🇨🇷 A 4-Day “Pura Vida” Journey Through Costa Rica

After arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near San José, pick up your pre-booked rental 4×4, an essential for navigating Costa Rica’s varied roads. The scenic drive to La Fortuna takes approximately 2.5-3 hours. The route will take you through charming towns and past coffee and pineapple plantations. Upon arrival in La Fortuna, check into your eco-lodge or hotel, many of which offer direct views of the Arenal Volcano.

For the late afternoon and evening, your main activity is to experience the famous Arenal hot springs. There are several different hot springs resorts to choose from, ranging from lively and family-friendly to quiet and romantic. A great option is Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa for a luxurious experience, or a more budget-friendly choice like Baldi Hot Springs. Spend the evening relaxing in the various thermal pools, enjoying the waterfalls and swim-up bars, all set within beautifully landscaped tropical gardens. Most hot springs resorts include dinner as part of their evening pass, offering a convenient and enjoyable end to your first day.

Young Travelers: Choose a hot springs resort with a more lively atmosphere, like Baldi, which has numerous pools and waterslides. After the hot springs, explore the town of La Fortuna, which has a vibrant center with plenty of casual “sodas” (local eateries), bars, and souvenir shops. It’s a great place to grab a local Imperial beer and soak in the backpacker-friendly vibe.

Seniors: Opt for a more tranquil and natural hot springs experience, such as the one at Tabacón or EcoTermales. These places have well-maintained paths, handrails, and a more relaxed atmosphere. A hotel with an on-site hot spring can also provide ultimate convenience. A gentle walk around your hotel’s garden to spot birds and flowers is a perfect, low-impact activity upon arrival.

Family: Many hot springs resorts, like Baldi or The Springs Resort, are very family-friendly, with dedicated children’s areas and exciting waterslides. The experience of swimming in naturally warm water in the middle of the jungle is magical for kids. Spotting your first toucan or colourful frog in the gardens of your hotel will be a huge highlight for the whole family.

With Disability: Accessibility can be a challenge in Costa Rica’s natural environments. However, some hot springs resorts, like Tabacón, have made significant efforts to be accessible, with paved pathways and ramps to some of the main pools. It is crucial to contact the resort directly in advance to discuss your specific needs. Many modern hotels in La Fortuna also offer accessible rooms.

Luxury Travel: Indulge in the ultimate hot springs experience at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa. Book a spa treatment in one of their open-air bungalows, where you can get a massage to the sounds of the jungle. For dinner, reserve a table at their fine-dining restaurant. Stay at a luxury eco-lodge like Nayara Springs, which offers private villas with their own plunge pools fed by mineral springs.

Adventure: After dropping off your bags, head straight for an adrenaline-pumping activity. A guided canyoning or waterfall rappelling tour is a fantastic way to kick off your trip. You’ll rappel down a series of waterfalls in a lush rainforest canyon, an exhilarating experience that fully immerses you in the natural landscape. This high-energy start is a perfect introduction to Costa Rica’s adventure scene.

Nature: Choose a hotel that is known for its on-site wildlife. Many lodges in the Arenal area have their own private reserves and hiking trails. Upon arrival, take a guided nature walk on the hotel grounds with a resident naturalist. This is a great way to learn about the local flora and fauna and spot animals like sloths, monkeys, and a huge variety of birds right from your doorstep.

The La Fortuna and Arenal area offers a spectacular range of accommodations, many designed to maximize views of the iconic volcano. From luxurious resorts with private hot springs to charming eco-lodges nestled in the rainforest and budget-friendly hotels in the town center, there is something for every travel style. Choosing a hotel with a focus on nature, perhaps with its own hiking trails or wildlife observation areas, will greatly enhance your immersion in the incredible biodiversity of the region, making your stay an integral part of the adventure.

Luxury: Nayara Springs – Adults Only – An exquisite, world-class luxury resort offering private villas with plunge pools, hanging bridges, and exceptional service in a stunning rainforest setting.
Mid-Range: Arenal Observatory & Spa – The only hotel located within the Arenal Volcano National Park, offering breathtaking volcano views, extensive hiking trails, and abundant wildlife.
Budget: Selina La Fortuna – A stylish and social hostel/hotel offering a mix of dorms and private rooms, a pool, a co-working space, and organized tours, located in the heart of town.

