5 days in Costa Rica: Top 4 Itinerary Recommendations
5 days in Costa Rica may not seem like much, but it is enough time to explore the top highlights of this small country best known for its national parks, wildlife, and beaches. For luxury travelers looking to experience the best of Central America in a few days, a 5-day trip to Costa Rica is the perfect option. This short itinerary concentrates on specific activities and destinations. For instance, they can visit Carara National Park to spot macaws and Tortuguero National Park to spot sea turtles, sightsee the landmarks in San Jose, or relax on the pristine beaches of the Caribbean and Pacific coast. This article presents you with four unique expert-recommended itineraries of around 5 days from which you can choose or draw inspiration for an epic time holiday in Costa Rica.
- Sanjay Sola
- From USA
1. Drive to Tortuguero National Park: 3 Days in Costa Rica
| Day 1 | Start at San Jose and embark on a sightseeing tour leading to Tortuguero National Park |
| Day 2 | Explore the flora and fauna of Tortuguero National Park on a walking tour led by a naturalist guide |
| Day 3 | Transfer back to San Jose |
This 3-day Costa Rica tour package offers an immersive glimpse into the verdant Tortuguero National Park, a renowned ecotourism destination in the country. Begin in San Jose, where you'll embark on a scenic drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park, stopping to explore a lush banana plantation along the way. Upon reaching the park, switch to a boat for the final leg of the journey, entering the pristine waterways of Tortuguero. Spend two days in Tortuguero National Park, discovering the park's diverse flora and fauna. Guided boat and walking tours provide ample opportunities to observe this tropical wonderland and its inhabitants up close. On the final day, return to San Jose, carrying memories of Costa Rica's natural splendor. See all 3-day tours in Costa Rica.
2. National Park and Beaches of Osa Peninsula: 4 Days in Costa Rica
| Day 1 | Transfer to Sierpe from San Jose |
| Day 2 | Enjoy a guided tour of Corcovado National Park |
| Day 3 | Boat tour to Cano Island |
| Day 4 | Bid goodbye to Corcovado National Park |
If you want to experience the beaches and rainforest in Costa Rica, this 4-day itinerary takes you to the remote region of Osa Peninsula. Start your journey with a transfer from San Jose to the riverside town of Sierpe, the gateway to this remarkable region. On Day 2, embark on a guided tour of Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Hike through the lush rainforest, keeping an eye out for sloths, howler monkeys, and the elusive jaguar. Spot colorful macaws, toucans, and the famous scarlet macaw as they soar overhead. Venture out to Cano Island on Day 3 for snorkeling and exploration. Swim alongside sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, and schools of tropical fish in the island's crystal-clear waters. On your final day, soak up the sun on a picturesque beach, such as Playa Sombrero and Playa Colibri, before returning to San Jose. See all 4-day tours in Costa Rica.
3. Adventure-packed Highlights of Costa Rica: 5 Days in Costa Rica
| Day 1 | Start your trip in San Jose, exploring iconic landmarks such as the Central Market |
| Day 2 | Catamaran tour to Tortuga Island |
| Day 3 | Enjoy the hot springs around Arenal Volcano National Park |
| Day 4 | Raft and zipline your way around Arenal Volcano National Park |
| Day 5 | Return to San Jose |
If you are visiting Costa Rica for the first time but do not have weeks to spend in the country, this 5-day adventure Costa Rica trip itinerary is for you. Arrive in the vibrant capital of San Jose and immerse yourself in the city's rich culture, exploring iconic landmarks like the Central Market and National Theatre. Next, journey to the Pacific Coast and board a luxury catamaran for a day trip to the stunning Tortuga Island, where you can swim, snorkel, and bask in the beauty of the white-sand beaches and crystalline waters. You will then head inland to the Arenal Volcano region and relax in the natural hot springs that dot the landscape. Soak in the soothing, mineral-rich waters as you gaze up at the majestic volcano. Continue your adventure in Arenal Volcano National Park, soaring through the treetops on a thrilling zipline course and navigating the Class II-III rapids of the Sarapiqui River on an adrenaline-fueled rafting excursion. After your action-packed adventure, return to San Jose, completing this 5-day journey. See all 5-day tours in Costa Rica.
4. Combined Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest Tour: 5 days in Costa Rica
| Day 1 | Arrival and free time in San Jose |
| Day 2 | Guided hike to Arenal Volcano National Park followed by a relaxing hot spring bath |
| Day 3 | Travel the Arenal Lake to reach and explore Monteverde Cloud Forest |
| Day 4 | Hike in Monteverde to spot wildlife such as quetzal, trogon, and bell-bird |
| Day 5 | Departure in San Jose |
If you want to spend 5 days in Costa Rica exploring its volcanic formations and staggering biodiversity. Fly down to San Jose, then head north to the Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Hike through the lush Arenal Volcano National Park, watching for wildlife as you get up close to the volcano. Relax in the natural hot springs before crossing beautiful Lake Arenal to reach the Monteverde Cloud Forest. This unique ecosystem is home to a mind-boggling array of plant and animal species — over 100 mammal, 400 bird, and 1,200 insect species have been identified here. Hike the 12-km trail through the cloud forest, with the chance to spot the iconic quetzal, trogon, and bellbird.
There’s no place quite like Costa Rica, and even with just 5 days, it is possible to get a perfect introduction to all this beautiful country has to offer. Whether you choose to focus on the rainforests and wildlife, the beaches and islands, or the adventure activities, these 5-day itineraries provide an excellent starting point to plan a trip to Costa Rica.
Want to build your 5-day Costa Rica vacation package from scratch? Contact one of our travel experts by filling out our customized Costa Rica trip form.
Relevant articles:
How many days to spend in Costa Rica
7 days in Costa Rica
10 days in Costa Rica
2 weeks in Costa Rica
