San Jose, Costa Rica 13-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in San Jose (SJO)

Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), clear customs, and take a local bus or shuttle to your accommodation in downtown San Jose.

Settle in and prepare for your adventure.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your hostel or hotel in San Jose.

Take some time to freshen up and get oriented.

National Theatre Visit

Explore the exquisite National Theatre of Costa Rica, a stunning example of Renaissance architecture and a cultural landmark.

Consider a guided tour if time permits.

Local Dinner

Enjoy traditional Costa Rican cuisine at a local 'soda' (small, informal restaurant) or a restaurant in the city center.

Try a 'casado' for an authentic meal.

Tio Leo Coffee Tour

Immerse yourself in a real cultural experience by visiting a coffee, chocolate, cooking, and sugarcane farm.

Learn about the process from bean to cup.

This tour is located near Liberia, which is a significant distance from San Jose. Consider booking a private transfer or a very early bus for this day trip. Alternatively, there are closer coffee tours available in the Central Valley.

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

Discover a magnificent collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts, providing insight into Costa Rica's indigenous cultures and history.

Located underground beneath the Plaza de la Cultura, it's easily accessible from the National Theatre.

San Jose Central Market

Wander through the Mercado Central, a bustling market where you can find local handicrafts, spices, souvenirs, and traditional snacks. A great place for people-watching.

Evening Free Time

Enjoy a relaxed evening.

Perhaps find a local bar for a drink or revisit a favorite spot for dinner.

White Water Rafting & Canyoning Combo

Embark on an exhilarating full-day adventure combining white water rafting and canyoning.

Rappel down waterfalls, jump into natural pools, and zip line through the canyon.

An early start is required for this full-day activity. Confirm pickup details with the tour operator. Wear appropriate clothing and bring a change of clothes.

Relax and Dinner

After a day of adventure, return to San Jose, relax at your accommodation, and enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

Poas Volcano National Park

Take a scenic bus or shuttle to Poas Volcano National Park.

Hike to the main crater lookout point to witness the impressive active crater and its surrounding volcanic landscapes.

Check park status before visiting, as access can be restricted. Tickets often need to be purchased in advance online. The park is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from San Jose.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Visit Costa Rica's most famous waterfall gardens, home to five stunning waterfalls, an animal sanctuary with jaguars, monkeys, and sloths, and a vibrant hummingbird garden.

Located en route from Poas Volcano, making it a convenient stop. Allow ample time to explore all the attractions.

Dinner in San Jose

Return to San Jose and enjoy a relaxing dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

National Museum of Costa Rica

Explore the National Museum, housed in the former Bellavista Fortress, offering exhibits on Costa Rican history, archaeology, and natural history.

Look for the butterfly garden and the preserved bullet holes from the 1948 Civil War.

Jade Museum

Visit the world's largest collection of American jade artifacts, showcasing pre-Columbian art and culture.

Farewell Lunch in San Jose

Enjoy a final lunch in San Jose, perhaps trying a different local eatery.

Free Time & Prep for Next Leg

Use the afternoon for souvenir shopping, revisiting a favorite spot, or simply relaxing before preparing for your journey to La Fortuna tomorrow.

Travel to La Fortuna

Take a shared shuttle or public bus from San Jose to La Fortuna.

Enjoy the scenic journey through Costa Rica's countryside.

Check-in & Lunch

Arrive in La Fortuna, check into your hostel/hotel, and grab some lunch at a local soda (traditional Costa Rican restaurant).

Sodas offer excellent, affordable local dishes like 'casados'.

Explore La Fortuna

Spend some time exploring the vibrant town of La Fortuna, visiting local shops and getting acquainted with the area.

Baldi Hot Springs

Relax and unwind in the numerous thermal pools of Baldi Hot Springs, enjoying the warmth and the lush tropical surroundings, often with views of the Arenal Volcano.

There are many hot springs in the area; Baldi is a popular choice for its variety of pools. Remember to bring a swimsuit and towel.

Dinner in La Fortuna

Enjoy dinner at one of La Fortuna's many restaurants.

White Water Rafting Canyoning Combo Maquique Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating full-day adventure, combining whitewater rafting and canyoning.

Rappel down waterfalls, jump into natural pools, and zip line through the lush rainforest.

This tour includes transfers from La Fortuna, professional guides, and typically lunch. Wear quick-drying clothing and sturdy shoes.

Relax & Dinner

After an adventurous day, enjoy some free time to relax before heading out for a well-deserved dinner in La Fortuna.

Arenal Volcano National Park Hike

Hike through the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park, enjoying spectacular views of the volcano (weather permitting) and the surrounding rainforest. Look for diverse wildlife.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. Entrance fee is typically required.

La Fortuna Waterfall

Visit the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall.

