Planning a 5 day Costa Rica itinerary but not sure which route to plan? Or if it is enough time to enjoy the beautiful country?
Then you’re in the right place!
Costa Rica is famous for its beautiful nature, surf towns, awesome landscape, and of course, its Pura Vida (happy) lifestyle. And if you’re lucky enough to be traveling there, this guide shares which destinations to visit to make the most of your Costa Rica 5 day vacation.
Following several trips to Costa Rica, I have put together a 5 day Costa Rica itinerary that focuses primarily on nature as well as some outdoor adventure activities to get your adrenaline pumping.
This 5 day trip is based on a faster style of travel to help you experience a lot in a short amount of time. If you prefer to take your time and enjoy destinations more thoroughly, I recommend a longer itinerary.
Keep reading to learn where to go and what to do when visiting Costa Rica as well as important travel logistics, safety tips, and expected costs.
Short on time? My top recommendations for your 5 day Costa Rica itinerary include:
Airport Transfer: Click here to book
Transportation: Use shuttle buses or rent a car through DiscoverCars
Tours: Viator & GetYourGuide
Recommended Excursions:
–Bites & Sights Food Tour (San Jose)
–Waterfall Rappelling, Ziplining, Pool Jumping & Hiking with Lunch (La Fortuna)
–Evening Cloud Forest Walk (Monteverde)
Travel Insurance: SafetyWing (budget-friendly) & World Nomads (robust)
Staying Connected: Airalo eSIM
Free Resources For Your Costa Rica Itinerary
But first, before we go over how to spend 5 perfect days in Costa Rica, I invite you to grab Jessie’s free Ultimate Travel Planning Kit — which includes 40+ travel resources — from printables to quizzes to itineraries — all meant to help you explore the world beyond the guidebook!
Some highlights of the kit include:
- Free “Where Should You Travel Next?” personality quiz
- Travel budget calculators to help you save money
- Pre-plotted Google Maps for 45+ destinations (including Costa Rica!)
- Printable travel journal with writing prompts
- Packing lists for different types of trips
- And more!
Once you’ve grabbed your copy, keep reading for tips on planning the best 5 day Costa Rica itinerary.
Where Is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is located on the Central American Isthmus and borders Nicaragua to its north and Panama to its south. As with its neighboring countries, Costa Rica has both a Pacific and Caribbean coastline—both of which offer unique beach vibes.
Getting To Costa Rica
As Central America is a popular backpacking route, many tourists visiting Costa Rica will do so via land. International bus routes bring travelers down from Nicaragua crossing the Peñas Blancas border crossing on the Pan-American Highway in Costa Rica.
If visitors are heading northwards from South America through Panama, the most popular crossing point is Paso Canoas, which is also on the Pan-American highway.
Costa Rica is also located relatively close to the USA, which makes it a popular destination for Americans. Flights from the USA take between 3-7 hours, depending on which part of the country tourists are flying from.
The USA is also the main connection zone to Costa Rica from global destinations.
Getting Around Costa Rica
Despite Costa Rica being a relatively small country, its geographical landscape and frequent poor road infrastructure means getting from place to place can take longer than you would expect.
Because of this, there isn’t really a budget-friendly way of traveling Costa Rica on a shorter trip.
On a 5 day Costa Rica tour, you will want to be as efficient as possible when traveling between the different destinations. Therefore, a rental car or shuttle bus are the most viable options.
Shuttle buses are very popular, so the setup is very professional and punctual, but it does come at a cost. Most journeys using a shuttle bus will cost around $50 per person, and some journeys can take upwards of 4 hours, depending on the exact route.
If you are traveling in a group, a car rental will be more cost-effective and offer more freedom for your 5 days in Costa Rica.
For this, check out Discover Cars to quickly compare all of the different rental options. You can save up to 70% using their tool!
Uber operates in San Jose and La Fortuna; however, it is not yet available in Monteverde. This makes for a great option when traveling to the nearby landmarks if you don’t go on an official tour.
Best Time To Visit Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a tropical climate, so you will experience warm temperatures and high humidity all year round.
Unquestionably, Costa Rica can be enjoyed at any time; but, most tourists head to the Land of Pura Vida between December and April to enjoy the abundance of outdoor activities free from rain.
The months of November and May can offer you the best of both worlds, as the prices and crowds are considerably lower; however, visiting in these months presents the risk of your itinerary having to be altered last minute as there is still a chance of rain.
Is Costa Rica Safe?
The safe reputation of Costa Rica makes it a popular choice in Central America. The growing tourism in Costa Rica means there are more restaurants, accommodations, and people around, even at night.
According to the US Department of State, petty theft is the most common safety concern in tourist spots.
