Inspiring itineraries for 4 days in Costa Rica

If you’re looking for a short vacation that delivers big when it comes to wildlife, adventure and tropical beaches, you might want to think about heading to Costa Rica. Served by multiple airlines from multiple US cities, it’s easily accessed. And, with planning, it’s also easy to discover one of the most biodiverse countries on earth in just four days. Inspired to visit? Keep reading — each Costa Rica itinerary for four days presented below might just have you reaching for your passport.  

Itinerary 1: Tortuguero Adventure

Offering a deep dive into the rainforest, lagoons, mangroves and canals of a national park that’s known as “Central America’s Amazon”, this Tortuguero Adventure Costa Rica itinerary for 4 days is off-the-scale-exhilarating.

A vital nesting site for the endangered green turtle, and home to around 160 mammals — including sloths, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, white-faced capuchins and jaguars — Tortuguero National Park is also something of a paradise for bird-lovers. 

As a result, it’ll come as no surprise that this Costa Rica itinerary for 4 days has a focus on wildlife.

In addition, it includes an immersive tour of Tortuguero village that reveals its longstanding relationship with green turtles — Tortuguero means “Land of the Green Turtle — plus canal trips and opportunities to kayak and hike.

Itinerary overview

After driving for 30 minutes or so, you’ll see the landscape shift from cloud forest to rainforest as you descend to the lowlands. 

By mid-morning, you’ll reach the port and will board a boat that’ll take you to the heart of Tortuguero National Park.

Come the afternoon, head to the village to visit the Musuem of the Green Turtle to discover the invaluable work done by the local Sea Turtle Conservancy. You’ll also have time to explore town.

Day two will be devoted to discovering Tortuguero’s canals by boat, with an expert guide on hand to make sure you don’t miss any opportunities to spot wildlife.

On the morning of day three, you could canoe the canals and mangroves, or hike Tortuguero Hill for spectacular views of this unique region.

Come the evening of day three, during the July-October turtle-nesting season, you’ll take the Laguna Sea Turtle Nesting Tour to see turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. 

In addition to this area being a significant site for green turtles, hawksbill, loggerhead and giant leatherback turtles are also regularly sighted. No matter which species you get to see, the experience is truly magical.

On your last day, rise early to pack in an early hike or bird-watching trip before returning to San José.

Editor’s tip: ahead of your Tortuguero Adventure, read up on the best tours to take in the national park.

Here’s a summary of this wildlife-and nature-packed Costa Rica itinerary for 4 days.

Day 1

• Travel from San José to Tortuguero by car and boat
• Visit Tortuguero village and the Musuem of the Green Turtle

Day 2

• Canal boat tour

Day 3

• Canal and mangrove kayaking or hiking
• Night-time turtle-nesting tour

Day 4

• Early morning hike or guided bird-watching tour
• Return to San José

Like the sound of this trip? Book it now.

Itinerary 2: Outdoor fun and pristine beaches 

Taking travelers from jungle to coast — from La Fortuna and Arenal volcano, to Manuel Antonio National Park — this Outdoor Fun and Beaches Costa Rica itinerary for 4 days comes recommended for travelers who want the best of both worlds. Make the most of your short time in Costa Rica with this quick plan.

Itinerary overview

After arriving in San José on day one, you’ll transfer to La Fortuna. Gateway to the wonders of Arenal Volcano National Park, you might be able to soak in some of the best hot springs in the area after arriving.

Day two will see you head to La Fortuna waterfall — one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica, no less — before you venture to Arenal national park in the afternoon. 

Here you’ll hike some of the park’s top trails during what’s indisputably one of the best Arenal volcano tours.

Early on day three, you’ll transfer to Manuel Antonio National Park. Known for its pristine beaches, lush rainforest, and abundant wildlife, it’s one of Costa Rica's most beautiful national parks.

On arrival (it’ll take around 3.5 hours), you’ll have free time to hit some of Manuel Antonio's best beaches in the afternoon. 

Day four will see you embark on a guided nature walk of the park. Expect to see masses of monkeys and colorful tropical birds, plus sloths and reptiles, on what has to be one of the best Manuel Antonio National Park tours.

Arranging your own Costa Rica vacation? Read our Content Manager’s personal guide to planning a trip to Costa Rica.

Alternatively, our customizable Beaches and Volcanoes trip includes Arenal volcano and Manuel Antonio, and booking it means you’ll forego the hassle of planning.

Read over for a summary of this diverse Costa Rica itinerary for 4 days.

Day 1

• Transfer to La Fortuna from San José

 Day 2

• Hike to La Fortuna waterfall and explore Arenal Volcano National Park

Day 3

• Transfer to Manuel Antonio National Park; spend the afternoon on beaches

Day 4

• Guided nature walk in Manuel Antonio National Park

Want to experience this for yourself? Book this customisable trip now.

Itinerary 3: Costa Rica Family Adventure

If you’re looking for a trip that’ll keep all ages happy, this Family Adventure Costa Rica itinerary for 4 days is well worth having on your radar.

Offering immersion in the La Fortuna area and Arenal Volcano National Park, along with time to explore the capital, it keeps transfers to a minimum, which means you’ll have more time for fun-filled adventure.