When renting a car in Costa Rica, it is highly advisable to rent a 4×4 or at least a vehicle with high clearance. While the main road to La Fortuna is paved and in good condition, many roads to hotels, trailheads, and other attractions are unpaved and can be rough and steep. A 4×4 will give you the confidence and ability to explore more freely and safely. Also, be aware that mandatory third-party liability insurance is required for all car rentals, which is often not included in the initial online quote, so factor this into your budget.

The currency in Costa Rica is the Colón (CRC), but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, especially for tours, hotels, and in many restaurants. It’s a good idea to have a mix of both currencies. Use small US dollar bills for tips and smaller purchases, and use Colones for a better exchange rate at local eateries (“sodas”), supermarkets, and gas stations. You can exchange a small amount of money at the airport upon arrival or withdraw Colones from an ATM.

For your travel day and your evening at the hot springs, comfort and practicality are key. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing for the drive. For the hot springs, you will obviously need your swimsuit. It’s also a good idea to bring a pair of water shoes or flip-flops for walking between the pools, as the ground can be uneven or slippery. Most resorts provide towels and lockers for a small deposit or fee.

Costa Rica’s climate is tropical, and rain showers can happen at any time, even in the “dry” season. Always have a lightweight, waterproof rain jacket handy. The temperature can be warm and humid, so quick-drying fabrics are an excellent choice. A change of dry clothes to put on after the hot springs will make your dinner and the trip back to your hotel much more comfortable.

On your drive from the airport to La Fortuna, stop in the town of Sarchí, known for its traditional, brightly painted oxcarts. It’s a great place to break up the journey and have a typical Costa Rican lunch at a local “soda.” Order a “casado,” a traditional plate that includes a choice of meat (like chicken or fish), rice, beans, a small salad, and fried plantains. It’s a delicious, filling, and authentic meal.

For dinner, most hot springs resorts offer a buffet or an à la carte restaurant as part of their evening pass, which is the most convenient option. If you prefer to eat in town after your soak, La Fortuna has a wide range of options. For a fantastic and authentic meal, try Soda Viquez. It’s a casual, family-run eatery just off the main square that is very popular with both locals and tourists for its delicious and affordable traditional Costa Rican food.

The most common gateway for this itinerary is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), located near the capital city of San José. From the airport, the most flexible and popular option is to rent a car, which allows you to travel at your own pace and easily access the various attractions over the next few days. The drive to La Fortuna is approximately 2.5-3 hours and is a scenic introduction to the country.

If you prefer not to drive, you can pre-book a private or shared shuttle service. Companies like Interbus or Gray Line offer reliable door-to-door service from the airport directly to most hotels in La Fortuna. This is a stress-free option, though it offers less flexibility than having your own vehicle. Public buses are also available but are much slower and less direct, making them impractical for a short 4-day trip.

Start your morning with a visit to the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall. After a short drive from town, you’ll reach the entrance. The journey to the base of the 70-meter (230-foot) waterfall involves a descent down a well-maintained staircase of about 500 steps. The walk down through the lush canyon is beautiful, and the reward at the bottom is a breathtaking view of the powerful cascade plunging into a cool, emerald-green pool. You can swim in the calmer waters downstream from the main pool, a truly refreshing and memorable experience.

In the afternoon, head to one of the area’s famous hanging bridges parks, such as the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. This activity involves a leisurely 3-kilometer (2-mile) hike through the rainforest on a series of well-maintained trails and suspension bridges. The bridges take you high into the treetops, offering a unique, eye-level perspective of the forest canopy. This is an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife like monkeys, sloths, toucans, and colourful frogs. Hiring a naturalist guide for this walk is highly recommended, as their trained eyes will spot animals you would certainly miss on your own.

