5-Day Costa Rica Itinerary | Exploring Guanacaste and Arenal

In December 2019, I went to Costa Rica for 5-days with my friend and fellow travel blogger, Jasmine. This was our first time visiting, and even though we did much research, we were a little nervous about driving through the country alone. There are a lot of different opinions on the internet. Still, from our experience driving around the Guanacaste Province and Arenal region, we felt safe and would highly recommend renting a car. Hiring a taxi can be expensive, and going with a tour group can slow you down. So, if you want to save money and time, drive yourself. Below you’ll find a detailed Costa Rica itinerary and some tips to help make planning your trip simple! This itinerary is perfect for those seeking some luxury and adventure, but you can always change it to fit your wants and needs. Just think of this as a guideline. Enjoy!

There are so many places to see in Costa Rica that if you aren’t staying for two weeks, you’ll have to be selective. Since we only had five days, including travel days, we chose to fly into Liberia due to its proximity to the ocean and volcanoes. The beach is only 40 minutes from the airport, and the nearest volcano is one hour away. Getting to both is quite easy, and the drive takes you through some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful landscapes. 

You have arrived in Liberia, Costa Rica! Once you grab your bags through the terminal, follow the signs outside to find your rental car company’s shuttle bus. We rented with Alamo, which I recommend! After a two-minute shuttle ride, we reached their office and were on our way within 30 minutes. 

Tip: There aren’t many restaurants along the highways, so grab some lunch in Liberia before the journey. If you’re not comfortable enough yet to stop somewhere local, there are food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, and KFC right off the main road, and all could suffice for your Costa Rica itinerary. 

The drive to La Fortuna in the Arenal region is long but beautiful. The three-hour ride on Route 1 and Route 142 takes you through grasslands and into the rainforest. Along the way, you will see a few different volcano peaks in the distance and drive past the largest lake in Costa Rica, Lake Arenal. The highways and roads are well-paved and have many speed limit signs. However, if you’re using a GPS or Google Maps, stay on the main roads as you get closer to La Fortuna. Digital maps will often try to take you the quickest route, sometimes leading you to narrow, rough country roads.

Note: If your plane arrives after 3 pm, you may drive in the dark for part of the journey. While the drive is safe, it does become pitch-black after sunset, and there aren’t many signs directing you to your destination. Plus, you are headed inland towards the rainforest and will likely encounter heavy rain or fog. If you are uncomfortable with this, consider flipping this itinerary. However, you will be fine if you’re comfortable driving in a foreign country and have a reliable navigation system. Just keep calm, follow the directions, and you’ll make it to your destinations safe and sound. 

As you get closer to the town of La Fortuna, you’ll start to see the peak of Arenal Volcano. There are many accommodations nearby, ranging from Airbnb to luxury resorts. We stayed at Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa, which costs around $190 a night. This green-friendly luxury hotel located ten minutes from the town of La Fortuna overlooks the magnificent volcano and has hot springs on the property.

You’ll arrive sometime in the afternoon, most likely exhausted from the many hours of non-stop travel. So take this time to unwind on your Costa Rica itinerary. The good news is you don’t have to go far to relax. All rooms are equipped with a hot tub for you to soak and enjoy the incredible views of the volcano from the comfort of your room. You can also head to the Titokú Hot Springs – about a 5-minute walk down a jungle path from your room. There are eight hot spring pools with varying temperatures and sizes. From these springs, you can watch the sunset on Arenal Volcano. 

For dinner, try the hotel’s on-site restaurants Heliconias and Orquídeas. Heliconias is the signature restaurant and features a la carte local and international specialties. Orquídeas is located by the pool with views of the gardens and volcano, serving themed dinners in a casual setting. We dined there the first night and enjoyed a Chinese buffet. The entire patio was covered with red paper lanterns and other ornamental decorations, while Chinese music played over the speakers – solidifying the theme. Overall, the food and experience were fantastic! 

After dinner, we got ready for bed. It was a long day, and if you plan to explore the surrounding Arenal region, you’ll need to rest.

Rise and shine! While you can choose to sleep in, you’ll definitely get the most out of your day by waking up early.

Before you head out, grab some food from the FREE breakfast buffet at Heliconias. They open at 6:30 am and offer a variety of food ranging from cereals to avocado toast. Once you’ve had your fill, let the adventure begin!

There are many activities and tours around the Arenal Volcano, including horseback riding, whitewater rafting, canopy tours, and more that you could add on your Costa Rica itinerary. Below are a few great things to do and see during your stay. You can choose which you’d like to do depending on your level of adventure, but I promise you won’t regret a single one.