To stay safe while traveling through Costa Rica, exercise general precautions like:
- If you are unsure about walking at night, take an Uber or taxi.
- Ignore anyone who may approach you on the street asking for money or offering you help.
- Purchase bus tickets from the official ticket inspector in the station or the driver, as there are known scammers who operate outside of the San Jose bus station.
- Only use official shuttles, rental cars, or public buses to move between cities. Don’t accept random rides from strangers.
- Keep your belongings on you at all times, even when at the beach and in restaurants. You can also wear pickpocket-proof clothing and use hidden-pocket beach towels to avoid pickpockets.
Tourists are most likely to avoid any major safety issues in La Fortuna or Monteverde; however, the larger capital city of San Jose has a reputation for some higher crime areas, so be vigilant if walking alone.
Is 5 days In Costa Rica Long Enough?
Although you will have a wonderful time exploring Costa Rica for 5 days, it is not enough time if you want to enjoy both the beaches and the rainforests.
You will enjoy plenty of Costa Rica attractions in 5 days, but you will likely be left wanting more. That being said, with a good Costa Rica itinerary like the one outlined in the next section, you can still visit several popular tourist spots in a short time.
5 Days in Costa Rica Travel Map
Curious what to do in Costa Rica for 5 days? This map features all of the destinations and attractions mentioned below pre-plotted:
Click here for an interactive version of the Costa Rica travel map.
5 day Costa Rica Itinerary: Quick Overview
Before we go over the full Costa Rica itinerary in-depth, here is a quick overview:
- 1 day in San Jose
- 2 days in La Fortuna
- 2 days in Monteverde
5 Day Costa Rica Itinerary: Breakdown
Costa Rica is abundant with natural beauty and geographical surprises, and the whole country could fill a travel itinerary for 3-6 months.
To make the most of a 5 day vacation to Costa Rica, you will need to adopt a faster style of travel and accept that some time of your trip will be spent traveling from place to place.
That being said, the rewards on your 5 day Costa Rica itinerary will be truly unique, and offer you some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world.
Day 1: Explore San Jose
Where to stay in San Jose
Escazu is a popular spot in the Costa Rican capital for international tourists, as it is close to shopping malls and restaurants and feels much more Americanized than the rest of the city.
You will find some global hotel brands in this area also, which offer a calm and relaxing break from the Costa Rican heat and humidity.
Click here for some highly rated hotels in the Escazu area of the capital or check out this accommodation map:
Morning: Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culinary culture
A great way to start your day in the capital is to sample the national dish of Costa Rica, gallo pinto, a filling dish featuring beans, rice, and vegetables with an egg served on top.
Antojeria Burro Loco is a central option offering large portions for a low price, and the service is impeccable.
This local option is a “soda restaurant”—a type of restaurant located throughout Costa Rica and known for offering a relaxed atmosphere, cost-effective food, and a taste of the country’s culinary culture. You will usually find them to have modest decor, simple menus, and service with a smile!
Once you’re done eating, continue exploring local Costa Rican cuisine at the local markets in downtown San Jose—an easily navigable part of the capital with many pedestrianized places.
You will notice very little English is spoken in this non-touristy area, which makes for a more authentic experience.
Afternoon: Explore iconic & quirky attractions
Walking tours are popular in San Jose and daily free tours run from 9am until around 12pm daily, with the meeting point usually outside the National Theatre of Costa Rica.
There are also a wide array of premium San Jose walking tours. If you’re a foodie, a San Jose Bites & Sights Food Tour is a must, as it includes everything from seasonal fruits to tamales. You’ll even get the chance to make your own tortillas!
San Jose can also be enjoyed independently to offer more flexibility for your day exploring the capital.
One highlight in downtown San Jose is the Los Presentes statues outside of the Central Bank. These monuments were built in dedication to the workers of Costa Rica who are in danger of disappearing as modernization sweeps the Central American country.
The Gold Museum is another important attraction that showcases the importance of gold in Costa Rica before it was colonized by Europeans.
Historically, gold has held deep symbolic meaning for the Indigenous cultures across the nation. In the museum, you’ll find a large collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts.
There is also a thriving street art scene in San Jose, especially the pedestrian-friendly City of Color Murals area where street artists have permission to express themselves in a public space.
Evening: Enjoy dinner & drinks in Escalante
If you enjoy a trendy vibe, head to the Escalante area of San Jose for your evening out.
Here there are cocktail bars, themed pubs, and rooftop terraces—with my personal favorite being the Costa Rica Beer Factory, which serves up cocktails, craft ales, and a large variety of food options from pizza to burgers to Mexican food.