Young Travelers: For a bigger adrenaline rush, combine the waterfall visit with a white-water rafting trip on the Balsa or Sarapiquí rivers. These tours offer thrilling Class II, III, or IV rapids and include lunch. Alternatively, a ziplining tour through the rainforest canopy is another classic, high-energy Costa Rican adventure that provides incredible views and excitement.

Seniors: The hike down to the La Fortuna Waterfall has many steps and is strenuous. A good alternative is to enjoy the view from the observation platform at the top. The Mistico Hanging Bridges Park is very manageable for most fitness levels. The trails are well-maintained and relatively flat, with only gentle inclines. Taking the walk at a slow pace makes for a wonderful and accessible rainforest experience.

Family: Both the waterfall and the hanging bridges are great activities for families. Kids will love the adventure of the hike and the reward of a swim at the waterfall. The hanging bridges feel like a real jungle expedition, and the chance of spotting a monkey or a sloth will keep them engaged and excited. A guided tour at the hanging bridges is especially valuable for families, as the guide will make the forest come alive for the children.

With Disability: The La Fortuna Waterfall is not wheelchair accessible due to the long staircase. The Mistico Hanging Bridges Park, however, offers a 1.5 km “Accessible Trail” that is barrier-free and suitable for wheelchairs, making it one of the best ways for visitors with mobility issues to experience the rainforest canopy. It is a fantastic and inclusive option.

Luxury Travel: Book a private guided tour for the day. A personal naturalist guide can lead you through the hanging bridges park, providing one-on-one attention and spotting wildlife, followed by a visit to a more exclusive, less-crowded waterfall. The tour could conclude with a gourmet lunch at a restaurant with spectacular volcano views, arranged by your guide.

Adventure: The ultimate adventure for the day is a canyoning and waterfall rappelling tour. If you didn’t do it on day one, now is the time. This combines hiking, rappelling down waterfalls, and rock scrambling in a pristine rainforest canyon. It’s a physically demanding but incredibly rewarding experience that will be a major highlight of your trip. It’s an adventure that truly immerses you in the wild heart of Costa Rica.

Nature: To focus on wildlife, book a dedicated, early-morning birdwatching tour with a specialized guide. The Arenal area is a hotspot for birdlife, and an expert guide can help you spot dozens of species, including toucans, parrots, and hummingbirds. For the afternoon, a guided hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park on the lava flow trails offers a different perspective on the volcano’s history and the regenerating forest.

Continuing your stay in the La Fortuna/Arenal area, your chosen accommodation serves as the perfect base camp for today’s adventures. Its proximity to the waterfall, hanging bridges, and national park minimizes travel time and maximizes your opportunities for exploration. After a full day of hiking and swimming, returning to the comfort of your eco-lodge, with the sounds of the jungle as your backdrop and the view of the volcano in the distance, is the perfect way to relax and recharge for the journey ahead.

Luxury: Nayara Springs – Adults Only – An exquisite, world-class luxury resort offering private villas with plunge pools, hanging bridges, and exceptional service in a stunning rainforest setting.
Mid-Range: Arenal Observatory & Spa – The only hotel located within the Arenal Volcano National Park, offering breathtaking volcano views, extensive hiking trails, and abundant wildlife.
Budget: Selina La Fortuna – A stylish and social hostel/hotel offering a mix of dorms and private rooms, a pool, a co-working space, and organized tours, located in the heart of town.

Hiring a certified naturalist guide is one of the best investments you can make for your Costa Rica trip, especially for activities like the hanging bridges walk. These local experts are equipped with telescopes and have an incredible ability to spot wildlife that is camouflaged or high up in the trees. They can identify different species of plants and animals and share fascinating insights into the rainforest ecosystem. You will see and learn ten times more with a guide than you would on your own, making the experience much richer and more memorable.

When visiting the La Fortuna Waterfall, be aware that the rocks around the swimming area can be very slippery. Wear water shoes with good grip. The force of the main waterfall is extremely powerful, and it is not safe to swim directly beneath it. The designated swimming area is in the calmer river just downstream. Always be mindful of your belongings and do not leave valuables unattended while you are swimming.

