5 days of food & culture in Costa Rica (Luxury)

Day 1 of this 5-day Costa Rica itinerary links stops best covered with short drives.

Begin at La Paz Waterfall — La Paz Waterfall is a stunning natural attraction with a high Google rating, making it a must-see for any nature lover.

Continue on to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park — La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park is a stunning natural attraction featuring five beautiful waterfalls. It's a great place to immerse yourself in Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity, with opportunities to see wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and toucans. — an easy walk from the previous stop.

Continue on to Plaza de la Cultura — This vibrant plaza is a cultural hub, perfect for soaking in the local atmosphere and people-watching during your visit. — about 19.8 mi from the previous stop.

Wind down with dinner at Furca — Furca is a highly-rated restaurant, perfect for a satisfying meal during your travels. — about 18.8 mi from the previous stop.

If you want a guided option nearby, consider Costa Rica 7 Nights 8 Days All Inclusive Deluxe Package. See many of Costa Rica's most interesting attractions in just over a week with this all-inclusive tour package. All accommodations, breakfast, and lunch are included. From $ ....

Day 2 of this 5-day Costa Rica itinerary links stops best covered with short drives around Alajuela Province.

Begin at Blue Falls of Costa Rica — Escape to the stunning Blue Falls of Costa Rica, a series of vibrant turquoise waterfalls nestled in the Alajuela Province. It's a perfect spot for a refreshing dip and some incredible photos during your trip.

Continue on to Braulio Carrillo National Park — Explore the lush rainforests and diverse wildlife of Braulio Carrillo National Park. It's a fantastic destination for nature lovers and hikers looking to immerse themselves in Costa Rica's natural beauty. — about 17.4 mi from the previous stop.

Break for lunch at Restaurante y Mirador Ram Luna — Costa Rican — from 3.500 to 12.500 — Enjoy authentic Costa Rican cuisine with stunning views from this popular spot in Aserri. — about 31.1 mi from the previous stop.

Wind down with dinner at Restaurante Grano De Oro — This restaurant offers a great dining experience in San José. — about 25.3 mi from the previous stop.

If you want a guided option nearby, consider 5-Day Small-Group Tour: Jungles and Islands of Costa Rica 2026. Simplify your trip to Costa Rica with this easy five-day tour, which includes most breakfasts and lunches.

Day 3 of this 5-day Costa Rica itinerary links stops best covered with short drives around Limón Province.

Begin at Parque Nacional Tortuguero — Parque Nacional Tortuguero is a remote national park known for its abundant wildlife and nesting sea turtles. It's a great place to explore the rainforest and waterways by boat.

Wind down with dinner at Restaurante Silvestre — Costa Rican — ¢12.500 — Enjoy authentic Costa Rican flavors at Restaurante Silvestre, a local favorite with a high rating. — about 52.4 mi from the previous stop.

Day 4 of this 5-day Costa Rica itinerary links stops best covered with short drives.

Begin at Fortuna Waterfall — $$ — While the admission price is a bit steep, the stunning Fortuna Waterfall is considered worth the cost for its natural beauty.

Close the day around Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal — Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal offers stunning views of the iconic Arenal Volcano and surrounding rainforest. It's a great spot for hiking and experiencing Costa Rica's natural beauty. — about 4.3 mi from the previous stop.

Day 5 of this 5-day Costa Rica itinerary links stops best covered with short drives.

Begin at Corcovado National Park — Corcovado National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers, offering incredible biodiversity and stunning natural beauty. It's a fantastic destination for spotting wildlife and experiencing the raw, untamed rainforest.

Close the day around Manuel Antonio National Park — Manuel Antonio National Park is a stunning natural escape on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. It's renowned for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforest trails, and abundant wildlife, making it a must-see for nature lovers. — about 70.4 mi from the previous stop.

Costa Rica Tours & Luxury Travel — Enjoy a private guide on all our Costa Rica trips. 7 days from $3,850 ・ time 10 days from $7,450 ・ 8 days from $14,762 ・ 9 days from $9,027. Source: kensingtontours.com

Tortuguero — Witness the incredible sight of turtles nesting on the beaches of Tortuguero, a unique natural spectacle that highlights Costa Rica's rich biodiversity. Source: jacadatravel.com

Arenal volcano — Experience the dramatic presence of the Arenal volcano and unwind in its soothing hot springs. You can also explore the rainforest canopy via walkways and ziplines in this area. Source: jacadatravel.com

Rio Celeste — Cool off with a refreshing swim under the wild waterfalls of Rio Celeste, a stunning natural wonder showcasing the vibrant beauty of Costa Rica's landscapes. Source: jacadatravel.com

San Jose Foodie Tour — From $155.00 View on Viator.

