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Official Curated 5-Day / 4-Night Guide

Costa Rica

Pura Vida, Arenal Volcano Thermal Springs, Cloud Forests & Sloths

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3 Focus Cities San José, Arenal (La Fortuna), Manuel Antonio
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Trip Inclusions Excursions Only (No Hotel/Flights)
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4 Travel Styles Adventure • Heritage • Family With Kids • Age 65+
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Duration 5 Days / 4 Nights Per Route
3 Distinct City Routes

3 Curated 5-Day / 4-Night Routes in Costa Rica

Select any route below to view its 5-day daily itinerary tailored for Adventurous, Sightseeing, Family With Kids, and Age 65+ travelers.

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San José Route 1 • 5D / 4N

Route 1: San José (5 Days / 4 Nights)

🏨 5-Star Hotel: Gran Hotel Costa Rica Curio Collection by Hilton
Package Price $3,255
Select Route 1 ↓
Arenal (La Fortuna) Route 2 • 5D / 4N

Route 2: Arenal (La Fortuna) (5 Days / 4 Nights)

🏨 5-Star Hotel: Nayara Gardens Relais & Châteaux Arenal
Package Price $5,095
Select Route 2 ↓
Manuel Antonio Route 3 • 5D / 4N

Route 3: Manuel Antonio (5 Days / 4 Nights)

🏨 5-Star Hotel: Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
Package Price $4,535
Select Route 3 ↓
🗺️ Select Route:
✨ Travel Style:
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Trip Inclusions Notice: All curated itineraries include guided daily excursions, entrance admissions, and private specialist tours only. Trips do not include flight or hotel accommodation.
Interactive Daily Schedules

5-Day Curated Excursion Itineraries for Costa Rica

Select your route and preferred travel style above to display tailored daily activities and authentic excursions. Please note: trips include daily excursions only and do not include flight or hotel accommodation.

Active Custom Package

Route 1: San José (5 Days / 4 Nights) • 🧗 Adventurous Itinerary

Focus City: San José • 5 Days of Indicated Excursions & Activities (Flights & Hotel Accommodation Not Included)

Package Price
$3,255

📅 Day 1: San José Arrival & Citadels — National Theatre of Costa Rica Neo Classical Gold & Panoramic Horizons

6 Daily Excursions
San José High-Ridge Trail: Panoramic Summit Ascent & Scenic Lookouts
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 1
San José High-Ridge Trail: Panoramic Summit Ascent & Scenic Lookouts

An energetic morning climb along the scenic mountain ridges overlooking San José. Tackle rocky elevation trails, scramble to panoramic vantage points, and take in unhindered panoramic horizons with an expert mountain docent.

Excursion Length ⏱ 3.5 Hours
San José Backcountry Gorge & Wilderness Scramble Expedition
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 2
San José Backcountry Gorge & Wilderness Scramble Expedition

Venture off the beaten path into the rugged gorges, rocky canyons, and backcountry terrain bordering San José. Experience wild geological formations, steep elevation gains, and untamed nature.

Excursion Length ⏱ 2.5 Hours
San José Twilight Ridge Trek: Sunset Summit & Flame-Grilled Mountain Feast
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 3
San José Twilight Ridge Trek: Sunset Summit & Flame-Grilled Mountain Feast

Active twilight hike to an elevated sunset bluff overlooking San José, followed by an authentic dinner featuring regional flame-grilled specialties and rustic outdoor hospitality.

Excursion Length ⏱ 4 Hours
San José Forest Canopy Traverse & Suspension Bridge Trek
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 4
San José Forest Canopy Traverse & Suspension Bridge Trek

Hike along elevated canopy walkways suspended over lush forest basins, crossing swaying suspension bridges with certified wilderness specialists.

Excursion Length ⏱ 2 Hours
San José Sunset Rock Scramble & Stargazing Preparation
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 5
San José Sunset Rock Scramble & Stargazing Preparation

Scramble across granite or volcanic rock formations as dusk settles over San José, preparing for high-elevation stargazing away from light pollution.

