your sense of discovery. This is not a packaged tour, but a journey shaped around your curiosity and rhythm.
Listen for howler monkeys at dawn, feel the cool spray of hidden cascades and learn the quiet language of the forest with expert local guides. Each day invites you to connect more deeply with the land and its people.
As the sun sinks into the Pacific, trade stories with fellow travelers on a small catamaran and let the colors of the sky redefine your idea of escape. Come ready to design a Costa Rica experience that mirrors your style, your pace and your love of authenticity.
This trip is recommended for:
- Travel period:July – August
## Highlights of Your Costa Rica Rainforest and Coast Trip
- Volcano views and lush rainforest trails in Arenal Immerse yourself in Arenal Volcano National Park and Arenal Observatory’s forest trails, tailored for your pace, with sweeping crater, jungle, and Lake Arenal panoramas.
- Iconic hanging bridges and hidden jungle waterfalls Cross Arenal’s hanging bridges at canopy level, then cool off beneath La Fortuna Waterfall and along the Fortuna River for an intimate rainforest adventure.
- Close-up encounters with Costa Rica’s gentle wildlife Wander quiet rainforest paths and Natura Eco Park’s gardens to spot sloths, frogs, butterflies, and tropical birds in a natural setting, guided by local experts.
- Idyllic Pacific beaches and Manuel Antonio’s wild coastline Blend jungle and sea in Manuel Antonio National Park, with time to linger on white-sand beaches and swim secluded coves crafted into your custom itinerary.
- Waterfall hikes and sunset sailing on the Pacific Hike to the dramatic Nauyaca Waterfalls, then unwind on a Manuel Antonio catamaran cruise, snorkeling tranquil bays as the sun sets over the Pacific.
| Day | Location | Activity | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | La Fortuna |
| La Fortuna |
| Day 2 | La Fortuna |
| La Fortuna |
| Day 3 | La Fortuna |
| La Fortuna |
| Day 4 | La Fortuna |
| La Fortuna |
| Day 5 | La Fortuna |
| La Fortuna |
| Day 6 | La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio |
| Manuel Antonio |
| Day 7 | Manuel Antonio |
| Manuel Antonio |
| Day 8 | Manuel Antonio |
| Manuel Antonio |
| Day 9 | Manuel Antonio |
| Manuel Antonio |
| Day 10 | Manuel Antonio, San José |
|
Day01
Day 1: Arrival in La Fortuna
Arrive in Costa Rica and meet a local representative after immigration for an introductory briefing and a review of your itinerary. You’ll receive practical information about the country, a map, and advice on what to bring for the planned excursions.
Continue by private road transfer to La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano National Park. The route leads toward the rainforest and the volcano’s distinctive cone, which is visible from nearby areas when conditions are clear. Settle in after the journey and prepare for several active days on forest trails.
Overnight: Resort, La Fortuna
Day02
Day 2: Arenal Observatory Trails
Spend the day exploring Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails at your own pace. This large property sits between Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, with rainforest, streams, waterfalls, observation towers, hanging bridges, and 7mi (11km) of walking trails.
Choose trails that suit your energy level and keep an eye out for wildlife and birds along the way. The site is known for birdwatching, with roughly 500 recorded species in the area. Lunch is included before your private return transfer to La Fortuna. This is a flexible walking day, not a forced march through mud for the sake of it.
Overnight: Resort, La Fortuna
Day03
Day 3: Hanging Bridges and La Fortuna Waterfall
Explore Arenal Hanging Bridges on a guided half-day outing through the forest. The trail combines paths and elevated bridges, giving you a view into the rainforest canopy where birds, butterflies, and other wildlife are easier to spot than from the ground.
Continue to La Fortuna Waterfall in a protected forest reserve. Reaching the base requires tackling about 530 steps, so save some energy for the climb back up. A viewpoint faces the 230ft (70m) cascade, and you can swim in the Fortuna River below if conditions allow. Finish with a typical lunch near La Fortuna before returning to your accommodation.
