5-Day Costa Rica Adventure from San José — Volcanoes, Rainforests & Tortuga Island
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness who can manage several hours of walking (3–5 km) and multiple transfers; not strenuous but expect stairs, uneven trails and some long drives.
Overview
Five days out of San José delivers volcano craters, rainforest hikes, a coffee plantation visit and a boat trip to Tortuga Island. This guided package pairs practical transfers and lodging with timed wildlife walks and cultural stops.
5-Day Costa Rica Adventure from San José — Volcanoes, Rainforests & Tortuga Island
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You step off the plane and the air smells of wet earth and citrus — a clean, green welcome that follows you through narrow city streets out to the mountains. Over five days this San José–based itinerary moves like a map unfolding: a morning city walk among colonial buildings and markets, a day in Manuel Antonio’s rainforest where the ocean keeps time, a soaking evening beside Arenal’s hot springs, a coffee-plantation lesson at Doka, and a last-day boat ride across the Gulf of Nicoya to Tortuga Island’s white sand.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early for wildlife
Morning walks in Manuel Antonio and Arenal give the best chance to see monkeys, sloths and birds before heat and crowds build.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The clear shallow waters at Tortuga are great for snorkeling — protect coral and skin with reef-safe sunscreen.
Layer for altitude
Poás crater sits above 2,600 m; pack a lightweight windproof and an insulating mid-layer for chilly winds.
Cash for small purchases
Carry Costa Rican colones for market snacks, souvenirs and small tips in towns; cards are fine in the city.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-faced capuchin monkey
- Three-toed sloth
History
Costa Rica’s coffee boom in the 19th century reshaped rural landscapes and funded national infrastructure, which is visible on plantation tours and in San José’s historic districts.
Conservation
Protected areas like Manuel Antonio and Poás balance tourism with habitat protection; visitors are asked to stay on trails, avoid feeding wildlife and use reef-safe products to reduce impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in San José
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Good traction for jungle trails, rocky viewpoints and uneven hotel paths.
Light rain jacket
Quick showers are common in the wet months — a waterproof shell keeps you comfortable on trails and drives.
winter specific
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and marine life while snorkeling off Tortuga Island.
summer specific
Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
Useful for lowland rainforest and dusk hours when mosquitoes are most active.