Excursion Length ⏱ 1.5 Hours
San José Downhill Mountain Path & Valley Viewpoint Sprint
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 6
San José Downhill Mountain Path & Valley Viewpoint Sprint

A brisk, high-cadence descent carving through alpine pine trails, taking in panoramic views across the verdant lowlands.

Excursion Length ⏱ 3 Hours

📅 Day 2: San José Natural Landscapes & Waters — Jade Museum World’s Largest Collection of Pre Columbian Jade & Coastal Trails

7 Daily Excursions
Jade Museum World’s Largest Collection of Pre Columbian Jade: Rugged Scenic Trail & Geological Terrain Scramble
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 1
Jade Museum World’s Largest Collection of Pre Columbian Jade: Rugged Scenic Trail & Geological Terrain Scramble

Active outdoor expedition exploring Jade Museum World’s Largest Collection of Pre Columbian Jade in San José. Navigate dramatic natural paths, unique geological formations, and exhilarating terrain with an experienced wilderness guide.

Excursion Length ⏱ 4 Hours
San José Watersport & River Expedition: Guided Kayaking & Waterway Discovery
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 2
San José Watersport & River Expedition: Guided Kayaking & Waterway Discovery

Paddle through crystalline waters or winding scenic riverways near San José, navigating hidden grottos, natural rock arches, and secluded pebble inlets.

Excursion Length ⏱ 3 Hours
San José Sunset Overlook Trek: Panoramic Headland Trail & Craft Brewery Flight
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 3
San José Sunset Overlook Trek: Panoramic Headland Trail & Craft Brewery Flight

Invigorating late afternoon hike along dramatic bluffs or hills, concluding at a local microbrewery for refreshing regional craft pints.

Excursion Length ⏱ 2.5 Hours
San José Coastal Sea Cave & Tidal Pool Exploration
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 4
San José Coastal Sea Cave & Tidal Pool Exploration

Venture along wave-cut coastal shelves to explore hidden tidal caverns, crystalline marine pools, and geological crevices teeming with marine flora.

Excursion Length ⏱ 2 Hours
San José Mountain Single-Track E-Bike Trail Run
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 5
San José Mountain Single-Track E-Bike Trail Run

Experience the thrill of electric mountain biking across winding dirt switchbacks, pine forest trails, and scenic alpine overlooks.

Excursion Length ⏱ 3.5 Hours
San José Hidden Waterfall Basin Trek & Natural Plunge Swim
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 6
San José Hidden Waterfall Basin Trek & Natural Plunge Swim

Hike through a lush river gorge to reach a secluded natural waterfall basin, diving into refreshing mountain waters.

Excursion Length ⏱ 1.5 Hours
San José Twilight Bluff Trail & Wild Herbs Foraging
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 7
San José Twilight Bluff Trail & Wild Herbs Foraging

Forage fragrant mountain herbs and wild flora along coastal bluffs as the sun sets over the valley.

Excursion Length ⏱ 2 Hours 15 Mins

📅 Day 3: San José Cultural Heritage & Traditions — Central Market Traditional Sodas Coffee Beans & Mountain Sanctuaries

5 Daily Excursions
San José Mountain Bike Safari: Rugged Single-Track & Forest Ridge Descent
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 1
San José Mountain Bike Safari: Rugged Single-Track & Forest Ridge Descent

Gear up for a thrilling guided mountain bike expedition carving through pine forests, rocky gravel ridges, and dramatic switchbacks surrounding San José.

Excursion Length ⏱ 3.5 Hours
San José Vertical Challenge: Via Ferrata Cliff Climb & Canopy Zip-Line
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 2
San José Vertical Challenge: Via Ferrata Cliff Climb & Canopy Zip-Line

Tackle sheer rock faces or soar above virgin forest canopies on an exhilarating aerial zip-line course with certified alpine climbing instructors.

Excursion Length ⏱ 2 Hours
San José Stargazing Wilderness Trek: High-Plateau Night Hike & Campfire
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 3
San José Stargazing Wilderness Trek: High-Plateau Night Hike & Campfire

Trek under a starlit sky to an isolated high-plateau observation point far from city lights, gathering around an open campfire for hot regional infusions.