Browse tours on Viator · Browse tours on TourRadar

Naranjo de Alajuela to Arenal Volcano — This scenic drive takes you from Naranjo, the capital city of Alajuela province, to the iconic Arenal Volcano. Naranjo itself offers a glimpse into Costa Rica's 'pura vida' lifestyle, with a history rooted in agriculture and a down-to-earth way of living. Source: greatvaluevacations.com

San Jose to La Fortuna — This 80-mile journey takes you from the capital city of San Jose through small towns and scenic roads to La Fortuna. Upon arrival, you can explore the Arenal Volcano National Park, relax in hot springs, and visit the La Fortuna Waterfall. Source: evaneos.com

San Jose to Irazu Volcano National Park — A 33-mile drive that winds through several towns before reaching the summit of Irazu Volcano. Along the way, you can stop at parks and enjoy scenic hiking trails. Source: evaneos.com

La Fortuna to Monteverde — This 76-mile drive is a mix of paved and dirt roads, passing through lush landscapes including hills, jungles, coffee fields, farms, and waterfalls. In Monteverde, you can explore the cloud forest, go birdwatching, or walk among the trees. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for this route due to common dirt roads in remote areas. Source: evaneos.com

Premium stays near Costa Rica — highly rated hotels and resorts (4.5★, 500+ reviews) with room for upscale nightly rates when sourced.

The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal — Excellent · highly reviewed Pricing: Typical nights from ~$509 - $2,471 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room). The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal offers a luxurious escape with stunning views of the Arenal Volcano. It's a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploring the surrounding natural wonders.

Amor Arenal — Excellent · highly reviewed Amor Arenal is a highly-rated lodging option perfect for a relaxing stay. Its excellent reviews suggest a memorable experience for travelers.

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa — Good · highly reviewed This resort offers a luxurious stay with a high Google rating, perfect for unwinding after exploring the Guanacaste region.

Distinctive Airbnb-style villas and scenic stays (4.5★+, 100+ reviews) for a private luxury base.

Q HOUSE — Well-reviewed Steal: great value for a scenic stay. Pricing: from $97. Amenities: infinity pool; Kitchen; Wifi. Perks: ocean view; valley view; beach access; Guest favorite; Exceptional check-in experience; lovely views. Experience a unique luxury villa with stunning ocean and valley views, perfect for a relaxing stay after exploring the nearby beaches and national park.

Beautiful Ocean View Villa in Costa Rica — Well-reviewed Pricing: Typical nights from ~$275 / night. A good stay — solid when you want a well-reviewed base nearby.

Villa Punto de Vista - Luxury Villa — Excellent · 5.0★ (248 reviews) · Casa punto de vista, Camino playitas 450 Metros, Puntarenas Province, Quepos, 60602 An excellent stay — solid when you want a well-reviewed base nearby.

Vista Hermosa Estate - Luxury Villa — Excellent · 5.0★ (169 reviews) · 200 Meters North of Arenas Del Mar Resort, Puntarenas Province, Quepos, Manuel Antonio, 60601 Pricing: Typical nights from ~$1,500 to $5,000. Amenities: private pool; air-conditioned rooms; en-suite bathrooms; ceiling fans. Perks: ocean views; beachfront access; gourmet meals prepared daily; private; all-inclusive. This exquisite beachfront villa offers stunning ocean views and upscale tropical luxury, perfect for large groups or multiple families seeking an all-inclusive vacation with gourmet meals and resort-style amenities.

Find stays on VRBO · Find stays on IHG Hotels & Resorts · Find stays on Expedia · Find stays on Booking.com

Fine dining and standout restaurants (4.5★+, 500+ reviews) near Costa Rica for this luxury itinerary.

Restaurante Silvestre — Great · highly reviewed · Avenida 11 955 Vibe / cuisine: Costa Rican. Pricing: ¢12.500. Enjoy authentic Costa Rican flavors at Restaurante Silvestre, a local favorite with a high rating.

Furca — Great · highly reviewed Vibe / cuisine: Restaurant. Furca is a highly-rated restaurant, perfect for a satisfying meal during your travels.

Restaurante y Mirador Ram Luna — Great · highly reviewed · San José Province, Aserri Vibe / cuisine: Costa Rican. Pricing: from 3.500 to 12.500. Enjoy authentic Costa Rican cuisine with stunning views from this popular spot in Aserri.

Restaurante Grano De Oro — Great · highly reviewed · San José Province, San José Vibe / cuisine: Restaurant. This restaurant offers a great dining experience in San José.

