How to spend 5 days In Costa Rica - 5 itineraries

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of Costa Rica, a country filled with pristine landscapes and exciting adventures. Discover five 5-day Costa Rica itineraries, each turning your Costa Rica vacation into an exciting odyssey. Surrounded by unspoiled beauty and limitless opportunities for exploration, each day will be an exciting chapter in your story of discovery.

Itinerary #1: The Tropical Delights of Costa Rica

Embark on this exciting 5-day itinerary discovering Costa Rica's natural treasures and thrilling adventures. Your journey begins with a warm welcome at San Jose International Airport, where our representative will introduce you to Costa Rica's highlights and your exciting itinerary.

Day one sets the tone as you depart for Tortuguero, a tropical paradise accessible through Braulio Carrillo National Park, and navigating the lush canals to Tortuguero National Park. Day two brings the Laguna Lodge Awakening Boat Tour, immersing you in the vibrant morning wildlife of Tortuguero's canals.

On the third day, relax with a dip in the Tabacon Hot Springs, surrounded by lush tropical landscapes. On the fourth day, head to Manuel Antonio National Park, home to sloths, monkeys, and exotic flora.

At the end of the 5-day transformative journey, say goodbye on day five and head to the San Jose airport for departure. Book this trip.

Tabacon Hot Springs River at Arenal Volcano, Alajuela, San Carlos, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Tabacon Hot Springs River at Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Costa Rica Sunset at Manuel Antonio Antonio National Park  © thefilmpoets/Shutterstock

Costa Rica Sunset at Manuel Antonio Antonio National Park © thefilmpoets/Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this Costa Rica itinerary for 5 days.

    Day one

  • Arrival in San Jose and Tour of Tortuguero National Park.
  • Overnight in Tortuguero.

    Day two

  • Laguna Lodge Awakening Boat Tour.
  • Overnight in Tortuguero.

    Day three

  • Tabacon Springs with Dinner.
  • Overnight in Arenal.

    Day four

  • Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour.
  • Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

    Day five

  • Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San Jose Airport.

Interested? Don't miss the opportunity to book this trip now.

Tortuguero Canal, Costa Rica © Kenneth Vargas Torres/Shutterstock

Tortuguero Canal, Costa Rica © Kenneth Vargas Torres/Shutterstock

Halloween Crab (Gecarcinus quadratus) in defensive posture on beach, Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

Halloween Crab, Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica @ Shutterstock

Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park @ Shutterstock

Itinerary #2: In The Heart Of Costa Rica's Wild South

Explore the wild south of Costa Rica on this exciting 5-day journey designed for adventurers and nature lovers. Discover uncharted trails and delve into the heart of the Corcovado Rainforest, one of the most important refuges for endangered wildlife.

Beginning your expedition in San José, travel to San Gerardo de Dota on the first day. On the second day, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the cloud forest, where more than 170 species of birds will call you with their melodious cries.

On the third day, begin the Birds of the Highlands and Páramo adventure in Los Quetzales National Park. Under the guide's heartfelt narration, you will pass through a variety of ecosystems and forest landscapes.

On day four, embark on a kayaking trip through the Hatillo Mangrove Forest, home to herons, monkeys, reptiles, and crabs. On the fifth day, a mesmerizing trek through the rainforests of Corcovado National Park awaits.

At the conclusion of your 5-day expedition, return to the San Jose airport, taking with you cherished memories of your exciting Costa Rica journey. Book this trip.

Quetzal-Costa-Rica-shutterstock_551809153_

Quetzal, Costa Rica @ Shutterstock

Walking through Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

Walking through Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica @ Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this Costa Rica itinerary for 5 days.

    Day one

  • Arrival in San Jose and Bird Watching Tour in San Gerardo de Dota.
  • Overnight in Savegre.

    Day two

  • Highland Bird and Paramo.
  • Overnight in Savegre.

    Day three

  • Kayaking In Hatilo Mangrove Forest.
  • Overnight in Uvita.

    Day four

  • Corcovado National Park Hike.
  • Overnight in Uvita.

    Day five

  • Transfer from Uvita to San Jose Airport.

Looking for a new experience? Book your trip now.

Sirena-rio-Corcovado-Costa-Rica-shutterstock_147110726

Sirena Rio, Corcovado, Costa Rica @ Shutterstock

A spider monkey climbs high trees of the rainforest in the Corcovado © Kit Korzun/Shutterstock

A spider monkey in the Corcovado © Kit Korzun/Shutterstock

corcovado-costa-rica-shutterstock_257689762

Corcovado, Costa Rica @ Shutterstock

Itinerary #3: A Blend of Experiences in Costa Rica

Embark on a transformative 5-day journey exploring Costa Rica's diverse culture and breathtaking scenery. Start in San Jose, where you'll see vibrant artwork and historic neighborhoods.

On day two, you'll travel to the hidden gem of Orosi Valley, adorned with lush plantations and colonial architecture. Discover the ghostly ruins of Ujarrás and cruise the serene Cachí Lake.

On the third day, head to the slopes of Irazu Volcanoes National Park. See the majestic Irazu Volcano, the country's highest active peak, and wander amongst the enchanting Prusia Forest.

On the fourth day, you will travel to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast. Walking its trails, you will discover not only the park's famous biodiversity but also its historical hidden gems, such as ancient turtle traps from the pre-Columbian era.