For a day of rainforest hiking and swimming, quick-drying and comfortable clothing is essential. Wear lightweight shorts or hiking pants and a breathable t-shirt or tank top. Many people wear their swimsuit under their clothes to the waterfall for convenience. A sturdy pair of hiking sandals with good grip, or waterproof hiking shoes, are the best footwear choices. They will provide support for the trails and can handle getting wet.

You must bring a lightweight rain jacket. Rainforest weather is unpredictable, and a sudden downpour is always a possibility. A small backpack is necessary to carry your essentials: water, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, your camera, and a towel. A waterproof dry bag can also be very useful to protect your electronics and a change of clothes from the rain or splashes near the waterfall.

After your morning hike to the waterfall, enjoy a refreshing and healthy lunch in La Fortuna. A great option is Organico Fortuna, a cafe that focuses on fresh, organic, and healthy ingredients, offering delicious smoothies, bowls, and vegetarian options. It’s a perfect light meal to refuel before your afternoon adventure at the hanging bridges.

For dinner, experience a classic Costa Rican “soda.” These small, family-run restaurants offer authentic and affordable local food. Soda La Hormiga, located near the main square, is a fantastic choice. It’s a no-frills establishment loved by locals, serving up generous portions of delicious casados, gallo pinto, and other traditional dishes. It’s a perfect way to experience the true flavor of Costa Rican home cooking in a friendly and casual atmosphere.

Having your own rental car provides the most flexibility for today’s itinerary. Both the La Fortuna Waterfall and the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park are located a short 15-20 minute drive from the town center, but in different directions. Your car allows you to travel between them at your own pace and on your own schedule. Both attractions have ample and secure parking available.

If you don’t have a car, you can easily get around using the official red taxis, which are plentiful in La Fortuna. You can ask your hotel to call one for you. Alternatively, most tour operators in town offer packages that include transportation to and from your hotel along with the entrance fees and often a guide. This can be a convenient, all-inclusive option if you prefer not to handle the logistics yourself.

After breakfast in La Fortuna, you will begin the journey to Monteverde. The most common and scenic route is the “jeep-boat-jeep” transfer, though with a rental car it is simply a drive around Lake Arenal. The drive is beautiful, offering stunning views of the lake and volcano. The final hour of the drive is on a bumpy, unpaved road, which adds to the sense of adventure and remoteness. The total journey takes about 3-4 hours.

After checking into your hotel in the small town of Santa Elena or the surrounding area, your main activity for the evening is a guided night walk. These tours take place in private reserves like the Curi-Cancha Reserve or the Aguti Wildlife Refuge. Equipped with flashlights, you will follow a naturalist guide along forest trails to discover the incredible world of nocturnal creatures. You have a good chance of seeing sloths, coatis, sleeping toucans, colourful tree frogs, tarantulas, and a huge variety of fascinating insects. It’s a unique and thrilling way to experience the cloud forest.

Young Travelers: The bumpy road to Monteverde is an adventure in itself. Upon arrival, visit the Monteverde Frog Pond, a herpetarium where you can see a huge variety of Costa Rica’s colorful frogs up close before you search for them in the wild on your night tour. In the evening, explore the small town of Santa Elena and have dinner at a place with a lively atmosphere, like the Tree House Restaurant & Cafe.

Seniors: The drive to Monteverde can be jarring. A comfortable vehicle is key. For the evening, a night walk is a gentle, slow-paced activity on relatively flat trails and is very suitable. An alternative is to visit the Bat Jungle, an interesting and educational exhibit where you can see live bats in a simulated nocturnal environment, which is less physically demanding than a walk in the dark.

Family: The “jeep-boat-jeep” transfer can be a fun adventure for families, breaking up the long journey with a boat ride. The night walk is an incredibly exciting activity for children, who will feel like real explorers searching for strange creatures in the dark jungle. The guides are excellent at engaging kids and making the experience both fun and educational.

