8 Day Costa Rica Adventure: Waterfalls, Surfing, Rafting & Volcanoes
The Need to Know:
Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise, with lush rainforests, stunning beaches, volcanoes and some of the most adventurous activities you can imagine. This 8-day Costa Rica itinerary takes you from the coastal beauty of Quepos to the volcanic landscapes of La Fortuna, with plenty of thrilling activities along the way. If you're ready to chase waterfalls, surf world-class waves and explore hot springs, this trip is your ultimate guide to an unforgettable adventure!
Day 1: Arrival in San José & Drive to Quepos
Arrive in San José
Welcome to Costa Rica! After arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, you'll head straight for your adventure. Pick up your rental car or meet your transport driver for the drive to your resort in Quepos, located on the central Pacific coast. The drive will take about 2.5 to 3 hours, and the scenic views of the Costa Rican countryside will leave you eager for the days ahead.
Check-in & settle in
Check in to your hotel or resort in Quepos. A charming coastal town known for its proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park and its laid-back vibe. Take the afternoon to relax by the pool, unpack or enjoy a leisurely walk through the town.
Dinner with a view
Treat yourself to a welcome dinner at one of the local restaurants. I recommend El Avión, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a unique setting inside a converted airplane.
Day 2: Waterfall chasing around Quepos
Hidden waterfalls exploration
Today is all about waterfalls! The Quepos region is famous for its beautiful waterfalls, some easy to reach and others more off-the-beaten-path. After breakfast, you’ll embark on a waterfall adventure, visiting four stunning waterfalls that range from well-known to hidden gems.
Nauyaca Waterfalls:A must-see, this two-tier waterfall drops over 60 meters and has a large natural pool at the base, perfect for a swim.
Tórraba Waterfall: A more secret location, this waterfall is less crowded and provides a peaceful, remote atmosphere.
Cascada El Pileta: Another tucked-away spot where you’ll be surrounded by untouched jungle and the soothing sounds of the waterfall.
Some of the waterfalls are located in private reserves or require a bit of hiking, but the effort is well worth it for the stunning views and serene settings.
More waterfalls & lunch
After exploring the first set of waterfalls, head to a local soda (Costa Rican restaurant) for lunch. Then continue to a few more waterfalls, such as Río Claro Waterfall, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful jungle environment.
Relax and unwind
Return to your hotel for a peaceful evening. Consider a relaxing dinner at La Luna Restaurant in Manuel Antonio, known for its beachfront dining and fresh seafood dishes.
Day 3: Surfing & beaches
Surfing lesson in Dominical
Costa Rica is a world-famous surf destination, and today you’ll hit the waves. After breakfast, head south to Dominical, a laid-back surf town with excellent waves for beginners and intermediate surfers. You'll take a surf lesson with a local instructor who will guide you through the basics of surfing or help you improve your skills.
Beach exploration at Two Window Beach
After catching some waves, head to Playa Ventanas, also known as Two Window Beach. This beautiful and relatively secluded beach is known for its dramatic cave formations, where the surf crashes through natural rock windows. It’s the perfect spot to relax, swim and explore.
Dinner and sunset views
Return to Quepos for dinner at Cafe Milagro, a popular spot offering delicious food and fantastic views of the ocean. You can enjoy local specialties while watching the sun dip below the horizon.
Day 4: White water rafting adventure
White-water rafting on the Savegre River
Get ready for an adrenaline-filled day as you take on the rapids of the Savegre River. Known for its scenic beauty and exciting rapids, this white-water rafting adventure offers an exhilarating way to experience the Costa Rican jungle. Expect Class II and Class III rapids, perfect for first-timers and experienced rafters alike.
Your guide will navigate you through the river’s twists and turns while explaining the rich biodiversity of the surrounding area. Along the way, you'll be surrounded by lush rainforest and might spot wildlife like toucans and monkeys.
Relaxation & reflection
After an action-packed morning on the river, return to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon. Take a dip in the pool or enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach to cool down.
Casual dinner
After a thrilling day, enjoy a laid-back dinner at El Gran Escape, where you can savor Costa Rican comfort food and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
Day 5: Drive to La Fortuna
Early drive to La Fortuna
Today, you’ll leave the coast behind and head for the Arenal Volcano area. Start early to make the most of your day and enjoy the 4-hour drive through scenic mountain landscapes and fertile coffee plantations.
Check-in & hot springs relaxation
Upon arrival in La Fortuna, check in to your hotel or resort and take some time to unwind. La Fortuna is home to several natural hot springs, heated by the geothermal energy of the Arenal Volcano. Spend your afternoon soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters and letting the natural springs soothe your muscles after the rafting adventure.
Popular hot springs resorts include Tabacón, Baldi Hot Springs and Ecotermales — each offering a variety of pools set in lush tropical gardens.
Volcano views & dinner
For dinner, enjoy a delicious meal at Don Rufino. This is a highly-rated restaurant in La Fortuna with a variety of Costa Rican and international dishes. Don’t forget to ask for a table with a view of Arenal Volcano!
Day 6: Gravity Falls waterfall jumping
Gravity Falls waterfall jumping
Get ready for one of the most thrilling activities in Costa Rica: waterfall jumping at Gravity Falls. This adventure takes you to a secluded waterfall in the jungle. Here you’ll have the opportunity to jump from various heights into the cool, clear waters below.
Your guide will help you with safety instructions and take you through the steps, ensuring you have the time of your life. Whether you’re jumping from a moderate height or a more daring spot, this adrenaline-packed activity is sure to be a highlight of your trip.
Explore La Fortuna
After your waterfall-jumping experience, spend the afternoon exploring La Fortuna. You can visit the La Fortuna Waterfall, which is located just outside the town. This is another popular spot for swimming and taking in the surrounding beauty.
Relaxed dinner
For your last evening in La Fortuna, treat yourself to a relaxing dinner at The Lava Lounge. Here you can enjoy casual bites, cocktails and a fun atmosphere.
Day 7: Arenal Volcano hike & exploration
Arenal Volcano hike
Today, it’s time to explore the iconic Arenal Volcano! The volcano is a dominant feature of the area, and there are several trails that take you through the surrounding Arenal Volcano National Park. Your hike will lead you through lush rainforests, past old lava fields and to panoramic viewpoints where you can admire the volcano’s imposing cone shape.
Popular hikes include the Las Coladas trail, which takes you through old lava flows, and the Cerro Chato trail, which leads to a beautiful crater lake.
Enjoy the town of La Fortuna
After your hike, spend the afternoon wandering around the charming town of La Fortuna. You can shop for local souvenirs or enjoy a cold drink at a cafe while reflecting on your volcano adventure.
Farewell dinner
For your last dinner in La Fortuna, indulge in delicious Costa Rican cuisine at Soda Viquez, where you can enjoy hearty traditional dishes in a local setting.
Day 8: Departure
Drive back to San José
After a final breakfast in La Fortuna, drive back to San José (about three hours). Take in the scenic views one last time as you make your way to the capital.
Departure
Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport for your flight home, filled with unforgettable memories of your Costa Rican adventure.
Final Thoughts:
Travel tips for Costa Rica:
Currency: The local currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC), but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Packing: Costa Rica has a tropical climate, so pack lightweight clothes, comfortable shoes for hiking, swimwear and a waterproof jacket for rain showers.
Safety: Costa Rica is generally safe for tourists, but as with any travel destination, it’s always wise to keep your belongings secure and stay aware of your surroundings.
