Lush rainforests paired with dramatic beaches make Costa Rica an adventurer seeker’s paradise. Start planning your escape with our incredible 8 day Costa Rica Itinerary.
Scenic National Parks entice visitors with exotic flora and fauna while majestic volcanos loom throughout the country. Determining which destinations in Costa Rica to visit can be challenging, as there are endless natural wonders to explore.
Researching the country’s different areas and national parks will help you set your bucket list and craft the perfect itinerary. For our first visit, we opted to explore the areas of La Fortuna and Dominical Beach with an overnight in Liberia.
In this article, we will share lessons learned, recommendations, and helpful tips for planning your visit to Costa Rica.
US Citizens visiting Costa Rica will need a valid passport or travel documents. It is recommended that your passport does not expire within six months.
Visitors to Costa Rica must also present a return ticket to the country of origin or onward travel plan that includes the next destination.
Proof of funds for at least $100 per month of proposed stay.
Note: A Yellow fever vaccine will be required if arriving from certain countries in South America or Africa.
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during its dry season, from December to April. Travel is easier, there is little rain and plenty of sunshine. The rainy season arrives in May, bringing forth the green season (May-June and November). The rainforest becomes lush and vibrant.
September and October bring heavier rainfall, which can make travel difficult. Mudslides can block roadways, streets flood, and dirt roads become impassible.
Costa Rica has two main international airports: Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia and Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. Which airport you fly in and out of will depend on which destinations you wish to visit in Costa Rica. San Jose is centrally located and closer to the Caribbean beaches. At the same time, Liberia is an ideal starting point for exploring the Guanacaste province, renowned for its diverse landscapes and outdoor activities.
Trip Note: In hindsight, we should have flown into San Jose for this itinerary. Since we flew into Liberia, we have spent a lot of time driving to different destinations.
Liberia is a 2 and 1/2 hour drive to La Fortuna, our first stop. From San Jose, it is a 3-hour drive.
Renting a car in Costa Rica is similar to renting in the US. However, there are a few slight differences to consider.
In specific destinations, insurance might be a “take it or leave it” deal. But not in Costa Rica, where basic liability insurance – known locally as “Seguro Obligatorio de Automóviles” (SOA) – is the law of the land. This covers damages to other parties in case you’re involved in an accident and is in addition to your base rate. You are required to take it to rent a vehicle.
Secure your rental online before arriving, especially during busy seasons, and ensure it has 4WD. While many streets are paved, street conditions can drastically change once you venture outside the highways or major cities.
Mountainous roads with steep inclines, gravel roads, and even muddy dirt roads can be encountered. It is best to be prepared with a 4WD vehicle.
Fun Fact: We did not rent a 4WD vehicle and got stuck on a dirt road going to our Airbnb. After a harrowing experience, we rented a 4WD vehicle the following day.
Driving is similar to driving in the US, but we noticed that certain signage in Costa Rica is more of a suggestion than a declaration. Download Google Maps or Waze to help you navigate. Locals will even help give tips on the proper protocol for parking and driving, which is extremely helpful!
During your drive, you may encounter police checkpoints, and we encountered quite a few over Holy Week. The police ensure that everyone follows the rules and stays safe. We rolled down the window, said hello, answered any questions, and went on our way.
Traveler Tip: While we were never asked for our papers, it is a good idea to have pictures of your passport and necessary papers on your phone in case you need to present them.
Unofficial Parking Attendant: Throughout Costa Rica, you will find that parking on the street or in public areas often has an unofficial parking attendant in a bright vest called a “Wachiman”. The concept behind these attendants is that they will watch your car for you while you are not in it, and when you leave, you pay them.
Overall, the Wachiman are often very helpful and kind. One even stopped traffic so we could back out onto a busy road. Acknowledging them when you park is essential; a simple nod or wave will work.
When you go to leave, hand them a few dollars or between 200 and 600 colones in change. This ensures your car stays relatively safe while you are gone.
While a rental car can provide the freedom to travel off the beaten path, having a private shuttle or utilizing tourist minibusses can have their own perks. When booking a private transfer, many companies allow guests to have their driver for the entire day.
Take advantage of having a local with you by utilizing their knowledge of their homeland. Many are also tour guides and can help spot animals and historical sites and share their favorite Soda with you! ( I’ll share more on sodas later, but there are tiny local eateries.)
Tourist Minibuses will take guests throughout Costa Rica, including from San Jose to La Fortuna, the Arenal, Manuel Antonio,, and more!
During our visit, we used Costa Rica Rent-A-Guide for a full-day excursion in La Fortuna. They provided transportation throughout La Fortuna, with pick-up and drop-off.
Upon arriving at your designated airport, navigating customs, and retrieving your luggage, you must either board your transportation to La Fortuna or head to the rental car center to get your vehicle.
Tip: You will likely be hungry after your flight, so try to allow yourself a little time to grab a quick bite to eat.
The drive to La Fortuna will take roughly three hours. After a full day of travel, check-in and spend the evening relaxing. Grab a bite to eat at a local soda or nearby restaurant.
