Hello Wanderer! So, you only have 5 days to explore Costa Rica? I won’t sugarcoat it—five days is short, and you’re definitely ambitious. But don’t worry, we’ll make it work.
This 5 day Costa Rica itinerary is designed to be balanced, practical, and focused, while staying true to the essence of the country: Pura Vida—the easy, joyful way of living.
Follow this guide and you’ll experience what Costa Rica is famous for: towering volcanoes, lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and incredible wildlife. Plus, you won’t need to stress about logistics—I’ve included hotel recommendations, tour ideas, and transportation tips (even if you don’t want to rent a car). These are especially helpful since Costa Rica can be a bit tricky to navigate for first-timers.
So pack your suitcase, bring your ambition, and let’s make the most of your 5 days in Costa Rica!
If you have more days to explore Costa Rica, check out my 7 Days Costa Rica Itinerary, 10 Days Costa Rica Itinerary, and Two Weeks Costa Rica Itinerary for extended adventures and more unforgettable destinations.
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Quick Facts for Your Costa Rica Trip
- Best Time to Visit: December to April (dry season with plenty of sunshine)
- Official Language: Spanish
- Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC)
- Exchange Rates:
- 1 USD ≈ ₡509.29
- 1 EUR ≈ ₡580.99
- Safety: Generally safe for travelers; just follow standard travel precautions
- Main Religion: Roman Catholic
- Ideal Trip Length: 7 days for a full Costa Rica experience
- Budget: Mid-range to affordable. Costa Rica offers excellent value for nature and adventure lovers. For updated costs, check Numbeo’s Costa Rica cost of living page.
How to Get to Costa Rica
Costa Rica is well connected by air, with two major international airports:
- San José – Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
- Liberia – Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR)
Most travelers arrive in San José, the capital, which has the widest selection of international flights from North America, Europe, and Central America. Liberia is a convenient entry point if you’re heading straight to the Pacific coast or beach resorts.
Direct flights are available from cities like Miami, New York, Houston, Toronto, Madrid, and more. Once you land, domestic flights, buses, shuttles, and car rentals make exploring Costa Rica straightforward.
How to Get Around Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers a variety of transportation options to help you travel comfortably and efficiently between destinations.
1. Domestic Flights ✈️
For covering long distances quickly, domestic flights are ideal. Top airlines include:
- Sansa Airlines – Reliable and affordable
- Costa Rica Green Airways – Family-owned with excellent safety standards
- Aerobell Airlines – Efficient flights to key locations like Quepos and Tambor
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season. You can compare and book flights easily through Trip.com.
2. Rental Cars 🚗
Car rentals give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Recommended providers:
- Adobe Rent a Car – Trusted local company with great service
- Alamo Costa Rica & National Car Rental – Internationally recognized options
For mountainous or rural areas, a 4×4 is highly recommended. Compare local and international rental options on Trip.com for the best deals.
3. Public Buses 🚌
Costa Rica has an extensive, budget-friendly bus network:
- Empresa Alfaro – Caribbean coast routes
- Tracopa – Pacific coast and Guanacaste
- MEPE – Nationwide coverage
Buses are economical but slower and less comfortable for long distances.
4. Shuttle Services 🚐
For hassle-free, door-to-door transfers between popular destinations:
- Costa Rica Shuttle – Reliable service with Wi-Fi
- RideCR & Shuttle Express Tamarindo – Beach town specialists
- Tico Shuttle– Private or shared rides, especially from SJO airport
- Monkey Ride & Gecko Explorer – Flexible, personalized routes
Book shuttles in advance to secure the best rates. For a smooth start, consider an airport transfer with Welcome Pickups for a stress-free ride to your hotel.
5. Taxis & Ride-Sharing 🚕
In San José and other cities, official red taxis with meters are common—make sure the meter is running. Uber is also widely available and often cheaper and more convenient.
Tips for Getting Around:
- Check bus and shuttle schedules ahead of time
- Drive carefully—many rural roads require a 4×4
- Allow extra travel time during the rainy season
With options for every style and budget, moving around Costa Rica is easier than ever—whether you’re following a 5-day itinerary or exploring longer.
