After your arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport, head to your hotel in San Jose. Spend your day exploring the city's colorful markets and museums, such as the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum or the National Museum of Costa Rica. For dinner, enjoy delicious Costa Rican cuisine at one of San Jose's many restaurants.
Take a boat or a small plane to Tortuguero, a remote village on the Caribbean coast. Known for its turtle nesting grounds and lush rainforest, Tortuguero offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Explore the village and the national park, take a guided nature walk, or relax on the beach.
Head to Arenal, home to the famous Arenal Volcano and a hot spot for adventure activities such as ziplining and hot springs. Spend your days hiking trails, spotting wildlife, and relaxing at your hotel's hot springs. At night, watch the glowing lava flow from the volcano.
Visit the cloud forests of Monteverde, a biodiverse region known for its misty landscapes and unique flora and fauna. Take a zip line tour through the canopy, visit a butterfly or hummingbird sanctuary, or take a night walk to spot nocturnal animals.
Head to the Pacific coast and relax at Manuel Antonio National Park, a picturesque park with white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush rainforests. Spend your days lounging on the beach and swimming in the ocean, or hike the trails to spot monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife.
Visit Jaco Beach, a lively surf town known for its nightlife and outdoor activities. Take a surf lesson, go deep-sea fishing, or simply relax on the beach. In the evening, check out the bars and restaurants along the main strip.
Return to San Jose for your flight home, or stay longer to explore more of the city's culture and cuisine. Consider visiting the Costa Rican Art Museum or the Central Market for souvenirs.
For this itinerary, we recommend renting a car or booking a private tour, as public transportation can be unreliable and time-consuming. Travel time estimates above are based on driving or by private tour. Car rentals start at around $40 per day, and private tours can vary in cost based on activities and transportation needs.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Osa Peninsula or the Nicoya Peninsula for more adventure and relaxation. If you have less time, consider skipping Tortuguero or Jaco Beach to save travel time.
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is located in Alajuela, about 20 minutes from San Jose's city center. It is Costa Rica's busiest airport, with international and domestic flights available. Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia is another international airport option, located in the northwest region of Costa Rica.