Nikki Solano - Moon Best of Costa Rica: Make the Most of 5-7 Days

Nikki Solano

Costa Rica will amaze you. Opportunities for immersion in nature are everywhere, so seize them. Boat safaris wind through rivers, mangroves, and canals teeming with wildlife. Treetop excursions provide panoramic forest, volcano, and ocean views. Nature trails showcase reptiles, amphibians, insects, and plants. Parks, reserves, and refuges span more than a quarter of the countrys landmass, protecting the immense biodiversity that makes Costa Rica unique.

Prefer to be thrilled? Ride a zip line through the cloud forest, raft over raging rapids, rappel down waterfalls, and surf world-class breaks. To reenergize, pamper yourself with hot springs, mud baths, yoga, and wellness retreats.

Costa Ricas laid-back pura vida attitude will also change you. Travel mindfully and youll reap bountiful rewards from this tiny corner of the world where people greet one another with a smile. In Costa Rica, magic is realand within arms reach.

Costa Ricas best experiences encompass nature exploration, adventure recreation, wildlife and marine life encounters, cultural immersion, and beach relaxation. Your level of interest in these activities will determine where you go and how much time you spend in each place.

Youll need at least two days in each region to fit in the very best experiences, plus extra time to travel within and between regions. With five or six days in Costa Rica, combine two of the mini-itineraries that follow to explore two distinct regions. If you have more time, stay longer in each region or combine three regional mini-itineraries to extend your vacations reach.

Immerse yourself in the verdant rain forest on the outskirts of La Fortuna. Ride an aerial tram, go zip-lining, and tour hanging bridges at the Sky Adventures Arenal Park. Afterward, check out the striking Ro Fortuna Waterfall, then head to the hot springs for a luxurious soak.

Strap on a harness and spend a few hours rappelling rock walls on a thrilling canyoneering tour. After lunch, make the scenic trip from La Fortuna to Monteverdeblessed with views of Volcn Arenalby traveling either around or across Lago Arenal.

Hike through clouds on a morning spent exploring the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. In the afternoon, see butterflies, hummingbirds, reptiles, amphibians, and sloths at Selvatura Park.

For five days in .

Brave the wild rapids of Ro PacuareCosta Ricas top river for white-water raftingon a full-day tour taken from Cahuita or Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. This unmissable attraction is perfect for thrill seekers, but beginners can join in the fun too.

Rise early to explore the nature trails and beaches inside Cahuita National Park. Spend the rest of the day tasting Caribbean foods at beloved establishments in or around Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Order traditional dishes for lunch and dinner and catch the afternoon Caribeans Chocolate Tour between the two meals.

For five days on the .

Embrace Tamarindos vibrant surf culture by hitting the water and riding epic waves. No matter your experience level, theres a surf site for you. Witchs Rock and Ollies Point deliver the biggest thrills. Breaks off Playa Tamarindo, Playa Avellanas, and Playa Negra are perfect for developing surf skills.

Swim, sunbathe, or simply take in the view while beach-hopping from Playa Flamingo to Playa Conchal to Playa Puerto Viejo. In the evening, explore Tamarindos crowd-pleasing nightlife.

For five days in .

Nourish your body and mind with a day spent surfing and practicing yoga in serene Santa Teresa. Surf lessons and yoga classes are available. Set aside a few hours to pop over to Playa Los Suecos in nearby Mal Pas for a soothing soak in the pools that form at low tide.

Ease into a day of relaxation in Montezuma with a morning visit to the Montezuma Waterfalls. Then head to the sleek Playa Las Manchas for a lazy afternoon of sunbathing.

For five days in .

Dedicate a full day to encountering wildlife in in two distinct ecosystems in Manuel Antonio. Hike in Manuel Antonio National Park in the morning. In the afternoon, take a guided boat or kayak tour around the Isla Damas mangroves to see and hear the flora and fauna.

Hop on a horse and head into the forest that envelops the picturesque Nauyaca Waterfalls near Dominical. Spend a few hours swimming in the waterfalls pool. For the afternoon, trade the forest setting for seaside relaxation at either Playa Espadilla Norte or Playa Ventanas.

For five days in .

Climb aboard a boat from Baha Drake and cruise to the biodiverse Corcovado National Park. Spend the day hiking in remote wilderness and searching for wildlife, including rare varieties like jaguars and tapirs, alongside an experienced tour guide.

Embark on a scuba diving or snorkeling