Welcome to San Jose, the bustling capital of Costa Rica! Start your day by checking into your hotel and get ready to experience the city's vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and delicious cuisine. Visit the National Museum of Costa Rica to learn more about the country's history and art, stroll through the Mercado Central for some traditional treats and souvenirs, and get a stunning bird's eye view of the city from the Las Torres Observation Deck.
Ready to experience nature's power? Today you'll be making your way to the Arenal Volcano, one of the youngest and most active in Central America. Take a guided hike through the lush rainforest, enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs at the base of the volcano or zip-line through the tree canopy for an unforgettable view of the area.
Today you'll be making your way to the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica's most beautiful natural reserves. Home to a variety of exotic animals and plants, this tropical paradise of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters offers endless opportunities for relaxing, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting.
Get ready to experience a magical forest where the clouds meet the trees. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a breathtaking natural wonderland, teeming with over 2,500 species of plants and wildlife. Take a guided tour of the forest's hanging bridges or go on a thrilling zip-line adventure, and don't miss the chance to visit the Butterfly Garden and Hummingbird Gallery.
Spend the next two days relaxing and enjoying the stunning beaches of Tamarindo, a popular destination on Costa Rica's Gold Coast. This lively town offers visitors excellent surfing, fishing, and beach activities, as well as a variety of restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities.
Get ready to experience the Caribbean vibe at Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a small beach town on Costa Rica's southeastern coast that offers a unique blend of Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous culture. Enjoy the stunning beaches and turquoise waters of the area, go on a bike tour of the jungle, visit the BriBri Indigenous Reserve, and don't miss the chance to try some delicious local food.
It's time to say goodbye to this beautiful country and head back to San Jose, where you'll catch your flight back home. While you're in the city, take some time to visit any of the landmarks or try any of the delicious restaurants you may have missed on your first day.
Costa Rica has an extensive network of public transportation, including buses, taxis, and car rentals. For this itinerary, we recommend renting a car to have maximum flexibility in exploring the country. Expect to spend around $40-$60 per day on car rental and about $200 on gas. Keep in mind that road conditions in some areas can be challenging, so be sure to drive safely and be prepared for longer travel times than expected.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to Tortuguero National Park, located on the northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This remote and pristine area is only accessible by boat or plane and offers visitors a chance to see sea turtles, exotic birds, monkeys, and a variety of other wildlife. If you have less time, consider cutting down your stay in Tamarindo or Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to spend more time in San Jose or Manuel Antonio National Park.
The main international airport in Costa Rica is the San Jose International Airport, known as SJO, located approximately 17 km from the city center. The other international airport is the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, known as LIR, located in Liberia, Guanacaste. Keep in mind that both airports can have long lines and wait times, so plan accordingly.