Tabacon Hot Springs Day Pass
Arenal hot springs, an easy first-day activity after travel.
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Start with your airport
San José (SJO) is central and works for Arenal, the Central Pacific, the Caribbean and the Southern Pacific. Liberia (LIR) is in Guanacaste and is the faster choice for northern beaches and Rincón de la Vieja. Flying into one and out of the other can save a long backtrack.
Count your days honestly
| Trip length | Suggested bases |
|---|---|
| 5–7 days | Two bases, e.g. Arenal + one beach |
| 8–10 days | Two or three bases |
| 2 weeks | Three or four bases |
Many transfers take three hours or more, so each move costs most of a morning.
Match regions to interests
- Volcano, hot springs, hanging bridges: Arenal.
- Wildlife with a beach: Manuel Antonio.
- Dry-season sunshine and sailing: Guanacaste.
- Whales and waterfalls: Uvita.
A classic first pairing
Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour with a Nature Specialist
A guided Manuel Antonio walk with a naturalist.
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Leave something for next time
You will not see it all, and that is fine. Note what you skipped; it becomes the plan for your next trip.