8-day itinerary
Whether you’re booking your trip independently or through a travel advisor, here are helpful ideas of what you may like to see and do to enjoy the incredible nature in Costa Rica.
day 1
arrive in san josé
Touch down at Juan Santamaría Airport. Then travel to either Poás Volcano or Irazú Volcano.
arrival at juan santamaria airport
checking in and relaxing
day 2
poás volcano or irazú volcano
Poás Volcano boasts one of the largest craters in Central America. Make your reservation in advance. When you arrive, you’ll watch a safety video and then take a short scenic walk to the crater.
Breathe in the fresh air at Costa Rica’s highest volcano. At 3,432 meters above sea level, the vistas are incredible. On a clear day, you can even see both coasts. Irazú has five craters, and the largest and most visited crater contains a stunning iridescent green lake.
poás volcano
volcán irazú national park
days 3–4
savegre river
Next explore beautiful forests, spot quetzales, discover waterfalls and immerse yourself in the lush setting. The Savegre River starts in the Cerro de la Muerte and runs through San Gerardo de Dota, Pérez Zeledón and Quepos. The heights of San José province boast a variety of accommodation options, as well as whitewater rafting, trout fishing, hiking and suspension bridges. Los Quezales National Park is a recommended stop when you’re in this area. If you follow the river’s path to its mouth, you should go to Quepos in Puntarenas and explore Manuel Antonio National Park.
explore the savegre river
whitewater rafting
fishing in the river
los quetzales national park
days 5–6
tortuguero national park
Visitors can only reach Tortuguero by plane or by boat. Book a two-day expedition through the canals to take in the impressive biodiversity. Incredible species you may see here include green sea turtles, green frogs, caymans, darters and jacanas. Take a hike through the jungle, paddle your own kayak or ride on a motorized boat through the waters. In town, sit down for a delicious local meal.
canal expedition
jungle hike
kayaking adventure
enjoy a local meal
day 7
sarapiquí river
Go whitewater rafting along the Rio Sarapiquí or take a night tour of the Sarapiquí Rainforest. If you’re looking for even more adrenaline, you can go ziplining, kayaking, rappelling and horseback riding in this unique setting. This area is also a hotbed for nature research and birdwatching.
whitewater rafting
zip lining
kayaking on the rio sarapiquí
rappelling in sarapiquí
night tour of sarapiqui rainforest
nature research and birdwatching
day 8
departure from Juan Santamaría Airport
Head back to San José to catch your departing flight and start planning your next trip to Costa Rica.
departure
