Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Costa Rica's capital, settle in, and explore the city's cultural highlights with a relaxed evening.
Morning
Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport
Arrive at SJO airport, clear customs, and take a taxi or pre-booked shuttle to your hotel in the Barrio Amón or Sabana area. Settle in and freshen up after your flight.
2-3 hours
$30-40 (airport transfer)
Pre-book airport transfer for convenience; official airport taxis are reliable
Lunch
Café Rojo in Barrio Amón
Fusion Costa Rican-Asian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Visit the
National Museum housed in the Bellavista Fortress to understand Costa Rican history and pre-Columbian artifacts, or explore the Jade Museum with its impressive collection of jade artifacts and gold pieces.
2-3 hours
$10-15
Tickets available at entrance; both museums open until 4:30 PM
Evening
Dinner in Barrio Escalante
Al Mercat Gastrobar for creative Costa Rican cuisine or Park Café for fine dining in a garden setting
Where to Stay Tonight
Barrio Amón or Sabana (Hotel Grano de Oro or Hotel Presidente)
Central locations with easy access to museums, restaurants, and safe neighborhoods for first-time visitors
Visit the
Central Market early tomorrow morning for the freshest tropical fruits and local atmosphere before leaving the city.
Day 1 Budget: $120-180
Travel to the Arenal region with a stop at a wildlife rescue center, then enjoy your first views of the majestic volcano.
Morning
Travel to La Fortuna with Wildlife Rescue Stop
Take a shared shuttle or private transfer to La Fortuna (3-4 hours). Stop at the Toucan Rescue Ranch near Heredia to see rescued sloths, toucans, monkeys, and other wildlife being rehabilitated.
5-6 hours including travel
$50-80 (transport + entrance)
Book shuttle in advance; reserve Toucan Rescue Ranch tour for 10 AM arrival
Lunch
Soda Viquez in La Fortuna town
Traditional Costa Rican casados
Budget
Afternoon
Arenal 1968 Hike & Volcano Views
Hike the Arenal 1968 trail through old lava fields with spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. The moderate 2.5-mile trail takes you through rainforest and past lava formations from the 1968 eruption.
2-3 hours
$15
Purchase tickets at entrance; best views in afternoon light
Evening
Dinner with Volcano Views
Restaurant Don Rufino in La Fortuna for upscale Costa Rican cuisine or Los Lagos Hot Springs restaurant for volcano views
Where to Stay Tonight
La Fortuna town (Hotel Arenal Kioro or Lost Iguana Resort)
Close to activities with volcano views; La Fortuna offers dining options and easy access to tomorrow's adventures
If it's clear, drive to the Arenal Observatory Lodge viewpoint around sunset for incredible volcano photos without the entrance fee.
Day 2 Budget: $140-220
Experience the impressive La Fortuna Waterfall and relax in natural hot springs heated by the volcano.
Morning
La Fortuna Waterfall
Hike down 500 steps through lush rainforest to the 70-meter La Fortuna Waterfall. Swim in the refreshing pool at the base, then explore the trails around the waterfall. The hike back up is challenging but worth it.
2-3 hours
$18
Arrive at 8 AM to avoid crowds; wear water shoes for swimming
Lunch
Rainforest Café near the waterfall
Casual Costa Rican with great views
Mid-range
Afternoon
EcoTermales Hot Springs
Relax in the natural thermal pools of EcoTermales, fed by Arenal's volcanic activity. These quieter, more intimate hot springs feature multiple temperature pools surrounded by tropical gardens. Includes locker and towel.
2-3 hours
$38
Reservations required; book for 2 PM entry to enjoy afternoon and evening
Evening
Dinner at Hot Springs
Stay at EcoTermales for their excellent buffet dinner included in some packages, or return to La Fortuna for dinner at SpecTACOlar for gourmet tacos
Where to Stay Tonight
La Fortuna town (Hotel Arenal Kioro or Lost Iguana Resort)
Same accommodation for continuity; convenient base for Arenal activities
Bring a waterproof phone case for waterfall photos and a change of clothes for after the hot springs.
Day 3 Budget: $130-200
Walk among the treetops on hanging bridges and learn about Costa Rican coffee production.
Morning
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
Walk the 3.2km trail through Mistico Park's 250 hectares of primary rainforest on 6 hanging bridges up to 45 meters high. Look for howler monkeys, toucans, and sloths with your guide's help. The highest bridge offers spectacular volcano views.
