costa rica trip itinerary

7 Days Costa Rica Itinerary: Top Sights for First Timers

Posted on Published: June 30, 2023  - Last updated: January 5, 2024

Abundant in nature and adventure, Costa Rica is one of the most incredible countries in the world and spending a week here is a dream! But how do you even choose where to go and how long to stay in each spot? From the beach to a cloud forest and even a dormant volcano, this 7 days Costa Rica itinerary has the exact details you need to plan an amazing week!

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

Costa Rica is a country you could spend a month – or more – exploring. What it lacks in size it makes up in adventure! This 7 days Costa Rica itinerary will take you through 3 regions of the country, plus give you some alternatives. After all, it’s nice to have options, right?

From the lush rainforests to stunning beaches of Manuel Antonio and a whole lot more, this small Central American country has so much to offer visitors.

Fill your days with amazing (and natural) wildlife encounters, thrilling ziplines, crazy night tours, waterfall hikes and more. This Costa Rica 1 week itinerary has a bit of everything, no matter what your vacation style.

Before diving into what to do on each day of your vacation, let’s go over some details that will help you plan your trip.

How many days in Costa Rica?

To make the most of your trip, you’ll want at least a week in this beautiful country. A full 7 days in Costa Rica is just the right amount of adventure and relaxation.

You could do a 5 day itinerary Costa Rica and just omit one of the 3 regions below. But honestly, a week gives you a good taste for the nature and culture that Costa Rica is famous for.

And if you have longer – even better! Spend 10 days, 2 weeks or a month exploring this gorgeous country. With more than a week, you can see more regions, like Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast or take part in slow travel , exploring restaurants, getting to know the locals, soaking in Pure Vida and so much more!

Best time to visit Costa Rica

If you’re wondering when the best time to visit Costa Rica is, the answer completely depends on what matters most to you!

May through November is typically the rainy season in Costa Rica, so you could generally avoid that timeframe. However, if you want to find cheap prices, this is the timeframe you’d find the best deals!

December through April is the best time to visit Costa Rica. With amazing weather, abundant wildlife and tourist operations fully open, you’ll have a really comfortable trip with many conveniences this time of year.

You could also try the shoulder season to see if you can score a great deal for pricing. Try early to mid-November and mid-late April to try your luck.

Of course, peak travel season is January – March, so keep this in mind for pricing and crowds.

Save money on travel with points: Check out the best credit card offers to save big money by using rewards points for flights and hotels. They’re so good; I regularly have 2-3 in my wallet and book most of my travel with points!

7 days Costa Rica itinerary: map

This is a map of the itinerary in this guide. The orange icons are the recommended areas for your Costa Rica 1 week itinerary. The yellow icons are alternative options if you’re looking to switch things up. Black icons are the most popular airports for international travel.

As you can see, this Costa Rica itinerary will cover the areas of:

• Manuel Antonio
• Drive between Monteverde and Manuel Antonio
• Isla Tortuga (optional)
• Tamarindo (optional)

Get the perfect packing list for your next beach vacay!

I won’t send you spam. I hate spam. Unsubscribe at anytime.

How to get around Costa Rica

So at this point you might be thinking: how do you get around Costa Rica? Well good news: there’s plenty of options!

Rental car for your 7 days in Costa Rica

This is the most flexible option for your trip to Costa Rica. You’ll be able to go when you want and where you want. If you’re a US citizen, you can use your US drivers license.

Just keep in mind most vehicles are manual transmissions, and there’s typically an upcharge for automatic (if it’s available).

I recommend using Discover Cars for car rentals in Costa Rica . It’s a free service that searches the major rental companies and provides the best rate. I typically save 10-30% using Discover Cars .

Shuttle service

This is a popular option, especially if you’re looking to relax and keep a slower pace while you’re at each destination on this Costa Rica travel itinerary.

Taking a shuttle service is also great for large groups, or if you simply don’t want to drive the roads in Costa Rica.

You’ll find routes between most popular cities and tourist destinations. The pricing depends on the route and size of the shuttle. For this, I recommend using 12Go . They have a variety of options for transportation, and a ton of routes in Costa Rica, including between the destinations on this travel itinerary!

This is the most budget-friendly option for transportation in Costa Rica. However, the bus lines take a long time and won’t really help you stay on schedule for this Costa Rica itinerary 7 days – it would be more like 12 days based on all the time you’ll spend on the bus!

But, public transportation is the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica , and most other countries for that matter. I recently took a bus like this across the Peloponnese during my 2 weeks Greece itinerary, and it worked out smoothly.

Taxi or Uber in Costa Rica

I really only recommend using a taxi service or Uber once you’re in a town – the cost is price prohibitive to take a private transfer like this from region to region.

Uber works in most major areas of Costa Rica, and is quite convenient too. If your hotel to and from the airport in San Jose or Liberia doesn’t have a free shuttle, Uber or taxi is the way to go.

What to pack for your 7 days in Costa Rica

Let’s go over the items you’ll want to make your trip comfortable! You’ll be visiting a volcano, cloud forest and beaches for this itinerary, so you’ll definitely want a variety of items for Costa Rica!

• Water shoes. So many waterfalls, hot springs and beaches in this epic Costa Rica 1 week itinerary! You’ll want a great pair of water shoes, ones sturdy enough to hike to the spot you’re going to need them. These are my favorite water shoes that travel with me everywhere – from the best beaches in Thailand to the Black Sand Beach in Vieques, Puerto Rico and yes, even Costa Rica!
• Mineral sunscreen. Protect your skin while protecting the Earth’s waterways and marine life with mineral sunscreen. The chemicals in traditional sunblock kills marine life so please only wear mineral sunblock in the ocean in Costa Rica (and everywhere else).
• Grippy shoes for hiking. If you’re planning to go for an actual hike, like in Arenal Volcano National Park or the Cloud Forest in Monteverde, you’ll want shoes that can handle the mud and give you extra stability. These are my favorite hiking shoes that come with me to hiking destinations.
• Bug spray. You’ll definitely want bug spray! This is my favorite natural bug repellent I used in Costa Rica to ward off those pesky insects and it worked really well.
• Dry bag. From beaches to waterfalls, this is a damp environment even when it’s not raining! Keep your valuables in a dry bag to protect your items from getting wet. I love the dry bags with a shoulder strap – so handy for short hikes!
• Lots of layers. This Costa Rica itinerary will cover 3 regions from the mountains to the beach. You’ll want comfortable, moisture-wicking clothes for the humidity and layers for higher elevation. My favorite are  merino wool  – breathable and they travel great!
• Rain poncho/ umbrella. Even in the dry season, it still rains in Costa Rica. Pack a poncho and/or umbrella for your week in Costa Rica.
• GoPro. Whether you want to take snorkeling photos, smooth videos while ziplining or road tripping, a GoPro works wonders while in Costa Rica – or on any vacation!
• Travel insurance. Last but not least, when you’re traveling quite literally anything can happen. Grab travel insurance before you leave home just in case!

Here’s a complete beach packing list if you’re looking for more details.

How to use this Costa Rica itinerary

Geesh are we ready to get to it?! Some important details are covered already in this guide, and it’s just about time to start planning a trip to Costa Rica!

Not-so-fun-fact : the travel times between destinations in Costa Rica will take way longer than Google Maps shows. So for planning purposes, you’ll want to prepare extra time than what GPS is telling you.

So, to use this itinerary, it will assume you’ve arrived in San Jose or Liberia the night before day 1 and that you’re flying out after day 7. However, if you are truly only in the country for 7 days, you can condense this itinerary down to fit your flight schedule.

7 days Costa Rica itinerary

Are you ready for it? This adventure of a lifetime is *almost* too good to be true. Enjoy this fabulous week in Costa Rica. You’re gonna love it!

Fun fact:  6.5% of the worlds biodiversity is in the tiny country of Costa Rica. So you’ll have plenty of options for experiencing amazing vegetation and wildlife during your time in this stunning country!

La Fortuna (days 1-2 on this Costa Rica 1 week itinerary)

🚗 Waking up in San Jose or Liberia (or flying in early in the day), you’ll make your way to La Fortuna. It’s about a 3 hour drive almost straight north of San Jose and slightly less than that from Liberia.

La Fortuna is one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica. It’s at the doorstep to Arenal Volcano, and is a nature-lover’s oasis!

Day 1 on this Costa Rica travel itinerary: La Fortuna

A dormant volcano, rainforest, waterfalls and abundant nature is what you’ll find in La Fortuna! After your drive from the airport city, you can grab lunch and explore downtown a bit. Try the budget-friendly Soda La Hormiga or try the traditional Costa Rican food at La Cascada.

La Fortuna Waterfall

One of your first activities on this Costa Rica itinerary is to visit this fabulous waterfall in La Fortuna . This stunning waterfall in the rainforest is quite the welcome to this beautiful country, and a preview of the adventures to come!

There’s an entrance fee at La Fortuna Waterfall to access the waterfall, in which the funds go directly into maintaining and preserving the property.

You’ll walk down about 500 steps to get to the base of the waterfall. Stop at one of the many viewpoints along the way for beautiful photos of the falls from a different angle.

At the base of the falls, you can swim in the gorgeous Jade colored water. You’ll want your water shoes for climbing over the boulders along the way as the rocks are very slippery.

Note: the current is really strong so inexperienced swimmers should stay near the rocky edges and not get too close to the waterfall.

La Fortuna Hot Springs (one of the best things to do on this 7 days in Costa Rica itinerary)

Well-known in this area are the naturally occurring thermal hot springs. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) most of the land surrounding the hot springs have been purchased by hotels and resorts, which means you’ll either need to pay to spend the night there or pay for a day pass.

So let’s first talk about the one free hot springs in La Fortuna . It’s just down the road from the popular Tabacon resort. There’s a small parking area near the entrance, and a walking path that leads down to the river.

Like most places in Costa Rica, there’s an unofficial parking lot attendant who ‘watches over your car’ while you’re enjoying the hot springs. You’ll just pay him a few bucks to keep it safe – or risk what may happen otherwise (I don’t actually know – I’ve just always paid it)!

There are a few other places you can find day passes to enjoy the hot springs in La Fortuna. Some of them can be pricey, and often have an option to include a meal with it, which can be worth the cost.

Some of the mosts popular day pass options are at Tabacon , The Springs Resort & Spa and Baldi.

Day 2: La Fortuna (one of the best days on this 7 days Costa Rica itinerary)

Let’s amp up the adventure and views on your 2nd full day in La Fortuna!

Arenal Volcano

This is what’s drawn visitors to La Fortuna for decades. And it’s beautiful to see in real life!

The best places to experience it are the Arenal Volcano National Park and Arenal 1968 Reserve. The national park is government funded and the reserve is private property.

Both have great hiking trails with classic shots of the volcano. Arenal 1968 Reserve is less crowded and you’ll get equally as beautiful of views.

Taking a guided hike at Arenal Volcano National Park will help you learn the history of the volcano and region as you climb for impressive views of the lake and park. Just remember to wear good shoes for hiking (sandals definitely not recommended here).

You’ll want to spend at least 1/2 day in the park or reserve hiking and soaking up this incredible natural experience! After all, it’s one of the very best things to do in Arenal , Costa Rica!

More things to do in La Fortuna

For your last afternoon, you have options to explore La Fortuna how you prefer. If you’re staying at a hot springs resort, relaxing is a great way to soak in the latter part of this day. Especially if your morning hike was intense!

Otherwise, booking a tour or visiting another local attraction is a great way to spend the afternoon. Here are some other ideas:

• White water rafting on the Balsa River
• Rio Celeste waterfall (1.5 hour drive and requires 3.5 mile hike but it’s stunning!)
• Kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Arenal
• Ziplining in La Fortuna

Best places to stay in La Fortuna

Here are some fun places to stay in La Fortuna. Remember, you can always opt for a vacation rental property on VRBO if you’re looking for more space or a kitchen to make your own food and save some money.

• Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa. Get instant access to one of the best hot springs in the area by staying on property.
• Hotel Boutique Casa Del Rio. River views, multiple pools and ultimate relaxation in La Fortuna.
• Noah’s Forest Hotel. Choose this spot for seclusion, romance and stunning gardens with on-location wildlife.

Monteverde (days 3-4 of this 7 days Costa Rica itinerary)

🚗Waking up in La Fortuna, hit the road to Monteverde. You’ll curve around Lake Arenal and then south to Monteverde, over 3 hours drive.

Monteverde is home to the Cloud Forest Biological Reserve . It’s a big deal and so much fun to experience in real life! And remember that biodiversity we chatted about earlier? Yep, it’s big here, too!

Day 3: Monteverde (one of the best places to go in Costa Rica)

After traveling to Monteverde, you’ll arrive in the main town of Santa Elena. Grab food in downtown for a quick lunch before heading out to your next adventure!

That afternoon, you’ll want to take some time to experience the the best things to do in Monteverde .

Monteverde Cloud Forest

One of the top tourist destinations in the country – and certainly the Puntarenas province, visiting the Monteverde Cloud Forest is a must-do on this Costa Rica itinerary!

Note: you’ll definitely want to buy tickets in advance or go with a group tour .

If you arrive by 1:00 – 2:00pm, that will give you some time to hit the trails and see some spectacular fauna and hopefully wildlife!

One of the best hikes in the Monteverde Cloud Forest is the Sendero Bosque Nuboso – La Ventana trail. It’s a 3.6 mile loop, and takes you over the continental divide. Watch for the mysterious Resplendent Queztal bird – the notoriously elusive bird which makes it’s home in the Cloud Forest.

Along the hike, you’ll pass overlooks, which are great on a clear day (a rarity). Expect clouds because you’re quite literally in a cloud forest!

A guided tour will help fill you in on the cloud forest’s nature, including spotting certain wildlife. Expect all kinds of amphibians, mammals, birds, insects and so much more!

Remember your grippy shoes and poncho . You’re in the clouds so expect some moisture!

Treetop dining experience (one of the most unique things to do on this 7 days Costa Rica itinerary)

If you want a truly authentic and totally unique experience, enjoy a fine dinner amongst the trees! This dinner will get you feeling all the feels in Monteverde!

I recommend make reservations at  San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience . If you can, go at sunset as it’s simply magical.

Note: you’ll need an advance reservation for this dinner. Select a time that works with your time exploring the Cloud Forest, getting cleaned up and driving from your accommodations.

Day 4 of 7 days Costa Rica itinerary: Monteverde

This full day in Monteverde will have you pinching yourself and asking “is this place even real??”

Grab breakfast in Santa Elena to fuel up for your adventures. I recommend the incredible food (and my husband said the Costa Rican coffee was amazing) at Choco Cafe .

Hanging bridges and zipline in Monteverde

If you’re up for a thrill, you’re going to love this day! Definitely make a reservation in advance to experience one of Monteverde’s top attractions! There are several places where you can experience ziplining over the cloud forest and walking through it via picturesque hanging bridges.

The locals we talked to all  recommended Selvatura Park , so that’s the option in the photos and videos within this guide. But, if you can’t get a reservation there, try Sky Adventures or 100% Adventure Park.

Fly through the air on one of the world’s longest ziplines! It’s truly breathtaking and a travel bucket list check, for sure!

Note: there’s some walking between ziplines so wear comfortable shoes and layers for various weather conditions.

The hanging bridges are an experience in their own! Walk through trails that take you over as many as 8 suspension bridges, deep in the Costa Rican rainforest.🌿

Most of the walking paths are relatively easy. Depending on which route you choose, you may encounter some incline or some mud based on recent rainfall.

A tour like this in Monteverde will take about 4 hours. What a fun adventure!!

Sloth Sanctuary, Coffee Tour or Monteverde Waterfall

For the afternoon on day 4 of this Costa Rica 1 week itinerary, it’s up to you what you want to do to fill your time. There’s so many activities – you could literally spend a week in Monteverde, exploring and relaxing.

But since you only have an afternoon before continuing on with the trip, here are a few options:

• Sloth Sanctuary. Located at Selvatura and hosted by the Caribbean Sloth Sanctuary, you can see sloths that can no longer survive in the wild.
• Coffee tour. Learn what it takes to process the perfect cup of coffee, from farm to table!
• Monteverde Waterfall. This road-side surprise will have you hiking down to a picturesque setting in the heart of the Cloud Forest.
• Horseback riding. Get away from the crowds and see beautiful views, unlike most others will experience on horseback!
• Downtown Santa Elena. This cute downtown is a fun place to walk around. Admire artwork, go shopping or leisurely dine until your heart’s content.

Where to stay in Monteverde

Whether you want to stay in the clouds of the Cloud Forest or near the action, here are a few recommendations for where to stay in Monteverde.

• Chira Glamping Monteverde. This unique experience will take your Monteverde adventures over the top!
• Koora Hotel-a Cloud Forest Resort. Perfect for groups or families, with stunning views.
• Hotel Heliconia. Enjoy the hot tub and spa oasis on property.

Monteverde to Manuel Antonio (day 5 of this best Costa Rica itinerary)

🚗This is a fun travel day across Costa Rica! The trip is nearly 5 hours in a car including traffic, so this is an opportunity to…

• Have a slow morning and sightsee along the way.
• Hustle to take an extra day trip to a dreamy island.

Let’s dive into the details!

Monteverde to Manuel Antonio drive – stops along the way

The scenery is spectacular as you head out of the mountains near Monteverde and start your descent to sea level in Manuel Antonio. The curvy roads are fun to drive on – but just remember there’s a lot of switchbacks and potholes to be cautious of!

Along the route from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs and explore a bit. And when you see a scenic overlook – stop! You’ll (likely) only be here once in your life. Soak in the views and grab those photos.❤️

El Roble Costa Rica

By the time you get to El Roble, you’ll likely have been driving around 2 hours. El Roble is a great spot to stretch your legs, grab something to eat or even hit the beach!

Pro tip: pick up pizza and watch the surfers at Boca Barranca. It’s a famous surfing spot where surfers can often ride a wave almost 1km before it breaks!

Tarcoles Bridge (AKA Crocodile bridge, a must-see on this Costa Rica itinerary 7 days)

It’s a crazy phenomenon in southwestern Costa Rica, and one that you should definitely stop and see if you’re driving from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio. Less than an hour down the road from El Roble is the Tarcoles Bridge.

This is a cool stop on the basis that you can see dozens – potentially hundreds – of crocodiles in the river below. The Tarcoles River is home to over 2,000 American Crocodiles . They seem to congregate in the area below the bridge, making it a safe place to view these wild animals in their natural habitat.