You can take a refreshing swim in the cool waters at its base after a short hike down.

Requires a walk down (and up!) many steps. Bring your swimsuit and a towel.

Lunch in La Fortuna

Enjoy a casual lunch back in La Fortuna town.

Costa Rica The Chela Cooking Experience

Learn to prepare traditional Costa Rican dishes with Doña Chela, using fresh ingredients from her garden and cooking in an authentic wood-fired kitchen.

This is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in local culture and taste authentic home-cooked meals.

Enjoy Your Cooked Meal

Savor the delicious traditional meal you helped prepare during the cooking experience.

Travel to Rio Celeste

Take a scenic drive to the Tenorio Volcano National Park area, home to the iconic Rio Celeste.

Tubing in Rio Celeste

Embark on an exciting tubing adventure on the crystal-clear, blue waters of the Celeste River, surrounded by lush tropical nature.

Includes necessary equipment and guides. Prepare to get wet!

Lunch Near Rio Celeste

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the Rio Celeste area.

Return to La Fortuna

Drive back to La Fortuna after your morning adventure.

Free Afternoon

Enjoy a free afternoon to relax at your accommodation, do some souvenir shopping, or simply unwind in La Fortuna.

Dinner in La Fortuna

Have dinner in town, perhaps trying a different local spot.

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges

Walk across a series of impressive hanging bridges suspended high in the rainforest canopy.

This offers incredible views of the volcano and a chance to spot diverse wildlife from a unique perspective.

Consider hiring a guide for a better chance to spot sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds. Book tickets in advance.

Souvenir Shopping & Lunch

Enjoy some last-minute souvenir shopping in La Fortuna and have a final lunch in town before preparing for your next destination.

Relax and Pack

Return to your accommodation to relax and pack your bags, getting ready for the next segment of your trip to Manuel Antonio.

Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a final dinner in La Fortuna, reminiscing about your adventures in the Arenal region.

Transfer to Manuel Antonio

Enjoy a scenic shuttle transfer from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio, passing through diverse landscapes of Costa Rica.

Check-in to Hostel

Check into your accommodation in Manuel Antonio or Quepos and settle in.

There are many highly-rated hostels in the area, often offering social atmospheres and organized tours.

Lunch at Local Soda

Grab a traditional Costa Rican lunch (casado) at a local 'soda' restaurant.

Sodas offer authentic, affordable meals.

Relax at Playa Espadilla

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the main public beach, Playa Espadilla, outside the national park.

Enjoy the sun, sand, and ocean.

Vendors offer chair rentals and snacks. Be mindful of your belongings as monkeys are known to visit the beach.

Sunset & Dinner

Find a spot with a view to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

Many restaurants along the main road offer stunning sunset views.

Nature Walk Manuel Antonio Park

Explore the Manuel Antonio National Park with a certified guide, discovering diverse wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds.

This customized nature walk ensures you connect deeply with the park's stunning landscapes.

Booking required to secure your spot and guide. Entry fee to the park is separate. Bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Park is closed on Tuesdays.

Beach Time in the Park

After your nature walk, enjoy some time at the pristine beaches within Manuel Antonio National Park, such as Playa Manuel Antonio or Playa Espadilla Sur.

Relax and swim in the calm waters.

No food or single-use plastics are allowed inside the park. Pack out all your trash.

Lunch in Quepos

Head to the nearby town of Quepos for lunch, perhaps at the local Marina Pez Vela.

Surfing Classes Manuel Antonio

Learn to surf with experienced local instructors on Manuel Antonio beach.

Our team has over 20 years of experience coaching and competing, ensuring a fun and safe lesson.

Ideal for beginners and those looking to improve. All equipment provided. Don't forget sunscreen!

Fresh Seafood Dinner

Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring fresh seafood, a specialty of the Pacific Coast.

Ask locals for their recommendations for the best catch of the day.

White Water Rafting Naranjo River

Embark on an exhilarating half-day white water rafting adventure on the Naranjo River.

This boutique tour company keeps groups small for a more personalized experience.

This tour operates from April 15th to January 10th, so it's perfect for your December trip. Suitable for intermediate rafters. Transportation to/from Quepos/Manuel Antonio is typically included.

Farewell Lunch

Enjoy one last delicious Costa Rican meal, perhaps a fresh 'Ceviche' or 'Arroz con Mariscos' to celebrate your adventure.

Souvenir Shopping

Browse local shops for souvenirs to remember your amazing trip to Costa Rica, from artisan crafts to coffee.

Pack & Prepare for Departure

Return to your hostel to pack your bags and prepare for your onward journey or departure.

Departure from Manuel Antonio

Begin your journey back towards San José or your next destination, marking the end of your 13-day Costa Rican adventure.