2-3 hours
$26 (self-guided) or $45 (guided)
Book 8 AM guided tour for best wildlife spotting; reservations essential
Lunch
Mistico Park's restaurant
International with Costa Rican options
Mid-range
Afternoon
North Fields Coffee Tour
Visit a family-owned coffee plantation to learn about coffee cultivation, harvesting, and processing. Participate in a coffee cupping session and taste different roasts. The tour also covers chocolate making and sugar cane processing.
2 hours
$35
Book 2 PM tour; includes transportation from La Fortuna
Evening
Traditional Costa Rican Dinner
Soda La Parada for authentic local food or Chifa La Familia Feliz for Peruvian-Costa Rican fusion
Where to Stay Tonight
La Fortuna town (Hotel Arenal Kioro or Lost Iguana Resort)
Final night in Arenal region before moving to Monteverde
Buy coffee beans directly at the plantation tour - they're fresher and cheaper than airport shops, and you support local farmers.
Day 4 Budget: $140-210
Travel to
Monteverde via the scenic lake crossing, arriving in time to explore the cloud forest reserve.
Morning
Take the classic Lake Arenal crossing: jeep to the lake, boat across Lake Arenal with volcano views, then jeep up the mountain to
Monteverde. The journey itself is an adventure with changing landscapes and ecosystems.
3-4 hours
$30
Book through your hotel; departures at 8 AM and 2 PM
Lunch
Stella's Bakery in Santa Elena
Bakery items, sandwiches, coffee
Budget
Afternoon
Explore the famous
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with its mystical atmosphere, epiphytes, and unique biodiversity. Walk the well-maintained trails looking for the resplendent quetzal, hummingbirds, and other cloud forest specialists. The suspension bridge offers canopy views.
3-4 hours
$25
Arrive by 1 PM to have enough time; hire a guide at entrance for better wildlife spotting
Evening
Dinner in Santa Elena
Tree House Restaurant (built around a living tree) or Taco Taco for creative tacos
Where to Stay Tonight
Santa Elena (Monteverde Lodge & Gardens or Hotel Fonda Vela)
Close to cloud forest reserves and restaurants in Santa Elena town
Pack a light rain jacket regardless of season -
Monteverde lives up to its 'cloud forest' name with frequent mists and light rain.
Day 5 Budget: $130-190
Experience adrenaline on zip-lines through the cloud forest canopy, then discover nocturnal creatures on a guided night walk.
Morning
Zip-lining at Original Canopy Tour
Fly through the cloud forest canopy on Costa Rica's original zip-line course. Experience 15 platforms, 10 zip-lines including a Superman line, and a Tarzan swing. Safety briefing and equipment provided.
2-3 hours
$50
Book 9 AM tour to avoid afternoon crowds; wear closed-toe shoes
Lunch
Orchid Coffee Shop
Coffee, sandwiches, and local dishes
Budget
Afternoon
Selvatura Park Hanging Bridges
Walk Selvatura's 3km trail with 8 hanging bridges through cloud forest canopy. Longer than
Monteverde Reserve's bridge, these offer different perspectives and are less crowded. Includes hummingbird garden.
2 hours
$35
Combine with zip-lining for package discount; afternoon is good for photography
Where to Stay Tonight
Santa Elena (Monteverde Lodge & Gardens or Hotel Fonda Vela)
Same accommodation for second night in Monteverde
For the night walk, bring a headlamp with red light setting (less disturbing to animals) or ask if the tour provides them.
Day 6 Budget: $150-220
Visit a coffee cooperative, then travel to the Pacific Coast for beach time in Manuel Antonio.
Morning
Don Juan Coffee Tour
Take a complete coffee tour at Don Juan's plantation learning about organic coffee production from seed to cup. Includes chocolate and sugar cane demonstrations with tastings. More interactive than North Fields with horse-drawn cart ride.
2.5 hours
$35
Book 8:30 AM tour; includes hotel pickup in
Monteverde
Lunch
Fresh cheese dishes, sandwiches, ice cream
Budget
Afternoon
Travel to Manuel Antonio
Take a shared shuttle or private transfer from
Monteverde to Manuel Antonio (4-5 hours). The journey passes through changing landscapes from mountains to coastal plains. Stop for fresh fruit at roadside stands.
4-5 hours
$50-70
Book 1 PM shuttle to arrive before dark; Interbus offers reliable service
Evening
Sunset Dinner in Manuel Antonio
El Avión Restaurant (built around a Fairchild C-123 plane) for sunset views or Emilio's Café for Mediterranean-Costa Rican fusion
Where to Stay Tonight
Manuel Antonio (Hotel Costa Verde or La Mariposa Hotel)
Close to national park with ocean views; Manuel Antonio offers best beach and wildlife combination
Buy
Monteverde cheese to take with you - it's some of Costa Rica's best and makes great snacks for the beach.
