Planning a five-day trip to Costa Rica, a Central American country, may be overwhelming as there’s a lot to explore and do. From Protected jungles to beautiful beaches, wondrous waterfalls, and mesmeric mountains, this country is a travelers’ paradise. There are so many places to visit that you’ll have to be selective if you don’t have at least two weeks to spend in this country. That is why; we have curated this small travel itinerary to help you plan your trip.
Costa Rica offers a ton of fun and exciting activities and places. So much so that it is hard to compress all this down into a 5-day travel itinerary. However, this detailed itinerary has compiled the best of the best. We have also mentioned some tips to help you easily plan your trip to Costa Rica. This itinerary is perfect if you’re looking for a bit of luxury and adventure, but you can always change it up to your preferences and needs. This five-day Costa Rica itinerary can assist you in getting the most out of your trip.
However, consider this a guide, not the ultimate plan. Enjoy!
5 Days Travel Itinerary for Costa Rica Vacation
The most significant part of Costa Rica’s beauty is its untouched nature, a rare and wonderful sight. Our travel itinerary does not include much exploring places like museums as you only have five days to spend in Costa Rica. This Costa Rican travel itinerary is perfect for adventurers who want to hike, climb, and maybe skydive.
So, let’s begin with the travel plan –
Day 1: Visit the Manuel Antonio Beach to Relax
After a long day of travel, we advise you not to overdo it. Enjoy your first full day in Costa Rica by visiting some of Manuel Antonio’s beautiful beaches. This family-friendly place is ideal for playing soccer on the soft sand, surfing the gentle waves, or taking a walk and enjoying the soothing environment, which is the most beautiful during sunset. You can also enjoy a snow cone, coconut water, or other popular local snacks with your family.
On the narrow strip of land that is Manuel Antonio lies Playa Manuel Antonio, a beautiful beach of fine sand where you can enjoy swimming and sunbathe for a relaxing day. It also has tide pools teeming with marine life, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. This beach is perfect for spending your first day of vacation in Costa Rica.
After a day at the beach, you might feel like enjoying the exciting nightlife. You can visit the nearby Marina Pez Vela to have a fun evening. It’s a busy place with several restaurants and a bar on every block, meaning you can spend a night hopping through the bars. It also offers delicious cocktails, lively music, and dancing, perfect to end your first day in Costa Rica on an energetic note.
Day 2: Enjoy Horseback Riding at Manuel Antonio
On your second day in Costa Rica, explore the famous Manuel Antonio Rainforest and experience its rich biodiversity up close on horseback. When visiting Manuel Antonio, do not miss experiencing the Nauyaca waterfalls. The main attraction of the ride is this breathtaking waterfall, located deep in the rainforest. It is a must-see attraction, and you don’t need a horseback riding experience to go on this tour.
Although the falls are remote, the trailhead is easily accessible. You may see different species of monkeys and exotic birds during your horseback ride. It is a 5-mile trail, having both simple and challenging sections.
Day 3: Ziplining & Canopy Tour
On the third day of your vacation in Costa Rica, you can explore the rainforest and parks from the treetops. Ziplining offers an entirely different perspective of the rainforest and allows you to see more than you could on foot. There is no better place than Costa Rica for one of these outdoor activities. Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Arenal volcano, and Arenal lake are some of the best places to enjoy ziplining and canopy tours. Adventures in the treetops will revitalize you, but some of you might feel a bit sore. So, having a gourmet dinner with your family is the best way to end your day.
Day 4: Go on a Tropical Island Retreat at Tortuga Island
On the fourth day of your adventure trip to Costa Rica, embark on an action-packed catamaran tour to the nearby island of Tortuga. There is no need to wait for the best time to visit Costa Rica to enjoy a tropical island retreat, as both the dry and rainy seasons are equally impressive.
Board the yacht at the beginning of your tour to explore the beautiful Gulf of Nicoya. You can enjoy delicious tropical fruits, soak in the sun, and enjoy your favorite cocktail on your way to the island. Once you reach the destination, spend the rest of the day at Tortuga, a private white sand island. You can enjoy a family lunch, snorkeling, banana boat rides, and live music here.
This tour is an excellent opportunity for foreign travelers to learn more about Costa Rica’s history and culture on this beautiful, protected island only accessible by boat.
Day 5: Enjoy Hiking at Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano is a popular tourist spot in northern Costa Rica. There are countless guided hiking tours around the volcano to give you the best hiking experience. With access to rainforests, waterfalls, volcanoes, the country’s largest lake, and a wide range of hotels, it’s no wonder the Arenal region has become Costa Rica’s adventure capital.
The Arenal Volcano is the region’s star as it is an excellent backdrop for your stay in Arenal town. This massive volcano is inactive, but nature lovers enjoy hiking at its base. Although it’s impossible to hike to the volcano top, a half-day guided hike is a great way to explore this gorgeous natural wonder. You can also book a Heli tour to enjoy the spectacular view of the Arenal volcano.
Note: Choose Your Stay Beforehand
Since you only have five days in Costa Rica, we recommend finding a safe, secure, and comfortable stay in Costa Rica. If you are traveling with 5 to 7 people and are looking for luxurious, safe, well-kept, and private accommodation, Villa Firenze is a perfect choice. While this luxury Villa in Costa Rica is a spectacular property, its infrastructure and amenities make it a truly exceptional place for a vacation. Costa Rica has so many hidden gems that even a month here is not enough to explore its beauty thoroughly. You can also consider extending your stay by just a few more days to explore more of the beautiful nature, wildlife, and adventure that Costa Rica has to offer. However, this small itinerary is perfect if you have only five days to spend in the country.
