Trip Planning
Volcano to beach in five days
Costa Rica rewards fewer stops, not more. This plan pairs two nights in Arenal with slow days on the Nicoya coast — rainforest first, ocean last.
Visit December to April for the dry season, or May to November for greener, quieter, cheaper days with afternoon rain.
Day 1
Arrive & La Fortuna
Fly into Liberia (LIR) or San José (SJO); the drive to La Fortuna is roughly three hours from either.
Check in to a lodge with a view of the Arenal cone.
Soak in the thermal hot springs — the best way to shake off a travel day.
Day 2
Arenal
Hike the lava-field trails of Arenal Volcano National Park while it is cool and clear.
Lunch at a local soda: a casado with fresh juice.
Walk the hanging bridges through the rainforest canopy.
A guided night walk for frogs, sloths and the forest after dark.
Day 3
La Fortuna to the Coast
Swim beneath La Fortuna Waterfall before the crowds.
Drive west toward the Nicoya Peninsula (about four hours) — a private shuttle lets you nap.
Check in to a boutique hotel in Nosara or Santa Teresa.
Sunset on the beach and fresh ceviche.
Day 4
Nicoya Slow Day
A beginner surf lesson or an ocean-view yoga class.
Long lunch in town, then a nap — this is a Blue Zone, after all.
Explore tide pools or ride a bike along the coast road.
Dinner under the palms.
Day 5
Last Morning
One more swim or sunrise surf.
Head back to Liberia for your flight home.
Extend with a few nights in Monteverde’s cloud forest, or fly on to Cartagena.
Keep Reading
More Costa Rica on Jet Set
Arenal Volcano National Park guide · The Nicoya Peninsula · Hot springs & wellness · Jungle wellness adventures
Where to stay: compare Costa Rica hotels · Worth booking: Arenal and Nicoya tours · Next stop: Cartagena
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