The Ultimate Itinerary Guide for Costa Rica

Costa Rica, famous for its lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife, is the ideal destination for travelers exploring Central America. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to uncover hidden gems, this Costa Rica travel guide will help you plan the perfect itinerary. From the bustling capital of San José to the cloud forests of Monteverde and the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula, we cover the best routes for 1, 2, and 3-week trips.

How to Get Around Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a relatively small country, making it easy to navigate between popular destinations. Driving around the country is highly recommended; the roads are generally good, and renting a car can save a lot of time. Compared to using public transport, car rental is relatively inexpensive and offers the most flexibility. Sunnycars provides an all-inclusive rental service with 100% insurance coverage, making it a convenient choice for visitors.

While road signs are in Spanish, and driving conditions can be challenging in remote areas, the convenience of having a car far outweighs these drawbacks. However, for those who prefer a hassle-free experience, public transportation is a viable alternative. The bus system is extensive, and services like 12GO can help you find and book bus tickets. Uber is also available in major cities.

Recommended Costa Rica Itineraries

Costa Rica Itinerary 1 Week

If you have just one week, we recommend focusing on San José, Arenal, and Monteverde to experience a mix of culture, adventure, and nature.

• San José: Most travelers spend only a short time here, as the city itself is less exciting than Costa Rica’s natural attractions. However, it’s a convenient hub for flights and onward travel. Explore cultural highlights like the National Theatre, the Gold Museum, and the central market, where you can sample local cuisine. If time allows, consider a day trip to nearby Poás Volcano or Doka Coffee Estate.
• Arenal / La Fortuna: Head to La Fortuna to experience Arenal Volcano. Hike scenic trails around the volcano, relax in the geothermal hot springs, or try thrilling activities like white-water rafting, canyoning, or zip-lining. Nature lovers can also explore nearby waterfalls, hanging bridges, and wildlife reserves for a chance to spot toucans, monkeys, and sloths.
• Monteverde Cloud Forest: End your short trip in Monteverde, one of the world’s most famous cloud forests. Zip-line through the misty canopy, hike along trails of lush greenery, and visit the hanging bridges for stunning aerial views. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot the elusive resplendent quetzal, monkeys, and colorful frogs. For a slower-paced option, explore local coffee farms or butterfly gardens.

This itinerary balances adventure and relaxation while highlighting Costa Rica’s iconic landscapes.

Costa Rica Itinerary 2 Weeks

A two-week itinerary includes all the destinations from the 1-week itinerary (San José, La Fortuna and Monteverde) and then adds some of Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches and coastal towns so you can see even more of the country.

• Manuel Antonio National Park: Head to the Pacific coast to experience white-sand beaches, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park, including monkeys and sloths. Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, and visiting local viewpoints for sunset photography.
• Uvita or Nicoya Peninsula: Extend your trip to the tranquil beaches of Uvita, home to Marino Ballena National Park, famous whale-watching opportunities, and even boat trips for diving and snorkeling around nearby Caño Island (see our Costa Rica Dive Guide). On the other side of the country, the Nicoya Peninsula awaits with vibrant surf towns such as Santa Teresa or Tamarindo, where you can relax on pristine beaches, take yoga classes, try surfing, or explore hidden waterfalls and hiking trails.

Optional stops: Dominical for its laid-back vibe, or Montezuma for waterfalls and jungle exploration.

This itinerary combines volcanoes, cloud forests, beaches, and abundant wildlife while giving travelers time to relax and enjoy Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes.

Costa Rica Itinerary 3 Weeks

A three-week trip includes everything from the 2-week itinerary and then adds remote destinations and Caribbean highlights for a complete exploration of Costa Rica.

• Drake Bay & Corcovado National Park: Venture to one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions. Take guided hikes in Corcovado, spotting wildlife like jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws. Snorkel or dive at Caño Island, renowned for crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.
• Tortuguero National Park & Caribbean Coast: End your trip on the Caribbean coast with Tortuguero’s canals and lush rainforest. Witness sea turtles nesting (July–October), take boat tours to see caimans and monkeys, and enjoy the Afro-Caribbean culture of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, including reggae bars, local cuisine, and pristine beaches.

This comprehensive route offers volcanoes, beaches, rainforests, and remote wildlife experiences for the ultimate Costa Rica adventure.

The Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica

Costa Rica, a jewel of Central America, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Known for its remarkable biodiversity, pristine beaches, and towering volcanoes, it’s the perfect destination to explore the best of what the region has to offer. Whether you’re here for a short trip or an extended stay, Costa Rica promises a memorable journey filled with stunning landscapes and unique wildlife encounters. Below are the best places to visit, tailored to different trip lengths and showcasing the must-see destinations.

San José

Start your journey in San José, the lively capital nestled in the heart of Costa Rica. This bustling city serves as a gateway to the country’s diverse natural wonders. While in San José, visit the National Theatre, a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, and the Gold Museum, where you can explore Costa Rica’s rich pre-Columbian history. San José’s central location makes it an ideal starting point for your adventure.

