6-Day Costa Rica Girl's Trip Itinerary and Packing List
Soul Sister Retreat Packing Guide
Costa Rica doesn’t ask you to choose between adventure and ease. It offers both lush rainforests humming with life, mineral-rich hot springs tucked beneath volcanoes, and sun-washed beach towns where time stretches a little longer than it should.
This 6-day Costa Rica girls’ trip itinerary is designed for women who want both adventure and a little bit of relaxation. Early mornings that smell like coffee and rain. Afternoons that end in warm water and cocktails. Evenings filled with good food, bare feet, and the kind of conversations that only happen when no one is rushing anywhere.
At-a-Glance: Costa Rica Girls’ Trip Route
Day 1–2: San José
Day 2–4: La Fortuna (hot springs + adventure)
Day 4–5: Tamarindo (beach + surf)
Day 6: Depart from Liberia (LIB) or fly back to SJO
Day 1: Arrive in San Jose (SJO)
Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and check into a centrally located hotel in San José. After travel day, keep things simple.
Evening Plan
Freshen up at the hotel
Head out for a pre-reserved welcome dinner
Toast to the week ahead with Costa Rican cocktails or wine
✨ Tip: Make reservations in advance. San José’s best restaurants book up quickly, especially on weekends during peak season.
Day 2: Explore San José → Travel to La Fortuna
Start your morning with a relaxed breakfast and a bit of exploring.
Morning Ideas
Walk the city center or book a walking tour with a guide. Tours are usually under 2 hours and hit the highlights of a city with a local
Visit a local café or artisan market
Afternoon
Depart for La Fortuna (approx. 3–4 hours by private transfer or shuttle)
Check into a luxury hot springs resort
Soak in the thermal pools surrounded by rainforest
This is where the trip officially shifts into a bucket-list adventure.
La Fortuna is lush, green, and alive with nature. You’ll experience waterfalls, hot springs, hiking, volcano views, and wildlife tours, so pack for both comfort and movement.
Days 3–4: La Fortuna: Waterfalls, Canopies, and Hot Springs
These are the days when Costa Rica shows off.
One morning might begin with a hike through the jungle, ending at a stunning waterfall. Another could send you flying through the canopy on a zipline, suspended between trees with the back drop of the Arenal Volcano.
There’s time for:
Waterfall hikes and swims
Ziplining through the rainforest
Exploring a sloth sanctuary
Coffee or chocolate farm tours
Quiet moments back at the resort
Day 5-6: Tamarindo (Beach + Surf + Sunset Magic)
By the fifth day, it’s time to trade the jungle for the ocean.
The drive to Tamarindo is 5-6 hours on curvy, sometimes paved roads. This is not for the paint of heart, so if you get car sick, please pack medicines that will help with the symptoms.
Once you arrive, tennis shoes come off, sandals slide on. The afternoon is intentionally empty, to unpack and relax on the beach and take an optional surf lesson.
Tamarindo is social, walkable, and easy if you stay in town. No car required once you’re settled.
Optional additions:
Massage or spa
Sunset drinks
Final group dinner
Relaxation all the way before departing on Day 6.
You can either take that 90-minute taxi to the Liberia (LIB) airport for an international flight, or a SANSA regional flight (~$150 USD) back to San Jose (SJO). Sansa is STRICT on their luggage weight limitations, so be prepared to move and shift things around if your personal item and your luggage are overweight.
Tamarindo brings a more laid-back vibe—sun, sand, surf, and pure Pura Vida energy.
Weather & Climate Notes
February is peak season in Costa Rica—warm sunshine, clear skies, and very little rain.
Expect:
80s–90s °F
Humid but breezy
Strong UV levels
Cooler nights in La Fortuna
Hot afternoons in Tamarindo
General Travel Essentials
Must-Haves
Lightweight activewear (quick-dry leggings, shorts, tank tops)
Sturdy walking shoes for hikes
Comfortable sandals for hot springs and waterfalls
Swimsuits (you’ll use these A LOT on this trip)
Waterproof bag or dry bag for waterfall adventures
Microfiber towel (dries fast and great for excursions)
Bug repellent (Costa Rica = fierce mosqueitos)
Passport
Reusable water bottle
Portable charger
Lightweight backpack for excursions
Toiletries + personal meds
Minimal makeup (it will melt off your face in a couple of hours)
Journal + pen for reflection moments
Cash (USD accepted, but some colones is helpful for tipping and buying local souviners)
Essentials for the Beach
Bikinis / one-piece swimsuits
Beach cover-ups
Flip flops or slides
Sunhat or baseball cap
Sunglasses
Reef-safe sunscreen (Costa Rica protects its reefs!)
Nice-to-Haves
Light hoodie or long sleeve top for early mornings or cooler jungle nights
Waterproof phone pouch
GoPro or action camera (perfect for waterfalls + ziplining)
Packing Tips to Make Travel Easier
Use a carry-on — perfect for a 7-day retreat
Bring two swimwear options so one can dry while you wear the other
Pack everything lightweight—Costa Rica is hot
Bring a small laundry bag for wet or muddy clothes
Keep your passport + important items in your personal bag, not checked luggage
Leave space in your suitcase—you will want souvenirs
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Magic
This isn’t a trip you rush through. It’s one you sink into.
Costa Rica rewards travelers who allow space—for rest, for wonder, for the moments that don’t photograph well but stay with you anyway.
If you have been wanting to explore Costa Rica with a small group of 5 women who also want to explore the beauty of Costa Rica while having the time of their lives, join me for my next Soul Sister Retreat, February 7-13, 2026. We will be following this exact itinerary, and it will all be planned for you, so you just have to show up, and we'll take care of the rest!
This is your week.
Your reset.
Your adventure.
Your transformation.
Let Costa Rica work its magic. 🌿✨
Ready to join us in Costa Rica for the Soul Sister Retreat? Spots are limited!
(Feb 7–13, 2026)
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