La Fortuna Waterfall

Falling 70 meters over a jungle cliff and into a jade-colored pool, it’s no wonder this waterfall is one of the most visited in Costa Rica. While La Fortuna Waterfall is an absolute ‘must-see’ attraction, the only way to reach it is by hiking down a 500-step staircase through the rainforest. But don’t worry, it’s not so bad. Walking down only takes about 15 minutes, and 25 minutes to hike back up. I saw people of all ages, shapes, and sizes easily making their way up and down. 

The La Fortuna Waterfall Visitor’s Center is easy to find. It has a parking lot, bathrooms, a small cafe, and a souvenir store at the entrance. Parking is free, but there is an entrance fee of $18 for adults and $5 for children. 

Check out my ‘Ultimate Guide To Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall’ for more information, and don’t forget to add it to your next Costa Rica itinerary!

Hike Around Arenal Volcano

Between 1968 and 2010, Arenal Volcano was extremely active, with an average of 41 eruptions per day! However, the volcano is currently in a resting phase, making it safe to get close and explore. While there is no way to hike up to the 1,657-meter-tall volcano itself, a few trails take you around the base through lava fields and lush rainforests. Due to safety reasons, you should only hike along well-maintained trails in the national park or other private reserves.

Arenal National Park is open from 8 am to 4 pm and costs $15 for adults and $5 for children. The park’s most popular trails include Sendero Colada 1968, Tucanes, Coladas de Lava (Lava flow), Los Heliconias, and El Ceibo. All of these are relatively short, so you can do multiple in a day if you choose.

One of the best trails, Arenal 1968, is on a private reserve right next to the national park. The reserve is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and costs $17 for adults, while children under the age of 12 are free. There are two trails—Lava Flow 1968 and Trail Forest 1968. The total distance combined is about 7km and can be done in one day.

Most trails in the area are flat and easy to walk. However, you should still come prepared with appropriate hiking shoes, water, and a waterproof bag in case of rain. 

Tip: While you do not need a guide or tour to hike these trails, it’s recommended if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the wildlife hidden amongst the vegetation. A guide can help you spot white-faced capuchin monkeys, deer, coati, and snakes. Be sure to take note of this for the rest of your Costa Rica itinerary There aren’t many sloths located in the national park, so if that’s what you’ve come to see, then visit the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges (which you can read more about in the next section). 

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges 

While Costa Rica only accounts for 0.03% of the earth’s surface, it contains nearly 6% of the world’s biodiversity. Since there is so much natural wealth in both species and ecosystems, Costa Rica sought out to preserve its biodiversity through National Parks, Reserves, and Protected Areas. Today, over 25.6% of the country (an area of 1342 hectares) is protected. 

Near Arenal, one family wanted to preserve 600 acres of land while offering visitors a safe environment to enjoy the rainforest sustainably. Hence, they created the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges, which provide a unique perspective of the forest from above. So if you’re interested in learning about the Arenal rainforest and wildlife (this is where you can see sloths), definitely pay them a visit!

The Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges are open from 6am till 4pm, and entrance costs $26 for adults, $16 for teens (11-18), and children are free. Walking through the entire park is 3.2 km and takes around 2.5 hours. You can choose to explore on your own or go with a guided tour for an additional price whichever you plan for your Costa Rica itinerary. 

Arenal Hot Springs

One of the main reasons people come to visit Arenal is the beautiful, natural hot springs. Even though the volcano is dormant, the geothermal pools remain warm and offer visitors a most relaxing experience. 

Since we stayed at the Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa, we didn’t feel the need to visit more hot springs. But if you’re interested, these are some of the best options for your Costa Rica itinerary: Tabacon Hot Springs, The Springs, Eco-Termales Hot Springs, and Baldi Hot Springs. I’ve ordered them from most luxurious to most affordable. 

Fun Fact: The Bachelor of season 24, Peter Weber, aka Pilot Pete, brought the contestants to La Fortuna and stayed at The Springs Resort and Spa.

If you’re looking to enjoy the hot springs without the price, there are a few springs off the beaten path. Down the road from Tabacón, there is a small bridge crossing the river Río Chollín. If you’re brave enough to climb down the hill next to the bridge, you’ll find natural geothermal pools that are totally free! Since this isn’t a regulated spring, exercise caution before hopping in. 