Best of all, there are daily promotions like 2-for-1 food and drinks, depending on which night you visit.
Within a 5-minute walk of the Beer Factory, you’ll also find numerous wineries and pubs.
Day 2: Travel To La Fortuna
Where to stay in La Fortuna
Staying close to La Fortuna’s center will mean you are within walking distance of the popular bars, restaurants, and parks. You will also be in a good spot for tour, taxi, and Uber pick-ups.
Click here for a full list of central La Fortuna accommodations or check out this accommodation map:
Morning: Take the early morning shuttle to La Fortuna
La Fortuna is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from the capital and takes around 3 hours in a car, or slightly longer in a shuttle bus.
You will have more flexibility with a car rental; however, the landscape of Costa Rica makes driving intimidating for some international tourists. Big hills and weaving roads that often get blocked by wildlife can slow you down.
If you prefer to relax and take a shuttle, there is a daily bus leaving at 8:15am that costs $54 per person.
Afternoon: Have a La Fortuna adventure
There is so much to do in La Fortuna! The beautiful jungle town can be explored from many different perspectives, all of which will be amazing. A few ideas include:
White water rafting- Zip lining over jungle & waterfalls
- Horseback riding to waterfalls & volcanos
- ATVing around Arenal Volcano
- Hiking around Arenal Volcano
- Waterfall canyoning & rappelling
- Visiting a sloth park
Short on time? To make the most of your limited time, you can also opt for a combo tour, like a La Fortuna Waterfall Rappelling, Ziplining, Pool Jumping & Hiking with Lunch Tour or this La Fortuna Combo Tour that can be personalized.
Afternoon: Relax at La Fortuna’s swimming holes & hot springs
If you’d prefer to relax today and save the active adventures for tomorrow, another activity I highly recommend adding to your 5 day Costa Rica itinerary is visiting El Salto swimming hole.
This fun and free activity is located on the outskirts of La Fortuna and is popular with those wanting to cool down in the afternoon heat and humidity.
Under the bridge crossing the Fortuna River, there are some small waterfalls, a large swimming pool, and a Tarzan rope swing—the latter of which was the true highlight of my visit!
When I went, I packed some beers and enjoyed cliff jumping, swimming, and sunbathing. You can also buy cheap street food here.
Arenal Volcano’s close proximity to La Fortuna not only means you’ll enjoy awesome views from every corner of this jungle town, but also that you’ll have numerous options for visiting hot springs resulting from the volcano’s geothermal activity.
First of all, there are resort-style venues like the popular Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa that charge a fee but give you access to onsite restaurants, changing rooms, spas, and pools.
Alternatively, you can visit the free natural thermal springs on the outskirts of La Fortuna, which allow you to explore off the beaten track. Visiting at sunset is awesome, with fireflies and bats flying about and people taking candles to light while chilling in the water.
Evening: Eat at a themed restaurant
Hungry? New restaurants are constantly popping up in the center of La Fortuna, so business owners have had to be more creative to grab customers’ attention.
One way they’ve done this is by opening over-the-top themed restaurants like:
1. Rain Forest Café & Restaurant. This La Fortuna restaurant was recommended by one of my tour guides, who mentioned it was his favorite dinner spot.
Here you’ll find more of a local vibe that is similar to local soda restaurants in terms of costs, but a higher level of service.
The outdoor seating offers a lovely ambience and the restaurant is also open all day so you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner here.
2. Volcano Steak House. The extraordinary decor of this restaurant is matched by its steaks, with a vast array of other options also available. A step outside reveals the real deal also, with Arenal Volcano looking over the whole town.
One of the main selling points for Volcano Steak House is that it is affordable for food and drinks— especially at happy hour when it is 2-for-1 drinks until 9pm.
Day 3: Explore La Fortuna
Morning: Visit Mistico Hanging Bridges Park
The biodiversity in Costa Rica is mind-blowing, with the nation accounting for around 6% of all global species.
A morning visit to Mistico Hanging Bridges Park is the best way to observe life in the Costa Rican rainforest while also taking in superb views of Arenal Volcano.
In total, there are 15 bridges ranging from ground level to hanging bridges high above the forest. The 3.2-kilometer (2-mile) trail offers visitors different perspectives of the ecosystems in play—along with revealing secrets of the forest.
A tour guide is strongly recommended, as the knowledgeable locals are experts at spotting wildlife and supply a telescope and binoculars to get a closer look. While there are many options, this Mistico Hanging Bridges Park tour is highly rated.
Afternoon: Enjoy La Fortuna Waterfall
There are many beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica; however, visitors are not allowed to swim at most of them.
