Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & Caribbean Coast

Arrival in the Central Valley

Arrive at any time into San José's Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). The day is unstructured, leaving time to find your hotel and get settled. Most accommodations are in the city center or nearby districts, a straightforward taxi or shuttle ride from the airport. If time permits, a walk through the central neighborhoods offers a good first look at the capital before heading inland.

DIY Reality Check: While arriving in San José seems straightforward, Costa Rican immigration law requires all tourists to present proof of onward travel before being allowed into the country. This rule is strictly enforced for travelers arriving by air, and airlines will often deny boarding on flights to Costa Rica if a passenger cannot produce a return ticket or a confirmed itinerary to another country. For a DIY traveler planning an open-ended trip through Central America, this presents a significant hurdle, potentially forcing the last-minute purchase of a disposable bus or plane ticket to satisfy the entry requirement. A pre-booked tour itinerary that includes a departure date inherently solves this problem, providing the necessary documentation to clear immigration without issue.

Pacific Coast Bound

The route heads west out of the Central Valley, a four-hour overland journey to the Pacific coast town of Quepos. This small port acts as the main base for exploring the adjacent Manuel Antonio National Park. The afternoon is open to get your bearings, stock up on supplies, or take a short bus or taxi ride to the park's public beaches for a first look at the coastline.

Manuel Antonio National Park

A full day dedicated to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica’s smallest but most popular national park. The main trail system covers about 3km of relatively easy terrain, taking 2-3 hours to walk with stops. The path winds through dense rainforest, home to sloths, monkeys, and iguanas, before opening onto a series of protected white-sand coves. The park's beaches are the main draw, with calm water in the lagoons and tidal pools ideal for swimming.