Itinerary overview

You’ll spend day one exploring San José, a vibrant, green capital that’s far less crowded and chaotic than many other cities in the region, and easily explored on foot.

While here, you could, for example, stroll lush Parque Central, visit the Museo de Oro Precolombino (Pre-Columbian Gold Museum) to discover the history of indigenous Costa Rican society.

We also recommend heading to the Artisan Market (Mercado Nacional de Artesanías) to buy unique hand-crafted gifts.

Day two will see you transfer to La Fortuna. Soaking in the hot springs is a sure-fire winner when it comes to rejuvenating body and mind ahead of a full day of adventure in Arenal Volcano National Park on day three.

You have stacks of options when it comes to deciding how to explore the park. From hiking some of the park’s best trails, to ziplining, white-water rafting and canyoning.

Alternatively, you could take a trip to La Fortuna waterfall — one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica — before returning to San José on day four. 

Rise early, and you could  enjoy another nature walk before you leave.

Just starting to plan your trip? Find out how many days are best to spend in Costa Rica depending on your goals.

See an overview of this Costa Rica itinerary for 4 days:

Day 1: San José

• Explore the city — visit museums and the artisan market

Day 2: La Fortuna

• Transfer to La Fortuna; soak in hot springs

Day 3: La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)

• Take a guided tour of Arenal Volcano National Park

Day 4: San José

• Early morning nature walk before returning to San José

Fancy enjoying this family adventure? Talk to our local Costa Rica experts.

Itinerary 4: Costa Rica Beach Bliss

For a full-on tropical beach vacation, this Costa Rica itinerary for 4 days will see you blissing out on the area’s best beaches.

Of course, this being Costa Rica, you can also look forward to seeing some incredible wildlife alongside enjoying coastal adventures.

Itinerary overview

After landing, transfer from to San José to Manuel Antonio on day one, perhaps having pre-arranged to enjoy one of the best Manuel Antonio National Park tours in the afternoon. 

For example, you could take a beach-hopping tour in the company of a local guide who'll point out wildlife as you walk the park's trails, before you'll head to some of those beautiful beaches.

Come the evening, take a sunset catamaran cruise to see the stunning coastline from the ocean.

Spend the morning of day two on a guided nature hike through the national park’s trails, or else book a mangrove boat tour. Whatever you decide, stacks of wildlife awaits. 

Next, devote the afternoon to a kayaking excursion, or else return to your new favorite beach.

On day three, you could embark on a dolphin and whale-watching boat trip, or else up the adventure on a zip-lining experience. That’s the beauty of this region — it offers infinite variety.

Before heading back to San José on day four, hit the beach to soak up the sun for your final few hours.

Not sure if 4 days is enough? Read our feature on how many days you need in Costa Rica.

Here’s a handy summary of this beach-based Costa Rica itinerary for 4 days.

Day 1: San José to Manuel Antonio

• Transfer from San José to Manuel Antonio
• Explore the beaches
• Take a sunset catamaran cruise

Day 2: Manuel Antonio National Park

• Guided nature hike in Manuel Antonio National Park or mangrove boat tour
• Kayaking excursion, or time on the beach

Day 3: Manuel Antonio National Park

• Dolphin and whale-watching boat trip, or zip-lining experience

Day 4: Manuel Antonio to San José

• Morning on the beach before heading back to San José

Keen to visit Manuel Antonio? Talk to our local Costa Rica experts about curating your ideal vacation.

Itinerary 5: Costa Rica Adventure Activities

After arriving in Costa Rica, transfer from San José to Monteverde for an adventure-packed Costa Rica itinerary for 4 days centered on a remarkable cloud forest.

Itinerary overview

On the night of day one, go on a guided nature walk to see the forest’s nocturnal wildlife before spending day two visiting Monteverde’s celebrated hanging bridges for a bird's-eye view of the forest

Get lucky, and you might glimpse the resplendent quetzal as you walk the bridges and nature trails.

Devote day three to all-out adventure. For example, you could head to the Monteverde Sky Walk, which combines trails and suspension bridges.

Alternatively, the Selvatura Park Zip-line Tour offers one of the most extensive zip-line experiences in Costa Rica, which is really saying something.

Meanwhile, Sky Adventures’ Sky Trek experience includes a ride on an open-air sky tram takes you to the top of the mountain before you descend via a series of zip lines.

Rise early on day four to enjoy another nature walk before returning to San José.

Want to spend more time in Costa Rica? Our 7-day Costa Rica itineraries may be more suitable for you.

Here’s a summary of this adventure-packed Costa Rica itinerary for 4 days.

Day 1

• Transfer from San José to Monteverde; night-time nature tour

Day 2

• Take a wildlife-focused hanging bridge tour

Day 3

• Go zip lining or take a tram tour

Day 4

• Early morning nature walk before returning to San José

Not fixed on a 4-day trip? Read our recommended itineraries for the best ways to spend five days in Costa Rica, rewarding 10-day itineraries, and thrilling 14-day trips to Costa Rica.

You might also want to browse our customizable Costa Rica itineraries or contact our local Costa Rica experts.