Because it’s drawn the interest of tourists, there’s also a few shops, vendors selling artisan crafts and a restaurant nearby. Oh, and a restroom stop as well.

Just don’t drop anything into the water below. You won’t be getting it back!

This is a fun activity, and maybe one of the most expected adventures on this 7 days Costa Rica itinerary.

One of the best stops on this Costa Rica 1 week itinerary is in Jaco. It would honestly be a great place to stay for a few days, if you have more than a week in this country.

But since you’re on your way from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio, you could stop here for a bit. Grab some lunch and hit the beach!

One of the top things to do in the area – and one that’s relatively unknown to most tourists is to stop by the Jaco sign and see the macaws. The sign is located on Highway 34 south as you’re leaving town. It’s on the edge of the coast, and just beyond that are a group of trees home to macaws.

Park near the Jaco sign and witness beautiful macaws in their natural environment. Look up into the tall trees, or watch them flying above! Macaws mate for life, so you’ll likely see them in pairs. So fun!

Alternative day 5: Isla Tortuga Tour

Okay so if you’re the kind of person who likes to see alllll the things while on vacation, then this day is for you. It’s action-packed and a long day, but it can be done if you’re determined enough!

Visiting Isla Tortuga is a dream! This beautiful, uninhabited island is a fun day just off the southeastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Take a catamaran tour for snorkeling, beaching and exploring this beautiful island.

Note: you’ll need to book this tour in advance to make it all work!

Starting your day really early in Monteverde, you’ll drive nearly 3 hours to Jaco to make the early morning departure to the marina. (Remember to allow extra time for curvy roads and traffic.) From there, hop on the catamaran and sail about an hour and a half to the island.

Isla Tortuga was once a popular snorkeling destination, and snorkeling is definitely still an option today. However, the reef isn’t as vibrant as it once was, so it’s more of an island destination now. (Remember to always wear mineral sunblock ; chemicals in traditional sunblocks kill our reefs!)

While at Isla Tortuga, you’ll get lunch (as part of your tour), can rent kayaks, go on a nature hike and more.

Returning back to Jaco in the afternoon, check out the macaws and Jaco sign as you make your way down to Manuel Antonio.

Manuel Antonio (days 6-7 of this Costa Rica itinerary)

Known for its incredible beaches and wildlife, Manuel Antonio is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. This Costa Rica itinerary has you spending 2 days here and driving back to the airport (in San Jose) at the end of your 2nd day.

Note: if you’re flying back to your home from the airport in Liberia, then you may want to consider the alternative region on this itinerary, Tamarindo, which is detailed below. Otherwise, plan 5-6 hours to drive from Manuel Antonio to Liberia.

Day 6 of this Costa Rica itinerary: Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is known for its incredible national park, beaches and coastal views. This area is a big attraction and for good reason. Nature, wildlife and good food are the themes in this Costa Rican destination.

There’s so many things to do in Manuel Antonio , you could spend an entire week here and not experience it all. But since you only have 2 days here on this Costa Rica itinerary, these are the highlights.

Manuel Antonio National Park (must-see on this best Costa Rica itinerary)

This is the day to fully explore one of the best places to go in Costa Rica! The Manuel Antonio National Park is a stunning landscape, perfect for the beach lover and nature lover.

First, let’s talk about the amazing beaches within the park. Playa Manuel Antonio is the main beach in the park. It’s great for swimming and sunbathing. It’s also the busiest, so if you want a spot in the shade under a coveted palm tree, get there early!

I also loved Playa Espadilla Sur. This wide open beach had plenty of room to stretch out. The waves are typically a bit bigger here, but still a great spot to lay out a towel and soak in the views.

And if you’re going for a more secluded vibe, head to Playa Gemelas, just a short walk from Manuel Antonio Beach.

Beyond the beaches, wildlife is abundant in the park. These are the types of animals you might see in Manuel Antonio National Park:

• 2 Toed Sloth
• 3 Toed Sloth
• Howler Monkey
• White Faced Monkey
• Squirrel Monkey
• Variety of reptiles
• Many species of birds

To see wildlife in the park, it’s best to take a guided tour . The experts know when and where to look for wildlife, increasing your chances exponentially!

This is a must-do on this 7 days Costa Rica itinerary!

Book a photo shoot: The best souvenir, booking a photo shoot while traveling preserves memories of your vacation! I love Flytographer because the photo sessions are fun, easy and affordable. you can get $25 off if you book through this link .

Night tour in Manuel Antonio

One of the most wild experiences you can have in Costa Rica that aren’t available in most places are night tours in the rainforests. There are many tourist destinations across the country that offer night tours, and one of the best is in Manuel Antonio.

You’ll want to book this tour in advance as it definitely sells out. But on a night tour you’ll get a chance to see the nocturnal creatures in their natural element.

It’s common to see frogs, snakes, tarantulas, sloths, kinkajous and more on a Manuel Antonio night tour.

If you have a fear of anything creepy or crawly – you’ll probably want to skip this. Otherwise, it’s a great opportunity to experience the biodiversity within Costa Rica.

7 days in Costa Rica itinerary: day 7

This is the last day of your Costa Rica 1 week itinerary , so you can truly craft it how you choose! Want to lay on the beach all day? Perfect. Ready for an epic waterfall hike? It’s here. Looking for more thrill on an ATV? Also a good idea.

So, here are the things I’d recommend, but know that you have many more options in this fun coastal town.

🚗 Just remember that if you’re only spending 7 days in Costa Rica, you’ll need to make your way back to San Jose for the airport. Plan your afternoon accordingly, as it takes over 3.5 hours to make the journey from Manuel Antonio to San Jose.

Beach hopping in Manuel Antonio

This is such a beach destination and offers so many water activities. You can spend the entire day on the beach if you’d like!

One of the best beaches in Manuel Antonio is Playa Biesanz. A fun spot for pretty much any type of beaching you like, Playa Biesanz is away from the main town and national park, and is a bit of adventure to get to.

It’s about a 10 minute walk to get down to the beach from the parking area. Wear your water shoes , which will double as good walking shoes down the varied terrain on the way.

At the beach, you’ll find food and drink for purchase, bathrooms and even kayak, beach chair and umbrella rentals. Oh, and watch for sloths on the trees by the beach – it’s a common sighting here!

Costa Rica itinerary: more things to do in Manuel Antonio

Depending on how much time you have after beach hopping and before driving, you can hang out in town or book a tour. Here’s what I’d recommend if you have the time!

• Ziplining. How does 11 ziplines sound? Catch beautiful views of the area as you soar though the air on a Manuel Antonio zipline !
• Nauyaca Waterfall. This fun adventure is a 1/2 day trip from Quepos (just north of Manuel Antonio). If you’re into waterfalls, this is definitely a tour you’ll want to take!
• Day trip to Damas Island. Another island adventure on this list? Yes, please! This day trip to Damas Island leaves in the morning, and then you can go beaching in the afternoon.
• ATV tour. Add more thrill to the last day of your trip with this ATV tour in Manuel Antonio . Such a fun way to spend a few hours!

Any combination of activities you choose on your last day in Costa Rica will be perfect!

Best places to stay in Manuel Antonio

Alright, to end this amazing 7 days in Costa Rica, I highly recommend a stay at this bucket-list property. The Hotel Costa Verde has traditional style hotel rooms and also offers old airplanes converted to hotel rooms.🤯

And speaking of amazing and unique stays, you’ll love these cave hotels in Cappadocia ! so fun!

Anyway, here are my recommendations for places in Manuel Antonio:

• Hotel Costa Verde. Choose the ‘sky loft’ for room style to stay in an airplane.
• Hotel Playa Espadilla & Gardens. Stay close to the beach and near the town action.
• Hotel Villas Nicolas. This adults-only hotel will provide peace and tranquility while on your Costa Rican vacation.

Alternative Costa Rica itinerary destination: Tamarindo

If you’re looking for the laid-back beachy vibes in Costa Rica and don’t want to make your way as far south as Maneul Antonio, Tamarindo might be a better alternative for your 7 days in Costa Rica.

Also, if your flights are from Liberia, I might suggest you choose Tamarindo instead of Manuel Antonio. The drive from Tamarindo to Liberia is much, much closer than Manuel Antonio and it will give you more freedom to explore and relax.

🚗From Monteverde to Tamarindo is about a 4 hour drive west. If you’re swapping Tamarindo for Manuel Antonio, you can add another day in Monteverde or Tamarindo based on your interests.

What to do in Tamarindo Costa Rica

Located in the Guanacaste Region, Tamarindo is known for its surfing and beaches . It’s also a popular tourist destination if you simply want to hang out at a resort and relax!

Spending 2 days of your 7 days in Costa Rica will be really easy here. Choose between a mix of adventure and relaxation to soak in all the Pure Vida in Tamarindo!

• Tamarindo Beach. This long stretch of beach has a place for your beach chair or towel, just calling your name! It’s a great way to spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and views of the coast.
• ATV tour. For adventure and thrill, take an ATV tour ! Anytime you combine an ATV ride on the beach, it’s a win in my book!
• Learn to surf. One of the best surfing destinations in Costa Rica, Tamarindo is great for beginner surfers. Take a lesson or rent a board to enhance your skills!
• Volcano Brewing Company. Their tropical beers set the scene for a brewing company in Costa Rica. Relax over a fun meal while enjoying some brews.
• Kayak the mangroves in Las Baulas National Marine Park. This is such a fun experience! It reminds me of kayaking the mangroves near Anna Maria Island, Florida . So fun!

Of course, you can hang on the beach and find other water sport rentals like kayaks, boogie boards, paddle boarding and more.

Tamarindo is a great place to spend a few days of your 7 days Costa Rica itinerary! Just remember to leave extra time to drive from Tamarindo to Liberia for your flight (or overnight the day before).

Best places to stay in Tamarindo

Whether you prefer staying close to the beach or in a more secluded area, check out these properties in Tamarindo!

• Ocho Artisan Bungalows. These beach-front bungalows are perfect for ocean views, couples or large groups.
• Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel. With walking distance to the beach, this adults-only hotel is the perfect vibe for Pura Vida.
• Tamarindo Garden Boutique Homes. Off-the-beaten-path, this property includes plenty of peace and quiet in Tamarindo.

7 days Costa Rica itinerary – that’s a wrap!

Can you believe all the adventure, sightseeing and epic experiences you can see in just a week’s time? From amazing beaches to incredible nature, Costa Rica is a destination with a variety of experiences for every travel style.

Pick and choose which activities are suited to your tastes within this guide. Swap out some of these activities for alternatives, or spend more time at the attractions that really interest you!

Hope you have a great time on your 7 days in Costa Rica!

Related content to read next: 26 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Monteverde Costa Rica You Can’t Miss 26 Incredibly Fun Things to Do in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica You Gotta See to Believe 6 Most Breathtaking Beaches in Manuel Antonio You’ll Love

Find this post helpful? Save it for later or share it on social media!

Wednesday 31st of January 2024

How is the drive from Tamarindo to San Jose airport. We leave Saturday at 7:30 pm and thinking of leaving Saturday morning. Is that doable. thank you

Thursday 1st of February 2024

You should be fine if you leave in the morning. Just add an hour or two for extra drive time. In my experience, if GPS showed a certain amount of time, it takes at least 25% more time (even up to 50% more time) to account for traffic. Slow vehicles are inevitable and most roads aren't built for traffic. Have fun!!

Thursday 19th of October 2023

I've been to Costa Rica several times and love it! The environment and the people are amazing. My favorite places in Costa Rica are Santa Teresa and Nosara, but I haven't made it to Manuel Antonio yet.

Sunday 22nd of October 2023

Oh fun Michelle! I'll trade ya and have to head to Santa Teresa my next visit ;)

I lived in Costa Rica for a while as a child and reading this brought back all the nostalgia. I’m glad you had such a lovely trip, it’s a beautiful place and it looks like you made the most of it!

Oh yay Rose! What a wonderful childhood. 🌿I'm glad this brought back fun memories for you!

simplyjolayne

We visited Costa Rica earlier this year and LOVED it. I would definitely go back.

Oh yay Jolayne! I'd go back in a heartbeat too. Such an amazing destination.

Wednesday 18th of October 2023

A very detailed and helpful guide for first time visitors to Costa Rica. Such diversity and choice of locations and experiences across the island. I particularly would like to experience the cloud forest.

So glad you found this helpful, Marilyn! It's such a fun country with soooo much to do!

The Ultimate 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary

Get ready to zigzag your way from the Pacific to the Caribbean with this ultimate 10-Day Costa Rica itinerary.

Anyone who follows my blog will know that Costa Rica is one of my favourite countries on the planet. It’s a country that offers an adventurous experience-packed style of travel, with endless memories created along the way.

One day you’ll be white water rafting on ferocious rapids, the next you’ll be staying in a unique eco-lodge falling asleep to the sound of howler monkeys and tree frogs. It’s a destination where you can truly connect with nature and forget the stresses of daily life back home.

Venture out to the rainforests for incredible wildlife encounters, relax in bubbling hot springs and get stuck into simple, delicious BBQ’ed Costa Rican food on the Caribbean coast. I can’t guarantee you’ll see a sloth, but I can guarantee you’ll return home with some epic stories!

I’ve already written a detailed guide to spending two weeks in Costa Rica , but I know many of you are pressed for time on your vacations. Coming up is the perfect route to take you from Pacific Coast to the Caribbean Coast over 10 fun-packed days.

This 10-day Costa Rica itinerary is for those who want to cram in a lot to their trip. You won’t be able to squeeze in much downtime if you want to see and do as much as possible on your 10-day adventure, but you’ll make the most of every minute.

From the wildlife in Corcovado and Puerto Viejo, to the beaches of the Pacific and Caribbean, and adventure activities including zip lining and white water rafting, this really is the best way to spend 10 days in Costa Rica!

Planning your trip to Costa Rica? Here are a few quick highlights:

The Ultimate 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary 

If you’re planning a 10-day Costa Rica itinerary, and want to gain a good overview of everything the country offers, you’ve come to the right place.

This route will take you on a little zigzag tour from one side of the country to the other, stopping off at a few highlights in the middle too. When you factor in travel time, you might find you want a little longer in some of the places, or skip one.

Whether you’re planning a wildlife themed trip or are keen to try some activities, this travel guide will give you a good starting point.

READ MORE: Wondering what to pack for your trip? Find out in my handy Costa Rica packing guide  or learn more about the country before you get there with 34 fascinating facts about Costa Rica .

Day 1 + 2: Corcovado National Park

I’m kicking off this 10-day Costa Rica itinerary with a walk on the wild side over on the Pacific Coast. Assuming you’ve flown into the capital (San José) I’d recommend catching a flight straight over to Puerto Jimenez down in the Osa Peninsula. The views from the plane make it well worth the journey!

Once there, make your way to an eco-lodge, get an early night and prepare for one of the best days of your life as you go trekking in Corcovado National Park.

This is on of the top places to spot wildlife in Costa Rica. From whales and turtles, to monkeys, snakes and frogs, there’s SO much to see. I’d recommend booking a rainforest trek via your hotel or a local provider. The guides in this part of Costa Rica know all there is to know about every creature in the rainforest and this isn’t somewhere to wander around solo!

We woke up at 4am for our rainforest tour. It was well worth the early start! Even on the drive to the national park we spotted scarlet macaws and monkeys playing in the trees.

Once inside Corcovado National Park, we spotted all four of Costa Rica’s varieties of monkey (squirrel, spider, howler and white-faced capuchin), coatis, agoutis, macaws, Halloween crabs, and learnt all about the park’s impressive trees, sea turtles and more. I loved it!

We trekked along deserted sandy beaches, hiked through thick jungle and enjoyed a packed lunch with an amazing view of the Pacific.

Check availability and latest prices at Lapa Rios here

Day 3: Naranjo de Alajuela

So, you’ve kicked off your 10 days in Costa Rica with a flavour of what the country is all about, with some epic wild encounters in Corcovado. Now it’s time for a change of scene. After hopping on a flight back to San José, it’s time to drive an hour north to a pretty lodge up in the hills.

This is an area I fell in love with on my last trip. You’re unlikely to find on a lot of generic Costa Rica itineraries out there. Consider it a hidden gem, away from the tourists!

The accommodation at Chayote Lodge is stunning, designed around the old coffee receiving stations. You’ll notice this coffee theme continues through the interiors. The wall hangings are made from coffee sacks as are the backs of the seats in the restaurant. They serve a great cup of coffee at breakfast too!

For me though, it was the view that took my breath away. Looking out from my little wooden home, I could see three volcanoes, layers and layers of stunning morning mist and epic sunsets, along with lush gardens filled with more hydrangeas than I’ve ever seen in my life. I still remember exactly how I felt as I snapped these photos and WOW was it a special moment!

Check availability and latest prices at Chayote Lodge here

If you want to plan an activity or two for the day you’re in this region, I’d recommend visiting Espiritu Santo for a coffee tour, or taking a trip to see the impressive Catarata Del Toro waterfall.

On the coffee tour you’ll learn how the ripe red coffee cherries are turned into the satisfying caffeinated drink we start our days with. It’s always amazing to come face to face with the processes for things we take for granted! I picked up a few bags of coffee beans to take home too.

If you want to see lots of amazing scenery during your 10 days in Costa Rica, definitely plan a visit to the 90m tall Catarata Del Toro. This waterfall is one of the most impressive in the whole country. The route down to the falls is steep, but you’ll get incredible photos once you reach the base of the waterfall.

READ MORE: Top Things To Do In Costa Rica 

Day 4 + 5: Monteverde

Around three hours northwest of Naranjo is one of the most famous areas in Costa Rica and somewhere you cannot miss, whether this is your first trip to the country or your tenth.

Monteverde is the region famed for the country’s ‘cloud forests’. It’s a very special sight to see the lush forests submerged in low hanging mist and clouds.

There are plenty of great ways to see this unique scenery too. You could hop on board a sky tram (a gondola), walk along the sky walk (beautiful hanging suspension bridges) or even zoom through the trees on a zip line. Don’t miss a trip to Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve too.

If you like a little bit of adrenaline, you’ll love the zip lining in Monteverde . It’s still some of the best I’ve ever done! There are lots of zip lines at 100% Aventura Extreme including the longest zip line in Central America and a heart rate inducing Mega Tarzan Swing!