With Disability: The journey to Monteverde is very difficult due to the unpaved roads. The night walks are on uneven dirt paths in the dark and are not wheelchair accessible. The most feasible option for experiencing the cloud forest is to choose an accessible lodge with beautiful grounds and views, and to visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, which has a 1 km paved, wheelchair-accessible trail called the “Sendero Encantado.”

Luxury Travel: Stay at a high-end lodge like Hotel Belmar or Koora Hotel, which offer stunning views and exceptional comfort. Arrange for a private night walk with a top-rated naturalist guide for a more personalized and in-depth experience. For dinner, enjoy a farm-to-table tasting menu at your hotel’s restaurant, which often sources ingredients directly from its own organic garden.

Adventure: After arriving and checking in, embrace the mountainous terrain with a horseback riding tour. You can ride through rural farmland and patches of forest, often ending at a viewpoint for incredible sunset views over the Nicoya Gulf. This is a great way to see the landscape from a different perspective and experience the traditional agricultural side of Monteverde.

Nature: The night walk is the perfect nature activity for your arrival day. To deepen the experience, choose a tour in a reserve known for its biodiversity, like the Curi-Cancha Reserve. Spend the afternoon settling in at your lodge, sitting on your balcony with a pair of binoculars, and observing the hummingbirds and other birds that are often attracted to the feeders and flowers in the hotel gardens.

Monteverde’s accommodations are known for their rustic charm and connection to nature. Many are family-run eco-lodges that prioritize sustainability and offer stunning views of the surrounding cloud forests or the distant Gulf of Nicoya. Staying in a lodge that has its own private trails or is located near one of the main biological reserves allows for easy access to the area’s incredible biodiversity. The cool mountain air and the peaceful sounds of the forest provide a tranquil and refreshing contrast to the tropical lowlands of Arenal.

Luxury: Hotel Belmar – A beautiful, upscale hotel with a classic chalet design, offering stunning views, a farm-to-table restaurant, its own brewery, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
Mid-Range: Los Pinos Cabañas y Jardines – Offers charming and private cabins set within beautiful, spacious gardens that you can explore. It’s a quiet and peaceful option with a focus on nature.
Budget: Selina Monteverde – A popular choice for budget travelers, offering a mix of stylish dorms and private rooms, a vibrant social atmosphere, and organized tours and activities.

The journey from Arenal to Monteverde around the lake is scenic but long and winding, with the last section being particularly rough and unpaved. It is crucial to make this drive during daylight hours. The roads are not well-lit, can be foggy, and are much more hazardous to navigate in the dark. Plan to leave La Fortuna no later than noon to ensure you arrive in Monteverde with plenty of daylight to spare, allowing for a safe and stress-free journey.

The climate in Monteverde is significantly different from La Fortuna. Due to its high elevation (around 1,400 meters or 4,600 feet), it is much cooler and often windy and misty. You will need to pack warmer clothes than you did for the lowlands. Even on a sunny day, the temperature can be cool, and evenings are chilly. Be prepared for this change in climate to stay comfortable during your visit.

For the travel day, wear comfortable clothes suitable for a long car ride. When you arrive in Monteverde, you will immediately notice the cooler temperature, so have a fleece or a light jacket easily accessible. For the night walk, it is essential to wear long trousers and closed-toe shoes, preferably hiking shoes or sneakers. This protects you from insect bites and keeps your feet safe on the dark, uneven trails.

A waterproof rain jacket is absolutely essential in the cloud forest, where mist and rain (“pelo de gato” or cat’s hair) are a common occurrence. The temperature will feel cooler in the evening, so wearing a warm layer under your rain jacket is a good idea for the night walk. The tour will provide flashlights, so you do not need to bring your own.

For lunch during your journey, there are several charming local sodas along the scenic route around Lake Arenal. A great place to stop is the small town of Tilarán. Stopping for a casado here allows you to stretch your legs and experience a typical Costa Rican town that sees fewer tourists than La Fortuna or Monteverde.

For dinner in Monteverde, the Tree House Restaurant & Cafe in Santa Elena is a unique and fun experience, as it’s built around a large ficus tree. For a more authentic and budget-friendly meal, Sabor Tico, also in Santa Elena, serves delicious and hearty Costa Rican cuisine in a cozy, family-run atmosphere. It’s a perfect place to warm up with a good meal after your chilly night walk.