Montezuma — Montezuma offers a laid-back, Caribbean vibe with a free-spirited and artsy community. It's a welcoming place where you can easily strike up conversations, enjoy beach bonfires at night, and explore the surrounding jungle mountains. It's also a great spot for surf lessons. Take a cheap flight from San Jose to get there in under 2 hours, or a public bus which includes a ferry ride. Source: greatwidetravel.com

Dominical — Dominical is described as a hidden gem with a very small town feel, perfect for those seeking to get away from it all. The isolated beaches offer a sense of undiscovered coves, with beautiful rocky outcroppings and proximity to the jungle. Wildlife sightings are common here. You can reach Dominical by public bus from San José in about 5 hours, or by car in about 3.5 hours. It's less than an hour's drive from Manuel Antonio. Source: greatwidetravel.com

Manuel Antonio Beach — Located within the national park, Manuel Antonio Beach and Playa Espadilla Sur are exceptionally clean and remote. The experience of relaxing on the sand next to a tropical forest is unforgettable, with calm, warm waters and abundant wildlife like monkeys and sloths. Be cautious of raccoons, as they are known to be fearless and may try to steal food. The area is well-connected, with a 2.5-hour drive by private transport or a 3-hour public bus ride from San José. Source: greatwidetravel.com

Playa Cocles — Situated on the Southern Caribbean Coast, Playa Cocles is celebrated for its soft sand, palm-lined shores, and seasonal surfing waves. It's a beautiful beach near Puerto Viejo, offering a vibrant atmosphere. If the beach gets busy, walk to the south end near the river to find a quieter spot. Fly into SJO Airport for Cocles (5 hour drive). Source: mytanfeet.com

Arenal Volcano National Park — Explore the regenerating nature around Arenal Volcano National Park on guided hikes. Trails vary in length and intensity, offering chances to see unique plant and animal species and enjoy volcano views. Guided hikes are recommended. Trails vary in length and intensity. Source: costaricaexperts.com

Arenal Hanging Bridges — Experience the rainforest from above on the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a loop trail with fixed and hanging bridges beneath the Arenal Volcano. This private reserve offers opportunities to spot wildlife and includes a waterfall extension. Reservations are required. Hike early for the best wildlife viewing. Consider a naturalist guide to spot animals. Don't miss the waterfall extension. Source: costaricaexperts.com

La Fortuna Waterfall — Hike down approximately 500 steps to the base of the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall, surrounded by dense tropical forest. While swimming at the base isn't allowed, you can swim further downstream. Pay an entry fee. Stop at the lookout point. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes for swimming downstream. Source: costaricaexperts.com

Cabo Blanco — Located near Montezuma, Cabo Blanco offers an intense but rewarding hike. While the full trail to the beach and back can take about four hours, shorter loop trails are available and suitable for families with children. A 4x4 vehicle is required to reach this location. The full hike to the beach and back takes approximately two hours in each direction. Source: costaricavibes.com

Spend-based hotel perks and premium credit card travel benefits tied to Costa Rica — lounge access, dining and event credits, transport upgrades, and exclusive booking extras. Confirm current card and property terms before you rely on them.

Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique — This luxurious new hotel in Costa Rica was the chosen destination for a high-value redemption of Hilton free night certificates. It offered wide-open award availability, making it an ideal choice for a premium stay. Consider this hotel for maximizing the value of Hilton free night certificates or points, especially if you are looking for a luxury experience. The hotel is known for its high-end amenities and potential for significant savings through points and credits. Source: chrishutchins.com

COSTA RICA VIP BENEFITS AND AMENITIES LIST — Four Seasons: $100 Resort Credit, Daily Breakfast for 2, Room Upgrade (based on availability at check-in), Late Check-In/Check-Out (based on availability), ... Source: luxeleisurevacations.com

Peninsula Papagayo — Peninsula Papagayo offers a luxurious escape with exclusive hotel promotions. Enjoy perks like extra hotel credit for suites at El Mangroove, Autograph Collection, or complimentary airport transfers at Nekajui, a Ritz Carlton Reserve. Book between August 1, 2026 - December 19, 2026 for El Mangroove, Autograph Collection, or May 16, 2026 - December 31, 2026 for Nekajui, a Ritz Carlton Reserve. Source: privateupgrades.com

Perez Zeledon — In Perez Zeledon, discover the Hacienda AltaGracia, where you can take advantage of a 4th night free promotion and extra credits. This offer is available for bookings made between January 31, 2026, and September 12, 2026. The 4th night free and extra credit promotion is valid for stays booked between January 31, 2026 - September 12, 2026. Source: privateupgrades.com

InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall — Contact the hotel directly for options available for early check-in or late check-out. Does InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall offer free Wi-Fi? Source: ihg.com

Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection By Hilton — This hotel is located in San José, Costa Rica, between streets 1 and 3. It offers verified reviews and includes taxes and fees in its pricing. Source: hotel.com.au