If you’re looking for some of the best things to do in Monteverde, I’d recommend checking out these fun tours .

Day 6 + 7: La Fortuna 

I love how varied this 10-day Costa Rica itinerary is. One minute you’re hanging out with monkeys in the rainforest, the next you’re zooming through the cloud forests on a zip line, and now it’s time to come face to face with one of Costa Rica’s most amazing views.

Arenal Volcano is a highlight of any trip to Costa Rica. You’ll be mesmerised by views of the 1,670m peak as you drive around towards the small town of La Fortuna. Depending on what you fancy, you cold go on one of the many treks inside Arenal Volcano National Park, go cycling or even take in the scenery on horseback.

Other things to do in La Fortuna include visiting La Fortuna waterfall which is immersed in thick jungle, or chilling out in the region’s hot springs. It’s a beautiful area – even if you just go on a little road trip, you’ll love visiting this part of Costa Rica.

If you’re looking for some of the best things to do in La Fortuna, I’d recommend checking out these fun tours .

Day 8 – 10: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

For the last few days we’re heading to the stunning white sands of the Caribbean. It’s a pretty long drive (around 5 hours) from La Fortuna, so I’ve factored in 3 days here as you might want to use one just for the journey.

If you want to travel in an adventurous way, there are a few tour companies who offer a day tour where you go white water rafting on the Pacuare River (one of the best places for this activity in the country) during the day, then they drop you to your location of choice after. Essentially, rather than sit on a bus for the day, you could get picked up from Arenal, spend the day out on the water and still end up in Puerto Viejo at the end of the day!

There’s a big difference from Caribbean coast to the Pacific, and it’s something you’ll feel as you arrive in this hippie town. Expect rasta vibes, the sounds of reggae and the scent of jerk chicken.

Daytimes are chilled with surf time, chill time, perhaps a bit of yoga or a trek through the rainforest. After dark it gets lively, especially as this a popular town for backpackers travelling through Central America. It’s also one of the best beach towns in Costa Rica .

No doubt you’ll want to see some more of the country’s wildlife before you round off your 10 days in Costa Rica, and there are two amazing spots near this funky Caribbean town.

Cahuita National Park ’s rainforest sits right on the beach close to Puerto Viejo and is a prime place to see all sorts of creatures including toucans, monkeys, lizards, snakes, giant crickets, leaf cutter ants and even Costa Rica’s most famed animal – the sloth.

To guarantee seeing some amazing creatures before you fly home, take a trip to the  Jaguar Rescue Centre – a refuge for sick, unwanted or underdeveloped wild animals.

I love the backstory of this place. It was set up by a couple of biomedical scientists from Europe who moved to Costa Rica for a change of pace. Little did they know, as soon as they moved to the area, locals heard they could help animals and turned up on the doorstep with sick monkeys, owls with broken wings, and blind crocodiles! They decided to set up the rescue centre and it’s been expanding ever since.

When I visited a few years ago I was invited to sit inside one of the monkey enclosures while spider and squirrel monkeys played around. It was also amazing to see sloths so close.

Useful Info For Planning A Trip To Costa Rica

Currency: While colones are the local currency in Costa Rica, lots of places will accept US dollars too. If you pay in dollars, you’re likely to receive colones as change. On my recent trip I noticed a lot more places accepted credit cards and contactless payments.

Packing advice: With so many climates and landscapes, you’ll want to plan your packing carefully. I’d recommend reading my Costa Rica packing guide before you go. Lots of extras you might not have thought about.

‘Pura Vida’ is a way of life in Costa Rica! I heard it used as hello / goodbye / thank you. Translating literally as the pure life, but the meaning is more about a good life, a relaxed life and a happy/content life. Slip it into conversation and you’ll certainly impress the locals!

Do you need to speak Spanish to travel around Costa Rica? No, but it will certainly help in more remote areas. As tourism is a huge part of Costa Rica’s economy, lots of guides, drivers and shopkeepers speak English. I’m sure after two weeks in Costa Rica you’ll have a few key Spanish phrases at your fingertips too.

Is Costa Rica safe? I think it’s very safe. Compared to its neighbours, Costa Rica is an extremely peaceful country. It doesn’t even have an army! People are warm, friendly and helpful, plus there’s a huge passion for the country’s nature and landscapes – the Costa Ricans really want to preserve their country, as they know more than anyone else, that it’s a very special place.

Travel: While Costa Rica isn’t a big country to drive around, some of the roads are windy, rugged and bumpy, so what looks like a 2-hour drive, could end up taking 4. If you’re short on time, take a look at internal flights to speed journeys up.

I hope these suggestions help with planning your 10 days in Costa Rica. If you’re visiting for longer, take a look at where else I recommend in my guide to spending two weeks in Costa Rica .

I’ve featured a few other great spots in my guide to the best beach towns in Costa Rica , including Manuel Antonio National Park, Nosara, Santa Teresa, Tamarindo and Tortuguero National Park. They’re on my list for a future trip!

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my 10-day Costa Rica itinerary and it helps you plan your holiday! Have an amazing time, and feel free to comment below if you have any questions!

Enjoyed this blog post? Pin it for later…

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

6 thoughts on “The Ultimate 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary”

Thank you for the excellent blog. We are planning to have similar 10 day trip, including the Osa Peninsula. Will you please provide some suggestion, which airlines to use to fly in to Puerto Jimenez, from San Jose, how many days you stayed there. Thanks.

Hi there! Amazing – it was such a great trip! I flew with Sansa airlines. I was in Corcovado for 3 days roughly, but would love to stay longer! Hope that helps. Have a great time!

Thanks for this. We’re looking at Osa Peninsula. What was it like flying there? I’m nervous about small planes.

Hi Melissa, I really enjoyed the flight on the small plane as you could see so many amazing views from the window! It felt like being on an exclusive private jet! If you’re a nervy flier you might not like it, but I think most people would enjoy the experience.

Me and my partner are heading to CR in December for 10 days and loved reading your pages!

We’re from the UK and we drive, but I’m always apprehensive about hiring cars abroad and was wondering whether your itinerary is doable with public transport/busses/shuttles?

What would you suggest?

Kind regards,

Priten & Heena

Hi Priten, How exciting! You’re going to love it. To be honest, I think visiting Costa Rica is much better with your own set of wheels. You can get public transport between key places but it’s not great for getting off the beaten track to some of the less touristy spots. I think you’d miss out on some pretty special experiences. I’d also say it’s a bit cheaper as you might end up on expensive tour after expensive tour if you try to plan an alternative way of seeing key spots. Driving is pretty easy in CR. Most roads are decent and while some are a bit bumpy at times, they’re better than most countries I’ve visited! I hope that helps.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Costa Rica Itinerary Ideas: 7 Days, 2 Weeks, or 1 Month

09/01/2022 by Emily Becker 2 Comments

This post was written by Emily Becker, a Mexico-based freelance writer for BMTM.

Looking for the perfect Costa Rica itinerary? After spending nearly a month exploring this beautiful country and seeing how much it has to offer, I left only wanting more. Isn’t that the best-case scenario when traveling, though?

Whether you only have a week to experience Costa Rica or can give yourself a bit more time to explore, I’ve put together three awesome itinerary options, complete with where to go, what to do, and where to stay:

Table of Contents

7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: The Highlight Reel

If you only have a week to enjoy the best of the country, it doesn’t give you much time to get from place to place, so I recommend renting a car, so you can move around quickly and easily, making the most of your time.

There are a few places that you definitely don’t want to miss out on. Here’s how I would spend seven days in Costa Rica:

Day 1: Arrive in San José & get a taste for city life

To get the most out of San José in just a short time, opt to fly in as early as possible. Check in to your accommodations and start exploring right away (maybe even joining a food & sightseeing tour , like I did). Since you’ll only have a day, I recommend hitting up places that are close together: start with Spirogyra Butterfly Garden in Barrio Amón, then go next door to Simón Bolivar Botanical Garden & Zoo.

From there, I suggest heading to Mercado Borbón or Mercado Central to check out the variety of fruits and vegetables. This is also a great place to grab lunch, as it’s cheap, quick, and delicious. These two markets are also central places for locals, so you’ll get a taste of Costa Rican city life.

Find more ideas for what to do in San José here , along with recommendations on where to stay. You’ll want to get a good night’s rest, because this is just the beginning of your adventure. Next stop: La Fortuna!

• Where to stay in San José: I recommend this Airbnb for solo travelers and couples. If you’re on a budget, Selina is a great option as well and offers a co-working space.

Days 2-4: La Fortuna Hot Springs & Arenal Volcano

From San José, it’s easy to get to La Fortuna via public transportation, but for such a short trip, a rental car might be a better option if you really want to get the most out of La Fortuna. This area is famous because of the monstrous Arenal Volcano, the thundering La Fortuna Waterfall, and an abundance of adventure activities. From zip-lining and white-water rafting to swimming at the base of waterfalls, La Fortuna has it all.

Due to volcanic activity from the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna is also the best spot in Costa Rica to find hot springs. I recommend spending at least two full days there, so you can check out Arenal National Park, La Fortuna Waterfall, and some hot springs.

• Where to stay in La Fortuna: For a cheap private room, I suggest FAS . For backpackers and solo travelers, Poshpackers is the way to go. If you rent a car and have a bit more of a budget, go for Casa Luna Hotel & Spa , or the best hot springs resort there, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa .

Days 5-6: Monteverde Cloud Forest

From La Fortuna, you can either drive to Monteverde or take a shuttle that includes a boat transfer . I did the latter, and the boat ride across Lake Fortuna in itself was an awesome experience, so much that it didn’t feel like any other boring shuttle service.

Even if you only have a week to enjoy Costa Rica, you absolutely cannot skip out on Monteverde. This cloud forest was my favorite place in the country, because of its mystical quality, mind-blowing biodiversity, and abundance of hiking opportunities. To be honest, two days doesn’t feel like enough time here, but it’s better than skipping it altogether.

Some key places in Monteverde are the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve , Selvatura Adventure Park, and Bosque Eterno de los Niños. These are all spots where you can find nature trails, hanging bridges, zip-lines, and tons of wildlife. I recommend going on a night tour through the cloud forest , and venturing out to the waterfalls and trekking through the jungle .

• Where to stay in Monteverde: There are few places that give you the same value for your money than Hotel El Bosque , which is where I loved staying. It’s in the middle of the forest and only a short drive from the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve.

Day 7: Cartago & farewell to Costa Rica

On your last day in Costa Rica, I recommend venturing to Cartago if you have time to do so. It’s only about an hour from the San José city center and offers a different view of Costa Rican history, as it used to be the country’s capital. Here you can check out the ruins of an unfinished cathedral, go to the stunning Lankester Botanical Garden, and visit the municipal market for an authentic bite. In my opinion, no trip to Costa Rica is complete without getting the dose of history and culture that Cartago offers.

Compared to the bustle of San José, Cartago is a much more laid-back city, which is why I think it’s a great alternative as your trip is winding down. The municipal market there is also a great spot to get cheaper souvenirs before you head home.

-READ NEXT-

How Much Does A Costa Rica Trip Cost?

2-Week Costa Rica Itinerary: Pacific Coast & Mountains

With two whole weeks in Costa Rica, you’ll experience much more variety, which better captures the diversity of the landscape. While one week grants you the opportunity to focus on the mountains and dense forests, this two-week itinerary brings you to the Pacific coast as well, which has some stellar beaches and national parks.

Note: For two weeks in Costa Rica, renting a car is ideal if you want to truly take advantage of all the sites and off-the-beaten-path places. However, this itinerary is totally doable via public transportation, and I’ll give you tips on how to get from place to place.

Days 1-2: Explore San José

Since this itinerary is longer, I definitely recommend taking advantage of it by spending more than just a day in San José. Along with everything mentioned above, I recommend getting out of the city center and exploring other areas, like Hacienda La Chimba Coffee Farm. This gorgeous, colonial-style farm has enough to occupy you for an entire morning or even the whole day. Only 20 minutes outside of San José, it has hiking trails, coffee tours (which are more ideal during harvesting season in September), and even a zip-line.

Staying in San José for a couple days also gives you a chance to venture out to Cartago, Escazú, or other surrounding areas to enjoy what Costa Rican city life has to offer.

Days 3-5: Enjoy Uvita and Marino Ballena National Park

From San José, head to the Pacific coast, starting in Uvita. To get there, you can either take a 7:30am Tracopa bus or drive there if you’ve rented a car. The length of this trip is about the same, as the bus is direct and makes very few stops.

Uvita is a small beach town that encompasses Marino Ballena National Park. Because the national park takes up a large majority of the beach’s real estate, there are no big hotels right on the coast. This makes for a more untamed experience, which I absolutely loved.

Besides checking out the beach in the park, I recommend heading to Playa Ventanas if you’ve rented a car; if not, you can skip it, as the public transportation getting back to town isn’t very reliable. Also don’t miss out on the Uvita Waterfall and nearby swimming holes, which you can read about in this Uvita guide .

• Where to stay in Uvita: I stayed at Cascada Verde Hostel , which has a treehouse vibe. I loved it and would definitely stay there again, even though it’s a long walk from town and too far to walk to the beach.

Days 6-8: Soak up the beauty of Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio National Park is the most-visited national park in Costa Rica, and I quickly understood why as soon as I got there. As far as wildlife diversity and overall scenery, it feels absolutely unreal. Not only is the park worth spending at least a day exploring, but the town itself has hidden gems, like Playa Biesanz (find out how to get there in this Manuel Antonio guide ).

Overall, Manuel Antonio is completely worth spending two days in, even though most things are overpriced and there are crowds almost year-round (but if you get to the park right when it opens at 7am, you can avoid the crowds for the most part). Also, stay somewhere that has a kitchen so you can save money on meals. (Find more Costa Rica budget tips here .)

Some popular activities in Manuel Antonio are night tours (I did this one and loved it), mangrove boat tours , and visiting nearby Rainmaker Park to see waterfalls and hanging bridges .

• Where to stay in Manuel Antonio : Accommodation is not cheap here in general, but I stayed in this gem of an Airbnb and thought it was a phenomenal choice for a solo female traveler like me. A great choice for backpackers is Selina , which has a co-working space and a casual, social environment. If you have more room in your budget, I’d recommend staying at Shana by the Beach , which is the hotel that you have to go through to get to Playa Biesanz.

Days 9-11: Head to Monteverde Cloud Forest

Since you’ll be in Costa Rica for two weeks, I suggest spending an day or two more than you would if you were only in the country for one week. See my above recommendations for things to do in Monteverde , along with where to stay.

The best part about having three days as opposed to one or two is that you’ll have more opportunities to do activities. Considering that Monteverde is so green, it should come as no surprise that it rains there almost year-round, which can make it more challenging to spend time outdoors (unless you use this Costa Rica packing list and prepare like a pro).

Another benefit of having extra time in Monteverde is that you can venture out to some amazing nearby places, like the El Tigre waterfalls. Visiting them is much easier if you have a car, but this tour can also take you there.

Days 12-13: Check out La Fortuna and the surrounding area

Personally, La Fortuna wasn’t my favorite place in Costa Rica, so it would be the first one I’d say goodbye to on a two-week itinerary. However, having a rental car would have changed the picture completely for me, as most of the places I wanted to go were impossible to get to via public transportation or even taxis.

Along with everything I mentioned on the above seven-day itinerary, I also suggest heading to Río Celeste at Volcán Tenorio National Park if you can. There you’ll find a river so bright blue that it’s hard to believe somebody didn’t dump dye into it. You can learn about how the river gets its color, see a magnificent waterfall, and admire tons of wildlife there too. If you haven’t rented a car, I recommend this tour that will take you there.

Day 14: Back in San José

Once you’re back in San José unwinding after an awesome two-week adventure, take it easy by leisurely visiting a few museums and checking out the local markets. I recommend the Museum of Costa Rican Art, which is free, because after two weeks around Central America’s most expensive country, you’ll be glad to see at least one free activity, guaranteed!

The markets, Mercado Borbón and Mercado Central, are both great places to get souvenirs or grab a cheap meal on your way out of Costa Rica. Check out my guide to San José for more ideas on what to do, where to stay, and other helpful tips.

15 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Costa Rica

1-Month Costa Rica Itinerary: Coast to Coast

Since I spent about a month exploring Costa Rica, I’m a bit partial to this itinerary. There’s so much to see and do in this incredible country that if you are able to spend this long here, do it. Most of the destinations below have been covered in the seven-day and two-week itineraries, but here I’ll include any activities or sights that you can take advantage of with the additional time you’ll have.

Here’s how I would spend one month in Costa Rica:

Days 1-3: Get the most out of San José and Cartago

Right off the bat, I would definitely spend at least 48 hours in San José , making sure to check out the city center, markets, museums, and restaurants. I recommend spending at least a half day in Cartago, going to the Lankester Botanical Garden, Cultural Center, and municipal market.

The area surrounding San José has several volcanos that you can easily visit if you have a rental car or hop on a tour, like this one that goes to Irazú volcano . Poas Volcano is also an awesome place if you have time, as it has a mysterious blue lake in its crater that you can see if you’re lucky enough have cloudless weather.

Most Costa Rica itineraries go in a loop, many of them taking the Caribbean route first. However, I did the opposite and went to the Pacific coast first, which is what I’ll share here, as I found it to be easy to do without a rental car.

Days 4-7: Relax in Uvita and explore Marino Ballena National Park

Just like the two-week itinerary above, I recommend heading to Uvita from San José. Having at least three days here is ideal, as you’ll be able to venture out to nearby places and see more. Uvita is also close to Corcovado National Park, which I wasn’t able to get to this time (but definitely wish I had). Many people say it’s one of the most wild national parks, with a higher density of wild animals, especially pumas and jaguars.

When you visit Uvita, consider checking out Playa Arco, which is part of Marino Ballena National Park; you can find out how to get there in my Uvita guide . This beach was totally empty when I got there, and I loved exploring and connecting with nature without another human soul around. It was my favorite place I visited in Uvita by far.

Days 8-10: Chill and surf in Dominical

From Uvita, you can easily hop on a bus to Dominical, which is only 20 minutes away. Buses pass by every 30 minutes or so, cost only a couple dollars, and will take you right to the beach.

One regret I had in Costa Rica was not spending enough time in Dominical. This hip surf town has giant stretches of soft, sandy beach, with a cool, laid-back atmosphere that I adored. I recommend spending a couple days here, soaking up the sun and taking it nice and slow.