Overnight: Resort, La Fortuna
Day04
Day 4: Arenal Trails and Sloth Watching
Walk the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park at your own pace in the morning. Routes including Heliconias, Coladas, Tucanes, and Los Miradores pass through forest and areas marked by historic lava flows. You can use the viewpoints to look toward the volcano and watch for local plants and animals.
In the afternoon, join a guided sloth-watching walk on a local private farm beside a river. This is a wildlife habitat rather than a captive attraction. Your guide uses specialized observation equipment to help you search the treetops for sloths, including young animals when they are present. Snacks are included.
Overnight: Resort, La Fortuna
Day05
Day 5: Natura Eco Park
Visit Natura Eco Park near La Fortuna, a private biological station focused on habitat conservation and the research and reproduction of amphibians and reptiles. Private transportation takes you there and back, leaving you time to explore its maintained trails and displays.
See the Butterfly Garden, Frog Garden, Snake Garden, Turtle Pond, Crocodile Lagoon, Heliconias Garden, and Orchid Garden. The visit offers a close look at species and plant life found in this tropical ecosystem, including animals that can be difficult to notice in the wild. Wear practical walking shoes and bring rain protection, insect repellent, and sun protection.
Overnight: Resort, La Fortuna
Day06
Day 6: La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio
Leave the Arenal region and travel by private transfer to Manuel Antonio on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast. This is a substantial overland travel day, so don’t plan on squeezing in a major excursion before departure. Arrive in the beach area and settle into the slower coastal rhythm.
Manuel Antonio is known for its forested shoreline, beaches, and access to Manuel Antonio National Park. Use the remaining time for an easy beach walk or a relaxed evening near the coast. Swimming, snorkeling, and surfing are available in the area, but today works best as a transition day between rainforest and Pacific coast.
Overnight: Standard Hotel, Manuel Antonio
Day07
Day 7: Manuel Antonio National Park
Join a guided half-day walk in Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s best-known coastal parks. The route follows a mostly flat 2mi (3.2km) loop through forest, making it manageable for most visitors with comfortable walking shoes.
Your guide explains the park’s plants and wildlife as you walk. Look for birds, sloths, butterflies, orchids, iguanas, and monkeys, but remember that wildlife operates on its own schedule. Midway through the visit, stop at Third Beach to rest by the water or take a swim. Snacks, transport, and park entry are included.
Overnight: Standard Hotel, Manuel Antonio
Day08
Day 8: Nauyaca Waterfalls
Take a private guided excursion from Manuel Antonio to Nauyaca Waterfalls. Walk through tropical forest while your guide introduces the local plants and wildlife. Toucans, eagles, and lizards may appear, though none of them have agreed to pose for your camera.
Nauyaca Waterfalls has 2 tiers, with swimming areas below both falls. The lower waterfall is about 75ft (23m) high and suited to swimming and jumping, while the upper fall reaches about 150ft (46m). Bring swimwear, a towel, sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, and insect repellent. End with a traditional meal at a local restaurant before returning to Manuel Antonio.
Overnight: Standard Hotel, Manuel Antonio
Day09
Day 9: Manuel Antonio Catamaran Cruise
Head out from Quepos on a catamaran cruise along the coast of Manuel Antonio National Park. The boat passes tropical islands and sandy beaches while the crew looks for dolphins, whales, and other marine life. Sightings are never guaranteed, because the Pacific has not read your itinerary.
Stop at Biesanz Bay to swim and snorkel with provided equipment. You’ll have snacks, drinks, and a grilled buffet meal on board, with time to relax in the Pacific sun between activities. The cruise is a shared excursion and requires a minimum number of passengers to operate, so it remains subject to that condition.
Overnight: Standard Hotel, Manuel Antonio
Day10
Day 10: Departure from Manuel Antonio
Leave Manuel Antonio by private transfer for Juan Santamaría International Airport. The drive links the Central Pacific Coast with the San José airport area, so an afternoon departure is recommended in the original itinerary.
Use the morning for breakfast, packing, and a final look at the coast before check-out. Keep swimwear and wet gear separate from travel documents, because a soggy passport is a terrible souvenir. Your Costa Rica trip ends on arrival at the airport.