After this fun-filled day exploring the beautiful area of La Fortuna, head back to the hotel, eat some dinner, soak in the hot springs or hot tub, and go to bed. It’s time to rest before another exciting day of travel and adventure!

You have two options this morning: Sleep in or wake up early and visit a magical turquoise blue river. 

Option 1: Sleep in.

Check-out time at Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa is noon, so there’s no need to rush. Once you wake up, grab some free breakfast at the buffet and soak in views of the volcano. Maybe even head down to the Titokú Hot Springs one last time. Once the clock strikes 12pm, it’s time to head out. 

Option 2: Wake up early and visit a magical blue river. 

Wake up around 6 a.m., get some breakfast, and drive 2 hours to Rio Celeste (on Google Maps and Waze, put in “Rio Celeste Waterfall Parking“). 

The Celeste River is located in Tenorio Volcano National Park and is known for its distinctive turquoise color and large waterfall. Since it is close to a volcano, there are also a few hot springs nearby. The entrance to Tenorio Volcano National Park is $12 for adults and $5 for children (ages 2-12), and parking at the Rio Celeste Waterfall Parking lot is 2000 colones or $3.50 per car. 

Tip: While this is a secure parking lot, don’t leave anything valuable in your car. If you have luggage, keep it hidden in the truck and park as close as possible to the office and entrance where there are more people.

The trail to Rio Celeste and the waterfall is a 3.7-mile round trip that takes about 2-3 hours to complete (including stops for photos). The hike isn’t challenging; however, the path can be muddy with a lot of rain. Bring good hiking shoes and a waterproof bag for your electronics. 

For more information about visiting Rio Celeste, check out this blog post by My Tan Feet.

Jasmine and I went with option one during our trip because we were too exhausted from hiking. However, if you have the energy, don’t miss visiting Rio Celeste! which is a must for your Costa Rica itinerary.

Driving back to the Guanacaste coast from either Rio Celeste or Arenal will take 2-3 hours, and you should arrive around 3 p.m. The area offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury 5-star resorts to small boutique hotels, and as long as they’re along the beach, you really can’t go wrong. During our trip, we stayed at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Papagayo Peninsula, and it was fantastic!

The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica is one of the most luxurious resorts in Central America. The property is situated on 45 acres across the Papagayo Peninsula. It has private access to two beaches, four swimming pools, a world-class spa, an 18-hole golf course, multiple dining options, and offers complementary activities. While the rooms are quite expensive (starting around $800 per night), if this is something you can afford, I highly recommend staying here! So, be sure to include it on your Costa Rica itinerary. It is one of my favorite properties, and I hope to return one day. 

Read my “Hotel Review: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Papagayo Peninsula” for more information about this incredible property.

You’ll probably want to stretch your feet once you arrive at the resort and check into your room. Take this time to explore the hotel grounds. You can walk by the hotel restaurants to see what’s on the dinner menu, grab some refreshing drinks at the bar, dip in the pools, and walk along the beach at sunset. Just relax. Enjoy the luxurious amenities of the resort and the beauty of Costa Rica’s western coastline. 

For dinner, check out Bahia, Pesce, or Añejo. Bahia is a sophisticated all-day restaurant with a variety of dishes for dinner ranging from beef burgers to vegetarian tacos. If you want something casual and light, try the tapas at Añejo. Pesce offers guests an elegant evening with dimly lit lights, a panoramic ocean, and classic Italian cuisine. All three restaurants are great – it just depends on what you’re in the mood for – so you really can’t go wrong! 

If you still have energy after dinner, go for a swim in the pool or head to the beach for stargazing. It’s insane how many stars you can see at Playa Virador with the naked eye! 

Slowly wake up and enjoy a delicious cup of Costa Rican coffee on the patio while listening to the peaceful sounds of birds singing and waves crashing against the shore. If you’re hungry, head to Bahia for breakfast or grab an acai bowl at Añejo. 

Once you’re all fueled up and ready to go, check out the hotel’s daily scheduled activities to include in your Costa Rica Itinerary. The Four Seasons offers over 25 complimentary activities and others that require a small fee. So, if you’re interested in doing more than lounge by the pool or relax at the spa, here are just a few fun activities for you to do throughout the day!

After breakfast, head down to Playa Blanca (located on the property) and meet your guide for a Snorkel Tour. From the beach, you’ll swim out into the bay and see beautiful coral reefs and the marine life of Culebra Bay on your Costa Rica itinerary. While you snorkel, your guide will point out different fish species and share their knowledge of the surrounding water. 