Dominical is also a great place to take a surf lesson, join a yoga class, or go for a long walk on the beach. There’s a small corridor next to the beach where you’ll find people selling handmade jewelry and other goods, which is ideal for picking up souvenirs.

This is also the best launching point for visiting the gorgeous Nauyaca Waterfall, which I wasn’t able to get to, unfortunately. The hike there is 1.5 hours, so visiting from Dominical is an all-day affair and can be expensive if you do so on a tour; if you have a car , it’s easy and affordable to get to. Entrance into the park is only $10. However, tours charge around $70-80 with transportation from Dominical.

Days 11-14: Enjoy the natural wonders of Manuel Antonio

From Dominical, you can easily hop on a bus on the main highway headed toward Quepos. The bus only takes about 40 minutes and costs around $3. From Quepos, you have to take another bus (for about $0.50) to Manuel Antonio, which will take off from the same station, leaving every 30 minutes or so. This part of the monthlong itinerary is by far the easiest to do via public transportation.

Since this itinerary allows for more wiggle room, my best advice for spending three days in Manuel Antonio is to take it slow and visit the national park early in the morning in order to give yourself the rest of the day to check out the beaches. All of the abovementioned activities and accommodations apply here, with the added bonus that you’ll have more time to squeeze as many of them in.

Days 15-18: Bask in the beauty of Monteverde Cloud Forest

Getting from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde is very tricky on public transportation, so I recommend taking a shuttle if you don’t already have a rental car. With Interbus , the shuttle costs about $60, which is reasonable considering the public transportation route will take three times as long.

Since this one-month itinerary grants you an extra day in Monteverde compared to the two-week option, I recommend venturing out to the El Tigre waterfalls for at least one of those days. If you don’t want to leave Monteverde, though, there’s still plenty to do for three days. Check out my Monteverde cloud forest guide for more ideas, plus where to stay.

Days 19-21: Make a stop in La Fortuna

Getting to La Fortuna from Monteverde via public transportation can take up to eight hours, even though the two places are not very far from one another. This is due to the mountainous terrain and low-quality roads. However, there is an option that works well and cuts your travel time in half: a boat transfer between La Fortuna and Monteverde, which includes a scenic ride across La Fortuna Lake. It’s a bit pricey at $45, but I thought it was totally worth it due to the awesome views and shorter travel time.

Since you’ll have a few days in La Fortuna, I highly recommend taking advantage of the nearby national parks on this trip. Spend at least a day exploring Arenal National Park and venture out to Volcán Tenorio National Park to see the massive waterfall and bright blue river. You can easily spend a full day at both parks, which I highly recommend.

For more ideas on what to do here, check out this complete guide to La Fortuna .

Days 22-25: Head to the Caribbean coast, starting in Tortuguero

From La Fortuna, getting to Tortuguero is a very long and challenging route via public transportation. It takes about 12 hours and requires that you go all the way to San José first. (Read my Tortuguero guide to find out how to get from San José to Tortuguero.) Alternatively, you can do a shuttle, which is what I did. I booked it through Caribe Shuttle for $65. They picked me up at my accommodations in La Fortuna at 5:30am, and I was in Tortuguero before noon. Plus, it included breakfast, which was a nice surprise. For the price, I thought it was worth it, since I didn’t have a car.

Since you’ll have a whole month to explore Costa Rica, making it to the Caribbean side is a must. Tortuguero is a small island with a namesake national park known for being one of the most prominent nesting and hatching places for sea turtles.

With tranquil canals that are reminiscent of the Amazon and jungles teeming with wildlife, Tortuguero is perfect for nature lovers. The town itself is chill, with a cool vibe and delicious food, as the cuisine here is more inspired by African dishes. Overall, Tortuguero surprised me with how different it was than the other places I’d been in Costa Rica, adding to the country’s seemingly endless variety.

• Where to stay in Tortuguero : I stayed at Aracari Garden Hostel and thought it was perfect for solo travelers, couples, and budget backpackers. If you don’t mind spending a little extra, I recommend Miss Junie’s Lodge , as it’s right on the beach and has the best restaurant in town on-site.

Days 25-27: Check out Cahuita National Park

The public transportation route between Tortuguero and Cahuita is also tricky but doable. From Tortuguero, take a boat to La Pavona. From there, you can take a bus or collective taxi to Cariari. From there, take a bus to Limón, which takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. From Limón, it’s an easy one-hour bus ride to Cahuita.

If I had more time in Costa Rica, I would have loved to visit Cahuita. Everybody told me it was a must-see, which only gives me one more good reason to go back. Cahuita National Park flies under many travel radars and doesn’t get as many visitors as Tortuguero. Plus Cahuita town is tiny and relaxed, with little to do besides enjoying the national park, which is as good an excuse as any to visit.

Cahuita is known for having an abundance of sloths, iguanas, monkeys, and other wildlife. Spend your time there hiking the trails and admiring the beautiful beaches. Unfortunately, the water here is too treacherous to swim in, but the gorgeous ocean views make up for it.

• Where to stay in Cahuita: Playa Grande Lodge is a crowd favorite in Cahuita as it’s just a 2 minute walk from the beach and within walking distance from the national park.

Days 28-29: Relax on the Beach in Puerto Viejo

From Cahuita to Puerto Viejo there is a direct bus that only takes 30 minutes, so public transportation on this leg is a breeze. This stunning beach town is a very popular destination for surfers and has a rich Afro-Caribbean culture. From the flavors to the music, Puerto Viejo has a totally different vibe than the Pacific coast.

It’s also a great last stop on this one-month Itinerary because of the relaxing atmosphere and stellar beaches. After a month of traveling, you might also want to celebrate your trip and go out with a bang. Puerto Viejo has a fun nightlife scene where you’ll be able to do just that.

Some can’t-miss spots here are Playa Negra, where you’ll find a black-sand beach; Punta Uva, where you can kayak along a rocky coast and see some sea caves and wildlife; and Salsa Brava, which is one of Costa Rica’s most famous surf breaks, where you can either take a lesson or watch the surfers from shore.

• Where to stay in Puerto Viejo: Travelers love Casa Kimba for its excellent location in the heart of Puerto Viejo and outstanding hospitality. For budget backpackers and solo travelers, La Ruka Hostel is a top pick.

Day 30: Bid farewell to Costa Rica in San José

Since you already had a couple days to explore San José when you arrived, take this last day as an opportunity to revisit any places you loved, or simply spend it exploring the city on foot. If you didn’t have the chance to visit the markets (Mercado Borbón and Mercado Central), make sure to do so on your way out.

Is Costa Rica Safe? My Take As A Solo Female Traveler

Pin me for later:

That’s it! Now you have three options for how to spend your time in Costa Rica, hitting up my absolute favorite spots and giving yourself enough time to enjoy each of them.

How long are you planning to visit Costa Rica?

*Some links in this post are affiliate links for products and services we personally use and love. Any purchase you make through them supports us at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much!

About Emily Becker

Emily Becker is a digital nomad based in Costa Rica. She's been traveling on and off since 2014 and has visited 15 countries—planning to tick many more off her bucket list. In addition to writing for BMTM, she works as a copywriter and project manager.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

 subscribe to our newsletter

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

04/18/2023 at 5:38 pm

Any reason you left out the peninsula de Nicoya on all three itineraries? I hear the laid back surf / Beach vibe is a must?

04/19/2023 at 9:41 am

I just didn’t have enough time to visit Nicoya, but will go soon! It’s also much more expensive there, so I stuck to more affordable places.

Costa Rica Itinerary – How To Spend 10 Days In Costa Rica

Posted on Last updated: June 10, 2023

Are you planning a Costa Rica itinerary, but don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place!

I recently came back from ten days in Costa Rica, and can confidently say it’s one of the most incredible places I have ever visited.

The country has a breathtakingly beautiful landscape and a wealth of unforgettable experiences on offer. When exploring such a diverse country, organisation is key.

A well-prepared Costa Rica itinerary will give you the freedom that you crave to explore the rugged rainforests of the country, without missing out on the main attractions.

If you want to tick off the main cities, explore the natural wonder, go on an adventure and push your comfort zone, then this 10-day Costa Rica itinerary is the perfect plan for you!

• 1 Best time to visit Costa Rica
• 2.2 Car rental
• 2.3 Alternative transport methods
• 3 Do you need travel insurance for 10 days in Costa Rica?
• 4.1 Day 1: Arrive in San José
• 4.2 Day 2: Explore Orosi Valley
• 4.3 Day 3: Travel to Tortuguero
• 4.4 Day 4: Early morning canoe in Tortuguero Rainforest
• 4.5 Day 5: Travel to Sarapiqui
• 4.6 Day 6: Rafting & Waterfall Chasing
• 4.7 Day 7: Explore Arenal National Park
• 4.8 Day 8: Travel to Santa Teresa
• 4.9 Day 9: Surf in Santa Teresa
• 4.10 Day 10: Back To San José
• 5.1 What to pack

Overlooking Catarata del Toro waterfall in Costa Rica

Best time to visit Costa Rica

Some travellers look to enjoy the ultimate Costa Rica backpacking route while others prefer to enjoy the luxury of tropical bliss. Either way, your experience will depend largely on the weather.

To make the most of your 10-day trip to Costa Rica , try to plan it during the dry season.

The dry season runs from mid-December to April. This is also the peak tourist season so expect plenty of sunshine and well-established hospitality.

The months of May and November, known as the “green season” will make your trip to Costa Rica more affordable, but you’ll have to prepare for a fair amount of rain.

With this being said, the weather in Costa Rica varies quite a bit depending on the region. The thick forests can get quite humid, while the coastal areas are less so.

Enjoying the clear water of Isla Tortuga

Getting around Costa Rica

There are several ways to get around this tropical wonderland. If you’re planning a Costa Rica self-guided tour, then it’s best to be prepared by knowing your options.

The public bus is the most affordable way to get from one destination to another. Most routes leave from San José, which means that you’ll be spending at least a few moments in the capital city at some point.

It’s recommended that you book your ticket in advance – especially for mid- to long-distance routes.

Keep in mind that the bus schedule changes frequently (even if you’ve pre-booked) so keep checking the Costa Rica bus timetable before your trip.

For a more comfortable bus experience, you can also book a shuttle bus. These cost approximately five times more than the public bus, but makes up for it with comfort and air-conditioning.

Rainy canoe tours in Tortuguero National Park

Driving around Costa Rica makes for quite an experience. If you want to see the beautiful country at your own pace, then renting a car is your best bet. Most of the reputable car rental shops can be found in San José.

I’d definitely recommend that you pay a little bit extra for a 4×4. While the roads are not the worst, there are potholes scattered along various routes and your drive will be significantly more comfortable.

This is especially necessary if visiting during the rainy season, or if you plan to explore more remote areas.

Renting a car is a little bit more of an expensive option, but it gives you freedom and flexibility that money can’t buy.

I was travelling with four friends so renting a car made the most sense for us, both economically and logistically.

Click here to book your Costa Rica car rental!

Sunset surfing in Santa Teresa

Alternative transport methods

There are other ways of getting around Costa Rica. One of them is to travel by plane . This is the perfect option if you’re short on time and have a bit of budget.

While flying won’t get you to destinations off-the-beaten-track, it can get you close enough, in a shorter amount of time.

If you’re travelling in a large group, and you prefer private transport, then you may want to look into organising a taxi . There are plenty of taxis that are willing to do long-distance trips.

Finally, if you’ve got experience on a motorbike or scooter and hold a valid licence, then you can travel around on two wheels. Renting a motorbike in Costa Rica can be quite an epic adventure.

| READ MORE: THE ULTIMATE COSTA RICA BUCKET LIST |

Top down drone shot of the main beach at Isla Tortuga

Do you need travel insurance for 10 days in Costa Rica?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance.

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with  Heymondo .

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

As a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance !

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

One of the viewpoints overlooking Catarata del Toro waterfall

How to spend 10 days in Costa Rica

With so much to discover, I’d recommend a minimum of 10 days in Costa Rica. This will allow you to tick off the main activities without rushing or running on empty.

This Costa Rica 10-day itinerary is based on my own trip, and it should give you some great ideas for your route.

Day 1: Arrive in San José

Chances are that you’ll land in San José, Costa Rica’s vibrant capital. It’s the perfect place to whet your appetite and make you crave more.

Spending time exploring the city after arriving will give you the cultural and historical context to enjoy the mountains, jungles and beach activities that follow.

San José city centre is full of fantastic museums and restaurants. It even introduces a trendy urban mood to the scene. With limited time in the city, there are a few must-do activities to tick off.

Looking into the crater of Irazu volcano

The top attractions in the city centre include Costa Rica National Theatre, Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and Costa Rica’s Jade Museum – all of which are located close to one another.

If you have a little bit more time, and energy, at your disposal, then there are several other things to do in San José.

Take the time to pop into a local cafe and try the coffee that has given Costa Rica such a fantastic name, relax in a park and visit one of the many markets.

San José shares great insight into the day-to-day life of urban Costa Rica. You could also join a food and sightseeing combo tour . This is a great way to introduce you to the flavours and attractions of San José.

There’s also a very popular San José City Tour by Night , which allows you to see all the main sights after the sun goes down, and the temperatures cool down a little.

Click here to book your tour to explore San José!

View over San Jose in Costa Rica by night

Where to stay in San José

During my 1o days in Costa Rica we stayed in two different hostels in San José (one at the start and one at the end of the trip). I have listed them below, together with some accommodation options for other budgets.

Budget: Fauna Hostel – Slightly further away from the city centre, Fauna Hostel is a comfortable and beautiful place to stay for your night in San José. It also has the perks of great views and friendly staff.

Click here to book your stay at Fauna Hostel!

Budget: Finca Escalante – If you prefer to be centrally located, with access to great restaurants and bars, then this is the spot to be. The old building conjures a nostalgic mood and makes for a great place to spend the night.

Check out prices and availability at Finca Escalante here!

Mid-range: Hotel Sura – This quaint boutique hotel is perfect if you want something nice, without breaking the bank.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Sura in San José!

Luxury: Grand Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton – With its sleek design and modern furnishing, this hotel is the perfect place to rest after a long travel day to Costa Rica.

Click here to see prices and availability at Grand Hotel Costa Rica!

The view from the rooftop of Fauna Hostel

Day 2: Explore Orosi Valley

Less than 50 kilometres from the hustle and bustle of San José is the tranquil Orosi Valley. Orosi is set along the Reventazón River, surrounded by rolling hills and lush vegetation.

As you drive from San Jose to Orosi you will drive past a sign that says “ Mirador de Orosi ”. Make sure to do a stop here, as the views are simply incredible!

It’s a free park with plenty of benches, picnic tables and water fountains. We were visiting on a cloudy day, but even then we could appreciate just how stunning the landscape in front of us was.

One of the best ways to experience the area is on horseback, of which you’ll find many opportunities. Especially if you book to stay at a “finca” (a farm stay). 

The view from Mirador de Orosi on a cloudy day

Another unforgettable activity to enjoy in Orosi Valley is to visit Hacienda Orosi hot springs. Treat yourself to the $45 USD that it costs to enter, and make sure to soak up the incredible views.

The service is also fantastic and you’ll leave feeling relaxed, with a smile on your face.

If you don’t want to sleep in Orosi and change hotels just for one night, and prefer to do a faster pace experience, then you can have a look at doing a combo tour from San José.

For example this Irazu Volcano, Cartago City & Orosi Valley Tour , which, besides Orosi Valley, will take you to explore also the lovely city of Cartago, and the unique crater of Irazu Volcano.

Click here to book your Irazu Volcano & Orosi Valley tour!

Relaxing in the hot thermal pools of Orosi

Horse riding in Orosi, Costa Rica

Where to stay in Orosi Valley

While you can explore Orosi on a day trip from San José, I definitely recommend staying overnight, as you can experience a true local “finca”.

We stayed at Finca Agropecuaria Queveri   and loved it. If you want to enjoy a truly local experience, then this is a fantastic choice. The road getting there is a bit of a rough ride, especially if you don’t have a 4×4.

But the building is beautiful, the views over the valley are incredible and the hosts are both hospitable and great cooks. The hosts even organised horse riding with them for $25 USD for a 2 – 3 hour tour.

Click here to book your stay at Finca Agropecuaria Queveri in Orosi!

One of the lounge areas of our finca, with view over the valley of Orosi

Day 3: Travel to Tortuguero

Once you’ve enjoyed the lush beauty of Orosi Valley, you can hop on a ferry and venture off to Tortuguero. The one-hour ferry ride itself is quite an experience.

Expect to see lots of wildlife on the ride, and don’t be surprised if you come across a few iguanas and crocodiles languishing in the shallows.

I’d recommend booking an early morning ferry ride so that you can enjoy the whole afternoon in Tortuguero (that means setting off from Orosi super early, as it’s a 3 hour drive from Orosi to La Pavona harbour).

Prepare to have your mind blown after arriving in Tortuguero National Park. Depending on your interests, there are a wide variety of awesome tours to pick and choose from.

| READ MORE: BEST TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK TOURS |

On the boat from La Pavona enroute to Tortuguero

Views during the ferry enroute to Tortuguero National Park

In Tortuguero National Park you can go zip-lining across the treetops , you can go on a night forest walking tour to spot unique animals, on a sunrise canoe safari and you can even see turtles!

Basically, as long as you like being outdoors and in nature, there’s something to do for everyone! We arrived around lunch time, and kicked off our first day in Tortuguero with a zipline and canopy tour .

Zipping amongst the treetops, looking at the lush nature and rainforest surrounding you, is a pretty unique experience. I’d been zip-lining before, but had never done anything like it.

You’re guaranteed an afternoon of fun, which will also allow you to see the incredible natural landscape of this tropical rainforest up close.

Click here to book your zip-line and canopy tour in Tortuguero National Park!

Zip-lining through the tree tops of Tortuguero National Park

And then on to some hanging bridges!

After our zip-line experience we went back to our hotel, showered, enjoyed a local dinner in town, and got ready for a jungle night walk !

Many animals in the rainforest only come out at night, so this is the best time to spot them. I highly recommend booking a tour online beforehand , as it’s one of the most popular things to do in Tortuguero.

While the walk we did stayed relatively close to the town, it’s still not something I’d recommend doing alone.

Besides being safer, the local guides know where the animals usually hang out, you’re more likely to spot something with them than alone!

Click here to book your night wildlife spotting jungle walk in Tortuguero!