Excursion Length ⏱ 4.5 Hours
San José Alpine River Canyoneering & Rocky Rapids Scramble
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 4
San José Alpine River Canyoneering & Rocky Rapids Scramble

Navigate crystal-clear mountain streams, scramble through granite gorges, and swim across hidden natural emerald pools with expert gear.

Excursion Length ⏱ 3 Hours
San José High-Elevation Pass Trek with Panoramic Valley Views
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 5
San José High-Elevation Pass Trek with Panoramic Valley Views

Hike along a historic alpine mountain pass with towering rocky peaks and dramatic sweeping vistas across three distinct valleys.

Excursion Length ⏱ 2.5 Hours

📅 Day 4: San José Maritime Bastions & Ateliers — Pre Columbian Gold Museum Subterranean Vaults & Secluded Bays

7 Daily Excursions
San José Deep Wilderness Trek: Native Wildlife Tracking & Eco-Reserve Safari
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 1
San José Deep Wilderness Trek: Native Wildlife Tracking & Eco-Reserve Safari

Immerse in the protected nature reserves of San José. Track native wildlife, learn wilderness survival foraging from local trackers, and hike through pristine flora.

Excursion Length ⏱ 4 Hours
San José Aquatic Thrill: Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Coastal Drift Safari
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 2
San José Aquatic Thrill: Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Coastal Drift Safari

Test your core strength navigating open tidal waters, tranquil bays, or river currents under the direction of an experienced outdoor waterman.

Excursion Length ⏱ 2.5 Hours
San José Rugged Shoreline Hike: Rocky Headland Sunset & Fresh Catch Barbecue
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 3
San José Rugged Shoreline Hike: Rocky Headland Sunset & Fresh Catch Barbecue

Trek along wave-battered shoreline boulders or mountain rims as the sun dips below the horizon, dining at a rustic grill on fresh local specialties cooked over charcoal.

Excursion Length ⏱ 3 Hours
San José Extreme Coastal Cliff Jump & Coasteering Session
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 4
San José Extreme Coastal Cliff Jump & Coasteering Session

For thrill-seekers: traverse sea cliffs, jump into deep turquoise ocean pools, and navigate tidal surges with certified coasteering guides.

Excursion Length ⏱ 1.5 Hours
San José Hinterland Gravel Bike Expedition through Forest Groves
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 5
San José Hinterland Gravel Bike Expedition through Forest Groves

Pedal gravel endurance bikes through scenic countryside lanes, rural olive groves, and remote mountain hamlets.

Excursion Length ⏱ 3.5 Hours
San José High-Elevation Lookout Push & Wilderness Trail Photography
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 6
San José High-Elevation Lookout Push & Wilderness Trail Photography

A fast-paced trail push to capture golden hour panoramas across the rugged peaks and valleys of San José.

Excursion Length ⏱ 2 Hours
San José Sunset Firepit Gathering & Coastal Fisherman's Stew
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 7
San José Sunset Firepit Gathering & Coastal Fisherman's Stew

Conclude a strenuous day around a beach or mountain firepit, sharing steaming pots of authentic seafood stew cooked over wood embers.

Excursion Length ⏱ 2 Hours 30 Mins

📅 Day 5: San José Grand Finale & Alpine Summits — Plaza de la Cultura Bustling Street Performers & Farewell Degustation Gala

6 Daily Excursions
San José Peak Challenge: Summit Ascent & Alpine Sunrise Panorama
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 1
San José Peak Challenge: Summit Ascent & Alpine Sunrise Panorama

The crown adventure: an early-morning push to the highest geographic peak overlooking San José, rewarding intrepid hikers with 360-degree sunrise panoramas.

Excursion Length ⏱ 4.5 Hours
San José All-Terrain Buggy Challenge: Mud & Gravel Hinterland Safari
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 2
San José All-Terrain Buggy Challenge: Mud & Gravel Hinterland Safari

Pilot a high-performance off-road buggy across challenging gravel trails, muddy mountain switchbacks, or river crossings in the rugged hinterlands of San José.