Your 5-Day Itinerary in Costa Rica
📅 Day 1 – Arrival at SJO → La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)
Morning
Welcome to Costa Rica! After landing at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), start your journey to La Fortuna, the gateway to Arenal Volcano. The scenic drive takes about 3.5 hours, winding through charming small towns and lush countryside.
🚖 Transport Options from SJO to La Fortuna:
- Shared Shuttle: Around $50 per person, door-to-door service.
- Private Shuttle: Comfortable and flexible, ~$150–$170 for up to 6 travelers.
- Car Rental: Perfect for independence; a 4×4 is recommended for rural roads.
Afternoon
Check into your hotel and relax at El Choyín hot springs, a free riverside spot loved by locals. For a more luxurious experience, consider Tabacón Hot Springs. Booking a guided hot springs tour can make your evening stress-free and extra relaxing.
Evening
Enjoy your first Costa Rican meal at a local soda—a cozy, family-run eatery where you can savor traditional flavors.
Where to Stay
- Budget-Friendly: Top-rated stay for budget travelers
- Mid-Range: Charming hotel with volcano views
- Luxury: Upscale resort with premium hot springs access
Recommended Tour
- Hot Springs Experience: Relax in La Fortuna’s best thermal springs
📅 Day 2 – Arenal Volcano + Waterfall + Transfer to Monteverde
🌋 Full-Day Adventure in La Fortuna
Make the most of your day in La Fortuna with a guided combo tour that includes Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and the hot springs. This experience comes with transportation, a knowledgeable naturalist guide, and plenty of time to unwind in thermal pools—perfect for seeing all the highlights without the stress of planning.
Prefer to Explore Independently?
Morning / Afternoon
- Hike the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park, discovering lava flows, forest paths, and panoramic lookout points of the iconic cone-shaped volcano.
- Cool off at La Fortuna Waterfall. Descend 500 steps through lush jungle to a stunning 70-meter cascade where you can swim in the turquoise pool below.
🚕 Transport: Taxi to the park and waterfall (~$10–$20)
Evening
Travel to Monteverde, Costa Rica’s enchanting cloud forest region, known for its rich biodiversity, misty mountains, and cool, refreshing air. Pause along the way or upon arrival to relax with a coffee at a local café.
🚐 Transport Options to Monteverde:
- Shared Shuttle: Scenic and comfortable, around $75, 3.5–4 hours.
- Public Bus: Available but less convenient due to limited schedules and longer, indirect routes.
Where to Stay
- Budget-Friendly: Affordable eco-stay with forest vibes
- Mid-Range: Comfortable lodge with great views
- Luxury: Elegant retreat surrounded by nature
Recommended Combo Tour
- Arenal Volcano + La Fortuna Waterfall + Hot Springs: Book the full-day guided experience
📅 Day 3 – Monteverde Cloud Forest + Night Walk
Morning
Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a world-famous sanctuary with trails winding through moss-covered jungle, blooming orchids, and lush hanging bridges.
Getting There:
- Taxi: Short ride from most hotels, around $5–$10.
- Guided Tour: Book a tour for expert insights into Monteverde’s unique ecosystem.
Afternoon
Choose your adventure:
- Hanging Bridges Guided Tour: Stroll high above the forest floor on scenic suspension bridges, taking in panoramic views of the canopy.
- Zipline Canopy Tour: Glide through the treetops for an exhilarating, adrenaline-pumping experience.
Many tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to join. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your preferred time slot.
Evening
Choose how to spend your night:
- Relax at your hotel after a full day of adventure, or
- Join the Monteverde Tropical Forest Night Walk (Guided) to see nocturnal wildlife in action—spot sloths, frogs, glowing insects, and more in their natural habitat. This guided experience is perfect for nature lovers and adds a magical touch to your Monteverde visit.