If you have a rental 4×4, you will drive yourself from La Fortuna to Monteverde. The route takes you west along the northern shore of Lake Arenal, through the town of Tilarán, and then up the mountain to Santa Elena (the main town of the Monteverde zone). Be prepared for the final 35 km of the journey to be on a bumpy, unpaved road. It is very manageable with a 4×4 but requires slow and careful driving.

If you do not have a car, the most popular way to travel between the two destinations is the “jeep-boat-jeep” or “taxi-boat-taxi” service. This involves a van picking you up from your hotel in La Fortuna, a scenic boat ride across Lake Arenal, and another van waiting on the other side to drive you up the mountain to your hotel in Monteverde. It is efficient, scenic, and can be easily booked through your hotel or any tour operator in La Fortuna.

Your morning is dedicated to the quintessential Monteverde adventure: a ziplining or canopy tour. Several adventure parks in the area, such as Selvatura Park or Sky Adventures, offer incredible canopy experiences. The tours typically involve a series of thrilling ziplines that take you flying through and above the cloud forest canopy, offering breathtaking views and a huge adrenaline rush. Many tours also include other activities like a “Tarzan swing” or the option to walk the park’s hanging bridges, providing a comprehensive canopy experience.

After your ziplining adventure, your final activity is a coffee plantation tour. A tour at a farm like Don Juan Tours or El Trapiche offers a fascinating look into the world of Costa Rican coffee, as well as sugarcane and chocolate. You will walk through the fields, learn about the cultivation and roasting process, and, most importantly, get to taste the fresh, delicious final product. It’s an interesting, interactive, and flavorful cultural experience that provides a perfect contrast to the morning’s high-flying adventure. After the tour, you will begin your drive back to the airport for your departure.

Young Travelers: Choose the most extreme ziplining option available, often featuring a “Superman” cable where you fly head-first, or the highest/longest cables in the region. The Tarzan swing is a must-do for a huge free-fall thrill. This high-adrenaline morning is a perfect final adventure before the trip home.

Seniors: Ziplining may be too extreme for some. A wonderful alternative is a gentle walk across the hanging bridges at one of the adventure parks, like Selvatura Park. This allows you to experience the beauty of the canopy at a relaxed pace. The coffee plantation tour is a perfect, low-impact cultural activity that is enjoyable for all fitness levels.

Family: Ziplining is a fantastic activity for families with older children (check age and weight restrictions). The adventure parks are very professional and have excellent safety standards. The coffee tour is also great for families, as it is very interactive. Kids often love learning how chocolate is made and getting to taste the sugarcane juice and, of course, the chocolate.

With Disability: Ziplining and most coffee tours are not wheelchair accessible. A great alternative is a visit to the Monteverde Butterfly Garden, which has some accessible pathways and allows you to see hundreds of beautiful, colorful butterflies up close in a controlled environment. A visit to the accessible trail in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is also a wonderful final activity.

Luxury Travel: Arrange a private coffee tour where you can have a one-on-one experience with the plantation owner or a master roaster, perhaps including a personalized coffee tasting or “cupping” session. For your canopy experience, a private guided walk on the hanging bridges can offer a more serene and wildlife-focused alternative to the group ziplining tours.

Adventure: The ziplining canopy tour is the main event. To add to it, some parks offer “bungee jumping” from a high tram, which is the ultimate adrenaline rush in Monteverde. For a final physical challenge, a morning trail run in the Curi-Cancha Reserve offers a beautiful and invigorating way to experience the cloud forest before your departure.

Nature: Instead of ziplining, spend your final morning on a guided birdwatching walk in the Curi-Cancha Reserve. This reserve is one of the best places in Monteverde to spot the magnificent Resplendent Quetzal (during its nesting season, typically February to July). It’s a quieter, more focused nature experience that offers a chance to see one of the world’s most beautiful birds, a true bucket-list sighting for any nature lover.

