Begin your trip in San José, the capital city of Costa Rica. Explore the National Museum of Costa Rica and have lunch at Mercado Central. In the afternoon, take a stroll through Parque la Sabana and visit Pueblo Antiguo, an open-air museum that showcases Costa Rican culture and history.
Visit Arenal Volcano National Park and hike to the base of a dormant volcano. Relax in the hot springs at Tabacon Grand Spa and Thermal Resort. End the day with a sunset dinner at Orchid Cafe.
Take a guided tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and experience the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica. Visit the Monteverde Butterfly Garden and Hummingbird Gallery. Dine at Tree House Restaurant, a unique dining experience located up in the trees.
Spend the day at the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park. Hike the trails, relax on the beaches, and spot wildlife such as monkeys and sloths. End the day with dinner at Gabriella’s Steakhouse.
Take a guided tour of Corcovado National Park, considered the jewel of Costa Rica’s national parks. Observe rare animals such as tapirs and macaws. Relax at Lapa Rios Lodge in the evening.
Visit Puerto Viejo, a laid-back beach town on the Caribbean coast. Swim in the clear water and soak up the sun at the beach. In the afternoon, explore Cahuita National Park and its coral reefs. Have dinner at KOKi Beach restaurant.
Take a guided tour of Tortuguero National Park, home to sea turtles and various birds. Explore the Tortuguero canals by boat and take in the stunning scenery. Stay overnight at Aninga Lodge.
Return to San José for your flight home. Visit the Mercado de Artesanias for last-minute souvenirs and gifts. Have a farewell dinner at Restaurante Grano de Oro.
Travelers should consider renting a car to navigate the country with ease. Be prepared for winding mountain roads and unpredictable weather. Taxis and buses are also available for those who prefer not to drive. The estimated cost for transportation during this trip is $750.
If you have more time, consider visiting Tamarindo, a popular surf town on the Pacific coast. If you have less time, skip Puerto Viejo and Cahuita National Park to save time on travel. Costa Rica is a tropical paradise all year round, but the high season is from December to April.
The primary airport in Costa Rica is the San José Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), located 20 km from San José. The distance from Liberia International Airport (LIR) to San José is approximately 220 km. Taxis and shuttles are available at both airports.