The final day will end with a serene yoga session on the beach at Manuel Antonio. Commune with nature and say goodbye to Costa Rica with renewed vigor. Book this trip.

 Orosi Valley near the city of Cartago, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Orosi Valley near the city of Cartago, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

irazu-volcano-costa-rica-shutterstock_413932006

Irazu Volcano, Costa Rica @ Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this Costa Rica itinerary for 5 days.

    Day one

  • Arrival in San Jose.
  • Overnight in San Jose

    Day two

  • Orosi Valley and Cachi Lake.
  • Overnight in Orosi.

    Day three

  • Irazú Volcano National Park Tour.

    Day four

  • Manuel Antonio National Park.
  • Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

    Day five

  • Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San Jose Airport.

Interested? Don't miss the opportunity to book this trip now.

espadilla beach and Coastline near the Manuel Antonio national park, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Espadilla Beach near the Manuel Antonio National Park © Shutterstock

Puerto Escondido bay, Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Puerto Escondido bay, Manuel Antonio National Park © Shutterstock

Hummingbird, Rara Avis Reserve, Costa Rica

Hummingbird, Costa Rica @ Shutterstock

Itinerary #4: Active Adventure in Costa Rica

Embark on an action-packed 5-day journey through Costa Rica, centered on the volcanoes, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries of Arenal. Begin your journey in San Jose, a vibrant cultural center.

On your second day, head to Poas Volcanoes National Park, where you'll see its colossal crater and the enchanting Botos Lagoon. Next, you will head to La Paz Waterfall Gardens to marvel at the beauty of nature.

On the third day, an adrenaline-pumping SKY River Drift adventure awaits you in Arenal Park. Soar on cables, take controlled drops, and float down a three-mile river through the rainforest.

On day four, you'll travel to Manuel Antonio, surrounded by the captivating beauty of nature. Immerse yourself in the diverse flora and fauna of Manuel Antonio National Park.

Your Costa Rican journey concludes on the fifth day with a transfer to the San Jose airport. These 5 days blend thrilling activities and tranquil encounters, capturing Costa Rica's essence in its diverse landscapes and wildlife. Book this trip.

volcano-poas-costa-rica-shutterstock_367780841

Volcano Poas, Costa Rica @ Shutterstock

Arenal Lake @ Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this Costa Rica itinerary for 5 days.

    Day one

  • Arrival in San Jose.
  • Overnight in San Jose.

    Day two

  • Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
  • Overnight in Arenal.

    Day three

  • Sky River Drift in Arenal Park.
  • Overnight in Arenal.

    Day four

  • Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour.
  • Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

    Day five

  • Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San Jose Airport.

Inspired? Don't waste any time and book this trip now.

La Paz Waterfall located just outside San Jose Costa Rica © Shutterstock

La Paz Waterfall located just outside San Jose Costa Rica © Shutterstock

arenal-volcano-costa-rica-shutterstock_1337924888

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica @ Shutterstock

La-Fortuna-waterfall-Arenal-volcano-Costa-Rica-shutterstock_634125518

La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano, Costa-Rica @ Shutterstock

Itinerary #5: Tasting Paradise: Gastronomic and Nature Safari in Costa Rica

Experience an exciting 5-day journey that intertwines the flavors and natural wonders of Costa Rica. Begin your trip to San Jose with a delightful culinary tour that will introduce you to the diverse flavors of this country.

On day two, you'll travel to the lush Central Valley for a hands-on cooking class using local produce. On day three, you'll travel to the biodiversity-rich Sarapiqui region. Explore the Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve, discover hidden waterfalls, and comprehend complex ecosystems.

Day four will take place in Turrialba, known for its organic agriculture. Together with local chefs on the farm, you will harvest and prepare a gourmet meal.

End your odyssey on the fifth day at Marino Ballena National Park on the Pacific coast. Embark on a whale-watching escapade to see the majestic sea creatures in their habitat. Leave Uvita with unforgettable memories of a five-day journey through Costa Rica that combines gastronomy and nature. Book this trip.

Happy wild pantropical spotted dolphin, Stenella attenuata, jumps free near a whale watching boat in the middle of the Pacific coast off Uvita, in Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Coast of Uvita in Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Marino Ballena National Park, Punta Uvita, Dominical, Puntarenas, Costa Rica  © Stefan Neumann/Shutterstock

Marino Ballena National Park, Punta Uvita, Costa Rica © Stefan Neumann/Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this Costa Rica itinerary for 5 days.

    Day one

  • Arrival in San Jose.

    Day two

  • Cooking Class in Central Valley.

    Day three

  • Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve.

    Day four

  • Turrialba Region Adventure.

    Day five

  • Marino Ballena National Park Tour and Departure from Uvita.

Feeling curious? Take a step forward and book this trip now.

A river through the Sarapiqui Rainforest, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

A river through the Sarapiqui Rainforest, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Humpback whale on Marino Ballena Parque Nacional, Uvita, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Humpback whale on Marino Ballena Parque Nacional, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

The best time to visit Cost Rica, beach in Cape Uvita

Great Pacific Beach, Marino Ballena National Park, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

You can also browse our customized Costa Rica itineraries or chat with our local Costa Rica experts.

Ties Lagraauw

written by
Ties Lagraauw

updated 27.10.2023

Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl, Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

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