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Costa Rica's Classic Loop: the Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arenal volcano's cone rising over rainforest
Photo: Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Costa Rica's classic loop packs a volcano, a cloud forest and a wildlife-stuffed coast into one small country. Sloths hang over the trails at Manuel Antonio, hummingbirds swarm Monteverde, and Arenal's hot springs finish the hiking days properly.

Costa Rica's Classic Loop is a 520 km loop (self-drive). It works best as a 5-day trip; the plan below is the 5-day version for February, built from 84 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

Customize this plan → 5-day plan · best time to go

5
days
626 km
distance
13.9 h
driving
22
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 San José → La Fortuna (Arenal)

3h00 transit · wraps up ~19:45
🌡 17.2–34.4°C · 🌧 ~3 rain days · ☀ 11.7h light
12:00
Fortuna Waterfallswimming & bathshiking
Feel the mist and hear the rush of water as you stand by the pool.
50 min · La Fortuna (Arenal) · Foreigner adults: US$20, Children age 8
open: entrance closes 17:00
12:50
Cerro Chato Hike [currently closed by the government]volcanichiking
Discover dense rainforest and a serene crater lake on the trail.
90 min · La Fortuna (Arenal) · US$10 (hotel private access)
14:20
FlyZone Wakeboard Center on Lake Arenalvolcanicmuseums & heritage
Skate over mirror-smooth waters with monkeys cheering from the shore.
90 min · La Fortuna (Arenal) · For 2018: from one hour for US$140 up to (price listed 2018)
15:50
Lava Rocks Cafévolcaniccoffee & bakes
Enjoy hearty portions of comforting local and international dishes.
60 min · La Fortuna (Arenal)
18:30
Don Rufinolocal & traditional
Delight in international flavors in a welcoming, cozy atmosphere.
75 min · La Fortuna (Arenal) · US$15-60
open: 11:30-22:30
Overnight: La Fortuna (Arenal)
e.g. Arenal Manoa Hotel & Hotel Resort · Arenal Volcano Inn

Day 2 Around La Fortuna (Arenal)

no transit — linger day · wraps up ~17:40
🌡 17.2–34.4°C · 🌧 ~3 rain days · ☀ 11.7h light
09:00
Arenal Volcano Night Hikevolcanichiking
Experience the jungle alive at night with glowing eyes and rustling leaves.
90 min · La Fortuna (Arenal)
10:30
Arenal Butterfly Conservatoryvolcanic
Watch vibrant butterflies flutter among lush tropical plants.
90 min · La Fortuna (Arenal) · US$12
open: 08:30-16:30
12:00
Baldí Hot Springsvolcanic
Soak in warm springs nestled at the base of the volcano.
90 min · La Fortuna (Arenal) · Adults US$47, Children US$37
open: until 22:00
13:30
Arenal Volcanovolcanic
Enjoy panoramic views of the rugged volcano and surrounding landscapes.
50 min · La Fortuna (Arenal) · The tours come in a variety of options:
14:20
Lake Arenalvolcanic
Gaze at the calm waters reflecting the volcanic peaks above.
50 min · La Fortuna (Arenal)
15:10
River poolswimming & baths
Cool off with a refreshing dip in the clear, rushing river.
90 min · La Fortuna (Arenal)
16:40
Que Rico Arenalvolcanic
Savor delicious meals while admiring the volcano from your table.
60 min · La Fortuna (Arenal)
Overnight: La Fortuna (Arenal)
e.g. Arenal Manoa Hotel & Hotel Resort · Arenal Volcano Inn

Day 3 Around La Fortuna (Arenal)

no transit — linger day · wraps up ~14:30
🌡 17.2–34.4°C · 🌧 ~3 rain days · ☀ 11.7h light
09:00
Tabacon Hot Springs
Laze in tranquil hot springs with modern comforts close by.
90 min · La Fortuna (Arenal) · Entrance fee US$89
open: 8AM-9PM
10:30
Tabaconcito Hot Springs
Relax in natural hot springs bubbling up from the earth.
90 min · La Fortuna (Arenal) · Free
12:00
EcoTermales Fortuna
Unwind in serene, private hot springs surrounded by nature.
90 min · La Fortuna (Arenal) · US$80 entrance for 2, just for the pools
13:30
Soda La Hormiga
Relish affordable, tasty breakfast and classic Costa Rican fare.
60 min · La Fortuna (Arenal)
open: 6AM-8PM
Overnight: La Fortuna (Arenal)
e.g. Arenal Manoa Hotel & Hotel Resort · Arenal Volcano Inn

See the remaining 2 days of the 5-day plan →

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