Day 7 Budget: $140-210
Explore Costa Rica's most famous national park with its impressive beaches and abundant wildlife.
Morning
Manuel Antonio National Park
Enter the park early to avoid crowds and heat. Hike easy trails looking for sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and colorful birds. The park combines rainforest with clean beaches. Visit Punta Catedral, Playa Manuel Antonio, and Playa Espadilla.
3-4 hours
$18 (park fee)
Arrive at 7 AM when gates open; hire certified guide at entrance for $20-30 for wildlife spotting
Lunch
Picnic on Playa Manuel Antonio
Pack lunch from hotel or buy at park entrance
Budget
Afternoon
Beach Time at Playa Biesanz
Relax at the more secluded Playa Biesanz, a crescent-shaped beach protected by rocky outcrops. Good for swimming, snorkeling when calm, and relaxing away from crowds. Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards.
2-3 hours
$10-20 (equipment rental)
Access via short trail from parking area; bring your own snorkel gear
Evening
Dinner with Ocean Views
Kapi Kapi for upscale Costa Rican cuisine or Ronny's Place for sunset cocktails and seafood
Where to Stay Tonight
Manuel Antonio (Hotel Costa Verde or La Mariposa Hotel)
Same accommodation for second night in Manuel Antonio
Don't bring single-use plastics into the park - they're banned. Use reusable bottles and containers.
Day 8 Budget: $120-180
Sail along the coast on a catamaran, snorkel in clear waters, and watch for dolphins before a spectacular sunset.
Morning
Free Morning or Mangrove Tour
Optional: Take a mangrove tour at Isla Damas to see crocodiles, birds, and monkeys from a boat (3 hours, $45). Or relax at your hotel pool, visit nearby beaches, or get a massage.
3 hours optional
$0-45
Book mangrove tour through hotel; morning tours best for wildlife
Lunch
El Patio de Café Milagro
Coffee shop with sandwiches, salads, baked goods
Budget
Afternoon
Afternoon Catamaran Cruise
Join a catamaran cruise along the coast with opportunities to see dolphins, whales (in season), and marine birds. Includes snorkeling stop at Biesanz Bay or similar, open bar, and fresh fruit. The cruise ends with spectacular Pacific sunset.
3-4 hours
$75
Book 2 PM cruise; companies include Ocean King, Sunset Sails, or Planet Dolphin
Evening
Casual Beach Dinner
El Lagarto BBQ for grilled meats and seafood or Falafel Bar for healthy Middle Eastern options
Where to Stay Tonight
Manuel Antonio (Hotel Costa Verde or La Mariposa Hotel)
Final night in Manuel Antonio before heading south
For the catamaran, bring motion sickness medication if prone, and a waterproof camera for dolphin photos.
Day 9 Budget: $130-200
Travel to Uvita, visit the famous Whale's Tail sand formation at Marino Ballena National Park, and enjoy a quieter beach experience.
Morning
Travel to Uvita
Take a shuttle or private transfer from Manuel Antonio to Uvita (1.5-2 hours). The scenic drive follows the Pacific Coast with ocean views. Stop at viewpoints for photos of the coastline.
2 hours
$30-50
Book 9 AM departure to arrive for low tide; Easy Ride offers reliable transfers
Lunch
Sabor Español in Uvita
Spanish tapas and paella
Mid-range
Afternoon
Marino Ballena National Park - Whale's Tail
Visit Marino Ballena National Park during low tide to walk on the unique Whale's Tail sand formation that extends into the ocean. Swim in calm waters, snorkel around coral reefs, and watch for migrating whales (Dec-Apr, Jul-Oct).
2-3 hours
$6 (park fee)
Check tide times - need low tide to walk the Whale's Tail; park open 7 AM-4 PM
Evening
Sunset at Uvita Beach
Uvita Beer Garden for craft beers and burgers or Kalaluna for Italian cuisine with ocean views
Where to Stay Tonight
Uvita (Cascada Verde Hostel or Oxygen Jungle Villas)
Uvita offers more authentic, less developed experience than Manuel Antonio with amazing natural attractions
Time your Whale's Tail visit for 2 hours before to 2 hours after low tide for safe walking on the sand formation.
Day 10 Budget: $110-170
Explore impressive waterfalls near Uvita and visit the surf town of Dominical for lunch and beach time.
Morning
Nauyaca Waterfalls
Visit the spectacular Nauyaca Waterfalls, two tiers of waterfalls with swimming holes. Choose the 4km hike (moderate) or take a 4x4 truck tour. The lower falls have a perfect swimming hole beneath a 45-meter cascade.
