Costa Rica Week 2: Caribbean Vibes, Rainforest Trails & River Adventures
Note: This itinerary isn’t just a travel guide — it’s my exact plan for an upcoming 21-day adventure across Costa Rica. I’ll be following this schedule and reporting back with real-time updates, tips, and firsthand experiences. Stay tuned as I explore each destination, test out the gear, and share what’s worth it (and what’s not) — all from the road!
From river safaris and volcanic lakes to jungle waterfalls and hot springs, Week 2 takes you deeper into Costa Rica’s wild side. Get ready for rare wildlife sightings, rainforest adventures, and some of the most scenic spots on the itinerary.
Let’s dive into another unforgettable chapter of your journey
Day 8: Sarapiquí Jungle Nights
After leaving Puerto Viejo behind, the adventure moves inland to Sarapiquí — one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions. That evening, you’ll head out on a guided night walk through the Tirimbina Rainforest. With your headlamp lighting the way, you might spot tree frogs, sleeping sloths, kinkajous, and other nocturnal creatures.
Affiliate Tip: Bring a reliable Electric Headlamp and Waterproof Hiking Shoes — jungle nights get wet and wild.
Day 9: River Wildlife Safari & Chocolate Tour
This morning’s Sarapiquí River safari is a wildlife lover’s dream. Glide past monkeys, toucans, caimans, and iguanas as your guide helps you spot animals hidden in the lush riverbanks.
Later, take the optional Tirimbina chocolate tour — cross a hanging bridge and learn about traditional cacao cultivation before tasting chocolate at every stage.
Affiliate Tip: A Dry Bag and Zoom Lens are essentials for this water-based wildlife adventure.
Day 10: Arrival in Arenal — Volcano Views & Easy Evenings
Transfer to the adventure capital of La Fortuna, where Arenal Volcano looms over lush valleys and hot springs. Check in, relax, and explore the town at your own pace. Tomorrow, the action kicks off.
Affiliate Tip: Use Kiwi.com or Trip.com to compare routes and transit options when traveling between towns.
Day 11: Safari Float + Paradise Hot Springs
Start the day with a serene Peñas Blancas River float. No rapids here — just quiet water, curious sloths, and calls of tropical birds. Your bilingual guide will help you identify wildlife and plants along the way.
In the evening, soak in the tranquil Paradise Hot Springs. With thermal pools surrounded by rainforest, it’s the perfect place to recharge. A delicious dinner is included.
Affiliate Tip: Pack a Microfiber Travel Towel, Anti-Fog Goggles, and Water Shoes for thermal pool hopping.
Day 12: Horseback Ride + Arenal Lake Kayaking
This one’s a double feature. Ride horseback through jungle trails to the breathtaking La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can swim beneath a 70-meter cascade.
In the afternoon, head to Lake Arenal for a guided kayaking adventure with epic volcano views and a chance to spot monkeys and exotic birds along the shoreline.
Affiliate Tip: Bring a Floating Phone Lanyard and GoPro Chest Mount for hands-free filming on the water.
Day 13: Caño Negro Wetlands Expedition
Board a boat and cruise through the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, one of the most important wetlands in Central America. Look for spider monkeys, caimans, roseate spoonbills, herons, and maybe even the rare jabiru stork.
A local-style lunch and snacks are included, and your guide will help you spot the wildlife tucked into this magical marshland.
Affiliate Tip: You’ll want Binoculars, Insect Repellent, and a Quick-Dry Long Sleeve Shirt for full sun and bug protection.
Day 14: Hidden Jungle Gem — La Leona Waterfall
Start at a local farm in Rincón de la Vieja and hike alongside turquoise rivers, through natural pools, and into the forest. The payoff? A swim beneath the surreal La Leona Waterfall, hidden in a cave and powered by volcanic springs.
This is one of Costa Rica’s lesser-known gems — raw, untamed, and totally unforgettable.
Affiliate Tip: Wear Closed-Toe Water Hiking Shoes and pack a Collapsible Daypack for wet gear.
🎒 Adventure Gear We Recommend Here’s the exact gear I’m packing for this leg of the trip. Tested, practical, and perfect for Costa Rica:
→ Electric Headlamp
→ Waterproof Hiking Shoes
→ Dry Bag
→ Zoom Lens
→ Microfiber Travel Towel
→ Anti-Fog Goggles
→ Water Shoes
→ Floating Phone Lanyard + Case
→ GoPro Chest Mount
→ Insect Repellent Wipes
→ Quick-Dry Long Sleeve Shirt
→ Binoculars
→ Collapsible Daypack
These are affiliate links that help support the blog at no extra cost to you.---
✅ Ready to Plan Your Own Adventure? We’ve made it easy by rounding up the same trusted tools we use to book flights, stays, insurance, and activities. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Costa Rica or relaxing on the beach, these resources have you covered.
Plan Your Trip with Our Trusted Travel Tools
✈️ Compare Flights
→ Kiwi.com
→ Trip.com
→ Traveloka
🏨 Book Budget Stays
→ Hostelworld
→ Agoda
🛏️ Book Hotels & Unique Stays
🛡️ Protect Your Trip
→ Klook (Travel Insurance & eSIM)
→ VisitorsCoverage
🚙 Find Rentals
🎟️ Explore Activities
→ Go City
🚐 Arrange Transfers
🗺️ Plan Your Route
Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for supporting the blog — it keeps the adventures coming!
