7 days in Arenal Volcano National Park & Central America Itinerary

Set against the backdrop of the imposing Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna de San Carlos offers visitors a chance to explore diverse natural landscapes and sample some delicious local produce.

La Fortuna de San Carlos is known for nature, adventure, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: witness a stunning natural landmark at Tabacon Hot Springs, get outside with El Salto, take in the dramatic scenery at La Fortuna Waterfall, and explore the striking landscape of Arenal Volcano.

To find maps, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, use the La Fortuna de San Carlos trip planner.

San Jose to La Fortuna de San Carlos is an approximately 2.5-hour shuttle ride. You can also drive; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Wed) early enough to drive to Monteverde.

Monteverde is all about natural attractions, not surprising for an eco-tourism hotspot known for its cloud forests and rich diversity of animal life.

On the 27th (Thu), tour the pleasant surroundings at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and then stop by Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Monteverde attractions app.

Drive from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Monteverde in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Manuel Antonio.

The rainforest meets the sea at Manuel Antonio National Park, a small but scenic natural preserve on the west coast of Costa Rica.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Fri): look for gifts at Beso Loco Boutique de Playa and then stroll through Playa Manuel Antonio.

To find where to stay, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Manuel Antonio trip planner.

Traveling by car from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Fri) to allow time to travel to Panama City.

Arguably the most modern of Central American cities, Panama City boasts a shimmering skyline of glass skyscrapers.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Sat): don't miss a visit to Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador) and then appreciate the extensive heritage of Casco Viejo. Keep things going the next day: take an in-depth tour of Museo del Canal Interoceanico de Panama, make a trip to Panama Canal, and then explore the wealth of natural beauty at Metropolitan National Park.

To see traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, read Panama City trip itinerary site.

You can fly from Manuel Antonio to Panama City in 8 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Manuel Antonio to Panama City, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in June, and nighttime lows around 29°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) so you can travel back home.