This is the most popular way to see Costa Rica in a week. You land in San José (SJO), soak in the hot springs under the Arenal Volcano, cross to the misty Monteverde cloud forest, then finish on the beaches and wildlife of Manuel Antonio before flying home. Below you'll find two hotel options at each stop — budget 💵 and 5-star ✨ — plus tours, restaurants and the exact private transfers between each place.
Prices shown are per vehicle, not per person — up to 5 passengers in a Hyundai Staria; larger vans available. Taxes and tolls included. Book each leg below, or send us the whole trip and we'll handle every transfer.
The trip at a glance
Days 1–3 · Arenal / La Fortuna 🌋
Your driver meets you at SJO with a name sign and takes you straight to your La Fortuna hotel (about 3 hours). Base yourself here for three nights of waterfalls, hot springs and volcano views.
Where to stay
- 💵 Budget: Arenal Backpackers Resort, Hotel Arenal Rossi, Selina La Fortuna, Roca Verde, Hotel Las Colinas.
- ✨ 5-star: Nayara Springs, Nayara Gardens, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, The Springs Resort & Spa, Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa.
Best things to do
⭐
Our pick — the Travesía La Fortuna Full-Day Tour: Mistico hanging bridges, a guided volcano hike at
El Silencio, tortilla-making, a traditional lunch and the La Fortuna Waterfall — all with private transport and a private guide.
See the tour →
- El Silencio volcano trail — our recommended hike, with up-close Arenal views.
- La Fortuna Waterfall & a dip in the pool below.
- Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges through the rainforest canopy.
- Hot springs at Tabacón or Baldí to end the day.
- Optional day trip to the turquoise Río Celeste waterfall.
Where to eat
- Don Rufino — lively local favourite, great steaks & casados.
- Soda La Parada — classic, affordable Tico food in town.
- Órganico Fortuna — fresh bowls, smoothies & vegetarian options.
- Chifa La Familia Feliz — popular Peruvian–Chinese.
- Anch'io Ristorante — wood-fired pizza & Italian.
Days 4–5 · Monteverde ☁️
A scenic ride (about 4 hours, part of it on mountain roads) brings you to Monteverde, famous for its cloud forests, hanging bridges and zip-lines high above the canopy.
Where to stay
- 💵 Budget: Monteverde Backpackers, Cabinas Capulín, Camino Verde B&B, Pensión Santa Elena, Hotel Poco a Poco.
- ✨ Upscale: Hotel Belmar, Senda Monteverde, Monteverde Lodge & Gardens, Hotel Fonda Vela, El Establo Mountain Hotel.
Best things to do
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (or the quieter Curi-Cancha Reserve).
- Hanging bridges + zip-lines at Selvatura or Sky Adventures.
- Guided night walk to spot sloths, frogs and nocturnal wildlife.
- Coffee, chocolate & sugarcane tour (e.g. Don Juan).
Where to eat
- Tramonti — wood-fired pizza & Italian, a local institution.
- Café Monteverde — farm-to-table with its own coffee.
- Sabor Tico — beloved, well-priced traditional Costa Rican food.
- Orchid Coffee Shop — great breakfasts & brunch.
- Taco Taco — fresh, casual Mexican.
Days 6–7 · Manuel Antonio 🏖️
Descend from the mountains to the Pacific coast (about 4 hours) for two nights of beaches, rainforest and wildlife at Costa Rica's most famous national park.
Where to stay
- 💵 Budget: Selina Manuel Antonio, Hotel Mono Azul, Vista Serena Hostel, Cabinas Espadilla, Hotel Plaza Yara.
- ✨ 5-star: Arenas del Mar, Tulemar Resort, Gaia Hotel & Reserve, Parador Resort & Spa, Makanda by the Sea.
Best things to do
- Manuel Antonio National Park — beaches, monkeys, sloths & iguanas.
- Sunset catamaran tour with snorkeling.
- Mangrove kayak or boat safari on the Damas estuary.
- Relax on Playa Espadilla or Playa Biesanz.
Where to eat
- El Avión — dinner & drinks inside a converted cargo plane with ocean views.
- Ronny's Place — sunset views and Tico–international dishes.
- Emilio's Café — great breakfasts, coffee and desserts.
- Barba Roja — a Manuel Antonio classic for drinks & dinner.
- Agua Azul — casual open-air spot with ocean views.
Day 8 · Departure ✈️
Enjoy a last breakfast by the beach, then a comfortable ride back to San José Airport (about 3 hours). Tell us your flight time and we'll set your pickup so you arrive relaxed and on time.
Prefer the beach instead of Manuel Antonio?
Swap the last stop for Guanacaste (Tamarindo, Playa Conchal, Papagayo) and fly out of Liberia (LIR). Just ask us — we'll rework the transfers for you.