Once you’ve returned to shore, rest on the beach or continue your adventure by taking Surfing Lessons! The Four Seasons Resorts is the closest resort to the famous waves of Witch’s Rock and Ollies Point. You can set up lessons with the concierge desk and partner with the luxury surf school Tropicsurf. You’ll be transported to the school by boat and have a one-on-one session with an instructor who will have you riding the waves in no time.

If you’ve decided to snorkel and surf, you’ll probably be tired and need sustenance by noon. Bahia is the perfect spot for lunch, with tasty dishes such as mahi-mahi tacos, grilled chicken sandwiches, and Caesar salad. 

At 1:30 pm most days, the Four Seasons Resort offers the complimentary Trail of the Giants Golf Course Tour. A shuttle will pick you and other guests up from the lobby and take you to the golf clubhouse. From there, you’ll select a golf cart and begin your tour around the course. Your guide will stop at beautiful viewpoints to talk about the local vegetation and wildlife of the Papagayo Peninsula. You’ll also see some white-faced and howler monkeys in the tall trees along the trail!

Once the tour ends, head to the bar at Añejo. Relax and enjoy a few refreshments and snacks on the outdoor patio.

At 4 pm, walk next door to La Reserva to do the complimentary Chocolate Rum Tasting! You can try five different rums combined with Costa Rican Chocolate! After the tasting, head to Playa Virador to watch the sunset. 

If you still have energy after this very active day, go on the Moonlit Kayak Tour. There are other kayak excursions offered, but the moonlit tour is unique. After sunset, you’ll meet with a guide and kayak out to Blanca Bay. LED lights are attached to the bottom of the kayaks so you can see the dark water below. While the marine life may be less active at this time, you’ll have fantastic coast views and start seeing thousands of stars appear over the horizon.

Once you return to shore, head to your room and clean up before a late-night dinner at Pesce. It’s been an eventful day, so sit back and unwind with a glass of red wine and a delicious Cioppino! 

Be sure to read my complete “Hotel Review: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Papagayo Peninsula” for more things to do and other complementary activities offered by the resort!

Depending on the time of your flight, you have two options for spending your final hours in Costa Rica.

Option 1: Relax at the Four Seasons Resort.

Check-out time is from 12 pm to 2 pm, so if all you want to do is savor the luxury experience at the Four Seasons Resort, do just that. You can chill by the pool or partake in scheduled morning activities—it’s up to your planned Costa Rica Itinerary. 

Option 2: Explore more beaches in Guanacaste Province.

If you want to see a little more of Costa Rica before you leave, pack up and head out to some other beaches nearby, like Ocotal Beach, Conchal Beach, and Playa Flamingo. These beaches are considered to be the best with public access. However, I still think Playa Virador at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica is more beautiful. Plus, it’s private. 

If you decide to visit Playa Flamingo for your Costa Rica itinerary, a 1.5-hour drive from the Four Seasons Resort, swing by Las Catalinas. This new beach town is on the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by 1,000 acres of tropical dry forest hills and valleys – perfect for hiking and biking. The city is completely car-free and comprises houses, small hotels and inns, shops, restaurants, pedestrian streets, plazas, parks, and recreational facilities. Once it is complete, Las Catalinas will be the perfect haven for connecting with nature, locals, and other travelers.

Tip: If you are considering adding another day to your trip by staying in Las Catalinas, book a night at the Santana Hotel. They have a beautiful property and a fantastic infinity pool! 

What I would have done differently . . .

In my original Costa Rica itinerary, we only did one day in La Fortuna and added a day in Las Catalinas instead. This was a mistake. Since the town is still being developed, hardly anything was open, and overall, there wasn’t much to do. Plus, you could hear the construction going on throughout the day. While the town will eventually be a lovely place to vacation, I wish we had spent more time exploring the Arenal region. 

Also, reaching Las Catalinas is tricky. Along a dirt road, the route takes you through a few river wash crossings. If the streets are flooded, like when we visited, you must find an alternative route. There are no signs to help you, and it’s in the middle of nowhere, so there isn’t a lot of traffic. Luckily, a random car passed us, and we knew enough Spanish to ask for directions if you’re interested in visiting, just research and keep informed of the town’s progress.

Overall, Costa Rica exceeded my expectation and has quickly become one of my favorite destinations in the world. I hope I get the change to explore even more of this beautiful country! As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Angie xoxo 

For more posts about my adventures in Central America, click here.