Our Costa Rica Adventure
Our trip begins in La Fortuna (May 10-12), where we'll explore the Arenal Volcano area, followed by a longer stay in Puerto Viejo and Cocles (May 13-June 11). This itinerary combines adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences while keeping costs reasonable.
With our rental car, we'll have the flexibility to explore at our own pace, with longer trips possible on weekends. The itinerary below provides a detailed plan for the first week, with highlights for the remaining time.
La Fortuna (May 10-12)
Day 1: May 10
San José to La Fortuna
- Morning: Arrive at Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO), pick up rental car
- Afternoon: Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens en route
- Evening: Check into Los Lagos Spa & Thermal Resort, enjoy hot springs
Budget: ~$100-130 (La Paz entry: $80, gas: ~$15, meals: ~$20-30)
Day 2: May 11
La Fortuna Exploration
- Morning: Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
- Afternoon: Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue
- Evening: Free hot springs & town stroll
Budget: ~$110-140 (Mistico: $68, Proyecto Asis: $80, meals: ~$20-30)
Day 3: May 12
La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo
- Morning: Chocolate Tour in La Fortuna
- Afternoon/Evening: Drive to Puerto Viejo (5 hours)
Budget: ~$90-120 (Chocolate tour: $65, gas: ~$20, meals: ~$20-30)
Puerto Viejo & Cocles (May 13-17)
Day 4: May 13
Puerto Viejo & Cahuita National Park
- Morning: Cahuita National Park
- Afternoon: Jaguar Rescue Center
- Evening: Puerto Viejo Town
Budget: ~$90-120 (Cahuita donation: $15, Jaguar Center: $65, meals: ~$20-30)
Day 5: May 14
Indigenous Culture in Talamanca
- Morning/Afternoon: Bribri Indigenous Tour
- Evening: Beach Time & Dinner
Budget: ~$130-160 (Bribri tour: $105, meals: ~$20-30, gas: ~$5)
Day 6: May 15
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
- Morning/Afternoon: Gandoca-Manzanillo Hike
- Evening: Cooking Class or Relax
Budget: ~$90-140 (Donation: $15, cooking class: $90 or free if skipped, meals: ~$20-30)
Day 7: May 16
Puerto Viejo Exploration
- Morning: Bike Tour
- Afternoon: Souvenir Shopping & Beach
- Evening: Farewell Dinner
Budget: ~$60-90 (Bikes: $15-30, meals: ~$30-50, souvenirs: ~$15)
Extended Stay Highlights (May 18-June 11)
Weekend Adventures
With our rental car, we can explore further on weekends. Some options include:
- Bocas del Toro, Panama: Island archipelago with stunning beaches (passport required)
- Tortuguero National Park: Turtle nesting sites and canal tours
- Braulio Carrillo National Park: Cloud forests and hiking trails
- San José: Museums, markets, and urban culture
Weekday Activities
During weekdays, we'll enjoy the local area with activities such as:
- Beach days: Playa Cocles, Punta Uva, Playa Negra
- Wildlife watching: Sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds
- Water activities: Surfing, snorkeling, and swimming
- Cultural experiences: Local cooking, music, and art
- Relaxation: Reading, hammock time, and beach walks
Budget Breakdown
Estimated Costs (Excluding Flights and Lodging)
| Category | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Activities | $450-550 | La Paz: $80, Mistico: $68, Proyecto Asis: $80, Chocolate tour: $65, Cahuita: $15, Jaguar Center: $65, Bribri tour: $105, Gandoca: $15, bikes: $15-30 |
| Meals | $150-200 | $20-30/day for family |
| Gas & Parking | $70-100 | For the first week; budget more for extended stay |
| Total (First Week) | $670-850 | $30-40/person/day |
Budget Tips
- Self-guided tours save significantly over guided options
- Eat at local "sodas" instead of tourist restaurants
- Visit free attractions like beaches and public hot springs
- Book activities in advance for better rates
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
Packing List
What to Bring
This comprehensive packing list is tailored for our Costa Rica trip, accounting for both La Fortuna and Puerto Viejo activities, the rainy season, and our rental car travel.
Clothing (Per Person)
- 4-5 Lightweight, quick-dry t-shirts
- 2 Pairs of quick-dry shorts/capris
- 1 Pair of lightweight long pants
- 1 Long-sleeve rash guard or light jacket
- 5-6 Pairs of underwear and socks
- 1 Swimsuit
- 1 Set of sleepwear
- 1 Pair of water shoes or sandals with straps
- 1 Pair of sneakers or hiking shoes
- 1 Hat or cap for sun protection
- 1 Lightweight rain poncho
Toiletries
- Travel-sized toiletries
- Sunscreen (SPF 50, reef-safe)
- Bug repellent (DEET or Picaridin)
- Small first-aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Lip balm with SPF
- Travel towel
- Toiletries bag (waterproof)
Electronics & Documents
- Passports (valid through November 2025)
- Driver's licenses
- Credit cards & some cash ($100-200 USD)
- Printed itinerary & reservations
- Smartphones with chargers
- Portable charger (10,000 mAh)
- Universal power adapter
- Small waterproof phone case
Activity-Specific Gear
- Reusable water bottles
- Small cooler bag (collapsible)
- Lightweight daypack
- Binoculars
- Snorkel gear (optional)
- Notebook & pen
- Deck of cards or travel game
Miscellaneous
- Reusable shopping bag
- Ziplock bags
- Lightweight umbrella
- Sunglasses
- Eco-friendly laundry soap sheets