The perfect Costa Rica itinerary for 5 days

Given that multiple airlines operate flights to Costa Rica from multiple US cities — and given that it can be reached pretty darn quickly — we thought it was high time we shared ways US travelers can enjoy short vacations in this incredible Central American country. Though it’s one of the most biodiverse countries on earth — and home to tonnes of beautiful beaches and opportunities for adventure — it’s actually perfectly possible to experience many highlights in a brief trip. With that in mind, if you’re short on time, here are five five-day Costa Rica itineraries to spark inspiration.

Itinerary 1: Costa Rica’s tropical treasures 

On this five day itinerary you'll get to see the best of Costa Rica's tropical natural sites. You'll start in San Jose and head to Tortuguero for wildlife boat tours and hot springs. Then, explore Manuel Antonio's diverse wildlife, including sloths and tropical birds. Wrap up your trip on day five as you head back to San Jose. 

Itinerary overview

Unveiling some of Costa Rica's natural treasures — along with the chance to go on adventures, and relax — this exciting 5-day itinerary kicks off when you arrive in San Jose International Airport on day one and head to Tortuguero.

Accessible through Braulio Carrillo National Park, this really is a tropical paradise, as you’ll discover on day two, when a local guide will navigate you through the lush canals of Tortuguero National Park on a wildlife-watching boat tour.

Come day three, take a dip in hot springs surrounded by lush tropical landscapes. It’s the perfect way to chill before you move to Manuel Antonio National Park for epic wildlife-watching experiences.

Home to sloths, monkeys, and tonnes of tropical birds, day four will see you enjoy a morning nature tour of the park, with time to relax on a beautiful beach in the afternoon.

You’ll say goodbye to Costa Rica on day five of this thrilling 5-day vacation when you head back San Jose airport on day five to return to the US.

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Looking for even shorter yet fulfilling holiday in Costa Rica? Explore our 4-day itineraries in Costa Rica.

See a rundown of our Costa Rica itinerary for 5 days:

Day 1

• Arrive in San Jose and transfer to Tortuguero National Park
• Overnight in Tortuguero

Day 2

• Canal tour 
• Overnight in Tortuguero

Day 3

• Transfer to Manuel Antonio
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio

Day 4

• Guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park and beach time
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio

Day 5

• Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San Jose to return to the US.

Interested? Why not book this trip now?

Want insider intel on planning a trip to Costa Rica? Based on his own trips to Costa Rica, our Content Manager has written a personal guide to exactly that. 

Itinerary 2: Discover Costa Rica's wild south

Curated with adventurers and nature lovers in mind, this exciting 5-day journey invites travelers to explore the wild south of Costa Rica as it delves into the heart of the Corcovado National Park — one of the world’s most important refuges for endangered wildlife.

Itinerary overview

After arriving in San José, day one will see you travel to San Gerardo de Dota before you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the cloud forest on day two. 

Home to over 170 species of birds, your expert guide will know exactly how to spot all manner of wildlife, from said birds, to sloths and monkeys.

Day three is devoted to forest adventures in Los Quetzales National Park, where you’ll witness a of ecosystems and hopefully see the resplendent quetzal.

Next, you’ll take to the water on day four when a kayaking trip through Hatillo Mangrove Forest will reveal herons, monkeys, reptiles, and many, many crabs. 

It’s back to the forests on the morning of day five when you’ll explore Corcovado National Park before returning to San Jose airport to head home to the US.

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Here’s an overview of this Costa Rica itinerary for 5 days.

Day 1

• Arrive in San Jose; transfer to San Gerardo de Dota 
• Overnight in Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa

Day 2

• Forest tour 
• Overnight in Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa

Day 3

• Tour Los Quetzales National Park
• Overnight in Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa

Day 4

• Kayak Hatilo Mangrove Forest
• Overnight in Uvita

Day 5

• Hike Corcovado National Park; transfer to San Jose Airport to fly back to the US

Fancy enjoying this kind of vacation? Book your trip now.

Itinerary #3: Culture and nature in Costa Rica

If you’re looking for the kind of vacation that melds culture and nature with the chance to chill on beautiful beaches, look no further than this fulfilling 5-day itinerary. This itinerary offers a mix of exploration, relaxation, and natural beauty.

