Start your Costa Rican adventure in San Jose, the country’s capital city. Visit the National Museum of Costa Rica to learn about the country’s history and culture, and take a walk through the Central Market to experience everyday life in Costa Rica. End your day with dinner at Rincón de Lorena to savor traditional Costa Rican cuisine.
Head north to Arenal and spend your day at Arenal Volcano National Park. You can hike around the active volcano and relax in natural hot springs. End your day by experiencing the sunset at La Fortuna Waterfall.
Escape to the picturesque town of Monteverde and visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. The reserve is home to an array of wildlife, including howler monkeys, birds, and butterflies. Take a zip-lining tour for a bird’s-eye view of the cloud forest canopy.
Head to the Pacific coast and surf the waves in Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach towns. If surfing isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the beautiful beaches and take a sunset sailing trip.
Visit the luxurious Papagayo Peninsula, home to many of Costa Rica’s most exclusive resorts. Lounge on the beaches, indulge in spa treatments, and dine at the peninsula’s high-end restaurants.
End your trip with a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park, located on the Pacific coast. The park is famous for its beautiful beaches and abundance of wildlife, including monkeys and sloths. Take a guided hike through the park to fully experience its beauty.
Head back to San Jose for your final day in Costa Rica. Visit Parque La Sabana, the country’s largest urban park, and indulge in the local cuisine at Tin Jo.
Plan to rent a car or hire a driver to get around Costa Rica. The roads can be tricky to navigate, and public transportation is limited. Expect to spend around $300 in rental fees, and keep in mind that driving times may be longer due to road conditions and mountainous terrain.
If you have more time, consider exploring the Osa Peninsula or Corcovado National Park for a more remote and off-the-beaten-path experience. If you have less time, consider skipping either Monteverde or Papagayo Peninsula to make your trip shorter and more manageable.
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is the main international airport serving San Jose. It's located 11.4 miles from the city center. Liberia International Airport (LIR) is a smaller airport on the Pacific coast, serving the Papagayo Peninsula and other northern destinations in Costa Rica. It's located 7.5 miles from Liberia.