Costa Rica in 5 Days: 3 Recommended 5-day Itineraries to Costa Rica

This article presents you with three unique 5-day Costa Rica itinerary ideas from which you can choose or draw inspiration for an epic time holiday in the country.

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. See all 5-day Costa Rica vacation packages.

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. See all Costa Rica tours.

This 5-day Costa Rica itinerary plan offers a perfect blend of Caribbean culture, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. Begin your journey by heading straight to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean coast. Spend your first full day exploring the town's Afro-Caribbean culture, relaxing on beautiful beaches like Playa Cocles or Punta Uva, and perhaps trying some local cuisine. On the third day of your trip, visit nearby Cahuita National Park, where you can snorkel in coral reefs teeming with marine life and hike through coastal rainforest trails. The next day, travel inland to Braulio Carrillo National Park for a unique aerial tram tour through the rainforest canopy, offering breathtaking views and the chance to spot diverse wildlife. Conclude your trip with a return to San Jose for your departure, having experienced both the Caribbean charm and the inland rainforest wonders of Costa Rica. See all Costa Rica adventure tours.

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 Costa Rica itineraries provide an excellent starting point. Want to see more options? Check out our 5-day Costa Rica vacation packages. Alternatively, you can contact one of our travel experts for a customized Costa Rica trip. For more information, go through our Costa Rica travel guide.

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