Itinerary overview

After arriving San Jose on day one, take an afternoon or evening stroll to discover the city’s historic neighborhoods.

On day two, you'll travel to Orosi Valley. Nestled in the Talamanca Mountain Range in Costa Rica’s Cartago Province — southeast of San José — it's known for its lush landscapes and coffee plantations.

As for what to do here, you could opt to soak in the Orosi Hot Springs, explore Tapantí National Park, or cruise the serene Cachí Lake.

Come day three, venture to Irazu Volcanoes National Park to see the country's highest active peak, and trek the enchanting Prusia Forest.

More outdoor magic awaits on day four, when you move to Manuel Antonio National Park to discover its biodiversity. 

Be sure to leave time to enjoy the park's beaches, too (you could book a beach yoga session) before you return to the airport on day five.

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 nature and culture Costa Rica itinerary for 5 days.

Day 1

• Arrive in San Jose
• Overnight in San Jose

Day 2

• Explore the Orosi Valley
• Overnight in Orosi

Day 3

• Tour Irazú Volcano National Park
• Overnight in Irazú

Day 4

• Tour Manuel Antonio National Park 
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio

Day 5

• Transfer to San Jose Airport to head home to the US

Interested? Don't miss out — book this trip now.

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

Itinerary 4: Active Adventures in Costa Rica

If your idea of the perfect vacation involves adventure, consider taking an action-packed 5-day journey around Costa Rica’s Arenal area, where treks to volcanoes and wild waterfalls await on all manner of thrilling tours.

Itinerary overview

After arriving in San Jose on day one, spend the afternoon and evening exploring this vibrant city before heading to Poas Volcanoes National Park on day two.

After seeing its colossal crater and the enchanting Botos Lagoon, move to La Paz Waterfall Gardens for epic views and serene nature.

The pace ramps up again on day three during an adrenaline-pumping SKY River Drift adventure in Arenal Park. You’ll get to soar on cables and float down a three-mile river through the rainforest. 

Day four will see you move to Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can take a guided nature tour of this biodiverse beauty spot, and chill out on the beach.

The adventure winds down on day five when you’ll return to San Jose airport and fly home to the US.

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Here’s an overview of this adventure-packed Costa Rica itinerary for 5 days.

Day 1

• Arrive in San Jose
• Overnight in San Jose

Day 2

• Tour Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens
• Overnight in Arenal

Day 3

• Enjoy a Sky River Drift in Arenal Park
• Overnight in Arenal

Day 4

• Tour Manuel Antonio National Park 
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio

Day 5

• Transfer to San Jose Airport

Inspired? Book this trip now.

Itinerary 5: Taste paradise on a food and nature safari 

If you love food — and love to mix culture and nature on your vacations — this tasty 5-day itinerary blends the best Costa Rican cuisine with exploring natural wonders.

After arriving in San Jose on day one, take a food-themed tour of the city to acquaint yourself with Costa Rica flavors before venturing to the lush Central Valley on day two. It’s a great place to enjoy a hands-on cooking class using local produce.

On day three, travel to the biodiverse-rich region of Sarapiqui. We suggest taking a tour of Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve to discover hidden waterfalls, with a local guide on hand to offer insights into wildlife and the complex ecosystem.

Next stop, head to Turrialba on day four. Esteemed for its organic agricultural practices, you could tour a farm and enjoy a full-on field-to-fork experience with a local chef. 

Mixing things up to the end, you could then spend day five in Marino Ballena National Park, where incredible whale-watching trips await. What a way to round off your five-day Costa Rica vacation.

Itinerary overview

Read on for an overview of this Costa Rica itinerary for 5 days.

Day 1

• Arrive in San Jose and take a food-themed tour

Day 2

• Cooking class in the Central Valley

Day 3

• Tour Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve

Day 4

• Farm food tour of Turrialba

Day 5

• Tour Marino Ballena National Park 

Fancy this kind of trip? Talk to our experts about booking it now.

Want more inspiration? Browse our customisable Costa Rica itineraries. You might also want to get your hands on The Rough Guide to Costa Rica.