Backpacker itinerary needed for 5 days from San Jose

1- You don't need a car to visit to CR.
2- 95% of the roads are surfaced, so need for a 4x4
3- Driving a 4x4 is like driving a car, but you can just rent a sedan, or a small SUV, no need for a big truck.
4- Arenal you need a car to get around.
5- There really is not a of nature, and the volcano is not active at Arenal

Options where no car is needed.

With just 5 days, why not go to Tortuguero rainforest and canals, and maybe down to Playa Cahuita and the National park there, then raft the Rio Pacuare back to SJ and get dropped at hotel. You reach Tortuguero via boats, not roads.

The other option would be to head to Pt Viejo Sarapiqui, then to Tortuguero, then back to SJ.

These options have far more nature, wildlife and bio diversity than Arenal, and also a lot less touristy.

With your short time frame I'd have a private shuttle set up to meet you at the airport. Head straight to LA Pavona and get a boat to Tortuguero, 2 nights, then to Cahuita, killer NP and funky small town.
Highly recommend rafting the Pacuare River on your last full day, its beautiful and so much fun. They'll drop you off back in Alajuela, 10 mins. from the airport at the end.

If you don't want to pay for costly activities Arenal might not be the best place. We enjoyed the Caribbean coast as well. I would take a bus on Saturday from San Jose to Cahuita. On Sunday explore the amazing National Park in Cahuita. On Monday take a short bus ride to the Puerto Viejo area and choose a beach south of Puerto Viejo. We stayed in Manzanillo. On Thursday raft back to San Jose on the Rio Pacuare if you can afford it ($99 per person).

The Caribbean coast has wild natural beaches, rainforest and lots of wildlife. The National Park in Cahuita has a 4.8 km trail, so almost 10 km return. We spent a whole day there looking for wildlife and we saw lots. The beaches are nice too and some are great for swimming. Manzanillo has a wildlife refuge with more trails but you might want to take a guide there if you go far. You can rent a bike and explore the stretch between Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo. You will see wildlife along the road as well.

As suggested above going to Tortuguero and Cahuita and then rafting back would be a great itinerary as well. You could even do this: Saturday go to Tortuguero (you can get there by bus and boat). Sunday Tortuguero. Monday scenic boat ride to Moin, bus/taxi to Limon, bus to Cahuita. Tuesday Cahuita National Park. Wednesday Puerto Viejo and bike to Manzanillo. Thursday: raft back.

Thank you for these tips - it seems like Tortuguero, Cahuita and rafting is what you all recommend and it sounds great. (Somewhat surprised that no one recommended the lacific coast - wonder why?) My only concern is that nearly everyone who has been to CR will talk about the volcanos and Monteverde and often the Pacific Coast - I am okay to miss these as long as you can confirm that the places advised above would be worthwhile? Had I not asked about cost friendly options, would your recommendations be very different?

Considering that one does not go to Costa Rica every day, I would not like to miss out on the main attractions just to save a few bucks - if the alternative (Cahuita, etc.) would not be as impressive as the more expensive option including Arenal. I know this is subjective, but any thoughts?

Thank you!

Most people think Costa Rica is Arenal, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio. Those are the most touristy places and of course they are touristy for a reason. The Caribbean coast is less touristy, more laid-back, low-key and so less people talk about it but that doesn't mean it is not amazing. Of course we think these places are worthwhile. Why do you think we recommend them? This should be about your experience, not about what others will say when you get back without having seen the volcano. Yes, it is a nice volcano but it is not active right now (for volcanoes I recommend Guatemala and Nicaragua). And no, I would not have recommended something else if you had not asked about cost friendly options. I would still choose Cahuita and the beaches south of Puerto Viejo over Arenal.

You said you were less interested in activities like ziplining and more in nature and wildlife so the Caribbean coast came to mind. But of course you could also spend your 5.5 days in Arenal. There is the volcano hike, the hot springs, the waterfall, the hanging bridges... But then there are other great places nearby like Rio Celeste, Cano Negro... You could do the rafting from there too.

Or consider this (as you are happy to have a tight schedule): on Saturday take a bus from San Jose to Puerto Viejo (choose a beach near/south of PV). Sunday: bike to Manzanillo. Monday: Cahuita National Park. Tuesday: raft to Arenal. Wednesday and Thursday: Arenal.

Wow such great advice. having just arrived in San Jose I am considering following your advice and taking a bus straight to puerto viejo in 2 hours. tortuguero seemed like too much hassle.

A few locals i have chatted to just now are puzzled by the 'raft to arenal' day given the huge distance. how would that be feasible if you dont me asking?

You don't raft to Arenal. An rafting outfit would pick you up in SJ, and take you rafting, and then at end, transfer you via a van, to La Fortuna. Same for going to and from Cahuita or Pt Viejo area, to or from San Jose area.

https://www.exploradoresoutdoors.com/pacuare-rafting.html

Yes, the tour company would pick you up at your Caribbean coast hotel (Cahuita, Puerto Viejo...). They take you rafting (and store your luggage for you) and after you are done with the rafting they drop you off in Arenal (or San Jose). As #2 kind of already explained.

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