Nature and Culture in Costa Rica | 5-Day Itinerary
- Kestra J.
- Apr 4
- 4 min read
Interested in visiting Costa Rica for an outdoorsy and culturally rich getaway?
Costa Rica is a paradise where thrilling terrain meets tropical tranquility. Experience outdoor adventures like whitewater rafting, natural hot springs, and secluded beaches perfect for sunbathing or snorkeling; or the vibrant, charming culture of San José, featuring bustling markets, cozy cafés, and world-class art museums.
If you're lucky enough to visit San José, Costa Rica during the second Sunday of March, you're in for a cultural treat! The Day of the Bulls Festival, or Dia de Boyero, is held annually in a small neighborhood north of the city, San Antonio de Escazú. A parade of oxen and beautifully decorated oxcarts flood the streets around the town church as visitors enjoy local craftsmen, food and music! Truly a treat for foreigners and locals alike.
Whether you're diving into the local history of farming, indulging in Costa Rican delicacies, or setting off on an adventure to the Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica is a country full of surprises waiting to be discovered!
This 5-day itinerary will provide you:
The best outline for experiencing Costa Rica's culture, history, and nature in just 5 days!
Recommendations on hotels, transportation , restaurants and activities!
Direct links to book your activities, hotel, and transportation to make planning super easy for you!
Jump To...
Day 1: San José
Day 2: La Fortuna
Day 3: La Fortuna
Day 4: Playa Fantasia
Day 5: San José
🐠 Fun Fact: Costa Rica is a biodiversity hotspot! You can find over 500,00 different species of wildlife here, with unique attractions like volcanos, waterfalls and rainforests.
Day 1 - San José
11AM - Visit the San José Central Market for lunch and explore all the unique vendors selling items like food, medicines, herbs, clothes and more.
2PM - Grab a specialty drink or a light lunch at this pre-colonial decor-style café close to the National Theater of Costa Rica, Alma De Cafe.
6-9PM - Learn more about San José's unique culture, art and nightlife spots during this San Jose By Night: Culture and Gourmet Dinner Tour.
BOOK THIS TOUR: San Jose by Night Culture & Gourmet Dinner Tour
Hotel Recommendations in San Jose - Gran Hotel Costa Rica Curio Collection by Hilton
For trusted transportation services around Costa Rica, book with RideCR.
Day 2 - La Fortuna
9AM-7PM - During this all-day excursion, visit some of the top Costa Rica attractions along the route to the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna including:
A Costa Rica Coffee Planation - Coffee is one of Costa Rica's main exports!
La Paz Waterfall (pictured above) - a beautiful display of nature deep within the mountains of Costa Rica!
Cinchona Waterfall & Costa Rican snacks - from the distance, you can enjoy the sublime view of this waterfall along with some small plates!
The Iguana Tourism Center - see hundreds of Iguanas up close in their natural habitat!
Zip lining - see the rainforest from a sloths view, way up high! (must be less than 265lbs)
Paradise Hot Springs - relax the day away in these heated hot springs and enjoy their full bar and international menu!
BOOK THIS TOUR: Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner
Make sure you bring a portable charger, water, bathing suit, and close-toed shoes during this excursion!
Day 3 - La Fortuna
10AM-4PM - Spend the day relaxing your muscles and enjoying breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano at the famous Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa. The day pass linked includes one meal during your visit and access to all the hot springs pools, changing areas and towels.
Day 4 - Playa Fantasia
9-11AM - Set sail for a Sunset Catamaran Cruise to Playa Fantasia Nature Preserve. This is the perfect way to experience Costa Rica's coastline and marine life. During the tour, you'll enjoy unlimited drinks, a BBQ dinner on the beach, snorkeling and beach lounge chairs.
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BONUS EXCURSION: If you're lucky enough to visit San José, Costa Rica during the second Sunday of March, you're in for a cultural treat! The Day of the Bulls Festival, or Dia de Boyero, is held annually in a small neighborhood north of the city, San Antonio de Escazú. A parade of oxen and beautifully decorated oxcarts flood the streets around the town church as visitors enjoy local craftsmen, food and music! Truly a treat for foreigners and locals alike.
Day 5 - San José
8AM-11AM - Discover Costa Rica’s ancient heritage with a fascinating collection of indigenous gold artifacts at the Pre-Colombian Gold Museum.
12PM-1PM - Grab a sweet treat at this century-old sorbet shop in the Central Market (Central Mercado), famous for its unique cinnamon-flavored sorbet. Eating at La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora is truly a local tradition. Grab lunch at a neighboring stall!
Hopefully you found this Costa Rica 5-day itinerary helpful in planning your trip! 🌞 🌊
We truly hope you find San Jose, Playa Fantasia and La Fortuna as beautiful and unique as we do.
If this trip sound like something you would love to do, join us on one of our upcoming all-inclusive escorted group tours to Germany, Morocco, Jamaica and more!
nice :)