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Costa Rica is a leader in sustainable practices, primarily relying on renewable resources for energy, like hydropower. Photo courtesy of Stocksy.
Three Perfect Days: Costa Rica
April 30, 2025
Day 1
An active volcano, waterfalls and hot springs in Guanacaste
Day 2
Costa Rica’s largest lake, another volcano and one of the world’s rarest biomes
Day 3
The bright and bustling capital of San José
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Day 1
An active volcano, waterfalls and hot springs in Guanacaste
Slide 2 of 3
Day 2
Costa Rica’s largest lake, another volcano and one of the world’s rarest biomes
Slide 3 of 3
Day 3
The bright and bustling capital of San José
Slide 1 of 3
Welcome to a world of immense and magnificent biodiversity. In Costa Rica, over 900 known bird species inhabit its diverse landscapes. From volcano slopes and thermal springs to tropical jungles and cloudy forests, this Central American country brims with adventure and extraordinary experiences. Costa Rica is also often recognized as a model for sustainability, with 98% of its energy coming from renewable sources. It’s no wonder the country is a lush tropical paradise.
Is three days enough to attain a state of pura vida, the pure or simple life? Probably not. But if you follow this itinerary during your trip to Costa Rica, the endorphins will be plentiful.
Day 1
An active volcano, waterfalls and hot springs in Guanacaste
Costa Rica’s landscape is alive. Here, the earth breathes with thermal activity while various wildlife races through the jungle. So, whether zip-lining through canopies or soaking in natural hot springs, make sure to savor this natural paradise on your first day.
Things to do and see
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Home to the largest and most active volcano in Guanacaste, this park spans over 24,800 acres. The exploration is endless, so here’s what we recommend:
- Visit Ricon de la Vieja, often called the “Colossus of Guanacaste,” towering at over 6,200 feet and nine miles wide. Thanks to the volcano's active state, visitors can witness mini-geysers, bubbling mud pits and steaming fumaroles (Earth vents in the crust).
- Santa Maria Volcano is Ricon’s dormant sister. The two are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and form the park’s center.
- Hike the Las Palias loop trail 2.5 miles through dry tropical forest, passing volcanic activity and exotic animals along the way.
- Horseback ride to Oropendola Waterfall. The falls crash from an impressive 80 feet above into the turquoise pool below. Take a dip and welcome relief from the humid air.
- Just 10 minutes away, soak in mineral-rich natural pools heated by the Rincón de la Vieja volcano at the Rio Negro Hot Springs. At these natural springs, the waters can reach up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pro Tip
A One-Day Adventure Pass to the park includes canopy, rivers tubing, access to the hot springs and lunch.
Take a tour with Peninsula Adventures
Curated outdoor adventures right in the heart of Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo. This tropical playground spans over 1,400 acres with 11 miles of coastlines, eight miles of bluff edges and over seven beaches.
From snorkeling, canoeing and mangrove exploration to off-roading, mountain biking and zip lining, experience an unmatched closeness to nature in a truly breathtaking place.
Where to eat
La Hacienda Restaurant
Located in Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin next to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, this restaurant serves farm-to-table meals using ingredients grown right on the property’s ranch. What they don't grow is sourced from sustainable vendors.
Rio Bhongo
Located on the Andaz resort’s outdoor patio, dine on grill and family style Costa Rican comfort food surrounded by lush greenery and a view of Culebra Bay.
Chao Pescao
Another Andaz restaurant, this menu offers dishes inspired by all corners of Latin America and the Caribbean, like casado, a rice and beans chicken dish with green papaya, mango salad and sweet plantain.
Day 2
Costa Rica’s largest lake, another volcano and one of the world’s rarest biomes
From Guanacaste, it’s a scenic, four-hour drive to San José, the cultural center and capital of Costa Rica. We recommend renting a car to enjoy the stunning journey, stopping at breathtaking pit stops along the way.
Things to do and see
Lake Arenal
Sitting at the base of Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica’s largest lake spans over 33 square miles, where visitors can swim, kayak, windsurf, fish and take boat tours. In fact, many consider this lake one of the world’s top windsurfing destinations.
Fun Fact
In 1979, Lake Arenal was enlarged to three times its original size due to the construction of a hydroelectric dam. Today, it produces 12% of Costa Rica’s electric energy.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Home to the awe-inspiring and active Arenal Volcano, which towers over 5,300 feet into the sky. In 1968, three craters exploded, a disaster that devastated the nearby towns of Pueblo Nuevo and Tabacón and killed 87 people. Arenal’s lava has consistently flowed ever since.
