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Itineraries

7 days: a first trip

Two bases, one long travel day.

Updated: November 2, 2026. Schedules, prices and conditions change; always confirm on the booking page.

Forest bird perched near Arenal, Alajuela
Forest bird perched near Arenal, Alajuela · Photo: WildPhotography.com
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Researched advice · compiled from official sources and operator information, not first-hand reporting. Edited by Joshua ten Brink. About our labels

Days 1–3: La Fortuna

From San José, roughly 3 hours by road. Hanging bridges, the waterfall and hot springs.

La FortunaGetYourGuide

La Fortuna: Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Admission Ticket

Místico hanging bridges ticket.

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La FortunaGetYourGuide

La Fortuna: Arenal Rafting Balsa River Class 2 & 3 Rafting

Balsa River rafting.

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Day 4: to the coast

About 3.5–4.5 hours to Manuel Antonio or 3–3.5 hours to Guanacaste beaches.

Days 5–7: Manuel Antonio

Manuel AntonioGetYourGuide

Manuel Antonio National Park: Guided Tour with a Naturalist

Guided park walk.

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Manuel AntonioGetYourGuide

Manuel Antonio: Night Walking Tour with a Naturalist Guide

Night walk.

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Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, inclusions and availability are set by the provider and change often.