Manuel Antonio to La Fortuna, Ul.

RxTravelBug JennaAugust 14, 2025Last Updated: August 14, 2025

456 3 minutos

Welcome to Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida! This video is your ultimate guide to an epic 7-day road trip through some of the country’s most breathtaking destinations, from beaches to volcanoes and lush rainforests.

We went in August last year, considered to be a part of Costa Rica’s light rainy season. Prices are cheaper around this time, and it’s right before the heavy rainy months of Sept/October. Peak travel is December-April, when it’s hot and dry!

So did we enjoy it? YES!
Most of the time during these light rainy months in Costa Rica, you will have your mid-mornings be dry until late afternoon/early evenings. Sometimes you’ll have some light rain, which actually makes for a more magical experience.

We had 1 week, so we decided to allocate our time between Manuel Antonio (south of San Jose) and La Fortuna (northwest of San Jose). We booked our own car rental to get around!

Activities you can do:
(1) Ziplining/Rappeling/Water Rafting in La Fortuna area- book these separately as half days or together as a full day. Listen to safety for water rafting- the rapids DO hit differently here, and you don’t want to fall in! I did for 30 seconds, and it was exhilaratingly terrifying.
(2) Hanging Bridge Exploring in the forests- there’s a big tour from La Fortuna or Monteverde, but some nice resorts also have small hanging bridges in their resort. We stayed at Nayara Springs one night and got to explore it here!
(3) Kayaking or boat ride in Manuel Antonio area to spot animals in the mangroves
(4) Sloth/monkey spotting tour in Manuel Antonio National Park
(5) Lounging in the hot springs at La Fortuna — splurge at Tabacon, bring your family to Baldi, or find an inclusive hotel with a hot springs. We stayed at El Silencio in La Fortuna that had their own mini-hot springs

Hotels we Stayed at:
1) Near Manuel Antonio: Shana by the Sea (Expedia: https://expedia.com/affiliates/rxtravelbug/costaricashanabythesea)
2) Splurge Day in Ojochal (South of Uvita): Hotel Three Sixty (Expedia: Expedia.com/offiliatas/rxtravelbug/costaricaHotelthreesixty) 3) La Fortuna/Arenal: Hotel El Silencio del Campo (https://expedia.com/affiliates/la-fortuna-hotels-hotel-el-silencio-del-campo.dblCQqw)
4) Splurge day in Arenal Volcano /La Fortuna: Nayara Springs (Expedia: expedia.com/affiliates/rxtravelbug/costarica-nayarasprings)

In this video, we explore:
Tarcoles Bridge — what to expect, how long to stay, some fun facts
Manuel Antonio – stunning beaches, monkeys, and sloths in the national park
La Fortuna – hot springs, rappelling, ziplining, and white water rafting
Pacific Coast gems – hidden beaches and unforgettable sunsets
Beautiful Hotel Stays – Shana by the Beach, Hotel Three Sixty, Hotel Silencio Del Campo, and Nayara Springs

Quick Tips for Your Costa Rica Road Trip:
– Rent a 4×4 if you’re planning to drive to the more remote areas —some roads are rough!
– Book national park tickets in advance, especially for Manuel Antonio.
– Prepare for sudden rain, even in the dry season—pack a light rain jacket!
– Get good water shoes, bring lots of mosquito repellent, and be prepared for high(er than expected) prices!
– To book your own rappel/rafting adventure with the same tour group
(Maquique) Viator Link $101/half-day: bit.ly/3WGQO7c
– To Combine it with rafting $165/day (saves $10): bit.ly/3StXHqb.

Need Costa Rica travel essentials? Check out my Amazon storefront! (I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you—this helps me make more videos! )
– Best lightweight rain jacket (Columbia): https://amzn.to/4bS0Qsn
– Hiking sandals for waterfalls (TEVA brand): https://amzn.to/4l46f3N
– Travel-size DEET wipes (a must!) : https://amzn.to/4kMiL7L
– Neck fan to keep you cool $27: https://amzn.to/4l46f3N
– Waterproof phone pouch $10 for 2: https://amzn.to/4kU9FpI
– Waterproof dry bag $10: https://amzn.to/4kKme6R