Luckily, you can swim at La Fortuna Waterfall, which is also stunning. Note that the water can be choppy due to the strength of the waterfall, so this beautiful experience can be somewhat challenging.
Additionally, there are 500 steps between the entrance and the waterfall. These steps are clearly signposted, and although steep in some areas, there are wide walkways and resting places on the way down to help make it more accessible.
From a practical perspective, it costs $20 to enter and the waterfall entrance is located 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the center of La Fortuna. I recommend booking an Uber both ways, as it is reasonably priced.
Evening: Enjoy some La Fortuna nightlife
After a very active and rewarding day, you’ll likely want to chill out after dark. If having a few drinks is your way of winding down, I suggest heading to Charlie’s Bar at the edge of town for an authentic Hispanic club experience.
Other spots in the center of La Fortuna that are popular for a cocktail or two include:
- La Fortuna Pub, which also has karaoke & table games
- Beerland for tapas & craft beers
- Alitas Sportbar, an American-style sports bar
Day 4: Travel To Monteverde
Where to stay in Monteverde
Santa Elena is a good place for first-time visitors to Monteverde, especially as this area is very close to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the main attraction. It is also lively in the evening with bars, restaurants, and plenty of accommodation options to choose from.
Click here for some awesome Santa Elana accommodation options or check out this accommodation map:
Morning: Take the early shuttle to Monteverde
There are 115 kilometers (72 miles) between La Fortuna and Monteverde, and it takes around 3 hours in a car and slightly longer in a shuttle bus.
Because of this, it’s recommended to leave as early as possible. If you opt for a shuttle service, it leaves La Fortuna at around 8am and costs $35 per person.
Afternoon: Take a coffee, chocolate & sugar cane tour
After lunch in Santa Elena—I recommend the delicious Restaurante Sabor Tico—you can spend your afternoon with an educational hands-on excursion focused on Costa Rica’s biggest exports.
A 2-hour Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Tour showcases the whole production process of the different delicacies, starting from when they are first picked until when they leave Costa Rica, heading to the global markets.
Visitors get involved using traditional Tico (Costa Rican) methods of making coffee and chocolate, along with having the opportunity to taste fresh cacao fruit. Yum!
Evening: Walk through the Monteverde Cloud Forest
One of the best things to do in Monteverde at night is an evening walk through the cloud forest to see more of Costa Rica’s biodiversity up close.
Within the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, you’ll see different animals and insects at night vs during the day, and the forest really comes alive after dark.
Additionally, the local tour guides are experts and very knowledgeable about the ecosystems of the forest, so you will learn a lot as you navigate the hike.
As with the hanging bridges tour in La Fortuna, a tour guide will make your travel experience very special.
Day 5: Explore Monteverde
Morning: Zipline over the Monteverde Cloud Forest
Following your night tour, it’s time for another trip into nature; but this time, it is a more adventurous one: a ziplining tour over the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Ziplining is the highlight of the tour, however, visitors also have the opportunity to climb up and rappel down giant trees. You’ll also likely see howler monkeys as well as some of the best views of your trip!
The whole tour is guided by workers who ensure that all of the activities are enjoyed safely.
Observing life in the Costa Rican forest from high up in the canopy is unique and showcases the true scale of nature in Monteverde. It feels like it goes on forever!
Afternoon: Head back to San Jose
After 5 beautiful days in Costa Rica, it’s time to head back to the capital to start your journey home.
If you’ve rented a car you will have more flexibility in choosing when you leave Monteverde. It takes around 4 hours to complete the 192-kilometer (119-mile) journey.
Alternatively, the daily shuttle service leaves at 2pm and costs $57 per person.
Tips For Spending 5 Day In Costa Rica
Now that we’ve gone over where to go in Costa Rica, let’s consider a few important tips to help you plan an unforgettable 5 day vacation:
1. Use a local tour guide. When it comes to the rainforests in Costa Rica, the locals know them inside and out, so you will see more wildlife while learning important facts about the biodiversity and landscape.
In La Fortuna and Monteverde, the local tour guides also supply telescopes, binoculars, and umbrellas if needed to make sure you have a special experience.
This level of detail is the difference between an enjoyable activity and an unforgettable one.
2. Carry an eco-friendly reusable water bottle. You will learn pretty quickly when visiting Costa Rica attractions that sustainability is very important to the locals.
Plastic is not allowed in the national parks other than one plastic bottle; however, most popular spots include a moderate amount of hiking.
Therefore, a reusable larger bottle will make your experience more enjoyable. You will also be minimizing the use of plastic in the biodiversity areas and doing your part to help the planet.
To save space, I’m a big fan of these collapsible bottles as well as these larger 2-liter water pouches.
