Places you'll visit
La Fortuna and aroundThe Zona Norte
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La Fortuna and aroundThe Zona Norte
Active outdoors and beaches in Costa Rica trip
Ready to turn your vacation into a personalized adventure? Choose our Active Outdoors and Beaches Costa Rica trip and enjoy one of the most rewarding trips to Costa Rica, blending rainforest exploration with sunlit beach time.
Local experts will tailor activities, accommodations, and private transfers to match your pace and interests. Book a consultation to secure dates and receive a flexible plan designed for authentic local encounters and effortless comfort.
Active outdoors and beaches in Costa Rica trip highlights
- Custom surf lessons and beach time: Learn to surf on pristine Pacific beaches with a private instructor, then unwind at a secluded cove.
- Rainforest hikes and waterfall treks: Explore lush trails with a local naturalist, discover hidden waterfalls and craft a private route.
- Wildlife and birdwatching tours: Spot toucans, monkeys and sloths on guided walks tailored to your interests.
- Adrenaline adventures: Customize an action-packed day with ziplining above the canopy and whitewater rafting.
- Secluded beach stays and sunset dinners: Relish boutique beachfront lodgings, private sunset dinners and tailor-made downtime.
| Day | Location | Activity | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San José | • Arrival in San José and private transfer to your hotel • Settle in and unwind after the flight | San José |
| 2 | San José to La Fortuna | • Private transfer to La Fortuna • Free time to enjoy viewpoints, hiking trails, hot springs, and La Fortuna Waterfall • Optional activities | La Fortuna |
| 3 | La Fortuna | • Guided visit to La Fortuna Waterfall • Riverside home cooked lunch with the Rodríguez family • Guided hike in Arenal Volcano National Park | La Fortuna |
| 4 | La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio | • Private morning transfer to the Central Pacific • Stop at the Tárcoles River to see large crocodiles and take photos • Free afternoon in Manuel Antonio | Manuel Antonio |
| 5 | Manuel Antonio | • Two and a half hour guided nature walk in Manuel Antonio National Park • Free time to relax on the beach or continue exploring trails | Manuel Antonio |
| 6 | Manuel Antonio to San José | • Private transfer to San José Airport for international check-in • Optional tailor-made extension planning | — |
Day01
Welcome to Costa Rica
Pura Vida, and welcome to Costa Rica. After landing in San José, a private transfer will be waiting to take you straight to your hotel, so you can settle in and shake off the journey.
When you are ready, step out for your first taste of the capital, from fresh Costa Rican cuisine to authentic local culture, with personalized recommendations that match your style and set the tone for your Costa Rica travel adventure.
Day02
San Jose to La Fortuna
Arrive in La Fortuna, set at the foot of Arenal Volcano, and one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica. Around two hours from San José, this lively town pairs dramatic viewpoints in Arenal Volcano National Park with lush hiking trails, soothing natural hot springs, and the iconic La Fortuna Waterfall, a favorite for photographers and nature lovers.
Shape your stay to match your interests with options such as kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Arenal, wildlife walks, coffee and cacao farm visits, and relaxed evenings sampling local cuisine in the town center.
Day03
La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano National Park
Begin the day at an easy pace before heading to La Fortuna Waterfall. Descend the 500 steps with your guide, watching for birds and wildlife along the trail, then cool off with a refreshing swim beneath the cascade. Afterward, enjoy a riverside, home-cooked lunch with the Rodríguez family, served with a fresh cup of Costa Rican coffee.
In the afternoon, set out on a guided walk in Arenal Volcano National Park, where you will explore ancient lava flows, learn about past eruptions, and see how the rainforest is reclaiming the landscape, with opportunities to spot wildlife as you go.
Day04
La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio
Continue your Costa Rica itinerary with a private morning transfer from La Fortuna to the Central Pacific in a comfortable bilingual minivan. Along the way, enjoy tailor-made stops for snacks and restrooms, plus a scenic pause at the Tárcoles River, where you can spot enormous crocodiles and capture memorable photos.
Arrive in Manuel Antonio with a free afternoon to unwind at your own pace. Stretch out on white sand beaches, swim in warm Pacific waters, or explore Manuel Antonio National Park, where short, well-marked trails offer excellent chances to see monkeys, sloths, and coatis.
Day05
Manuel Antonio nature walk
Explore Manuel Antonio National Park with a local naturalist guide on a two and a half hour walk through lush rainforest that opens onto spectacular Pacific beaches. Along the way, look for sloths, raccoons, and monkey families moving through the canopy, as well as colorful birds and reptiles in their natural habitat.
Pause for a light snack of fresh local fruit and refreshments, then choose how to spend the rest of your time.
Day06
Farewell and transfer to San Jose Airport
It is time to say farewell to Costa Rica. A private transfer will pick you up at your hotel and take you to San José Airport with plenty of time for international check-in.
If you would like to add extra beach days, a final rainforest walk, or a tailor-made extension, your travel designer can arrange authentic, locally curated experiences that match your interests and make your Costa Rica trip truly unforgettable.