A chameleon that we saw during our night walking tour in Tortuguero National Park

Where to stay in Tortuguero – independently vs organised tour?

Personally, we organised our own adventures in Tortuguero. We book the ferry, hotel, and then chose our excursions once we arrived there. But I can’t deny it was quite a bit of hassle.

If you want to save yourself the trouble of arranging it all, you can join this 3-day Tortuguero National Park Adventure , which includes accommodation, transfers, activities, and a local guide at all times.

It’s a very complete tour, which includes pretty much all the activities I have outlined in this itinerary. Once you book, you won’t have to worry about a thing!

Click here to see prices and availability for an organised Tortuguero 3-day adventure!

If spending three days in the tropical rainforest seems like a bit much, you can also visit on a day trip from San José . Including breakfast and lunch, it packs all the rainforest sights and activities in one day.

It works well if you don’t have long in Costa Rica, but I personally think you’d spend too much time travelling back and forth from San José, and your time in Tortuguero would feel rushed.

Considering you have ten days in Costa Rica, I think it’s better to spend a few nights in Tortuguero, whether you arrange it independently or with a tour, that’s up to you.

Click here to book your day trip to Tortuguero from San José!

If you choose to arrange your own trip to Tortuguero National Park, I have listed below some cool accommodation options for every budget.

Budget: Hospedaje Meryscar – This budget option is where we stayed during our Costa Rica itinerary. The amenities are rather basic, but the location is fantastic.

Check out prices and availability at Hospedaje Meryscar here!

Mid-range: Tortuguero Casa Pelican – If you want somewhere nice where you can relax at the end of the day, without breaking the bank, this mid-range guest house is the perfect place for you.

Click here to book your stay at Tortuguero Casa Pelican!

Luxury: Mawamba Lodge – If you want to treat yourself, this unique lodge is the place to do so. With its pool, stylish design and amazing outdoors chill out area, it’s the perfect place to relax after a long day in the rainforest.

Don’t miss out, book your stay at Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero here!

Wandering along the main street of Tortuguero

Day 4: Early morning canoe in Tortuguero Rainforest

Tortuguero National Park is a beautiful, remote eco-tourism destination that brings you face-to-face with Costa Rica’s wildlife.

Perhaps the biggest selling point in visiting this unique area is that you can enjoy it in a variety of ways – including a canoe trip.

The best canoe tours normally start early in the morning so you can see more animals, much like going on a safari . We did a sunrise canoe tour, and it was well worth the early alarm.

If you visit in the right season, you can even do a turtle tour. This typically runs at different times for different species and you’ll be certain to see individual turtles throughout the year.

Click here to book your canoe tour in Tortuguero National Park!

A small crocodile we spotted during our rainforest canoe tour

After the early morning wake up for our canoe tour, we had a late brunch, went back to our hotel to chill for a bit, and then ventured out again in the afternoon for a forest walk.

There are several popular walks and viewpoints to choose from, such as the “jaguar trail”, which follows a forest route along the beach. We did part of it and loved the unique combination of forest and sea views.

If you prefer to have a local guide showing you the way and taking you to all the best spots, you can join a Tortuguero National Park day walk tour . That way you know you can’t go wrong!

Click here to book your Tortuguero National Park guided day walk!

Drone shot of Tortuguero National Park, taken from the “jaguar trail”

Day 5: Travel to Sarapiqui

It will be tough to leave Tortuguero, but arriving in the lush, green inland region of Sarapiqui is worth it. The journey is a fairly long one, so I’d recommend setting off as early in the morning as possible.

Head straight to your accommodation once you arrive in Sarapiqui and settle down.

Pick your spot to stay carefully. Ideally, you’d want to be located in an area near the forest, so that you can enjoy a variety of hiking trails.

If you’re not so keen on hiking, accommodation in the forest is still ideal, as you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty. You can go on walks in the jungle, or simply admire it from your hotel room window.

Where to stay in Sarapiqui

Mirador Prendas – Costa Rica is a rugged haven, and Mirador Prendas is the epitome of top-notch accommodation in the Sarapiqui region.

Located in the middle of the forest, the building appears as a treehouse. It takes a bit of time to get there (estimate approximately 1 hour in a 4×4) but the stay is rather magical.

Drone shot of Mirador Prendas – in the middle of the jungle!

Day 6: Rafting & Waterfall Chasing

I hope you’re ready for day 6, because it’s going to be a pleasantly packed one! The abundant forests are not the only natural wonder that Sarapiqui is known for.

The area also boasts magnificent waterfalls and opportunities to go whitewater rafting .

You don’t have to be an adventure junkie to enjoy the thrill of a morning rafting experience in Sarapiqui (although it does help if you choose a challenging level).

There are routes available for all levels of difficulty, and all are very fun. We did a level two rafting route.

I was pretty terrified but the rafting company assured me that even little children do that route, and when I saw a group of 70+ year olds in the raft next to ours, I figured I could handle it.

In the moments when the river cruises slowly our rafting instructor pointed out birds, iguanas and other animals that live along the river. It was both a very thrilling and fun experience, which I’m glad I did.

Click here to book your rafting adventure in Sarapiqui!

Rafting with my friends in the Sarapiqui River

One of the tougher parts of our rafting experience in Costa Rica

After rafting it’s time to head to La Fortuna, but with a short detour to see some waterfalls first. Catarata del Toro is the biggest waterfall in Costa Rica, with the Blue Falls of Costa Rica nearby.

Search for “ Catarata del Toro waterfall ” on Google Maps, and head straight there as it’s the start point also to visit the Blue Falls.

They are separate waterfalls but managed by the same park authority. At the time when we visited we weren’t allowed to see the Blue Falls without a local guide.

We figured we might as well go for the combo tour to both waterfalls. There are options for a 2-hour, 4-hour or full-day waterfall tour.

We did the 4-hour combo tour to Catarata del Toro and the main swimming area of the Blue Falls. This cost us $25 USD each, and was worth a lot more.

Hiking to the base of the Catarata del Toro waterfall in Costa Rica

All the advice I read online said to visit the waterfalls early in the morning before the crowds, so I was a bit wary of visiting in the afternoon.

However this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it meant we were the only people at both waterfalls.

We spent two hours swimming in the Blue Falls, and then hiked to Catarata del Toro where we could admire the falls without other tourists around. The waterfalls are very different, but both were incredibly beautiful.

Keep in mind that the waterfalls close at 17:00, so make sure that you plan accordingly.

For us it meant hitting the road as soon as rafting ended and having a quick lunch in the car. After your waterfall tours head to La Fortuna for the night.

Drone shot of the Blue Falls of Costa Rica

Going for a dip in the Blue Falls of Costa Rica

Where to stay in La Fortuna

In La Fortuna we stayed at Arenal Hostel Resort . This modern and clean hostel has a lovely courtyard with hammocks, as well as a swim-up bar where you can have a few drinks and relax.

Click here to book your stay at Arenal Hostel Resort in La Fortuna!

If hostels aren’t your thing, I have listed below a couple more accommodation options for other budgets.

Mid-range: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa – This lovely hotel is perfect for people who want to treat themselves, without breaking the bank. With its spacious rooms, jungle vibes and pool with view, it has everything you need.

Check out prices and availability at Casa Luna Hotel & Spa here!

Luxury: Volcano Lodge – If budget isn’t an issue, this is the place for you. You have epic views of Arenal Volcano right from poolside, as well as unique and stylish rooms.

Click here to book your stay at Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience!

The courtyard area with hammocks of Arenal Hostel Resort

Day 7: Explore Arenal National Park

Continue your Costa Rica trip itinerary from La Fortuna and explore Arenal National Park. There are so many highlights to see in the area that the toughest part will be deciding how much you can fit in.

The best way to enjoy the northern highland region is to book the ultimate one-day tour , which crams in as many of the key attractions as possible without compromising energy levels.

The beauty of the region lies in the variety of natural spectacle. On one hand, you have volcanos, and on the other, you have majestic waterfalls nestled in lush forests.

This one-day full tour includes highlights such as the lava fields hike around Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, the suspension bridges and the hot springs.

At the hot springs, make sure you don’t put head under the water! It’s one of the Costa Rica travel tips I wish I’d known before visiting, as you can get bacteria in through your nose when underwater.

You couldn’t find a more breathtaking combination if you tried!

Click here to book your Arenal one-day ultimate tour!

Hiking around the base of Arenal Volcano

Day 8: Travel to Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a charming beach village on the Nicoya Peninsula. Life is simple in Santa Teresa. The locals and travellers enjoy the surf, agriculture and fishing in the area.

What is less simple is the drive there, which can take 5 to 6 hours – so better to leave early in the morning.

You’ll arrive by afternoon and can spend the rest of the day at one of Santa Teresa’s beautiful beaches. The beaches are known for their long stretches of white sand, warm blue water and palm trees that reach the sky.

Make sure you stay on the beach for sunset – the view as the sun paints the sky various shades of orange and pink is unparalleled.

I loved the vibe in Santa Teresa, and especially so at sunset. The beach wasn’t too busy at first, but everyone flocks down to the sea to watch the sunset, and it makes for an even more magical experience.

Surfing in Santa Teresa Beach at sunset, Costa Rica

Where to stay in Santa Teresa

In Santa Teresa we stayed at Lost Boyz Hostel . This hostel mimics the same chilled, laid back social mood that perpetuates across Santa Teresa. They offer both dorms and private rooms to suit your preference.

If hostels aren’t your thing, here are a few accommodation options for other budgets.

Click here to book your stay at Lost Boyz Hostel!

Mid-range:  Lucero Surf Retreats  – Our friends who didn’t want to stay in a hostel were staying at  Lucero Surf Retreats  and they loved it.

Clean and spacious rooms, as well as a pool where you can relax if you don’t fancy swimming with ocean waves.

Click here to book your stay at Lucero Surf Retreats!

Luxury: SELVA RESORT Ocean View Luxury Villas  –  This resort has private villas with infinity pools that overlook the forest and sea. If you want to treat yourself, Selva Resort is the place to do so.

Click here to book your stay at SELVA RESORT!

Drone shot of Santa Teresa beach

Day 9: Surf in Santa Teresa

Costa Rica is known for its world-class surfing waves. I’ve been surfing in Fuerteventura , and other places in the world, and I can vouch that Costa Rica’s reputation is deserved.

Of all the places to surf in Costa Rica, Santa Teresa is one of the best. As a popular surfing village, it is well-supplied with lots of board rentals and lessons.

Renting a board for the small price of $10 USD a day is a great way to spend the day in Santa Teresa.

| READ MORE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SURFING IN SANTA TERESA |

Surfing in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

If the idea of surfing doesn’t appeal to you, then there are other fun water-based activities which will have you making the most of the beautiful Costa Rica coastline.

One great option is to go on a snorkelling trip to Isla Tortuga .

This is a full day trip to a beautiful paradise island. In Isla Tortuga you can expect to see plenty of fish, corals and spend some time relaxing on the beach.

The water is nicer in Isla Tortuga (no ocean surfing waves) but bear in mind there’s a 1 hour speed boat journey to get there.

Santa Teresa is a beautiful beach town and however you decide to spend your hours in the tropical paradise, I know you’ll enjoy every moment.

Isla Tortuga seen from above

Day 10: Back To San José

Your 10-day itinerary draws to a close with the journey back to San José. The journey is a long one and so it’s important to prepare accordingly. You can expect about 5 – 6 hours in the car, with a 1.5-hour ferry in between.

The good news is that the route is beautiful and if you have your own car then you can go at your own pace. Obviously, if you plan to fly home the same day, then you need to plan your timing very carefully.

Sunset from the ferry on the way back to San Jose

Costa Rica travel tips

Roughly a quarter of the country is made up of protected jungle, and the Costa Rica climate can be quite unpredictable. I’ve put together some Costa Rica travel tips to make your trip planning smoother.

Here are a few details to keep in the front of your mind when organising your trip.

Getting around – The terrain can be quite rough in parts of Costa Rica. The best way to get from point A to point B is by car. If given the choice, a 4×4 is preferable.

The whale we spotted while sailing to Isla Tortuga from Montezuma

Climate – The tropical climate in Costa Rica can change dramatically depending on where you are.

For example, you’ll experience a lot of rain in Tortuguero, feel the chill of the mountains in Orosi and bake in the heat on the beaches in Santa Teresa.

Make sure that you pack appropriately so that you’re comfortable at all times.

Prepare finances – The local currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC). At the time I was visiting (February 2020) $1 USD equated to around 560 CRC.

While most places accept credit cards and USD, I’d suggest having a small amount of CRC on you for emergencies.

What to pack

Comfortable walking shoes  that you don’t mind getting wet or muddy. In rainforest destinations such as Tortuguero you will find shops that rent wellies (waterproof plastic boots) but we couldn’t find any in La Fortuna

Rain poncho  – for most excursions in Tortuguero they will offer you a rain poncho, but for every other moment of the day when you’re out and about on your own you will get very wet without one

International adapter – Costa Rica has the same plugs as the US. Depending on where you’re coming from you might need an adapter, I personally like my international one as I can use it everywhere I go, instead of needing one per destination

One piece swimsuit – for the ladies planning to surf, get yourself a one piece swimsuit! Trust me, you’ll be much more comfortable.

The sea in Costa Rica is warm enough that you don’t need a wetsuit, but that means with a two piece bikini you will probably lose parts of it at every wave

Horse riding in the valley of Orosi

Final thoughts on my Costa Rica travel itinerary

There you have it, the ultimate Costa Rica 10-day itinerary! Costa Rica really is an incredible destination, one that has found a very special place in my heart.

From the long stretches of sandy beaches to the wild jungles and rugged mountains, the country has so much beauty to offer.

If you plan to explore Costa Rica in 10 days, then this itinerary should start you off in the right direction.

Costa Rica is the perfect destination for outdoors and adventure lovers, as well as people searching for a hot tropical holiday. Whatever it is you’re looking for, Costa Rica has something to offer to every type of traveller.

With this trip plan and the many travel resources available, you can look forward to an unforgettable escape in the rustic beauty of Costa Rica.

Enjoyed reading how to spend 10 days in Costa Rica? Pin it!

Suggested itineraries in Costa Rica

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

Select Month

• roughguides.com
• Central America & the Caribbean
• itineraries
• Travel guide
• Itineraries
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

Our trip has been amazing. This is our third time in Sri Lanka and possibly my favourite trip. I am already planning my next one.

Costa Rica is a revered destination for its sprawling natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Blessed with over 800 miles of coastline, 121 volcanic formations (with seven actively simmering), and a mind-boggling array of biodiversity packed into its borders, Costa Rica offers an eco-friendly escape like no other. It's one of the most popular countries in Central America and a great place for adrenaline junkies, outdoor lovers and surfers. Planning a holiday to Costa Rica? Make sure to check out our best Costa Rica itineraries .

Recommended Costa Rica itineraries

5 day costa rica itinerary, 7 day costa rica itinerary, 10 day costa rica itinerary, 14 day costa rica itinerary, 21 day ( 3 week) costa rica itinerary, how to plan your costa rica travel itinerary, how many days do you need in costa rica, getting around during your costa rica trip.

• When's the best time to visit Costa Rica?
• Best places to add to your travel Costa Rica itinerary

Do you need a visa to enter Costa Rica?

Travel ideas for costa rica, created by local experts.

Costa Rica: Coast to Coast

From paradise beaches, scenic narrow waterways and magical rainforests, Costa Rica has much to offer. Head east and discover the tranquil Caribbean Sea, head west for the tumultuous Pacific Ocean and surfer’s paradise.

Discover Northern Costa Rica

This self drive itinerary allows you to explore the Central and Northern highlights of Costa Rica: from the active volcano Arenal to the cloud forest of Monteverde and the beaches of Guanacaste with plenty of surf & yoga - discover why they call it the land of Pura Vida - pure life!

A self drive Caribbean adventure

It's time to discover Costa Rica's Caribbean coast in your own rental car: From Boca Pacuare, where the turtles come to lay their eggs, to the unique culture of Cahuita and the beaches of Puerto Viejo! Your trip will finish in Turrialba, home of the main archaeological monument in our country.

Beaches and Volcanoes

Escape to Arenal for volcanoes, waterfalls and wildlife reserves. Enjoy gentle hikes or partake in adrenaline-fuelled river rafting. Then journey down to Costa Rica’s Central Pacific for some sand and surf fringed by dense forest that’s teeming with wildlife.

From the Cloud Forest to the Beaches

On this amazing trip, you will explore the Cloud Forest and rural life of Dota, including a community visit to get to know the real Tico life before heading to the incredible Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park with its stunning biodiversity, and then the amazing beaches of Manuel Antonio.

Tropical Costa Rica

Visit volcanoes, take a dip in a hot springs, drift lazily along the country’s waterways and seek out wildlife in tropical lowland forest. Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystem beholds a whole host of natural treasures.

To enjoy a well-rounded Costa Rica experience, planning your trip around a well-crafted itinerary is key. Here's an overview of some highly recommended Costa Rica itineraries to inspire your journey:

• 5 days in Costa Rica - Perfect for those who want to experience Costa Rica's stunning scenery and rich cultural attractions in a short period of time.
• 7 days in Costa Rica - Provides more time to immerse yourself in key experiences such as exploring the colourful wildlife in the Monteverde cloud forest and relaxing on the picturesque beaches of the Pacific coast.
• 10 days in Costa Rica - An extended itinerary to fully experience a variety of ecosystems, from the volcanic landscapes of Arenal to the lush rainforests of Corcovado, offering ample opportunity for adventures such as ziplining and hiking.
• 14 days in Costa Rica - This duration allows you to thoroughly explore both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, including visits to famous national parks such as Manuel Antonio and Tortuguero, perfectly combining relaxation and exploration.
• 3 weeks in Costa Rica - an ideal option for a comprehensive journey through Costa Rica's diverse landscapes and cultural attractions, including the little-visited southern regions and indigenous territories, offering a deep immersion in the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Remember that the success of your trip to Costa Rica depends on your travel preferences matching what this diverse country has to offer in terms of different regions, seasons and attractions.

If you're limited on time, a 5-day Costa Rica itinerary allows you to experience a taste of the country's abundant natural beauty and diverse cultures.

