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10-Day Sloth and Surfing Adventure in Costa Rica

Viewed by 198 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in San José

San José, Costa Rica

10:00AM

Arrive in San José

You'll land in the vibrant capital of Costa Rica, San José, ready to start your adventure.
After immigration, pick up a rental car at the airport.
USD50, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Enjoy traditional Costa Rican dishes at this historic market filled with local flavor.
Drive to the Mercado Central, about 30 minutes from the airport.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore San José City

Visit the National Theater and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum for some cultural immersion.
Walk or drive to these attractions within the downtown area.
USD10, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Silvestre

Relax over dinner at this upscale New Costa Rican restaurant that focuses on local ingredients.
A short drive (15 mins) from downtown.
USD30, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Check Into Hotel

Settle into your hotel and prepare for a scenic drive tomorrow.
Stay overnight at a local boutique hotel.
USD100, 1 hour
Find Hotels in San José

Day 2: Adventure in La Fortuna

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café & Macadamia

Savor a delicious breakfast of fresh fruits and homemade pastries.
Before departure, it's a short walk or drive from your hotel.
USD12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to La Fortuna

Set off to the beautiful town of La Fortuna, known for its stunning volcano views.
Drive approximately 2.5 hours northwest.
Fuel costs: USD20, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Soda El Buen Comer

Try the casado, a traditional Costa Rican meal in a local soda.
Located within La Fortuna.
USD10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Arenal Volcano National Park

Hike the trails for spectacular views of the volcano and its biodiversity.
Short drive to the park entrance from town.
USD15, 3 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Hot Springs

Unwind in the natural hot springs of Tabacón to soothe tired muscles.
Close to the national park, just a 10-minute drive.
USD75, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Don Rufino

Experience gourmet dining with an emphasis on local ingredients.
It's a short drive back to La Fortuna.
USD35, 2 hours

9:30PM

Check Into Hotel

Retire to your hotel with stunning views of the volcano.
Stay overnight at a charming eco-lodge.
USD120, 1 hour
Find Hotels in La Fortuna

Day 3: Explore Monteverde

Monteverde, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with local fruits and grains before heading out.
Dine at your hotel before departure.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Monteverde

Embark on a scenic drive filled with picturesque landscapes to Monteverde.
Travel approximately 3 hours.
Fuel costs: USD20, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Tree House Restaurant

Dine in a unique treehouse setting surrounded by nature.
Located in Monteverde.
USD20, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Experience this lush cloud forest with its incredible biodiversity.
Short drive to the reserve entrance.
USD25, 3 hours

5:00PM

Canopy Tour / Ziplining

Feel the thrill of ziplining through the lush canopy of the cloud forest.
Offered by several local adventure companies.
USD70, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Bar El Tope

Enjoy a casual dining experience with local flavors.
Located in Monteverde.
USD15, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Check Into Hotel

Cozy up for the night at your mountain lodge in Monteverde.
Stay overnight at a local lodge.
USD110, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Monteverde

Day 4: Adventure on the Nicoya Peninsula

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast at your lodge.
Enjoy a buffet style breakfast included with your stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Nicoya Peninsula

Make your way to the Nicoya Peninsula, famed for its beaches and surf spots.
Travel approximately 3.5 hours.
Fuel costs: USD25, 3.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Playa Carrillo

Savor fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant overlooking the ocean.
Located at Playa Carrillo.
USD18, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relax on Playa Carrillo

Spend a few hours soaking up the sun on this serene beach.
Walk to the beach from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Drive to Tamarindo

Head to the lively town of Tamarindo, known for its surfing culture.
A short drive of about 1 hour.
Fuel costs: USD10, 1 hour

6:00PM

Check Into Hotel

Settle into your hotel and relax before dinner.
Stay overnight at a beach hotel.
USD150, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Pangas Beach Club

Enjoy a beautiful beachfront dining experience with fresh, coastal cuisine.
Located in Tamarindo.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nicoya Peninsula

Day 5: Surfing Day in Tamarindo

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Fuel up for a day of surfing with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Conveniently located at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Surf Lesson at Tamarindo Beach

Take a surf lesson from a local instructor to master the waves.
Just a short walk to the beach.
USD50, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Free Surf Time

Practice your new skills on Tamarindo's friendly waves.
Covered in your surfing lesson.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Café Del Mar

Refuel with delicious smoothies and light bites after a busy morning.
Located near the beach.
USD15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Tamarindo's Markets

Wander through local shops for souvenirs and handmade crafts.
Just a few blocks from the beach.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Cocktails at El Be!

