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The BEST Costa Rica itinerary
22
items We traveled from San Jose to La Fortuna to Jacó, so if you are stuck on what to do in Costa Rica and how to get there here is your “need to know” all in one spot
Sections
3
La Fortuna
Jacó
things to have before your arrival
La Fortuna
We stayed in these cylinder hostels during our stay in La Fortuna. It was affordable and really cute. I’d say you have to stay in a unique hotel at least once in your life. It was very small though so if you are planning to check a bag I would not st...
★★★★★ Arenal Backpackers Resort, Fortuna, Costa Rica
If you opt to not stay in a hostel, this is a GREAT option and where we considered staying. Very affordable and you have the whole villa to yourself. Easily accessible with a rental
Villas Sapiens Arenal, Fortuna, Costa Rica
This is another affordable great option for the La Fortuna area. The arenal volcano view nearby. If you book a hotel in Costa Rica make sure to use booking.com on your mobile phone because they give better rates in the app than on their website!! Jus...
★★★★ Hotel Mountain Paradise, Fortuna, Costa Rica
Our hostel arrange this tour through Arenal Jungle Tours for us. We got picked up and dropped off at our hostel. It included hikes to the volcano, hot springs, hanging bridges, La Fortuna waterfall, among other things. Good company
Arenal Jungle Tours
Only visible 20% of the time in non rainy season which is April/May time but still a good hike
Arenal Volcano Tour - Costa Rica Tours
Good option to fill in some time in the day sightseeing
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
$20 entry and 500 steps down and back up but is really pretty and worth the swim day if you wanted to see an iconic Fortuna spot
La Fortuna Waterfall
Great açaí bowls and smoothie bowls. PLENTY of food and comes out very aesthetic for pics
Jungle Bowls - La Fortuna Juice Bar - HappyCow
The owner was so kind. They come out fresh in about 10 minutes. Affordable and tasty. I would go just to support the sweet sweet owner
La Tentación churros (@latentacionfortuna_) - Instagram
I got the birria tacos from here for dinner and it was sooo good. They are fresh ingredients and really kind staff
El Chante Verde
The owners/workers were super sweet and helped me pick out a latte that was their favorite. They offered to warm our pastries and had outstanding customer service. Plus the food was good! It’s right next to la fortuna waterfall
Vita Café - La Fortuna de San Carlos Restaurants - Tripadvisor
Italian spot in la fortuna that had great food. I got the broccoli chicken Alfredo and my fiancé got the pizza. We also shared some focaccia bread and you can watch the cook handmake the dough right behind the counter. He also rings a little bell whe...
Anch'io - La Fortuna de San Carlos Restaurants - Tripadvisor
Jacó
We stayed at this resort and if you book through booking there is an option to include surf lessons per day in your booking. We took the surf lessons with Fransisco and it was so much fun!
Beach Break Resort & CR Surf Camp, Jacó, Costa Rica
The Backyard Beachfront Hotel, Jacó, Costa Rica
If casino and resort are your style this is a good fit for your stay in Jacó
★★★★★ Crocs Resort & Casino, Jacó, Costa Rica
Free to hike up to. Look out point in Jacó. Go during sunset or sunrise. You cannot drive so you have to park at the bottom and walk to it.
El Miro (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with ...
“Soda” is a traditional Costa Rican restaurant. To get away from the hefty prices and have bigger portions I suggest these. It was yummy and affordable. The locals are kind and will suggest their favorite foods. You will find these shops all around C...
What is a Costa Rica Soda? Guide to Eating like a Local
Another GREAT açaí bowl and affordable if you are looking for fresh fruit
Gaia Smoothies And Acai Bowls - Jaco Restaurants
This place was cute, but a little pricey for breakfast. If you want to eat a simple American breakfast in town this is your place
THE PINK PLACE RESTAURANT, Jaco - Tripadvisor
things to have before your arrival
Have your currency converter ready. They used colones and things are still pretty pricey in Costa Rica
Xe Currency Converter - Live Exchange Rates Today
You are gonna want to have some bug spray as soon as you get there because Costa Rica is a tropical jungle, we learned this fast
Amazon.com: Off Bug Spray
We rented our car for $300 for 5 days through Alamo, they do pick up and drop off at San Jose airport and we didn’t get any extra charges when we left. They gave us a discount due to having to wait 10 min for our car which 10 minutes was worth a disc...
Alamo Rent A Car