• Day 1 - San Jose: Begin your journey in San José , the vibrant capital city of Costa Rica. Spend the day exploring the museums, markets, and colonial architecture. Don't miss the National Theatre, known for its exquisite interior. Explore the Jade Museum, and Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and take leisurely strolls around Central Park.
• Days 2 and 3 - La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano: Head towards La Fortuna next, home to the stunning Arenal Volcano . Dedicate day two to hiking the volcano and exploring the rainforest. Day three can be tranquil; rejuvenate your senses at the Tabacón Hot Springs.
• Day 4 - Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: On the fourth day, venture off to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve . The reserve boasts an incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna that includes more than 400 species of birds and 100 species of mammals. Walk among the clouds on the hanging bridge, and for the adventurous soul, a thrilling canopy tour is a must. 
• Day 5 - San Jose: Journey back to San Jose on day five, with your heart full of unforgettable memories and plenty of stories to bring back home.

Guanacaste, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Arenal volcano in Costa Rica ©Shutterstock

With a week to spare, embrace a comprehensive experience of Costa Rica's extravagance with this 7-day itinerary .

• Day 1 - San Jose: Arrive in San José and dedicate your day exploring its energy-filled streets. Visit the Museo Nacional or the artisan market at Mercado Nacional de Artesania.
• Day 2 and 3 - La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano: Head towards La Fortuna. Spend the second day trekking Arenal Volcano and relishing the panoramic vistas. Spend the next day soaking yourself in the restorative Thermal Hot Springs.
• Days 4 and 5 - Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Witness the riotous biodiversity nestled in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Zipline through canopies, cross the hanging bridge, or hike serene trails.
• Days 6 and 7 - Manuel Antonio National Park: The last leg takes you to the exquisite beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park . Dive into water activities like snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, lounge under the sun or simply book separate tours . Traditional Costa Rican effectively concludes your journey, rejuvenated and inspired. Return to San José for your homeward journey, holding a treasure trove of Costa Rican memories.

Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

With 10 days in Costa Rica , you can explore the country's pristine beaches, verdant jungles, towering volcanoes, and thundering waterfalls.

• Days 1-2 - San Jose: Begin your trip exploring the cultural hub that is San Jose. Visit the local markets, walk through charming colonial neighborhoods, and relish authentic Costa Rican food.
• Days 3-4 - Tortuguero National Park: Depart for Tortuguero National Park . Navigate through lagoons and canals bustling with wildlife, and grab the chance to witness sea turtle nesting (July-October).
• Days 5-6 - La Fortuna: Next, head towards Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna . Spend one day hiking the Arenal and the next easing your muscles in the hot springs enveloped by luscious greenery.
• Days 7-8 - Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Travel to Monteverde, home to the mesmerizing Cloud Forest Reserve. Enjoy canopy walks, discover exotic fauna, and observe the marvelous hummingbird gallery.
• Days 9-10 - Manuel Antonio National Park: Conclude in Manuel Antonio National Park; enjoy sandy beaches , turquoise waters, and diverse wildlife. From beach activities to forest walks, these two days will be filled with sun and fun.

The famous bridge in Monteverde Cloud Forest © Shutterstock

With two week Costa Rica itinerary , you can enjoy a leisurely tour of Costa Rica, seeing and experiencing the best it has to offer, including some off-the-beaten-path gems.

• Day 1-2 - San Jose: Taste the urban life of Costa Rica in San Jose. Explore its architecture, immerse in its vibrant culture, and sample local cuisines.
• Day 3-4 - Tortuguero National Park: Travel to Tortuguero National Park , a heaven for wildlife enthusiasts. Experience the rich biodiversity of the region from a canoe.
• Day 5-6 - Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: Head to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, known for its Afro-Caribbean charm, plentiful surfing spots, and beautiful beaches.
• Day 7-8 - Cahuita National Park: Spend two days in Cahuita National Park . Enjoy snorkeling or diving amidst the coral reefs and casually stroll in its lush coastal rainforest.
• Day 9 -10 - La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano: Dedicate the next two days to La Fortuna fame. Hike Arenal Volcano , rejuvenate in hot springs, and experience the lush landscapes of this region.
• Day 11-12 - Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve waits with its rich biodiversity. Enjoy bird watching, canopy tours , and zip-lining for an adventurous twist.
• Day 13-14 - Manuel Antonio National Park: Wrap up your 14-day Costa Rica Itinerary at the Manuel Antonio National Park. After a fortnight of enriching Costa Rican exploration, head back to San Jose, ready to bring home a piece of the Pura Vida spirit.

Playa Negra at Cahuita, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

With three weeks at your disposal , you can delve deeper into Costa Rica's vibrant ecosystems and cultures. This extensive itinerary paves the way for a more relaxed, thorough exploration of the country's diverse landscapes and fascinating wildlife.

• Day 1-2 - San Jose: Acquaint yourself with Costa Rica's capital, San Jose, a blend of modern cityscape and rich cultural heritage.
• Day 3-4 - Tortuguero National Park: Venture into the wilderness of Tortuguero National Park , a wetland teeming with wildlife, including migratory birds and nesting turtles.
• Day 5-6 - Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: Enjoy sunny beaches, Carribeaban vibes, and pristine rainforests in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
• Day 7-8 - Cahuita National Park: Unpack your snorkelling gear in Cahuita National Park, famous for its coral reef and coastal rainforests.
• Day 9-10 - La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano: Hike the majestic Arenal Volcano, soak in hot springs, and enjoy a nocturnal wildlife tour in La Fortuna.
• Day 11-13 - Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Relish three days in the otherworldly Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the country's most exciting biodiversity hotspots.
• Day 14-15 - Rincon De La Vieja: Embrace the heat of active volcanoes and enjoy horseback riding or mud baths in Rincon De La Vieja, a geothermal wonderland.
• Day 16-18 - Nosara: Head southwest to the bohemian beach town of Nosara . Surf pristine waves, enjoy yoga workshops, and savor organic dining experiences.
• Day 19-21 - Manuel Antonio National Park: End your epic three-week journey in the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park. Swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging on the beach are ideal ways to wind down. Return to San Jose, reflecting on the countless cherished memories of the journey through the land of 'Pura Vida'.

Nosara Beach ©Shutterstock

Planning your Costa Rica travel itinerary involves several key steps to ensure an unforgettable adventure, with weather playing a crucial role. First of all, decide on the length of your trip: Costa Rica offers a variety of experiences whether you have 5 days or 3 weeks. Think about what interests you most: wildlife, hiking, beaches or culture. 

Choose regions according to those interests. For short trips, focus on one area and for longer stays, explore a mix of places like the cloud forests of Monteverde, the Caribbean vibe of Puerto Viejo, and bustling San Jose. 

Pay attention to weather conditions (more on this later): the dry season is ideal for beach visits and hiking, while the wet season is ideal for lush landscapes and fewer people. Among other things, book accommodation and trips around the country in advance, especially during peak seasons, to maximise your experience.

Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

The number of days required for a trip to Costa Rica depends largely on your interests and the pace at which you want to travel. A short visit of 5-7 days is ideal for exploring a specific region, such as the Central Valley or the Nicoya Peninsula , allowing you to combine relaxation and adventure without feeling rushed. 

If you can spare 10-14 days , you'll have the opportunity to experience more diverse nature, from cloud forests and volcanoes to tropical beaches covering several distinct areas of the country. 

If, on the other hand, you'd like to take a deep dive into everything Costa Rica has to offer, including little-visited sites and local culture, consider extending your stay to three weeks . This length of time is ideal for thoroughly exploring both popular attractions and hidden gems, ensuring a rich and fulfilling travelling experience.

Getting around Costa Rica can be convenient and flexible, as there are several travel options to suit different preferences and budgets:

• Rent a car: Renting a car provides the most flexibility and is ideal if you prefer to travel at your own pace or off the beaten path. Choose a 4x4 vehicle to get around the country's varied terrain, from well-paved motorways to rugged mountain roads.
• Buses: For budget travellers, buses are a reliable and economical choice. Costa Rica has an extensive bus network that connects major cities and tourist destinations, although it's worth noting that buses can be slower and less convenient to access remote areas.
• Domestic flights: To save time travelling long distances, take advantage of domestic flights. Local airlines quickly connect major regions like San Jose to the Guanacaste coast, offering scenic views of the landscapes below.
• Taxis and ridesharing: In urban areas and tourist centres, taxis and ride-sharing services are convenient options for short trips. Make sure the taxis are licensed and negotiate the fare in advance to avoid surprises.

Road Conditions

While major routes are paved, you'll encounter many unpaved roads, particularly in more remote areas. We recommend renting a 4WD car for comfort and safety, especially if you plan to venture off the beaten path.

Police Checks

While driving in Costa Rica, be aware of speed limits as there are frequent police controls and hefty fines for speeding.

Sunset at Arenal Volcano © Shutterstock

When's the best time to visit Costa Rica?

The best time to visit Costa Rica varies depending on what you're looking for in your travel experience.

• Mid- December to April - Dry Season: This is the peak tourist season in Costa Rica due to the abundant sunshine and little to no rain. The weather is warm, the skies are clear, and the landscape is lush and green. However, it's also the most popular and expensive time to visit.
• May to November - Rainy Season : If you don't mind getting a little wet, the low season offers its own charm, lower prices, and fewer crowds. During June and July , the rain showers pause briefly, and Costa Rica's forests burst with green foliage.
• Shoulder Seasons : You can also try the shoulder seasons (early to mid-November and mid to late April) to score great deals for accommodation. Remember that visiting during the peak season ( January - March ) will most likely coincide with crowded tourist spots due to the comfortable climatic conditions.

Keep in mind that the weather varies by region. In the thick forests of the Caribbean Sea coast and northern regions, expect high humidity and temperatures ranging between the 70s and high 80s year-round.

Best places to add to your travel Costa Rica itinerary 

The valle central and the highlands.

Costa Rica’s Valle Central (“Central Valley”) and the surrounding highlands form the cultural and geographical fulcrum of the country. Rising between 3000 and 4000m, this wide-hipped inter-mountain plateau is often referred to as the Meseta Central or “Central Tableland”. 

It has a patchwork-quilt beauty, especially when lit up by the early morning sun, with staggered green coffee terraces set in sharp contrast to the blue-black summits of the nearby mountains. Many of these are volcanoes – the Valle Central is edged by a chain of volcanic peaks, running from Poás in the north to Turrialba in the east – and their volatile nature can sometimes give the region an air of unease.

Limón Province and the Caribbean coast

The Caribbean coast forms part of the huge, sparsely populated Limón Province , which sweeps south in an arc from Nicaragua to Panama . Hemmed into the north by dense jungles and swampy waterways, to the west by the mighty Cordillera Central and to the south by the even wider girth of the Cordillera Talamanca, Limón can feel like a lost, remote place. 

The region features just a handful of really good beaches, mostly along the gorgeous stretch of shore south of the backpacker enclave of Puerto Viejo – other than that, it’s mostly a battered, shark-patrolled coast, littered with driftwood.

Sun rising over the Playa Blanca beach in Peninsula Papagayo © Shutterstock

Guanacaste Province

For the majority of the Tico population, the province of Guanacaste, hemmed in by the mountains of the Cordillera de Guanacaste to the east and the Pacific to the west, and bordered on the north by Nicaragua, is a land apart. Guanacastecos still sometimes refer to Valle Central inhabitants as “Cartagos”, an archaic term dating back to the eighteenth century when Cartago was Costa Rica’s capital. 

Little tangible remains of the dance, music and folklore that made the region distinct, but there is undeniably something special about the place. The landscape is some of the prettiest you’ll see in the country, especially in the wet season, when wide-open spaces, stretching from the ocean across savannah grasses to the brooding humps of volcanoes, are awash in earth tones, blues, yellows and mauves

The Zona Sur

Costa Rica’s Zona Sur (southern zone) is the country’s least-known area, both for Ticos and for visitors, though tourism is increasing at a steady pace. It’s a geographically diverse region encompassing the high mountain peaks of the Cordillera de Talamanca at its northern edge, the agricultural heartland of the Valle de El General, the river-cut lowlands of the Valle de Diquís around Palmar and the coffee-growing Valle de Coto Brus, near the border with Panama. 

The coast provides much of the allure, as elsewhere in the country, with wonderful beaches and pristine diving opportunities culminating at remote Isla del Caño.

Hermosa Bay in Guanacaste Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Visiting Costa Rica as a tourist for under 90 days? You don’t need a visa — entry to Costa Rica is allowed for tourists from all countries.

To enter Costa Rica as a tourist, you need a valid passport, plus proof of your intent to exit the country before your entry stamp expires, which is usually within 90 days.

Note that your country of origin determines how long you can stay in Costa Rica as a tourist. Note also that while granting stays of up to 90 days is standard, immigration officials determine the duration of your stay.

In some cases, the official might also ask that you provide evidence of economic solvency for your stay in Costa Rica.

Check the Costa Rica tourist board site and the official Costa Rica government website for details.

• UK citizens: British nationals don’t need a visa to enter Costa Rica. Rather, you can stay as a tourist visitor for up to 90 days, subject to fulfilling the requirements outlined above.
• US citizens: As for UK nationals, US nationals don’t need a visa to Costa Rica for visits up to 90 days, and the same requirements apply. That is to say, you need a passport that’s valid for a minimum of one day from the day you enter Costa Rica. You also need evidence of onward travel, or a return ticket within the 90-day period.

The Rough Guides to Costa Rica and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel advice for Costa Rica

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Costa Rica

• Eating and drinking in Costa Rica
• How to get around in Costa Rica?
• National Parks in Costa Rica
• Travel Tips Costa Rica for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Costa Rica
• Papagayo, Costa Rica
• Tortuga island, Costa Rica
• Costa Rica Weather in January
• Costa Rica Weather in March
• Costa Rica Weather in April
• Costa Rica Weather in May
• Weather in Costa Rica in August
• Weather in Costa Rica in June
• Costa Rica Weather in November
• How to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo
• How to get from San Jose to Tortuguero
• How to get from San José to La Fortuna
• How to get from San José to Tamarindo

Find even more inspiration here

written by Andy Turner

updated 31.05.2024

Ready to travel and discover Costa Rica?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Travel advice

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Costa Rica Travel Information

Costa Rica Itineraries Created by Mytanfeet

February 3, 2024 By Sammi 89 Comments

Are you looking for sample Costa Rica itineraries? In this post, I have outlined our favorite Costa Rica itineraries for 4 days to 1 month which should be very helpful for your Costa Rica trip planning.

What You Will Find In These Costa Rica Itineraries

We have created many Costa Rica itineraries for our family and friends and Yeison was an itinerary planner when he worked for a Costa Rican travel agency, so we know exactly what to include and what information is important. Feel free to change them up according to your own wants and needs!

Destination Information

Each itinerary contains a short snippet of important information about each destination such as what the place is known for and the highlights of the area. These itineraries are to give you a kickstart to your Costa Rica itinerary planning. They also have maps and routes so you can see where exactly you are going.

Transportation

How to get around this itinerary. Distance and driving times from San Jose International Airport and Guanacaste Airport. Also has information on how to get around each destination.

Where to stay , what to eat, what to do

Our recommendations for hotels, hostels, lodges and Airbnb/vacation rentals. Also includes recommendations for restaurants, things to do and day tours.

An estimation of how much you will spend for that itinerary, particularly on hotels and tours.

Extra Travel Tips

Miscellaneous travel tips related to the Costa Rica itineraries. Kid friendly? Better for couples? Things to know about certain destinations, tours, etc. Recommendations for other beaches and towns to visit/stay nearby. What to pack. Weather. All that kind of good stuff so you are prepared for your trip.

We include our own Mytanfeet exclusive discounts so you can save money on car rentals, hotels and tours. There are also helpful links to other posts and resources in the itineraries so you can be fully prepared for your trip.

I’ll be updating this post whenever I write new itineraries so don’t forget to check back!

One Month Coast to Coast

Destinations: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Hermosa, Samara, Manuel Antonio, Uvita and Drake Bay.

This itinerary goes to both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica. Must rent a car for the ultimate road trip adventure. If you don’t rent a car, you will have to book shared/private shuttles.

Must fly into and out of SJO (San Jose International Airport).

For adventure, beach, wildlife and nature lovers looking to experience the best of Costa Rica all in one trip. Ideal for active travelers: solo travelers, couples, backpackers and older families.

Click to read our Costa Rica 1 month itinerary .

Two Weeks Beach, Adventure, Nature, Forest

Destinations: La Fortuna, Monteverde, Santa Teresa and Playas del Coco

Fly into LIR or SJO Airport, must fly out of LIR Airport.

Includes beach, rainforest, volcano, cloud forest, adventure and relaxation. Ideal for any traveler as it has a mix of relaxation, beach time and some adventure. Good for solo travelers, backpackers, couples and families. Can get around by public bus, shuttles or driving.

Click to read our two week Costa Rica itinerary.

Two Weeks: Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde, Jaco/Manuel Antonio

Destinations: Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Jaco/Manuel Antonio

Must fly into and out of SJO Airport

This itinerary goes coast to coast so you’ll experience both the Caribbean and Pacific. Includes rainforest, beach, volcano and cloud forest. Plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, relax, and go on adventures. It’s an active itinerary so good for couples, solo travelers and active families. Can get around via tour interconnections, taxi-boat, public bus, driving or shuttles.

Click to read our 2 week coast to coast itinerary.

Two Weeks: Tamarindo, Monteverde, Bijagua and Rincon de la Vieja

Destinations: Monteverde, Bijagua, Rincon de la Vieja and Tamarindo. Visits the cloud forest, rainforest, volcano and beach.

Must fly in and depart from LIR Airport. You must rent a car – 4wd or at least a car with high clearance.

Is ideal for those who like hiking and nature – this Costa Rica itinerary goes to just 1 beach town so more rainforest, less beach. This itinerary focuses a good deal on hiking to see the dry and tropical rainforests so travelers need to be active and avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Click to read our 2 weeks hiking, cloud forest and beach itinerary.

13 Days Without a Car: Puerto Viejo, La Fortuna & Monteverde

Destinations: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, La Fortuna and Monteverde

Fly in and out of SJO Airport

This itinerary was created specifically for those who do not plan to rent a car. It is also geared for those who are more on a budget and/or are backpackers. Has beaches, volcano, rainforest, adventure, relaxation and cloud forest.

Click the link to read our 13 days in Costa Rica itinerary.

11 Days Classic: La Fortuna, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio

Destinations: La Fortuna, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio

This itinerary visits three classic tourist destinations in Costa Rica, making it an ideal trip for first time visitors. It has a mix of wildlife, relaxation and adventure but isn’t too crazy. Plenty of beach days with a great overall experience at the rainforest and cloud forest.