Recommended Tours
- Zip Line Canopy Tour: Book here
- Hanging Bridges Guided Tour: Book here
- Monteverde Tropical Forest Night Walk (Guided): Book the nocturnal wildlife experience
📅 Day 4 – Monteverde → Playa Sámara or Manuel Antonio (Beach Time!)
You have two options for your beach day: Playa Sámara or Manuel Antonio.
Destination Tips:
- Playa Sámara: Laid-back vibe with calm waters—perfect for swimming, relaxing, and catching gentle waves.
- Manuel Antonio: Lively beach town with beautiful shores, nearby wildlife, and optional water adventures.
Option 1: Playa Sámara
Morning
Take a shared shuttle (~3.5 hours) to Playa Sámara, arriving to calm turquoise waters ideal for swimming or surfing.
🚖 Transport Options:
- Shared Shuttle: ~3.5–4 hours, $50–$60, door-to-door with scenic stops.
- Private Shuttle: ~3–4 hours, $200–$300, direct and flexible.
- Public Bus: 4–5 hours, $8–$12, usually requires a transfer in Nicoya or Cañas.
Afternoon
Relax on the sand, swim in the warm Pacific, or rent a surfboard for a leisurely session.
Evening
Watch a stunning sunset, then enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant with your toes in the sand.
Where to Stay
- Budget-Friendly: Affordable beachside stays
- Mid-Range: Comfortable hotels near the shore
- Luxury: Upscale resorts with ocean views
Option 2: Manuel Antonio
🚖 Transport Options:
- Shared Shuttle: ~4–5 hours, $60–$70, door-to-door with possible stops.
- Private Shuttle: ~3.5–4.5 hours, $250–$350, direct and flexible.
- Public Bus: 6–7 hours, $10–$15, involves multiple transfers (Monteverde → Puntarenas → Quepos → Manuel Antonio).
Afternoon
Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon at Playa Espadilla, a wide scenic beach perfect for swimming, lounging, and spotting wildlife. For a more adventurous option, consider booking a water activity tour.
Evening
Relax at your hotel or enjoy dinner at a cliffside restaurant while watching the breathtaking sunset.
Where to Stay
- Budget-Friendly: Affordable stays near the beach
- Mid-Range: Comfortable hotels with great amenities
- Luxury: Upscale resorts with ocean views
Recommended Tour
- Quepos Wooden Sail Yacht Cruise with Watersports & Food: Enjoy this fun water adventure
📅 Day 5 – Morning at the Beach → Return to SJO Airport
Morning
Spend your last morning soaking up the sun at the beach—swim, relax under the palms, or simply take in the tranquil ocean views.
Afternoon
Prepare for your journey back to San José International Airport (SJO) for your evening flight.
🚖 Transport Options from Playa Sámara to SJO:
- Shared Shuttle: ~5½ hours, $60–$65, comfortable door-to-door service
- Private Shuttle: ~4 hours, $250–$280 per vehicle, flexible and stress-free
- Public Bus: ~5½ hours via Nicoya or Hojancha with transfers, $65–$85, ideal for experienced budget travelers
🚖 Transport Options from Manuel Antonio to SJO:
- Shared Shuttle: 4½–5½ hours, $60–$70, convenient door-to-door service with hotel pickup
- Private Shuttle: 3½–4½ hours, $200–$280 per vehicle, direct and flexible
- Public Bus: 6–7 hours, $10–$15, budget-friendly but requires transfers via Quepos or San Isidro
Evening
Board your flight and depart Costa Rica—¡Pura Vida!
Conclusion
Five days may feel like a short time to explore Costa Rica, but where there’s a will, there’s always a way—and this itinerary proves it. In a nutshell, it gives you everything you need to make the most of your trip as a first-timer while removing the stress of planning logistics.
You deserve to connect with Pura Vida and experience Costa Rica’s most breathtaking nature. You deserve that volcano hike, moments to lounge on pristine beaches, a soak in thermal springs, and the joy of spotting adorable wildlife. Even with just 5 days, you can make it happen—and this itinerary will help you do it.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends who dream of Costa Rica too. And tell me in the comments: what’s one short trip you’ve taken that turned out unforgettable?