Excursion Length ⏱ 3 Hours
San José Adrenaline Finale: Sunset Bluff Gathering & Celebratory Feast
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 3
San José Adrenaline Finale: Sunset Bluff Gathering & Celebratory Feast

Celebrate a week of active exploration from a scenic mountain bluff, enjoying local barbecue, vintage mountain ciders, and stories of the trails conquered.

Excursion Length ⏱ 2.5 Hours
San José Downhill Wilderness Trail Sprint & Canyon Vista Run
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 4
San José Downhill Wilderness Trail Sprint & Canyon Vista Run

An exhilarating descent through alpine switchbacks and canyon overlooks, concluding at a rustic trailside refuge.

Excursion Length ⏱ 2 Hours
San José Mountain Lake Stand-Up Paddle Challenge & Alpine Dip
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 5
San José Mountain Lake Stand-Up Paddle Challenge & Alpine Dip

Paddle across a mirror-still high mountain lake surrounded by sheer cliffs, taking an invigorating refreshing dip in pure alpine waters.

Excursion Length ⏱ 3.5 Hours
San José Extreme Zip-Line Circuit Soaring over Forest Canopies
🧗 Adventurous Excursion 6
San José Extreme Zip-Line Circuit Soaring over Forest Canopies

Fly over deep mountain ravines and lush forest canopies at 60 km/h on an interconnected tandem zipline circuit.

Excursion Length ⏱ 1.5 Hours
✨ 5-Day Curated Route Complete

Ready to Plan or Customize Your Costa Rica Journey?

Our bespoke travel specialists can tailor daily excursions, arrange private specialist guides, or customize activity timings for Route 1: San José (5 Days / 4 Nights). Please note: all packages include curated excursions only and do not include flight or hotel accommodation.

↑ Back to Route & Style Options
Luxury Accommodations

Featured 5-Star Hotels in Costa Rica

Suggested luxury accommodations for independent booking. Please note: Trip packages include daily excursions only and do not include flight or hotel accommodation.

Gran Hotel Costa Rica Curio Collection by Hilton ★★★★★ 5-Star Luxury

Gran Hotel Costa Rica Curio Collection by Hilton

📍 Focus City: San José

  • ✓ Dedicated 24/7 Concierge
  • ✓ Spa & Wellness Amenities
  • ✓ Gourmet Dining & Breakfast
  • ✓ Prime Landmark Location
Nightly Benchmark $220 /nt
Nayara Gardens Relais & Châteaux Arenal ★★★★★ 5-Star Luxury

Nayara Gardens Relais & Châteaux Arenal

📍 Focus City: Arenal (La Fortuna)

  • ✓ Dedicated 24/7 Concierge
  • ✓ Spa & Wellness Amenities
  • ✓ Gourmet Dining & Breakfast
  • ✓ Prime Landmark Location
Nightly Benchmark $680 /nt
Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort ★★★★★ 5-Star Luxury

Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort

📍 Focus City: Manuel Antonio

  • ✓ Dedicated 24/7 Concierge
  • ✓ Spa & Wellness Amenities
  • ✓ Gourmet Dining & Breakfast
  • ✓ Prime Landmark Location
Nightly Benchmark $540 /nt
Practical Advisory

Travel Essentials for Costa Rica

Helpful insights to plan your 5-day / 4-night luxury journey with confidence.

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Best Time to Visit

Spring and autumn offer optimal weather for cultural sightseeing and outdoor adventures with moderate crowds.

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Currency & Payments

Major credit cards are widely accepted at 5-star properties and restaurants. Having modest local currency for small markets is recommended.

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Getting Around

Private transfers and dedicated chauffeur options are easily arranged by your 5-star hotel concierge for seamless daily excursions.

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Dress & Etiquette

Smart casual attire is ideal for luxury hotels and fine dining. Modest attire covering shoulders and knees is customary for heritage temples.