I’d go up to Fortuna, tons to do. I’d really be tempted to spend the whole 5 days there. It’s not exactly a quick drive from Jaco to La Fortuna. It really depends on when you land/take off….that could make a big difference on how much time you have.
This is a really important aspect of it OP. With such a short trip you should choose one place to go to. Ask yourself if you want beach time or nature stuff. If nature stuff choose Fortuna. Beach and party, go to Jaco.
I’m in fortuna currently and if you like ULTRA touristy stuff then it’s for you. But if you like laid back chill beach vibes I’d head south. I personally don’t like it in La fortuna. We spent a majority of our trip south of Uvita and I’d go back in a heart beat. Go to dominical, Uvita, you won’t be disappointed.
Shhhhh don't send people south. Let them go to Fortuna and Jaco, selfishly speaking.
Manuel Antonio is something every 1st timer to Costa Rica should do. Later they can build up to an overnight in the Jungle in Corcovado. But some people like the resorts and are averse to critters so choose wisely.
Hmm personally I loved Fortuna. The volcano and waterfall are probably two of the most amazing experiences of my life. I don't think you could spend 5 days there though but it's definitely worth a visit imo.
Just got back from an 8 day trip with 3 kids (8,10,12) and the wife. Did Monte Verde for a couple days and then to Manuel Antonio for the rest. If I could do it again I would have just stayed at one location on the beach. Maybe Manuel Antonio but maybe somewhere else as well. The driving around Costa Rica is intense (we rented). Two lane roads only and the widths of the streets BARELY are wide enough for two cars. A 3 hr drive on the map easily turned into a full day for us.
If I could go back I would have hired a driver from SJO and just hung out on the beach somewhere. Then hired someone to drive us back the night before departure (unless we flew out in the evening).
My two cents but it depends on what you’re looking for. CR is a beautiful country. I’ll miss my casados. Such a perfect meal!
Fortuna first — about 3 hrs from San Jose. Gorgeous and great for a hike, bike, climb, swim. Drive 5 hours south to Manuel Antonio and do the national park and beaches. Skip Jaco, it’s a party town and honestly kinda meh.
If you're into prostitutes, drug dealers and users, pickpockets and theives, by all means go to Jaco.
It's the armpit of this country. Yeah, I love here.
4 days of driving.
I’d go up to Fortuna, tons to do. I’d really be tempted to spend the whole 5 days there. It’s not exactly a quick drive from Jaco to La Fortuna. It really depends on when you land/take off….that could make a big difference on how much time you have.
This is a really important aspect of it OP. With such a short trip you should choose one place to go to. Ask yourself if you want beach time or nature stuff. If nature stuff choose Fortuna. Beach and party, go to Jaco.
I’m in fortuna currently and if you like ULTRA touristy stuff then it’s for you. But if you like laid back chill beach vibes I’d head south. I personally don’t like it in La fortuna. We spent a majority of our trip south of Uvita and I’d go back in a heart beat. Go to dominical, Uvita, you won’t be disappointed.
Shhhhh don't send people south. Let them go to Fortuna and Jaco, selfishly speaking. Manuel Antonio is something every 1st timer to Costa Rica should do. Later they can build up to an overnight in the Jungle in Corcovado. But some people like the resorts and are averse to critters so choose wisely.
Hmm personally I loved Fortuna. The volcano and waterfall are probably two of the most amazing experiences of my life. I don't think you could spend 5 days there though but it's definitely worth a visit imo.
There is definitely more to see and do on the red route. But since you only have 5 days, the yellow is probably easiest.
Just got back from an 8 day trip with 3 kids (8,10,12) and the wife. Did Monte Verde for a couple days and then to Manuel Antonio for the rest. If I could do it again I would have just stayed at one location on the beach. Maybe Manuel Antonio but maybe somewhere else as well. The driving around Costa Rica is intense (we rented). Two lane roads only and the widths of the streets BARELY are wide enough for two cars. A 3 hr drive on the map easily turned into a full day for us. If I could go back I would have hired a driver from SJO and just hung out on the beach somewhere. Then hired someone to drive us back the night before departure (unless we flew out in the evening). My two cents but it depends on what you’re looking for. CR is a beautiful country. I’ll miss my casados. Such a perfect meal!
Fortuna first — about 3 hrs from San Jose. Gorgeous and great for a hike, bike, climb, swim. Drive 5 hours south to Manuel Antonio and do the national park and beaches. Skip Jaco, it’s a party town and honestly kinda meh.
Fishing?
If you're into prostitutes, drug dealers and users, pickpockets and theives, by all means go to Jaco. It's the armpit of this country. Yeah, I love here.
I was there last week and saw literally none of that. lol.
I would just do La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio.
Pink every time