3-4 hours
$10 (hike) or $40 (truck tour)
Book truck tour in advance; arrive early to avoid crowds; wear water shoes
Lunch
Dominical town - Café Mono Congo or Por Qué No?
Healthy bowls, smoothies, international
Mid-range
Afternoon
Dominical Beach & Town
Explore Dominical, a laid-back surf town with a beautiful black-sand beach. Watch surfers, browse artisan shops, or take a surf lesson. The beach is great for walking and sunset watching.
2-3 hours
$0-40 (surf lesson)
Surf lessons available on beach; 2 PM good for beginners with smaller waves
Evening
Dinner in Uvita
Sibu Café for organic, farm-to-table dishes or La Fogata for Argentinian-style grilled meats
Where to Stay Tonight
Uvita (Cascada Verde Hostel or Oxygen Jungle Villas)
Same accommodation for second night in Uvita area
At Nauyaca, the hike down is easier than the hike back up - pace yourself and bring plenty of water.
Day 11 Budget: $100-180
Travel back to the Central Valley with a stop at a botanical garden, then enjoy a farewell dinner in the capital.
Morning
Travel to San José with Stop
Take a shuttle or private transfer from Uvita to San José (3.5-4 hours). Stop at Lankester Botanical Garden near Cartago to see one of Latin America's best orchid collections (over 3,000 species) and other tropical plants.
5-6 hours including stop
$50-70 (transport + garden)
Book 8 AM departure; Lankester Garden open 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Lunch
Lankester Garden café or stop in Cartago
Light meals, sandwiches, coffee
Budget
Afternoon
Free Time or Last-minute Shopping
Check into your hotel, then enjoy free time. Visit the Gold Museum if missed earlier, shop for souvenirs at the
Central Market or artisan markets, or relax at your hotel before farewell dinner.
2-3 hours
$0-20
Evening
Farewell Dinner
Restaurant Silvestre for tasting menu of Costa Rican ingredients or La Esquina de Buenos Aires for Argentinian steak
Where to Stay Tonight
Escazú or San José (Hotel Alta or Real InterContinental)
Escazú offers upscale options near airport; San José central for last-minute activities
Buy souvenirs at the
Central Market rather than airport - better prices and selection, for coffee and crafts.
Day 12 Budget: $130-200
Day trip to active Poás Volcano crater and visit a traditional coffee plantation in the Central Valley.
Morning
Poás Volcano National Park
Visit one of the world's largest active craters at Poás Volcano. See the turquoise acidic lake and fumaroles. The park has improved facilities post-2017 eruptions with timed entries. Walk to Botos Lagoon, an extinct crater lake.
2-3 hours
$15 (park fee + reservation)
Reservations mandatory at SINAC website; book 8 AM entry for clearest views before clouds roll in
Lunch
Freddo Fresas near Poás
Strawberry-themed dishes (local specialty)
Budget
Afternoon
Doka Estate Coffee Tour
Visit Doka Estate, one of Costa Rica's oldest coffee plantations using traditional methods. Learn about sun-drying process, see antique machinery, and participate in coffee tasting. Beautiful gardens and views of Central Valley.
2 hours
$30
Book 2 PM tour; includes transportation from Poás area if arranged
Evening
Final Costa Rican Dinner
Restaurant La Luz in Escazú for modern Costa Rican or Al Mercat again for last taste of fusion cuisine
Where to Stay Tonight
Escazú or San José (Hotel Alta or Real InterContinental)
Same accommodation for second night near airport for early departure
Poás is often cloudy by 10 AM - the earlier you go, the better your chances of seeing the crater clearly.
Day 13 Budget: $120-180
Final morning in Costa Rica, perhaps one last coffee, then transfer to airport for departure.
Morning
Free Morning & Departure Preparations
Enjoy final Costa Rican breakfast, perhaps visit a local café for one last excellent coffee. Pack, check out of hotel, and prepare for airport transfer. Allow extra time for traffic to SJO airport.
2-3 hours
$0-20
Leave for airport 3 hours before international flight; traffic can be heavy
Lunch
Airport restaurants or grab something before security
Various options
Mid-range
Afternoon
Airport Transfer & Check-in
Take pre-arranged transfer or taxi to Juan Santamaría International Airport. Check in, go through security, and perhaps do last-minute souvenir shopping at airport stores (coffee, chocolate, crafts).
2-3 hours
$30-40 (airport transfer)
Confirm flight times; international flights recommend 3-hour advance arrival
Evening
Departure
Flight home with memories of Pura Vida
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A - Departure (N/A)
Departing Costa Rica
Pack coffee in checked luggage, not carry-on, to avoid issues with agricultural inspections. Declare it if asked.
Day 14 Budget: $80-120