La Fortuna offers visitors a diverse selection of accommodations. From luxury hot spring hotels and eco-friendly hotels to Airbnbs, there is an ideal accommodation for each type of traveler.
During our visit, we stayed at a beautiful Airbnb. Before booking, read reviews and ratings to ensure you stay at a reputable Airbnb.
On our first full day in La Fortuna, we booked a full-day excursion with Costa Rica Rent-A Guide to take us to the Mistico Hanging Bridges, a Volcano Hike, and the La Fortuna Waterfall. It was an action-packed day, and in hindsight, I would have spread this adventure out over two full days because it was a lot!
Discover the beauty of the rainforest from Costa Rica’s famous hanging bridges. View the jungle sanctuary from the treetops as you spot remarkable wildlife and breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano.
My biggest tip is to take a guided tour. They can spot all types of animals that would be nearly impossible to see with an untrained eye. With our guide’s help, we witnessed a sloth, poison dart frogs, an eyelash viper, and various other exotic animals. Fingers crossed next time I see Howler Monkeys!
Guests wanting to take a closer look at the Arenal Volcano should plan a visit to the 29,692-acre Arenal Volcano National Park, located within the larger 504,094-acre Arenal Conservation Area. The park is home to two volcanos, the 5,357-foot (1,633-meter) Arenal Volcano and the 3,740-foot (1,140-meter) Chato Volcano.
The Chato Volcano has been inactive for over 3500 years, while the Arenal Volcano has been active with consistent lava flows since July 29, 1968. Hiking to the summit of the Arenal Volcano is prohibited due to its active nature (toxic gases and hot steam). However, guests can enjoy the trails around the base and through the lava fields.
Another way to reach the viewpoint and lava fields is to take the Colada Trail. This is a slightly shorter trail at 4 km (2.4 miles) and is strenuous at times but not as difficult as the Bosque Trail.
Colada translates to wash or flow, and this trail is so named because it has the best views of the 1968 flows and the volcano.
Stop by Tiquicia Restaurant for traditional Costa Rican cuisine, including delicious casados and refreshing cocktails. The casado is the most traditional Costa Rican lunch—it consists of Costa Rican white rice, red or black beans, protein, fried plantains, and usually a homemade picadillo or sauteed vegetables—all on one plate. It is delicious!
Tip: Make reservations; this is a great spot for locals and tourists.
One of the most iconic waterfalls in Costa Rica is the La Fortuna Waterfall. As a top tourist attraction, it is important to realize that this spot will be crowded. Think Instagram vs. reality crowded. Is it worth seeing? 100%.
To visit the La Fortuna Waterfall, you must pay admission, which can be secured online or in person. You will want to secure your tickets in advance during peak tourist times, as they do reach capacity.
Stop at the observation deck before descending on the waterfall hike. The view is spectacular, offering visitors a peek of its grandeur.
IMPORTANT: The hike consists of 530 steps, which you must descend to go to the falls and then ascend to come back.
Once you reach the waterfall, visitors can swim by the waterfall but can’t go behind or underneath as the current is very strong. Many guests will splash in the nearby springs before the pilgrimage up the 530 steps.
After an action-packed day, we opted for carry-out from a local soda to enjoy in our Airbnb.
If you learn anything from this blog post, please note that you will want to spread out some of these activities and give time for relaxation, especially if you are traveling with young kids. We wore ourselves out and would have easily opted for one more day in the town of La Fortuna to see everything at a more enjoyable pace.
One of the biggest highlights of our Costa Rica trip was ziplining through the rainforest. I postponed visiting Costa Rica because I wanted to ensure my daughter was old enough to zipline. Surprisingly, some tour companies allow kids as young as 3 to zipline with a guide.
Our daughter had to go with a guide on this tour because her weight was insufficient to move her across the line. However, she loved going with a guide because she didn’t have to do anything but sit back and enjoy the views.
Go Adventure Park offers various tours, including horseback riding, whitewater tubing, and zip lining. We opted for the ziplining adventure, which took roughly two hours.
Guests will check in and board a wagon to take them to the starting platform, where they will get their gear. After a quick demonstration and review of safety procedures, guests will start with the adventure of zipping eight cables with 11 different platforms. There is also an option to do a 50m high rappel where they can see the impressive Canyon of the Arenal River.
After your zipping adventure, guests are ushered into the Maleku Village at the bottom of the Arenal River. Natives will perform a 15-minute introduction to their culture, medicine, and traditions.
After your thrilling adventure, head to Selva Rustica for an incredible lunch. Fresh seafood ceviche, mouth-watering entrees, and the best passionfruit margarita I have ever had await in this tropical oasis. Seated inside the lush forest, this open-aired restaurant has a vibe all its own.
Lunch was not overcrowded, but you will need a reservation for dinner because their gorgeous open-aired restaurant gets hopping.
While some of our group noshed on a posh lunch, others opted for even more adventure with a waterfall canyoning tour. Using Pure Trek, there are options for families with kids, allowing the guides to lower them down in a safe manner.
