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Costa Rica's Classic Loop — a 5-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive
The 5-day version for February: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 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
- Dry season: volcano views, dusty cloud-forest roads and busy beaches — reserve Monteverde walks ahead.
- Heavy transit: day 5 (8h13) runs over 6 hours on the road. Around 5 days would keep daily driving comfortable on this route — or keep the dates and start each of those days by 08:00.
Day 1 San José → La Fortuna (Arenal)
🌡 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)
🌡 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)
🌡 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
Day 4 Monteverde
🌡 17.3–37.0°C · 🌧 ~1 rain days · ☀ 11.7h light
11:41
Catarata Los Murcielagos - Monteverde Waterfallhiking
Cool off in the waterfall pool after a short, scenic hike.
90 min · Monteverde · $6 per person
13:11
The Original Monteverde Butterfly Gardenmuseums & heritage
Flutter through gardens teeming with vibrant butterflies and insects.
90 min · Monteverde · $15/person for tour
14:41
San Luis Botanical Garden
Wander trails lined with medicinal plants and arboretum giants.
90 min · Monteverde
16:11
Caburé Chocolate tour
Taste rich chocolate born from bean to bar in a whimsical factory.
90 min · Monteverde
open: 14:00-16:00
18:30
Café Caburécoffee & bakesmuseums & heritage
Indulge in rich chocolates and Argentine dishes in a cozy setting.
75 min · Monteverde
open: 09:00-21:00
Overnight: Monteverde
e.g. El Establo Mountain Hotel · Trapp Family Lodge
Day 5 Around Monteverde
🌡 17.3–37.0°C · 🌧 ~1 rain days · ☀ 11.7h light
09:00
Marvin Anchia
Ride through Monteverde’s lush scenery on well-trained horses.
90 min · Monteverde
Overnight: Monteverde
e.g. El Establo Mountain Hotel · Trapp Family Lodge