Enjoy happy hour with stunning ocean views.
A beachfront bar only steps away.
USD12, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at La Bodega

Chill with some delicious wood-fired pizzas in a casual setting.
Located in Tamarindo.
USD20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tamarindo

Day 6: Beach and Relaxation in Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a laid-back breakfast in your beach hotel.
Included with your stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Santa Teresa

Journey from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa, a stunning artsy beach town.
Approximately a 4-hour drive south.
Fuel costs: USD30, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kiosko

Grab a quick bite at this local eatery popular for its fresh sushi.
Located in Santa Teresa.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Beach Time at Playa Santa Teresa

Unwind on the beautiful beach and enjoy the sunset views.
Directly stepping onto the beach from the restaurant.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Surfing or Yoga Class

Join a late afternoon surf or yoga class to connect with locals.
Choose between a couple of local surf schools or yoga studios.
USD30, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Bakery

Delight in freshly baked goods and delicious meals at this favorite local spot.
Located in Santa Teresa.
USD20, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Check Into Hotel

Rest easy at a beachfront hotel with modern amenities.
Stay overnight at this beautiful hotel.
USD160, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Santa Teresa

Day 7: Exploring the Nicoya Peninsula

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Fuel your day with a joyful breakfast at your hotel.
Included with your stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve

Explore Costa Rica's first national park and its stunning wildlife.
A scenic drive of around 1 hour to the park entrance.
USD20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Montezuma

Savor lunch at a beach restaurant while enjoying ocean views.
Travel to Montezuma beach, about 30 minutes from the reserve.
USD18, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Relax at Playa Montezuma

Spend some time soaking up the sun on this beautiful beach.
Direct access from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Montezuma Waterfalls

Take a hike to the waterfalls and enjoy a refreshing dip.
Short hike from the parking area.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Cashew Tree

Dine on healthy options and enjoy the unique atmosphere.
Located in Montezuma.
USD25, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Drive Back to Santa Teresa

Return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
A short drive back to your hotel in Santa Teresa.
Fuel costs: USD10, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Nicoya Peninsula

Day 8: Nature in Osa Peninsula

Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel for a fulfilling start of the day.
Included with your stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Osa Peninsula

Hit the road to the pristine Osa Peninsula, known for its unique wildlife.
Drive approximately 6 hours.
Fuel costs: USD40, 6 hours

3:00PM

Check Into Hotel

Settle into a jungle lodge that offers wildlife viewing opportunities.
Choose a lodge on Osa Peninsula.
USD140, 1 hour

4:00PM

Guided Nature Walk

Join a guided nature walk to discover the rich biodiversity of the area.
Offered directly at your lodge.
USD40, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at the Lodge

Enjoy a delicious dinner with locally sourced ingredients.
Dining experience in your lodge.
USD30, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Wildlife Spotting

Take an evening walk to spot nocturnal wildlife with guides.
Conveniently offered by your lodge.
USD20, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Osa Peninsula

Day 9: Return to San José

San José, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Lodge

Start your day with a hearty breakfast in your jungle lodge.
Included with your stay.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive Back to San José

After an adventurous week, return to the capital.
Drive back approximately 6 hours.
Fuel costs: USD40, 6 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at La Criollita

Delight in traditional Costa Rican meals in an authentic setting.
Located in San José.
USD15, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the Jade Museum

Explore this museum dedicated to the history of jade in Costa Rica.
Short drive from your lunch location.
USD10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Tin Jo

Experience a fusion of Asian and Costa Rican delicacies in a unique restaurant.
Located in San José.
USD35, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Check into Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely evening at your hotel before departure.
Stay at a boutique hotel in downtown San José.
USD100, 1 hour
Find Hotels in San José

Day 10: Departure from San José

San José, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Costa Rica at the hotel.
Included with your stay
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Final Shopping in San José

Take a leisurely stroll through artisan markets for souvenirs.
Visit artisan markets nearby.
Varies, 2 hours

11:00AM

Return Rental Car

Return the rental car at the airport, ensuring a stress-free trip home.
Located at the airport.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Depart from San José Airport

Bid farewell to beautiful Costa Rica as you head home.
Head through airport security and boarding.
Varies, As Required
Find Hotels in San José
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