La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano

The Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic landmarks. The area around La Fortuna, the nearest town, offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Hike the trails surrounding the volcano, embark on a thrilling white-water rafting experience, or unwind in the natural hot springs fed by the geothermal activity of Arenal. The lush rainforest surrounding the area is teeming with wildlife, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Travel time San José – Arenal/La Fortuna: 3-4 hours by car or shuttle.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde is a world-famous cloud forest reserve that offers visitors the chance to explore one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. The area is renowned for its misty forests, which are home to an array of exotic wildlife, including the beautiful quetzal. Adventurous travelers can enjoy zip-lining through the canopy, hiking along the cloud forest trails, or walking across hanging bridges that offer breathtaking views.

Travel time Arenal/La Fortuna – Monteverde: 3-4 hours by car or shuttle.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park combines beautiful beaches with rich biodiversity, making it a top destination in Costa Rica. The park’s easy-to-navigate trails wind through tropical rainforests where you can spot monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds. After a morning of wildlife watching, relax on the park’s pristine beaches, which are consistently ranked among the best in the world.

Travel time Monteverde – Manuel Antonio: 4-5 hours by car or shuttle.

Nicoya Peninsula (Santa Teresa and Tamarindo)

The Nicoya Peninsula is a paradise for beach lovers and surfers alike. Santa Teresa, known for its bohemian vibe, offers a relaxed atmosphere with stunning sunsets, yoga retreats, and world-class surfing. Tamarindo, another popular beach town, is known for its vibrant nightlife and excellent surfing conditions. Both towns are great spots to soak up the sun, enjoy fresh seafood, and experience Costa Rica’s laid-back beach culture.

Travel time Manuel Antonio – Nicoya Peninsula: 5-6 hours by car or shuttle (Santa Teresa); 5 hours (Tamarindo).

Jaco, Uvita, and Dominical

Traveling along Costa Rica’s stunning Pacific coast offers a variety of experiences, starting with the vibrant beach town of Jaco. On your way from San José to Jaco, make a stop at the famous Crocodile Bridge over the Tárcoles River, where you can see massive American crocodiles lounging in the sun below. Jaco itself is known for its lively atmosphere, excellent surfing conditions, and thriving nightlife. It’s a great spot to start your coastal adventure, whether you want to catch some waves or explore the nearby rainforests.

Continuing south, you’ll reach Dominical, a laid-back village that attracts surfers and nature lovers alike. Dominical is known for its consistent waves and unspoiled beaches, offering a more tranquil vibe compared to Jaco. The area is also a gateway to numerous waterfalls and lush jungle hikes, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Further along the coast is Uvita, a hidden gem renowned for its serene beaches and abundant wildlife. The highlight here is Marino Ballena National Park, famous for its unique whale-tail-shaped sandbar and as a prime spot for whale watching during migration season. Uvita offers a peaceful retreat with opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, and exploring nearby waterfalls, making it a must-visit for those seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure.

Travel time: Jaco takes 1.5-2 hours by car or shuttle from San José. Another 1.5-2 hours by car will bring you to Dominical. Uvita is located just 15-20 minutes south of Dominical.

Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park

For an unforgettable journey into the wild, venture to Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula, one of Costa Rica’s most remote and biodiverse regions. This area serves as the gateway to Corcovado National Park, which is often described as the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s national parks. The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering the chance to see tapirs, jaguars, scarlet macaws, and countless other species in their natural habitat. Guided hikes through the park’s dense rainforests and along its secluded beaches provide an immersive experience in untouched wilderness.

In addition to exploring Corcovado, a trip to Drake Bay isn’t complete without a visit to Caño Island, located just offshore. Caño Island Biological Reserve is a marine sanctuary known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, making it one of the best spots in Costa Rica for snorkeling and scuba diving. Here, you can swim alongside colorful fish, rays, and even reef sharks, or simply enjoy the island’s pristine beaches.

Travel time Uvita – Drake Bay: 2-3 hours by car to Sierpe, followed by a 1-hour boat ride to Drake Bay.

Tortuguero National Park

Located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, Tortuguero National Park is known for its network of canals and lush jungle scenery. It’s a vital nesting ground for sea turtles, especially the green sea turtle, which you can witness during nesting season (July to October). Boat tours through the park’s waterways provide excellent opportunities to see caimans, monkeys, and a variety of bird species. Tortuguero’s remote location makes it a serene escape into the heart of nature.

Travel time San José – Tortuguero: 3-4 hours by car to La Pavona, followed by a 1-2 hour boat ride to Tortuguero.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

On Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a vibrant town that offers a unique blend of Afro-Caribbean culture, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, Puerto Viejo is a favorite among travelers looking to experience a different side of Costa Rica. The town’s main beach, Playa Cocles, is a hotspot for surfing, while the nearby Playa Punta Uva is ideal for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

Beyond the beaches, the surrounding area is rich in biodiversity. Explore the nearby Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, which is home to monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds. The Cahuita National Park, just a short drive away, offers stunning coastal trails where you can hike through the rainforest while spotting wildlife and enjoying views of the Caribbean Sea. It also offers possibilities for snorkeling and diving.

Puerto Viejo’s vibrant nightlife, with its reggae bars and beachside restaurants, adds to the town’s charm, making it a must-visit destination for those looking to unwind in a beautiful and culturally rich environment.

Travel time San José – Puerto Viejo: 4-5 hours by car or shuttle.