This section is for checkout. Your hotel in Monteverde serves as the final launching point for your Costa Rican adventure. A comfortable stay with an early, hearty breakfast is key to preparing for a high-energy morning of ziplining. The staff at the hotel can often provide last-minute assistance with tour bookings and offer recommendations for the best coffee tours in the area, ensuring your final day is as smooth and enjoyable as possible before you begin the journey home.

Luxury: Hotel Belmar – A beautiful, upscale hotel with a classic chalet design, offering stunning views, a farm-to-table restaurant, its own brewery, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
Mid-Range: Los Pinos Cabañas y Jardines – Offers charming and private cabins set within beautiful, spacious gardens that you can explore. It’s a quiet and peaceful option with a focus on nature.
Budget: Selina Monteverde – A popular choice for budget travelers, offering a mix of stylish dorms and private rooms, a vibrant social atmosphere, and organized tours and activities.

The drive from Monteverde back to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) takes approximately 3-3.5 hours. The first hour of this drive is on the same unpaved, bumpy road you came in on. It is crucial to allow plenty of time for this journey and to schedule your departure flight for the late afternoon or evening. This will allow you to enjoy a final morning activity without feeling rushed and will ensure you reach the airport with ample time to return your rental car and check in for your flight.

When choosing a ziplining company, it’s important to select a reputable operator with a strong safety record. The major adventure parks in Monteverde (like Sky Adventures, Selvatura Park, and 100% Aventura) are all long-established and adhere to high safety standards. It’s also a good idea to book your canopy tour and coffee tour in advance, especially during the peak season, to secure your preferred time slots.

For ziplining, you must wear secure, closed-toe shoes; sandals or flip-flops are not allowed. Long shorts or comfortable trousers are recommended over short shorts, as you will be wearing a harness. It’s best to avoid loose or dangling items, including jewelry, that could get tangled. If you have a GoPro, make sure you have a secure helmet or chest mount for it.

The weather in Monteverde can be misty and cool, especially in the morning. Wear a light jacket that you don’t mind getting a little damp. For the coffee tour, your ziplining attire will be perfectly suitable. As you will be driving back to the much warmer Central Valley, having a change of clothes (like shorts and a t-shirt) to switch into after your activities can make the departure journey more comfortable.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel. After your ziplining and coffee tour, have a final Costa Rican lunch in Santa Elena before you hit the road. A great choice is The Open Kitchen, which offers a variety of delicious and fresh options, from traditional casados to gourmet sandwiches and pasta, in a modern and friendly setting. It’s a perfect spot for a satisfying farewell meal.

Be sure to buy a bag of freshly roasted coffee from the plantation you visit. This is the best possible souvenir and allows you to take the taste of Costa Rica home with you. It’s also a great idea to grab some snacks and drinks in Santa Elena for the long drive back to the airport, as there are limited options on the rural parts of the route.

Most of the adventure parks and coffee plantations are located a short 10-20 minute drive from the main town of Santa Elena. If you have a rental car, you can easily drive yourself. All the major parks have secure parking. If you do not have a car, the tour companies almost always include transportation to and from your hotel as part of their package, making the logistics very simple.

For your departure, you will drive your rental car back to the airport. The route down the mountain is the same bumpy road, which then connects to the paved Inter-American Highway (Route 1) for a straightforward drive back towards San José. Be sure to allow extra time for refueling the rental car before you return it. If you used a shuttle to get to Monteverde, you will have a pre-booked shuttle to take you back to the airport.

Costa Rica is a world-class destination for yoga and wellness retreats, drawing enthusiasts from all over the globe to its serene and spiritually charged natural environments. The Nicoya Peninsula, particularly towns like Nosara and Santa Teresa, is a major hub, designated as one of the world’s “Blue Zones” where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. Here you can find a plethora of yoga shalas and wellness centers offering daily classes, teacher trainings, and immersive retreats that often combine yoga with surfing, healthy organic food, and holistic therapies.