Lunch is included in the Waterfall Canyoning Tour, but it wasn’t anything to write home about. You may want to eat before going.
Hot springs heated by the Arenal Volcano are famed for their healing properties, resulting in many hot spring resorts popping up throughout the La Fortuna area. Many hot springs offer day passes or overnight accommodations in one of their luxurious hotels.
We purchased a day pass from Baldi Hot Springs to experience the natural hot springs. The day pass is good for the entire day, allowing you to come and go as you wish.
Baldi Hot Springs offers a kid’s area with water slides, a dumping bucket, and a splash area, which ultimately swayed us to this particular hot spring resort.
Stepping into this luxury resort, guests are greeted by a swim-up bar, waterfalls, and beautiful local vegetation. The resort is enormous, with 25 different thermal water pools, a sauna, and a 60-person jacuzzi.
We spent roughly two hours here because, in all honesty, it was hot! It was pushing 100 degrees outside, and with the hot springs ranging from 98 degrees to 110 degrees, it was easy to get overheated. The kid’s area had lower temps, so we spent a reasonable amount of time there.
Step into the magical lush paradise of Fortuneno for a delicious meal. Hanging vegetation, whimsical planters and fairy lights line the popular eatery. The menu is diverse offering a burgers, fish, chicken and a variety of other dishes.
The drive from La Fortuna to Dominical Beach is 5 hours and 13 minutes. We settled into for our road trip with hopes of arriving before sunset, which did not happen. After getting stuck on a mountainside without 4WD, in the middle of the rainforest, in the rain, we decided we were done with adventure for the day.
The following day we rented a new vehicle with 4WD.
Road Trip Tips:
Waking up to the breathtaking view of Dominicalito Beach was a core memory of this vacation. The whole day we spent lounging around the pool at our Airbnb then venturing down to Dominicalito Beach. Dominicalito Beach sits along the pacific coast with dramatic cliffs and natural beauty.
One important tip is that Dominicalito Beach is often less crowded than nearby Dominical Beach.
Dominicalito Beach is free to visit, with ample parking and vendors selling refreshments and souvenirs. Surfboard and kneeboard rentals are also available.
Surfing lessons are also available at Dominical and Dominicalito Beach. They have to be arranged ahead of time.
After an afternoon exploring Dominicalito Beach, we arranged for a private chef to come to the Airbnb to create a traditional Costa Rician Easter Meal. Jose Cabalceta with Dominical Chef Services came to the house with all the ingredients for a fabulous 4- course meal.
We started with a fresh ceviche, followed by a beautiful appetizer to enjoy along with the sunset. The kids were able to create their own tortillas, then before long we sat down to a delicious meal of traditional casados with steak and chicken. We ended the evening on a sweet note with his grandmother’s rice pudding.
The cost for our group of seven was $350 for a gourmet, four-course meal. We learned a lot about the culinary scene in Costa Rica along with some fabulous local recommendations and tips.
One of coolest natural wonders in Costa Rica is found at Marino Ballena National Park. Jutting out into the Pacific Ocean is a little bit of beach known as the whale tail. This giant rock and sand formation not only has the distinct shape of a whale’s tail, but is located in the exact spot where hundreds of humpback whales congregate each year.
There are a multiple entrances into Marino Ballena National Park however we recommend the Uvita Sector. It is the main sector and the most popular sector of the national park as it is the closest to the main attraction, the Whale’s Tail.
The whale’s tail is visible at low tides, as well as coral reefs and mangroves. Visitors can even walk out to the tail. Check out the whale tail from above here!
For a unique dining experience make a reservation at the Matapalo Supper Club. First timers to a supper club goers need to be aware that there is no menu. The supper club chef makes what is fresh, local and in season. You will be told your options at the table with price points. If they don’t give a price, be sure to ask so you don’t have a surprise at the end of the night.
All of our entrees and starters were delicious and large enough to share. We each ordered an entree which was way to much. With seven people dining we got a wide range of offerings from a pot of mussels, steak cooked over an open fire, to a schnitzel the size of your face.
Keep in mind this is a dining experience, the food will not fly out of the kitchen, as there are only two people preparing it for the entire supper club. Hence, why reservations are a requirement.
The following day we had to start our trek back to Liberia to catch our flight the following morning. Drive time from Dominicalito Beach to Liberia is 5 hours. It took us most of the day to get to our hotel. We snagged pizza for a local soda then called it a night!
I was not thrilled with our hotel in Liberia therefore can’t recommend it.
Our trip came to an end after dropping off our rental car and taking the shuttle back to the airport.
Airport Lounge
There is one airport lounge in the Liberia airport, and it tends to fill up when multiple flights are scheduled to depart. Arrive early to snag a spot!
Experiencing the beauty of Costa Rica is one adventure that I recommend everyone adds to their bucket list. Our 8-day trip Costa Rica vacation wasn’t nearly long enough. While we only scratched the surface on all there is to do, be sure to check out these other popular areas in Costa while planning out your itinerary:
Be sure to save this eight-day trip for future planning!
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