7 days
Volcano and beach in 7 days
One week, two sides of Costa Rica: Arenal's volcano, hot springs and waterfalls, then the beaches of Guanacaste.
At a glance
Route
- Central Valley and Poás 1 night
- Arenal and La Fortuna 3 nights
- Guanacaste 2 nights
- Who it is for
- Short first trips to Costa Rica and couples who want one week with both a volcano and a beach.
Day by day
Central Valley and Poás 1 night
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Day 1
Arrive in San José
Land at San José airport (SJO) and spend the night at a hotel close by, so you start the drive north rested.
Arenal and La Fortuna 3 nights
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Day 2
To La Fortuna and the hot springs
About 3 hours north to La Fortuna. After check-in, spend your first evening soaking in the hot springs, facing the volcano.
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Day 3
Arenal Volcano, waterfall and hot springs
A full day with a guide: a swim at the foot of La Fortuna Waterfall, a hike over the 1968 lava flows and an evening in the hot springs.
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Day 4
Río Celeste
About 1.5 hours to Tenorio Volcano National Park and a forest hike to the turquoise Río Celeste waterfall, then back to La Fortuna.
Stay: Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort $$ Comfortable
Guanacaste 2 nights
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Day 5
To the Guanacaste coast
About 4 hours west to Tamarindo, in time for a swim and the sunset over the Pacific.
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Day 6
Rincón de la Vieja or a beach day
Walk past bubbling mud pots and steam vents on Rincón de la Vieja, about 2 hours away, and end the day in volcanic hot springs. The park is closed on Mondays, so on a Monday this is a beach day.
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Day 7
Fly home from Liberia
An hour to an hour and a half by road to Liberia airport (LIR) for your flight home.
Stay: Hotel Capitán Suizo $$ Comfortable
Make it yours
Pick what you'd change and send it. I'll adjust the route to your dates.