This stunning national park spans over 29,000 acres, an incredibly preserved landscape home to much more than just the Arenal Volcano. Here are some other sites and tours we recommend:
- La Fortuna Waterfall: A 200+ foot waterfall that crashes into the clear swimming waters of the Fortuna River. To witness this natural wonder, visitors must hike a 530-step path down, but there are many comfortable areas to rest and hydrate. Trust us, it’s worth it.
- Volcano Hike and Hot Springs Tour: Witness this active volcano in all its glory, lava flowing up close and the area’s diverse flora and wildlife. Afterward, be rewarded with a meal and a relaxing dip in the naturally heated hot springs.
- Arenal Combo Tours: Experience a personalized adventure that gives you a taste of everything this park offers. From safari floats and chocolate tours to waterfall hikes and hot springs, the options are endless.
- Arenal Hanging Bridges: Wander through the rainforest canopy on suspended bridges. Up here, witness monkeys, sloths, snakes and other exotic animals in their natural habitat as the sounds of the rainforest echo around you.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve
Cloud Forests cover only 1% of global woodlands, yet this biome thrives right in Costa Rica. This rare forest gets its name from the consistent presence of clouds thanks to atmospheric conditions and the surrounding subtropical mountains.
Come experience one of the most extraordinary environments in the world. However, the park monitors the number of people allowed inside to preserve the environment, so we recommend getting tickets in advance.
Fun Fact
The view is often covered with clouds at the La Ventana (The Window) viewpoint. But if you wait just a few minutes, the clouds will likely move to reveal a panoramic scene of the Continental Divide!
Where to eat
Soda La Palma
A soda in Costa Rica is a mom-and-pop, open-air restaurant serving only traditional food. This soda is right across from the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy an authentic meal with stunning views.
Secretos de la Abuela (Secrets from Grandma)
This hole-in-the-wall spot has a simple message: Comida casera: Desayuno, almuerzo, y cena (Home-cooked meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Try a traditional breakfast of scrambled eggs, potatoes, tortillas and fresco de cas (guava juice).
Café & Macadamia
Drive through lush fields and mountains to reach this rustic restaurant and souvenir shop that overlooks Lake Arenal. Enjoy a menu inspired by Costa Rican Creole cuisine while taking in one of the top views across the Guanacaste province.
Day 3
The bright and bustling capital of San José
Nestled in the country’s center, Costa Rica’s capital teems with colonial-era architecture, bustling markets, museums, cafes and more. This is just a taste of what awaits in this vibrant city.
Things to do and see
Central Market
Dating back to 1880 and located right on Avenida Central, one of the city’s busiest avenues, many consider this market the “heart and soul of San José.”
Here, weave through stands filled with local essentials, like maíz pujagua (purple corn) and tapa de dulce (a tub-shaped block of raw sugarcane). Almost every stand offers samples of traditional Costa Rican dishes, and the scent of sugar and spice is heavy in the humid air.
Appreciate Costa Rican culture
San José, like most cities, was built upon centuries of history and evolution. Experience both past and present at some of these cultural centers.
- The National Theatre of Costa Rica: If you have time, try to attend a show at this theater which hosts ballet, orchestra, opera and other performances.
- The Museum of Costa Rican Art: What was once San José’s former airport now hosts a rotating collection of works. Contemporary pieces by national artists, like Juan José Alfaro, live in the atrium. Upstairs, the bronze-painted stucco mural in the Golden Room depicts scenes from Costa Rica’s history.
Witness and taste Costa Rica coffee culture
Located near to the city, Britt Coffee Tour takes guests through the rich history and flavor of the country’s famous beans. Learn about coffee cultivation, master the art of roasting and, of course, participate in professional coffee tasting sessions.
Wander through Barrio Escalante
San José’s trendiest neighborhood is known for its vibrant food and art scene and relaxed atmosphere. Stroll down tree-lines streets, passing colorful murals, unique boutiques and craft breweries. Here, locals and tourists come together to enjoy where the city’s culture and modern urbanism harmoniously blend.
Where to eat
La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora
Founded in 1901, this cultural institution has been serving locals ice cream for generations. The shop sits inside the central market and serves just one flavor: vanilla mixed with a blend of spices, like nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves.
Amor De Barrio
This award-winning culinary market lives in the heart of San José’s La California neighborhood. Indulge in a rotating network of restaurants serving up some of the city's top eats.
Sikwa
Voted the best restaurant in Costa Rica in 2024, Sikwa is run by chef Pablo Bonilla. He created a vital circle of indigenous farmers and producers who provided top ingredients to make his interpretation of traditional dishes, many of which are meant to be eaten with your hands.
In the heart of Central America, Costa Rica is a beacon of natural beauty, home to awe-inspiring landscapes and experiences. As nature flourishes, its capital, San José, is the country's epicenter of culture, art and cuisine. It's a city that may surprise you in a country that will leave you craving more.