Notes

Day 1: San José to Manuel Antonio National Park

Pick up rental car, booked in advance from Payless Car Rental. Begin (≈2.5 hrs) drive to Manuel Antionio National Park.
Crocodile Bridge — quick roadside stop to see massive crocodiles (great photo op). We counted over a dozen basking in the sun.
Jaco Beach — hit the beach and grab some dinner.
Arrive in Manuel Antonio — stay at The Falls Resort at Manuel Antonio (1 night).
Tip: Stock up on snacks and waters at the first big supermarket.

Day 2: Manuel Antonio

Explore National Park

Drive to Manuel Antonio National Park early and start at Trail 11 (we hiked in reverse to beat the heat and end at the beach).
We skipped a guide and loved exploring self-guided — trails are clear and wildlife sightings are frequent.
Watch for sloths, mantled howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, and poison dart frogs (look on moist leaves).
Our favorite part of this park was finding a troop of capuchin monkeys and watching them play. Refrain from feeding them as our food is not good for them and impacts their natural habits.
If you see people pointing, go check — that's how we found a hidden sloth! While we didn’t get a guide we had no shame in taking a peek when someone else’s guide found something.
Favorite viewpoints: Trails 10, 9, and 5 are our top picks.
Afternoon — Espadilla South Beach (off Trail 3)
Cool off, swim, change in nearby facilities, and relax on the sand after hiking. Take trail 2 to exit the park.
Dinner at El Avion. Sit upstairs and enjoy the ocean view and maybe some capuchins will make a visit.
After dinner, drive to Puerto Jiménez (≈3.5 hrs) and check into Cabinas Jimenez (1 night).

Days 3–5: Corcovado National Park

Book in advance the 3-day Corcovado trek with Osa Wild. We recommend Milton as a guide.
Read the pre-trip packet Osa Wild sends — it’s essential (they cover logistics and what to pack).
Leave extra luggage in your rental at the hotel; pack light: water, snacks, first aid, and essentials.
Expect long, challenging hiking days (roughly 15 / 10 / 15 miles). It was hard, but one of our favorite experiences.
You’ll spend both nights on an open air pavilion. It isn’t private, it is shared with common areas and bathrooms. You will have your own bed (part of a bunk) and bug net. Oddly enough, we had some of our best nights sleep here and the feeling you get when you wake up in the morning to the roars of the howler monkey is surreal. Osa wild will handle all of your meals while you are at the station.

Walk from hotel to Osa Wild pickup; drive to Serena Ranger Post (last bathroom before camp).
Hike through old-growth forest — mostly plants and foliage on day one with occasional wildlife sightings.
Day 2 (around camp)
Optional 5:00 a.m. hike starting in the dark — bring a headlamp. We saw the most wildlife on this day.
Some animals you may see includes tapirs, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, scarlet macaws, snakes, frogs, butterflies, caiman alligators, tyras, agoutis, peccaries, coatimundis, and so much more! If you’re even luckier than us you might see a bull shark, ant eater, jaguar, cougar, or ocelot. Many of the animals in the area are used to seeing people, so they won’t be afraid of you and will give you hours of entertainment.
Swim in the river, swing on vines, explore large hollow trees, and ask your guide to watch the sunset by the ocean if possible.
Day 3 (out of camp)
Hike back to civilization — expect river wades and hot sun; pack a hearty lunch for the day.
After the trek, reward yourself with dinner at Marisqueria Corcovado Seafood.
Stay the night at Cabinas Jimenez again (1 night).

Day 6: Puerto Jiménez to Drake Bay

Hiking & Beach Time

Early drive to Drake Bay (≈2 hrs). Drive in daylight — some dirt roads, standing water, and potholes; we avoided night driving.
Sendero Drake Trail — about a 4-mile hike to Playa San Josecito. Bring a packed lunch and water, the nearest stand is a hike away. You’ll need to arrange a taxi from the end of the hike, before you start.
You may need to cross a stream; a small fee (~$2) can get a boat pickup, or you can wade across like we did.
Relax at Playa San Josecito — snorkel from shore and enjoy the pristine beach.
Return to accommodation Cabinas Pura Vida (1 night) — alert them if you’ll arrive late.

Day 7: Drake Bay to Cano Island to San José

SCUBA Diving/ Snorkeling

We saw white-tipped reef sharks — a highlight!
After the tour, expect a long drive to San José (≈6 hrs). Stop in Uvita for dinner at Bar Restaurant Los Laureles (Uvita).
Check into your hotel in San José (3 nights).

Day 8: San José to Tortuguero National

Wildlife River Canoeing

Early drive to La Pavona (≈2.5 hrs) and take the water taxi to Tortuguero (≈1.5 hrs).
Book the boat at La Pavona when you arrive and your return as soon as you get to Tortuguero — plan to be back at La Pavona before dark.
On the boat ride you’ll likely see caymans and crocodiles along the canals.
Book (upon arrival) a guided canoe trip on the canals — we saw sloths and lots of birds.
Have lunch along the water at a restaurant with a patio, you may see people (or kids!) fishing to supply your lunch spot!
Walk to Tortuguero Beach to look for turtle nesting sites and endangered green macaws.
Official park info: Tortuguero National Park (SINAC)
Return to San José in the evening for overnight back at the same hotel.

Day 9: Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs

Book a day tour in advance with Gray Line Costa Rica (with pick up and drop off).

Drop off your rental car prior to the tour and get picked up at the rental office.
Hike multiple viewpoints around Arenal Volcano — fog can hide the view so go early if possible.
Relax in the Tabacón Hot Springs - natural water collected into man-made reservoirs, with several bars, including a swim up!
Towels, lockers, and a dinner buffet are provided.
Have your tour drop you off at your San José hotel in the evening.

Day 10: Departure — San José

Take your hotel shuttle to the airport.
Double-check flight times and leave extra time for security — we always aim to arrive 2 hours early.

Costa Rica

Passports and PTO