5 day itinerary for Costa Rica

Itinerary

Costa Rica is a beautiful country with so much to offer. Here's an ideal itinerary for 5 days in Costa Rica that is family-friendly:

Day 1: Arrival in San Jose

• Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose
• Check into your hotel and relax for the rest of the day
• If you have time, explore the city and visit the National Museum of Costa Rica or the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

Day 2: Arenal Volcano National Park

• Head to Arenal Volcano National Park, which is about a 3-hour drive from San Jose
• Take a guided hike through the park to see the volcano and its surrounding rainforest
• Relax in the natural hot springs at Tabacon Hot Springs or Baldi Hot Springs

Day 3: Manuel Antonio National Park

• Drive to Manuel Antonio National Park, which is about a 4-hour drive from Arenal
• Take a guided hike through the park to see the beautiful beaches and wildlife, including monkeys and sloths
• Relax on the beach and enjoy the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean

Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

• Drive to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, which is about a 4-hour drive from Manuel Antonio
• Take a guided hike through the cloud forest to see the unique flora and fauna, including the famous Monteverde hummingbirds
• Visit the Butterfly Garden or the Serpentarium to see more of the local wildlife

Day 5: Departure

• Drive back to San Jose for your departure flight
• If you have time, stop at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens to see the beautiful waterfalls and wildlife before heading to the airport

This itinerary offers a great mix of adventure, relaxation, and wildlife viewing, making it perfect for families. Of course, there are many other activities and destinations to explore in Costa Rica, so feel free to customize this itinerary to your liking.