Click here to read the Costa Rica 11 days itinerary .

10 Days Chasing Waterfalls: Bijagua, Bajos del Toro and Manuel Antonio

Destinations: Bijagua, Bajos del Toro and Manuel Antonio

Fly into LIR Airport, fly out of SJO Airport

This itinerary is dedicated to waterfall hikes and goes to some of the most popular waterfalls in Costa Rica. You will be extremely busy as there is a significant amount of driving time and lots of hiking/walking. Renting a car is required. This itinerary is not for those looking to relax or be at the beach the whole time – it is for active travelers who love hiking, waterfalls and rainforest.

Click to read our Costa Rica 10 day waterfall itinerary.

10 Day Itinerary: San Jose, Puerto Viejo and Manuel Antonio

Destinations: San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Manuel Antonio

Fly in and out of SJO Airport.

This itinerary goes to both Pacific and Caribbean coast, stopping in each destination for a few days so you will also see the city of San Jose. Can get around by shuttles, driving or public bus. You will have beach, nature, wildlife, city, culture and relaxation in this specific itinerary. Good for solo travelers, couples, families, backpackers. Also good for those who want to visit both coasts and want more beach time.

Click to read our 10 days Costa Rica itinerary.

One Week Itinerary: Jaco, Manuel Antonio and Uvita

Destinations: Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Uvita

This one week itinerary goes fast as you are visiting three destinations in 7 days. Luckily, they are all a short drive of each other. You will experience beach, rainforest and nature but you will not have a ton of time to do excursions so you need to manage your time and choose your activities wisely. Good for couples, backpackers and solo travelers who want to see more places in less time and don’t care too much about doing tours.

Click to read our one week Costa Rica Central and South Pacific itinerary.

Costa Rica Family Itineraries: 7/8 days (2 itineraries)

Two family itineraries in one post.

Itinerary 1 La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio

Fly in and out of SJO Airport. Good for all families of all ages, including multi generational families. Has the mix of rainforest, volcano, relaxation, adventure, culture and beach. Goes to two of the most touristic destinations in Costa Rica so plenty of hotels and services, well paved roads in the routes and lots to do. Can travel via car or private shuttles.

Itinerary 2 Samara and Bijagua

Fly in and out of LIR Airport. Good for families looking for lesser touristic destinations. Samara is still touristy but not as busy or touristy as other beach destinations. Bijagua is a small rural farming town home to the Tenorio Volcano National Park, many hotels have a working farm so it’s great for kids to interact with livestock and learn about Costa Rican farm life. Limited hotels to choose from in Bijagua. Will need to rent a car.

Click to read our Costa Rica family itineraries (7/8 days).

Costa Rica Itinerary 8 days: Playas del Coco and La Fortuna

Destinations: Playas del Coco and La Fortuna

Fly in and out of LIR Airport.

Ideal itinerary for first timers or anyone who wants a simple trip to plan. Lots of hotels and things to do and see with a mix of rainforest, volcano and beach. Great for any traveler, all families, couples, solo travelers, backpackers, luxury travelers. Can rent a car or book shuttles. Can also use public transportation but must plan carefully between Playas del Coco and La Fortuna as it requires 3 buses.

Click to read our Costa Rica 8 days itinerary.

Tamarindo 5 Days (1 week total)

Total 1 week itinerary but day 1 is flying in, day 7 is flying out so this itinerary has 5 full days in Tamarindo.

Great for families who only have 1 week (like spring break) or those who want to stay at the beach as a home base.

Click to read our Tamarindo 5 days itinerary .

Guanacaste 5 Days

This sample 5 day Guanacaste itinerary helps you decide where in Guanacaste to stay, what to do and how to get around.

Main areas discussed in this post: Papagayo Peninsula/Playas del Coco, Tamarindo/Flamingo, Samara/Nosara and La Cruz.

Click to read our Guanacaste 5 days itinerary.

San Jose 5 Days

How to spend 5 days in the capital city of Costa Rica: San Jose

Click to read our San Jose 5 days itinerary.

5 Days Arenal and Monteverde

This sample 5 day itinerary in Arenal and Monteverde helps you figure out where to stay, what to do, how to get around and how many days to stay in Arenal and how many days to stay in Monteverde.

Click to read our Arenal and Monteverde 5 days itinerary.

Reader Interactions

Pallavi says

May 28, 2024

I am interested in planning a 7-8 day trip (including travel) end of Nov 2024 to Costa Rica with my husband and 2 girls (ages 12 and 15). I want this to be a relaxing trip along with doing some of the usual stuff – hiking, zip lining, viewing wildlife, coffee or chocolate estate, hot springs, beach (if possible). We will be flying in and out of San Jose. The most basic itinerary I found includes Arenal, Montevede and Manuel Antonio. Are all 3 doable? I am having a hard time to choose only 2. Based on distances/travel time and the weather (rainfall in Nov end?) – what is your recommended itinerary?

Thanks in advance for your response.

HI Pallavi, yes we have an itinerary with exactly those destinations: https://mytanfeet.com/costa-rica-travel-tips/costa-rica-11-days-itinerary/

However for only 7-8 days, I’d personally take out one destination (Monteverde is usually the one taken out due to location and distances) or just spend 1 night in Monteverde. It’s a bit rushed if you do it that way though so for more of a relaxing trip, two destinations is better.

Deanna Zaharia says

May 26, 2024

Hi, My family of 4 is spending 33 days in Costa Rica. We rented a car to get around. We would really like to go to Tortuguero. My big question is how do I get there without going on a fancy tour? Are there boat companies that could take us from La Pavona (Embarcadero a Tortuguero)? How would we arrange this? We will be staying in Puerto Viejo for 7 nights. Could we do a boat tour from there? Is it too far for a day trip? Thoughts?

You can check our post which literally answers your questions: how to get to Tortuguero

Christine says

May 12, 2024

My husband and I are thinking about visiting Costa Rica the end of July for 6 days. What itinerary would you suggest? We’re in our mid 50’s, don’t want to spend too much time driving, would like to see both forest and beach, maybe some guided tours, like snorkel, kayak, wildlife, etc. Not interested in nightlife or crowds, more low key. Would like to fly into Liberia, as it has better flight options for us. Thanks for any suggestions!

May 25, 2024

Hi Christine, our itinerary for Playas del Coco and La Fortuna would be great for you. https://mytanfeet.com/costa-rica-travel-tips/8-days-costa-rica-itinerary/ We have also sent you an email with more information

Miranda Engelken says

April 29, 2024

What itinerary would you suggest for four night in Dominical? We are in Dominical for five days and then head to Drake Bay via boat from Sierpe. We know we want to see Marino Ballena National Park and Nauyaca Waterfalls. We are still on the fence if we want to visit MA. We will spend one day exploring and doing surf lessons. Any suggestions on our free day?

May 1, 2024

That’s pretty good for four days. 1 day for Nauyaca, 1 day for Marino Ballena National Park , 1 day for explore and surf, 1 day for Manuel Antonio

March 10, 2024

This is such a great website, thanks for all the info. We are going to be in Costa Rica first week of June for 8 full days on the ground (10 days if you count the days we fly into and out of SJO). Traveling with two middle school children, and possibly renting a car. Would it be too much to fit La Fortuna, Monteverde, and then Manual Antonio NP? Alternatively we could do La Fortuna, Monteverde, and then stay at a Marriott resort in Los Suenos near Jaco (with hotel points for free)–though I don’t know if it’s worth going to Los Suenos only for that reason.

If you think three locations is too much, then we could spend more time in La Fortuna and Monteverde areas, or perhaps find something in between there and SJO. We would love to see the turtles in Ostional, but not sure if it’s worth going that far just for the (low?) possibility of seeing the turtles or not.

March 12, 2024

For just 8 full days with kids, I’d pick just two destinations, like La Fortuna and then Los Suenos. You could fit in Monteverde but you’d only be able to really stay one or two nights and it’d be a lot of travel time in between destinations, I’d do just La Fortuna and Los suenos/Manuel Antonio and enjoy with enough days in between travel days, especially as June is the start of our rainy season. Ostional is quite far from where you will be, I don’t recommend it especially since you plan to fly in and out of SJO.

March 5, 2024

We are visiting Playa Hermosa with a rental car and staying at a Vrbo. We want to snorkel and see rinco de la vieja. What other places do you recommend around this area? Thank you. Your website is very helpful.

Hello Laura, you can check our guide (it works for Hermosa GTE too): day trips from Playas del Coco . Our favorite snorkeling tour you can read about here: Boating in Playas del Coco and here is our guide to Rincon de la Vieja National Park

May 30, 2024

Hi, my family of 5 is flying into San Jose late, spending the night, and then driving to LaFortuna. We stay there 1 night, then drive to Guanacaste for 2 nights. Then drive to Manual Antonio for 4 nights. Is this doable or too much.

June 2, 2024

Hi Heidi, we’ve sent you an email with more information but personally it’s not worth going to Guanacaste for only two nights and then La Fortuna for only one night, that’s way too short. Better do just La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio, we have an itinerary exactly like that: https://mytanfeet.com/costa-rica-travel-tips/costa-rica-itinerary-for-families/

Hugo Armstrong says

February 28, 2024

Hi, I am travelling south America but have managed to squeeze in a week or so in Costa Rica. I am a confident and outgoing 18 year old solo traveller and so would like to be surrounded by like minded individuals, however not too fussed on their age.

Of course I like to party but am not interested in overly touristy nightclub based sort of towns, I would like to strike a good balance in-between an authentic and engaging experience with also the social aspect of backpacking.

What would be your recommended itinerary, based off my brief description?

Hello Hugo, definitely La Fortuna and if you want a beach town, I’d recommend Puerto Viejo de Talamanca or Uvita . Uvita is pretty quiet though so if you want something a bit livelier, perhaps Manuel Antonio .

November 27, 2023

Hi, we intended to have 4 nights in downtown SJO on arrival prior to our tour….first night flight arrives in the evening so no plans, however my concern is that you shouldnt walk around at night. We will want to eat out and would usually wander around until we find somewhere with atmosphere but now Im put off staying so long. What do you think ? Many thanks Marie

November 28, 2023

Hi Marie, I would personally say 4 nights in San Jose is a bit too much unless you are planning to use it as a home base for day trips from San Jose . But if you are only staying to see the city, I would say 2 nights, max 3 is plenty enough as the city is not that big and you can actually see downtown and many cultural sights in just one day.

As for getting around at night – Uber unless you are walking just one block or so from your lodging. Otherwise, definitely Uber.

Maggie says

April 30, 2023

Hello! My husband and I are booking a trip to Manuel Antonio and Punta Islita. We are flight from Quepos to San Jose and then San Jose to Nosara using SansaAir. How long of a layover do you think we should plan for? Our options are 50 minutes or 3 hours. Thank you! Your website has been very helpful for us.

May 1, 2023

I would personally go with the 3 hours one just in case they have a delay in your first flight

April 17, 2023

Hi! For a 5 day – 7 day trip in Late May, would Tamarindo have a better chance of being dry / less rain (flying into LIR) than going to the central pacific Manuel Antonio area (flying into SJO)?

April 19, 2023

Generally yes and apparently on the news I read that the rainy season won’t really start until about June this year but Manuel Antonio is the tropical rainforest so it’ll probably still rain there but up in the dry tropical forest it’s generally still drier

April 7, 2023

Would you suggest renting a car or just using transportation for hire ? Also, doing sky trek and thinking of doing hanging bridges there versus mystico?

April 14, 2023

Hello Tara, our team has emailed you with more info

Rebecca says

January 23, 2023

This is a last minute trip to CR and our first time. We are flying into LIR on 1/27 and staying in Santa Teresa for 9 days. Where would you recommend we visit while there? On the 9th day we are flying to San Jose and will drive to Guacimo for the remainder of our stay. What would you recommend on that side of the island that isnt too far from our hotel (no more than 3 hours)? I really appreciate the feedback.

January 24, 2023

Hi there, you can check our Santa Teresa, Costa Rica guide for more information. I’m not sure which island you’re going to though since Santa Teresa is on a peninsula and Guacimo is inland.

Anju Lashkari says

January 15, 2023

Hi there! My husband and I are planning a 1st time trip in April for 9 nights. After reading through your many recommendations, I believe the following is reasonable but would love your guidance. Land in San Jose; spend the night and head out the next morning to Arenal/La Fortuna; then onto Monteverde; and finally to Manuel Antonio area and finally making our way back to San Jose to fly back to the US. My questions really have to do with does this route make sense, and how do I find private drivers for the main city to city transportation? Also, is it easy to get around Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, sights from the hotels without a rental car? Where is the best white water rafting area? Thanks for your guidance. P.S. I love your site! Thank you for all the information!

Hello Anju, you can check this itinerary which is exactly where you want to go: Costa Rica 11 days itinerary

If you’d like to book private shuttles, feel free to contact us, it is perfectly fine to book private shuttles and not a rental car as long as you book a hotel in town/tourism hub and not far out. Pretty much all tours will include transportation in case you want to do some excursion.

For white water rafting, La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio have the best.

We offer discounts for tours in both places which you can check on this page here: Costa Rica discounts page

Theresa L. says

October 15, 2022

Hi Sammi. Thanks for your blog. So much great information. Question regarding car rental from Adobe. Our flight is scheduled to land at SJO around 10:30pm. By the time we get through customs, I assume it will be 11:30pm or later. Is it still possible to pick up our car rental that late? I understand Adobe will deliver the car to our hotel for no extra charge if we stay at a hotel within 12 or so miles of the airport. But they won’t deliver it until 7:30am at the earliest. Any suggestions on how we can get the car earlier so we can get an early start on our vacation activities? Thanks.

October 17, 2022

Hi Theresa, that is OK if your flight lands late, if you want to get the car when you land at 1030 PM, Adobe will station an agent to wait for you so you can collect the car when you land that night. You will just need to write a quick note in the comment section of the reservation page that you want the car when you land at that time, you can use the widget on our Costa Rica car rental discount booking page and write the note in the comment section

Tracey Picasso says

October 7, 2022

Hi Sam – thanks for your fabulous site – it’s been sooo helpful. My family are travelling to CR in January and I have drawn up an itinerary for 14 days but I’m worrying that it might be too much time spent on the road? San Jose – Fortuna Fortuna – Monteverde Monteverde – San Jose (1 night) San Jose – Tortuguero Tortuguero – Puerto Viejo Puerto Viejo – San Jose I am being too ambitious? We will be renting a car. Any advise you can give me would be very much appreciated. Thank you

You can do this itinerary although you’d really only be able to spend like 1-2 full days in each destination so if you don’t want to be on the move constantly or if you want to have more time in one place, I’d spend just 1 day in Monteverde or cut it out and then choose either Tortuguero or Puerto Viejo depending on how many days you plan for each.

Julie Riley says

September 13, 2022

Hi My husband and I are looking at spending 4 weeks leisurely touring CR, from middle of January, and am enjoying this wonderful site. Two query’s perhaps you can advise.

Where are the best snorkelling areas? If we wanted a few nights with perhaps live music which city would be best?

Thank you Julie

October 1, 2022

Hi Julie, best snorkeling would be up in Gulf of Papagayo , Cano Island , Cahuita (during certain times of years) and around Flamingo. There isn’t really great snorkeling right off the beach, the best would be to take a boat to go out into snorkel spots Any big tourist town like Jaco , Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio has live music, bars, etc.

Amanda Abel says

August 11, 2022

Hi! We will have 10 nights (not including two nights in Alajuela for flights). We plan to do 4 nights in Tamarindo, 2 or 3 in La Fortuna and 1 day of rafting in the Pacuare. Where else should we go for 3 nights?

Hi Amanda, you can check our post for Best places in Costa Rica

But looking at your destinations and your in/out bound airport, I recommend Monteverde or another beach town like Playas del Coco

Tara M says

April 26, 2022

In the picture above, with the heading embedded ‘1 Month Itinerary’, where was that rafting/float picture taken? Thank you! Also, amazing site, thank you so much!

That was from the Pacuare River, the 1 day white water rafting trip class 3 & 4 (you can read more about it and and we also have a small discount for this tour One day Rio Pacuare white water rafting )

March 29, 2022

Hi! I’ll be travelling to CR for a total of 7 weeks (I will be working remotely, so hoping to see as much as I can while slowing down for work too). I’m looking to split my first 4 weeks up between La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo, and Manuel Antonio. Would 10 days in each place be way too much time, or if you had to spend more time in one of them over the other, which would you recommend spending more time? After this I may head to Drake Bay, Monteverde, Samara and perhaps Playas del Coco..still deciding, but open to any recommendation in terms of how to split my time. Thank you!

April 12, 2022

10 days is a great amount of time to spend in each place to get to know it and not rush

Tina Snyder says

March 18, 2022

Hi there! We’re heading to CR for 11 days and at one point will leave from Tamarindo to stay in Arenal. Is it easier to drive north around the lake to get to Arenal or we could stop in Monteverde and then do the ferry across the lake. What would you recommend?

March 20, 2022

You can’t take the car on the ferry so you have to drive

Kyle Harris says

January 22, 2022

Me and my girlfriend have booked flights to liberia but we are extremely torn on itineraries as we only have 2 weeks and there’s so much of costa rica we would like to explore. We are mid 20’s and are aiming to find a mix of diverse wildlife, beautiful beaches and fun sports/adventure to pursue.

Is there any places you would advise?

Hello Kyle, I have a few two week itineraries on this page and also 10 days and 1 week that you can use to build off of

Claire says

February 2, 2022

Hi Kyle – we did a two week trip back in 2019. We stayed in the Rincon de la Vieja area for 3 nights (accommodation at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin) then we drove down to the Manuel Antonio area and really enjoyed seeing the national park and the beaches there. We had 6 days in that area. We went kayaking through the mangroves, went white water rafting, and enjoyed great seafood and warm hospitality. Finally, we spent a night or two in the Monteverde Cloud Forest (ziplining and walking through the forest). It was a great trip.

Elisabeth Bohlmann says

November 29, 2021

Hi! We (a couple in our 30’s) are currently on a 2.5 week vacation through this beautiful country. We did a few days in the Caribbean, Arenal, and now Guanacaste by Playa Grande (Flamingo, Conchal, etc). We’re debating where to spend our last 3-4 days before heading back ti San José. We had considered the area around Samara or Santa Teresa or go towards the Manuel Antonio Park. But could really consider anything to complement our trip. We love the beaches, unique nature spots, some adventure. We’re not surfers, we’re not that much into party/ nightlife. Would you rather recommend we go down to Santa Teresa, the MA park or would you have any other suggestion? Thank you so much in advance, your site is super helpful!