Beyond the beaches, the lush mountains and rainforests provide a tranquil backdrop for deeper introspection. Many eco-lodges in areas like Pérez Zeledón or near the Chirripó National Park specialize in wellness, offering stunning open-air yoga platforms with views of the jungle canopy. These retreats focus on connecting with nature, with activities like guided meditation walks, river bathing, and farm-to-table culinary experiences. A wellness retreat in Costa Rica is an opportunity to detoxify, rejuvenate, and embrace the “Pura Vida” lifestyle in some of the most beautiful and biodiverse settings on the planet.

Packing for Costa Rica requires lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Include t-shirts, shorts, and comfortable trousers. A waterproof rain jacket is absolutely non-negotiable, as rain can occur at any time, especially in the rainforest and cloud forest. For cooler, high-altitude destinations like Monteverde, you must also pack a warm fleece or jacket and long pants for the chilly evenings. A swimsuit is essential for hot springs, waterfalls, and beaches. Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes or trail runners are crucial for exploring the national parks.

Beyond clothing, other essentials include high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses for sun protection. A reliable insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin is very important, especially for coastal and lowland areas. Bring a small backpack for daily excursions to carry water, snacks, and your rain jacket. A reusable water bottle is great for staying hydrated and reducing plastic waste. Finally, pack a portable power bank and a waterproof phone case or dry bag to protect your electronics.

Shopping in Costa Rica focuses on authentic, handcrafted goods that reflect the country’s natural beauty and culture. The best souvenirs are those that are locally made. Look for beautiful wooden items crafted from sustainably harvested woods, such as bowls, jewelry boxes, and sculptures. Hand-painted ceramic pottery with colourful oxcart or rainforest motifs is another popular choice. The town of Sarchí is the historic heart of this craft.

The most famous and delicious souvenir is Costa Rican coffee. Buying whole beans directly from a plantation you visit ensures the best quality and makes for a wonderful gift. You can also find high-quality organic chocolate. In towns like La Fortuna and Monteverde, you will find many souvenir shops selling t-shirts, sarongs, and jewelry. The currency is the Costa Rican Colón, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist shops. For the best prices and a more authentic experience, look for local artisan markets.

1. What is the currency?
   The official currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). However, US Dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas for hotels, tours, and many restaurants. It’s best to have a mix of both.
2. Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?
   Citizens from the USA, Canada, UK, and many other countries do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. You must have a valid passport and proof of onward travel (an exit ticket). Check current requirements for your nationality before travel.
3. Is Costa Rica safe?
   Costa Rica is generally considered a safe country for tourists. The main concerns are petty theft and car break-ins. Do not leave valuables visible in your car, be aware of your surroundings, and use common sense. The emergency number is 911.
4. Should I rent a 4×4 car?
   It is highly recommended. While main highways are paved, many roads to eco-lodges, beaches, and attractions are unpaved, steep, and can be in poor condition, especially in the rainy season. A 4×4 provides safety and peace of mind.
5. What is the best time to visit?
   The dry season, from December to April, is the most popular time with the most sunshine. The green season, from May to November, sees more rain (usually in the afternoons) but also fewer crowds and lusher landscapes.
6. Do people speak English?
   English is widely spoken in the tourism industry (hotels, tour guides, restaurants in tourist areas). However, learning a few basic Spanish phrases like “Hola,” “Gracias,” and “Pura Vida” is greatly appreciated and will enhance your interactions with locals.
7. Can I drink the tap water?
   In most cities and tourist areas, the tap water is safe to drink. However, if you have a sensitive stomach or are in very rural areas, it is best to stick to bottled or filtered water.
8. What is the tipping etiquette?
   A 10% service charge is automatically added to bills in all restaurants, so additional tipping is not required but is appreciated for exceptional service. It’s customary to tip tour guides ($10-20 per person for a full day) and drivers.
9. What kind of power outlets are used?
   Costa Rica uses Type A and B power sockets, the same as in North America, with a standard voltage of 120V.
10. What is “Pura Vida”?
    “Pura Vida” means “pure life.” It’s the national slogan and a way of life. It’s used as a greeting, a farewell, and a way to express that things are going well. It embodies the relaxed, friendly, and optimistic spirit of the Costa Rican people.