Itinerary
- Day 1
San José
You'll land in San José and head straight to pick up your rental car at the airport. The drive to your accommodation takes a bit, so plan to arrive, get settled, and take it easy for the night. You'll want to rest up since your Costa Rican adventure kicks off tomorrow.
- Day 2
San José to La Fortuna
Drive north toward La Fortuna, and you'll pass Lake Arenal along the way with Arenal volcano visible in the distance. Once you reach the town, walk around and check out the local shops and markets. By evening, head back to your accommodation and watch the sunset from the terrace.
Optional Activities
- Explore La Fortuna town shops and market stalls
Landmarks/POIs Arenal Volcano Lake Arenal - Day 3
La Fortuna
Spend the day hiking through Arenal National Park's trails that wind through the volcanic landscape formed by past lava flows. If you're interested, natural hot springs are scattered around the volcano area and make for a nice way to relax your muscles after the hike.
Optional Activities
- Hike through Arenal National Park with various trail options around Arenal volcano (payable locally)
- Soak in natural hot springs around the volcano (payable locally)
Landmarks/POIs Arenal National Park Arenal Volcano - Day 4
La Fortuna
Head to La Fortuna waterfall and swim in the jade-colored pool at its base. If you want more activity, El Castillo is nearby on Lake Arenal where you can try stand-up paddleboarding on the calm water, or skip it and spend more time at the waterfall area.
Optional Activities
- Visit La Fortuna waterfall and swim in the pool
- SUP board on Lake Arenal at El Castillo
Landmarks/POIs La Fortuna Waterfall Lake Arenal El Castillo - Day 5
La Fortuna to Tamarindo
Drive west toward Tamarindo, and you can stop at Llanos de Cortés waterfall along the way if you want to grab a picnic lunch and stretch your legs. Once you reach Tamarindo, walk through the town checking out boutiques and cafes. Wrap up your day watching the sunset over the Pacific from Playa Tamarindo.
Optional Activities
- Stop at Llanos de Cortés waterfall for picnic or swimming
Landmarks/POIs Llanos de Cortés Waterfall Playa Tamarindo - Day 6
Tamarindo
Start your morning with surfing at Tamarindo beach. Rental boards are available right there, and you can hire a beginner instructor if you're new to it. After that, head to Las Baulas National Park to walk the mangrove trails looking for wildlife or search for leatherback turtles on Playa Grande Trail.
Optional Activities
- Surf at Tamarindo beach with board rental
- Hire a surf instructor for beginners (payable on site)
- Explore Las Baulas National Park mangrove trails
- Search for leatherback turtles on Playa Grande Trail
Landmarks/POIs Las Baulas National Park Playa Grande - Day 7
Tamarindo
Travel to Playa Avellanas and Playa Carbón, where the black volcanic sand and rock formations create a different vibe from other beaches in the area. Drive up to Mirador La Cruz to take in the panoramic views of Tamarindo and the surrounding coastline. Spend your evening at beach bars enjoying drinks and live music.
Optional Activities
- Visit Playa Avellanas
- Visit Playa Carbón
- Visit Mirador La Cruz for panoramic views
- Drinks and entertainment at beach bars
Landmarks/POIs Playa Avellanas Playa Carbón Mirador La Cruz - Day 8
Tamarindo
Check out Playa Conchal with its distinctive snow-white sand made up of thousands of tiny shells. Back in Tamarindo, wander through more streets, pop into local cafes, and browse the markets. Later, take an evening walk along Playa Langosta and settle in for the sunset over the water.
Optional Activities
- Visit Playa Conchal
- Explore Tamarindo streets, cafés, and market
Landmarks/POIs Playa Conchal Playa Langosta - Day 9
Tamarindo to San José
Head out early from Tamarindo and drive back toward San José through the tropical rainforest. Once you arrive at the airport, return your rental car and prepare for your flight home. You'll have plenty of memories from your Costa Rican road trip to think about during the journey.