3. Expect delays. Be prepared to lose an hour or two of your itinerary due to delays in traveling between the different destinations in Costa Rica.
The roads can get very busy with traffic due to the steep hills, potholes, and wildlife entering the roads. For instance, on my last visit, it took an hour to simply exit the capital on the way to La Fortuna due to traffic jams.
Drivers aren’t in a hurry either, so lowering your expectations for journeys will make your trip a happier one.
Cost Of A 5-Day Trip To Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a pretty expensive country as tourism continues to grow annually. Here is a breakdown of expected costs for a 5 day Costa Rica vacation in USD, not including flights:
Food. Food can vary depending on your preferences and budget. If you dine at local soda restaurants, you are looking at around $25 per person, per day, whereas international restaurants will be closer to $40 per person, per day.
Transportation. Basic rental cars cost around $15 per day, but hidden insurance costs and gas will add up to a similar overall cost to the shuttle bus services, which comes to about $150 for this 5 day itinerary.
Remember, you can use Discover Cars to compare your different rental options and save up to 70%.
Activities. Activities and tours are surprisingly expensive in Costa Rica, so you should budget around $60 per person, per day.
Accommodation. On average, mid-range accommodation is around $60 per room, per night.
You can use this accommodation map to find hotels and vacation rentals in your budget. It’s currently set to Escazu in San Jose, but you can easily change it to your preferred destination:
Total. For a 5 day Costa Rica trip, your total cost should be around $800-$1,000 USD per person. This includes mid-range hotels split between 2 people, a mixture of soda and international restaurants, shuttle transportation, and an action-packed itinerary.
If you’re traveling solo in Costa Rica, you can use this solo travel budget calculator to help you save money.
You can enjoy Costa Rica for much cheaper; however, it may not be as efficient, comfortable, or fun for a shorter trip.
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
When visiting Costa Rica—or anywhere else in the world—it’s wise to get travel insurance.
For this, I have two recommendations:
SafetyWing. If you’re looking for something straightforward and budget-friendly, you can’t beat SafetyWing. They offer one global policy that you can cancel at any time or continue paying for long-term coverage (making it the perfect option for digital nomads!).
Their plan includes medical coverage, trip interruptions, personal liability, unplanned overnight stays, lost luggage, and more.
World Nomads. For something more comprehensive, World Nomads is a great option. While you’ll pay a bit more, you’ll typically get higher coverage maximums as well as additional inclusions—like trip cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Costa Rica
Now that we’ve gone over how to spend 5 days in Costa Rica, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions about travel in the Land of Pura Vida:
Q) Do you need a car in Costa Rica?
Traveling around Costa Rica in a car will make your trip more enjoyable; however, car rentals—especially when you factor in gas and insurance—can get expensive. Therefore, it’s only recommended if you have a large budget or are traveling in a group and can share expenses.
Q) Is Costa Rica inexpensive to visit?
In general, Costa Rica is considered expensive relative to its neighboring countries. Luckily, with some planning, self-cooking, and free activities added to your itinerary, you can make it more reasonable.
Q) Where is the best place to go in Costa Rica for the first time?
La Fortuna is the number one destination for first-timers visiting Costa Rica. Its mix of rainforests, waterfalls, and the Arenal Volcano makes it the perfect spot for outdoor activities. The town center is also very lively and abundant with local and international dining options.
Q) What is the cheapest month to go to Costa Rica?
Visit Costa Rica in October if you’re looking for a bargain. During this time, the drop in crowds means that prices for tours and accommodation are lower. If you don’t mind some rain, it’s also a great month to secure a spot in a rainforest lodge or beachfront house at a reasonable rate.
Q) What month is hurricane season in Costa Rica?
Hurricanes are very rare in Costa Rica; however, heavy rain can occur in the rainy season months of September and October, which can make them the worst months to visit the country for outdoor enthusiasts.
Costa Rica 5 Day Itinerary: Final Thoughts
Beautiful nature, smiling locals, and a strong focus on sustainability; what’s not to love about Costa Rica?
With some meticulous planning and an open mind, you will fit the perfect combination of natural beauty, city life, and relaxation into your ultimate Costa Rican vacation.
Make sure to research the popular spots in Costa Rica before you visit so you can tailor this 5 day itinerary around what you enjoy.
You will be pleased to spend some time traveling between the different locations to recharge after some very active, but rewarding days.
Bonus Costa Rica resources:
- Rafting & Visiting An Organic Farm In La Fortuna
- Coffee & Cloud Forests In Magnificent Monteverde
- 20 Best Beach Destinations For Solo Female Travelers (including Costa Rica!)