December 12, 2021

Both Santa Teresa and Manuel Antonio are very nice but they are very different as Santa Teresa is more “rural” and Manuel Antonio is more developed, you can check our posts to read more about them

November 8, 2021

Hi! We will be in La Fortuna from Nov 12-17. We were thinking of taking a 2 day trip to Monteverde. We have a 4×4 but we are inexperienced 4×4 drivers. I know the roads can be pretty bad, especially right now. Any advice on driving up there or just staying in La Fortuna?

I know there is a taxi-boat-taxi option, thanks to your page 🙂 but it also looks like we will need a car when in Monteverde to get to all the attractions?

Thank you in advance! Laura

November 10, 2021

You could do the taxi boat option and then there are buses to the reserves, lots of taxis around and the big parks like Selvatura offers their own transportation included in their passes.

Shannon Timpane says

July 29, 2021

The picture above of the rafting through the trees with the 1 month itinerary, where is that? Also, any suggestion for a quick overnight stay in San Jose after arrival but before hitting the road very early in a.m.? Thanks!

July 31, 2021

Hi Shannon, that was taken during our One day Rio Pacuare white water rafting and here are our recommendations for hotels near San Jose Airport

Kim Kimbro says

June 30, 2021

Hi Sammi! What a wealth of information, I’m so glad I found you! We are coming in September and are basically using tours to get around, and our last stop is in La Fortuna and we are flying out of San Jose. Do you have any suggestions as far as ANY tour that would get us transportation back to San Jose from La Fortuna? Taking a shuttle is a last resort, but definitely an option, but I’m really trying to see if we can get around without it 🙂 Thank you!!

July 2, 2021

The Pacuare rafting offers an interconnection between San Jose and La Fortuna and we offer a small discount for this tour which you can check here: https://mytanfeet.com/special-deals/rio-pacuare-costa-rica-white-water-rafting/

Wesley Quenichet says

June 21, 2021

Thanks for your help, it really made my trip easier. I stayed in Tamarindo and had a great time with my 20 year old son. Your trip suggestions and help booking were helpful, and I found the pricing to be a little cheaper through you guys. I drove over to Coco and Flamingo but just really fell in love with the beach and vibe of Tamarindo. We could have spent the whole week surfing and eating along the beach and it would have been fine, but the tours definitely gave us a good insight into what Costa Rica is all about. The tour guides, including Randall, were great. I saw you guys in Tamarindo in your Mytanfeet Truck, but didn’t have enough time at the moment to stop and say hello. Anyway, thanks very much!

June 27, 2021

Hi Wesley! Thank you for your comment and we’re so glad you had a good time with your son. It was our pleasure to help! Next time if you see us please feel free to say hi 🙂

January 31, 2021

Hi guys Love you blog. So much great information. We are going to be there in June for 12 days. We are staying on Flamingo beach the first 7 days and we hope that Nicaragua will open so that we can take the day trip you recommend into that country. What are your thoughts for the other 5 days? Volcano or Monteverde Thank you

February 2, 2021

Hi Doris, you can check our Things to do in Guanacaste post for ideas.

MYLENE LARDET says

December 24, 2020

Hello Yeison and Samantha, Thank you so much for your fantastic blog!!!! We’ll come for three weeks in July with our children of 5 and 7 years old. I don’t know CR at all but we are really looking forward to it! We are aware that it is the rainy season but we would like to try to avoid too much flooding… I’m following your blog closely! Could you please tell me what you think of the following schedule please? 1 night in San Jose La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park (1 or two nights?) Alfaro Ruiz then drive to La Fortuna (4 night) Another national park, but which one? : a) Tenorio (see the Rio Celeste, not too hard in summer / Tapir Valley Nature Reserve) b) Rincon de la Vieja? 4/5 days in the Nicoya peninsula? Does Samara allow easy travel from Montezuma to Tamarindo? Is it a good place to fall? Ferry in the morning to Tarcoles and then road to Manuel Antonio 4/5 days to Manuel Antonio (you have to cut and go 3 days + 2 days to Uvita to see the whales or go to Uvita as a day excursion?) Return to San Jose

Is there any other park you would advise during this period? Thank you very much in advance for your advice!!!

December 27, 2020

Hello, in La Fortuna you can visit the Arenal Volcano National Park and there are also many private reserves around like Arenal 1968 and Mistico Arenal hanging bridges .

Here is our guide to Samara, Costa Rica and our Manuel Antonio guide.

Abby W says

November 18, 2020

Hi! Your site is awesome! Packed with so much information that it’s almost making it harder to decide what to do and I’ve really left it to the last minute.

I’m arriving on 11/17 and I have nothing booked yet! I have 8 days in Costa Rica and it’s my first time. I’m traveling solo, I’m 40ish and I’d prefer to avoid the family loaded locations and not at all looking for a crazy party scene. Mostly want to spend time chillin’ on beautiful beaches with turquoise warm waves gently lapping at my feet.

I’m thinking 2-3 days at Tabocon (probably just 2 due to $$, this will be my hotel splurge, the rest have to cost under $150/night) Then 3 days in Manuel Antonio and then where should I spend the remaining 3? Maybe Samara? Or should I venture out to the Caribbean side and go to Puerto Viejo. I don’t want to waste too much time in cars/buses. I’m open to short flights.

November 19, 2020

You can check Uvita, Costa Rica , it doesn’t have turquoise water but it’s warm.

The Caribbean is really far and if you’re traveling by bus, you’d have to do MA – SJ – PV which is a full day of travel (like 10 hours on a bus) and so I’d recommend somewhere close like Uvita, there is a bus from Quepos to Uvita.

June 12, 2020

October is the best month for the Caribbean as it’s their “summer” month. Sept and Nov can be nice too there but October is the best month.

You can read more about Best time to visit Costa Rica here.

If you don’t want any rain in Guanacaste, then you should visit Dec – April.

Lisa Rosado says

Hi, Your info is fantastic, but I am so confused now as to when to come! I was trying to come third week of September for my 60th birthday. I really love to sit on the beach and take in the sun, although I love to venture out to see the land, animals, and environment- not a water sports couple. Everyone told me to go to Guanacaste but if it’s raining daily then the beach is out from what I gather. I thought you said the Caribbean side has less rain in September, but then I thought somewhere else you said it’s rainy? I love the Caribbean? Heard it’s more of a Jamaican feel? I want to come and eat all the tropical fruit that I can’t get in USA. Do you think to fit my needs November or December would be better? Ugh I appreciate any suggestions. Thank you, Lisa

Alicia says

March 4, 2020

Hi, Thanks for all the great content. My family is traveling to Costa Rica the last week in March and I just can’t decide on an itinerary. Any recommendations you have would be great. My first obstacle is that we arrive 3/23 on a red-eye at 6:30 am. What would you suggest that isn’t too far of a drive from SJO that would be too draining as we’ll be going on little sleep. And there’s also the issue of having to leave luggage in our rental vehicle until we are able to check-in. We have a total of 6 days leaving from SJO on the morning of the 29th so we will stay the night of the 28th by the airport. We’d like a combo of rain/cloud forest and relaxing beach time. Do you think that possible? If so what would you suggest route and stops would you suggest? Thanks sooo much

You could go to Jaco as it’s about 1.5 hours from San Jose and usually hotels are nice about letting you leave your luggage at the hotel before checking in and they can try to check you in a little earlier. You could do a couple nights at Jaco and then go to La Fortuna or Manuel Antonio National Park as Manuel Antonio has nice rainforest.

Angela says

February 17, 2020

My friend and I are planning a 11day trip! We are thinking of doing Arenal then Monteverde then a beach on the pacific coast. We are having a hard time deciding where to go! We are looking for beginner surfing, snorkelling, and not overly touristy. What would your suggestion be? Also we don’t plan on renting a car so will be taking shuttles & buses.

Thank you!!

February 18, 2020

Hi Angela, you can check our Guanacaste, Costa Rica guide for ideas for beaches on the Guanacaste coast. You can also check our destinations map and read guides to the other beaches on the Pacific coast: Costa Rica destination map

Hi, we are retired couple 60s , would like to have a 10 days (March) relax trip on the beach, light hiking, light adventure, more in beach, culture, food, scenery. Need to depart from San Jose, should we arrive to Liberia instead of San Jose? Does Adobe rent the car pickup at Liberia and return at San Jose ? Any suggestion for itinerary is very appreciated . Thank You very much

Hi Kim, you can pick up the car in Liberia and return at San Jose, but there is a $45 USD fee for this change of locations.

February 3, 2020

Looking for 10 days in CR in late Feb-early March… want to hit up SJ, La Fortuna, Monteverde, but torn between Manuel Antonio or Corcovado (or something else). A friend went and said that they were underimpressed with MA and I should go to Corcovado.

I plan to drive… but not sure if I’m overdoing it here. Also not sure whether I need a 4×4.

This is a loaded comment!

February 4, 2020

Corcovado is very far so you’ll need to plan accordingly to give yourself adequate time for travel. A 4×4/4wd is highly recommended for Monteverde and Osa Peninsula

Jessamyn C Trocio says

January 27, 2020

Two of us will be flying into San Jose Airport on March 17th. We are trying to do La Fortuna/Arenal, Monteverde, Carara or Jaca National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park….do you think this is possible in one week? Do you recommend staying at multiple accommodations? Thank you in advance.

February 1, 2020

It’ll be a bit tight for one week but doable. You could even visit Carara on your way from Monteverde – Jaco.

January 18, 2020

Hi Lisa! I’m working on this page because the links are broken. Here is the 1 month one

January 17, 2020

Hi! I am having trouble opening any of the itineraries. I am interested in the month long one. Is it possible you could send me a link? Enjoying all the info so much! Thank you, Lisa

January 16, 2020

Hello Mark, here is the link

(Sorry I need to re-do this page for some reason the links were not working!)

Mark Lipari says

We would like to know more about your suggested five days in Arenal and Monteverdi. For some reason we are not able to see all the information in your suggested itinerary. Not sure if it is an issue with the website or our computers (we have tried with an iPad and a laptop). Any information you can share would be appreciated. Thank you

September 4, 2019

Hi my wife and I are currently planning our honeymoon to Costa Rica. Adventures and beaches are the 2 priorities. Being in non toristy areas is preferred. We have high interest in checking out the osa peninsula. We are hoping for a 7-14 day trip and we will rent a car. Any advice for places to go?

September 5, 2019

You can check our Osa Peninsula Costa Rica advice.

February 28, 2019

Hi!, I love this blog! I am in the middle of planning a trip for my family ( adults) over Christmas.We are looking for the best experience, arriving on 12/22 and leaving 12/28. I didn’t know if it would be best to fly into Liberia and out of San Jose in order to get a variety of experiences? I feel overwhelmed! I would love suggestions from you. We would be at a mid price range, would like to be close to good restaurants. Can you help? Many thianks! Chris

March 4, 2019

Hi Chris! I’d definitely check out some of the itineraries in this post to give you some ideas of where to go and do. You can also read this post for best plaes: Best places in Costa Rica

November 29, 2018

Hi Hannah, my recommendation would be to stay somewhere in Guanacaste as your base so you will be at the beach, and then you can do a day trip to La Fortuna for volcano/rainforest and then up to Rio Celeste or Rincon de la Vieja for waterfalls and hikes. I wrote a sample itinerary here

Hannah says

November 28, 2018

My girlfriends and I are planning a 4 day Costa Rica trip from my bachelorette party. We want to do a short/easy hike, see the waterfalls, rainforest, volcano, beach, and also have down/relaxing time. We are not looking to party and are more interested in experiencing the outdoors (but nothing strenuous) and just relax. Any suggestions? We aren’t set on which part of the country to stay at and which airport since we want to see which area would make more sense first. This trip will be Mid April of next year.

Thank you so much! Hannah

April 9, 2018

Hello, Thank you so much for all the wonderful information you have provided! This will be my first international solo trip and I have spent hours reading your blog trying to plan my trip for May. Your sample itineraries have really helped me to narrow down my options. I will be in Tamarindo for 6 days for a surf camp, then I have another 10 days before I fly out of San Jose. I would like to split my time between Monteverde and La Fortuna. I am fairly active and adventurous so I’m looking forward to hiking, zip lining, canyoning, white water rafting, etc. My question is would it be worth me adding in another town/city during this time? I saw that there are day trip opportunities to Rio Celeste which I would love to do. Would it be worth me staying a day or 2 in Bijagua to maximize my chances of getting some good weather? Or is there somewhere else that is accessible without a car? I am hoping to not rent a car for the entire trip, but would be open to getting one for part of the trip if needed. Any insight you may have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

April 10, 2018

Hi Abbey, I’m glad the blog has been helpful!

You can do a day trip from La Fortuna to Rio Celeste which I recommend to do instead because getting to and from Bijagua is a bit tricky if you don’t have a car and for a solo traveler. There isn’t a bus that goes directly to Rio Celeste, all the shuttles and buses will drop you off in Bijagua and then you will need to take a taxi to the national park which is around $40 one way. There is a shuttle from Monteverde to Bijagua with Quality transfers but it requires 2 passengers minimum and there isn’t one from La Fortuna.

It’ll be a lot easier to do a day trip. There is a company called Arenalevergreen that provides daily shuttles and round trip transportation for $50 per person. This is a non guided hike – it only includes transportation so you will need to pay for the entrance fee, any food and water and the hike will be on your own. You can also do a tour which includes transportation, guide, lunch and entrance fees. We have a 10% discount with Jacamar Naturalist Tours in La Fortuna and we can check to see if there are any tours already running that you can join as a solo traveler. Just let us know if you would be interested.

April 8, 2018

Hi Marion, that’s a good itinerary and I would recommend taking shared shuttles for all your destinations because there aren’t direct buses to most of your routes (La Fortuna to Tamarindo requires 4 buses, Monteverde to PV requires 2, etc.) and shared shuttles will pick you up and drop you off directly at your hotel. They’re a bit more expensive but it’s the best way to save time and the hassle of switching buses (without renting a car).

For activities, we have a 10% discount with Jacamar Naturalist tours in La Fortuna for most of the tours in Arenal. You can check out the discount here: Arenal and La Fortuna tours discount and read what our favorite activities to do there are: Things to do in Arenal and La Fortuna

If you like adventure, I would definitely do the white water rafting trip at Rio Pacuare. This and canyoning are my two favorite outdoor activities and the Pacuare River is stunning with Class 3 and 4 (and 4+) rapids. You can read about it here: One day Rio Pacuare white water rafting and we have a $10 discount here: Rio Pacuare white water rafting discount . You can do this tour as an interconnection between Puerto Viejo to San Jose so the company we work with, Rios Tropicales will pick you up at Puerto Viejo, take you rafting and then drop you off at San Jose so you save money on a transfer and you can go rafting instead of sitting on a shuttle all day. It’s $105 per adult but we have a $10 discount and it includes breakfast, lunch, the rafting and the transfer so it’s a super great value!

Diamante is also really fun but there is no way to get there via public transportation. Diamante offers round trip transportation from Tamarindo for $30 per person and we also have a 10% discount with them you can read more here: Diamante discount and here is our post on Diamante: Diamante Eco Adventure Park But I think if you go ziplining in La Fortuna or Monteverde, you don’t necessarily need to go again in Diamante since for my personal opinion, the ziplines in La Fortuna and Montevede like Sky Trek, Selvatura and 100% Aventura are more fun. Diamante is great but their zipline is a bit short since they focus on having one long cable with an ocean view. The others take you through the rain and cloud forests. And you will most likely see a lot of wildlife in the destinations where you’re going so you can see animals in the wild as opposed to their zoo.

Your budget can be doable depending on what tours you do and what hotels you stay at. You’ll need to stay in pretty cheap places if you want to do tours since some tours are around $75-100 or more. For example, Diamante is $118 per person for the Adventure Pass (ziplining, animal sanctuary, botanical garden, beach) or $78 pp for the zipline (not including our 10% discount). Canyoning in La Fortuna is $101 per person, SkyTrek ziplining in Arenal is $81 per person. So tours will take up a good chunk of your budget but if you find some cheap places to stay and eat cheap, it is doable since you won’t be doing tours every day. You can read more about how much it costs to travel in Costa Rica here: Cost of traveling in Costa Rica

Thanks for reading Mytanfeet!

Marion Rogers says

Hello!, me and my boyfriend(20&29 yo) will be traveling to Costa Rica in late July and early August for 20 days. We love beaches and just chilling there, and we also like all kinds of activities! like raffting, canyoning, ziplining, parasailing, hiking, etc, Anything that gets our adrenaline kicking!

We have come up with a possible itinerary but we will like to hear your opinion as well!

Day 1-2: San Jose Day 2-5: 3 nights in Manuel Antonio(were we would like to parasail, go to the beaches and the NP) Day 5-10: 5 nights in La Fortuna ( this is were we ideally would be doing most of the adventure activities and visiting waterfalls and hot springs) Day 10-13: 3 nights in Tamarindo( we are planning on relaxing here and having fun!. I’m also interested in Diamante park because of their zipline, do you think it’s worth it to spend a day there? and it is possible to get there on public transportation? Day 13-15: 2 nights in Monteverde( to do maybe one fun activity and see the cloud forest(?) Day 15-19: 4 nights in Puerto Viejo( to enjoy the beaches that are in that area punta uva, cahuita NP) Day 19-20: San Jose

My questions are: Do you think this itinerary is doable? we will be depending mostly on public transportation and maybe some shared shuttles. Will you change something? add a place or omit some? Our budget is pretty restricted, around 100-150 usd per day for the both of us.( not counting the flights)

Dieter Rachal says

April 1, 2018

We will be flying into San Jose and stay for 9 days in Bejuco at the end of May. I hope we did not isolate ourselves too much from the best itineraries. We will have a car but again I don’t want to spend all of our time driving. Any suggestions? Oh yeah, I love your website, so much great information.

April 2, 2018

Hi Dieter, from Bejuco you’re close to Jaco, Carara National Park, Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Uvita and all of the Central/South Pacific. Those will be your closest destinations and are all within a 20 minute – 2 hour drive.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Exclusive deals