How many days do you need in costa rica?

This itinerary covers 13 days in costa rica, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for costa rica?

Plan your perfect 13 days trip to costa rica. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Ultimate Couples' Adventure in Costa Rica: A Nature and Foodie Honeymoon Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in San José

San José, Costa Rica

3:00PM

Arrive and Check-In

Arrive at San José International Airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and refresh.

USD 30, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Silvestre

Enjoy an elegant dinner featuring Costa Rican cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients in an inviting atmosphere.

USD 100, 2 hours

Find Hotels in San José

Day 2: Journey to Monteverde

Monteverde, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast featuring gallo pinto.

USD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Monteverde

Depart for Monteverde, taking in beautiful scenery along the way.

USD 50, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Tree House Restaurant

Dine in a unique treehouse setting with delicious international dishes.

USD 40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Coffee Tour at Cafe Monteverde

Immerse yourselves in the art of coffee-making with a guided coffee tour.

USD 30, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sabor Tico

Enjoy a cozy atmosphere with authentic Costa Rican dishes.

USD 30, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Monteverde

Day 3: Nature Exploration in Monteverde

Monteverde, Costa Rica

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast to fuel your day of adventure.

USD 20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Explore the enchanting cloud forest filled with diverse wildlife and exotic plants.

USD 25, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Flying Frog Cafe

Refuel with light meals and organic options after your forest adventure.

USD 25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Canopy Tour or Zip Lining

Get an adrenaline rush by soaring through the treetops on a zipline adventure.

USD 60, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurante Don Burrito

Enjoy a casual meal with tasty burritos and classic Latin dishes.

USD 25, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Monteverde

Day 4: Travel to La Fortuna

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor breakfast with views of the Monteverde mountains.

USD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to La Fortuna

Set off for La Fortuna, home of the majestic Arenal Volcano.

USD 50, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Soda La Finca

Savor a hot plate of casado, a local dish rich in flavors.

USD 20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Check-in at Hotel

Unwind at your hotel before heading out for more adventures.

USD 0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Bogarin Trail Tour

Discover wildlife along the Bogarin trail during a peaceful nature walk.

USD 25, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant El Novillo

Indulge in delicious grilled meats and traditional sides.

USD 35, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in La Fortuna

Day 5: Chocolate and Nature Day

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy fresh tropical fruits and Costa Rican coffee.

USD 20, 1 hour

9:00AM

ChocoMuseo Chocolate Tour

Engage in a chocolate-making workshop that delights your senses.

USD 40, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Lava Lounge

Recharge with original pizza choices and refreshing drinks.

USD 25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

La Fortuna Waterfall Visit

Swim beneath the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall after a scenic hike down.

USD 15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Hot Springs

Unwind in naturally heated hot springs surrounded by lush rainforest.

USD 60, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at La Parrilla de Maria Bonita

Feast on well-seasoned meats and classic Costa Rican flavors.

USD 35, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in La Fortuna

Day 6: Adventure and Explore

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel for ziplining and hiking adventures.

USD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Arenal Volcano National Park Hike

Hike through diverse ecosystems and experience stunning views of the volcano.

USD 15, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante Mi Casa

Savor delicious homemade meals to recharge after your hike.

USD 25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Wildlife Tour or Cano Negro Boat Tour

Explore the local wildlife in its natural habitat on a boat tour.

USD 50, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Rest. La Trattoria

Dine at a cozy Italian restaurant with delicious pasta.

USD 30, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in La Fortuna

Day 7: Surfing and Relaxation

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a breakfast of tropical fruits and eggs.

USD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Tamarindo

Head to the beautiful beach town of Tamarindo for surf and sun.

USD 60, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nogui's Restaurant

Relax with beachfront dining, enjoying fresh local seafood.

USD 25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Surfing Lesson

Catch some waves with a fun surf lesson tailored just for you.

USD 70, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax on the Beach

Unwind on Tamarindo’s beach and enjoy an afternoon cocktail.

USD 10, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Elbe's

Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and delicious Central American cuisine.

USD 30, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Tamarindo

Day 8: More Surfing and Sunset

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a revitalizing breakfast with local flavors.

USD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Morning Surfing Session

Ride the waves with more surfing practice or free time at the beach.

USD 0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Bodega

Delight in fresh tacos and healthy bowls in a relaxed setting.

USD 25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Tamarindo Town

Stroll through town, shop for local artisan goods, and appreciate the culture.

USD 0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Catamaran Sunset Cruise

Relax on a sunset cruise, while witnessing breathtaking views and possibly spotting marine wildlife.

USD 75, 2.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Pescado Loco

Dine on delicious local fish dishes with a vibrant atmosphere.

USD 30, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Tamarindo

Day 9: Beach Day and Relaxation

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing start with a breakfast buffet.

USD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Beach Day

Spend the day lounging on the golden sands or swimming in the ocean.

USD 0, 5 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at Sammy's Place

Taste delicious burgers and comfort food amidst a friendly atmosphere.

USD 25, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Free Time/Relaxation

Take this time to explore local shops or just relax at the beach.

USD 0, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at El Celler

Savor gourmet dishes with fresh ingredients to end the day on a high note.

USD 40, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Tamarindo

Day 10: Relax in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple yet satisfying breakfast before heading out.

USD 20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Manuel Antonio

Travel to the breathtaking coastal town of Manuel Antonio.

USD 60, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Restaurante Marlin

Savor fresh seafood tacos with ocean views.

USD 30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your hotel for some relaxation.

USD 0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Manuel Antonio Beach

Unwind on the stunning beach and take in the natural beauty.

USD 0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at El Wagon

Enjoy a laid-back dining experience with varied dishes, including grilled meats and seafood.

USD 35, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Day 11: National Park Exploration

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor breakfast with ocean views at your hotel.

USD 20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Manuel Antonio National Park Hike

Venture through the park's trails, spotting wildlife and enjoying scenic views.

USD 20, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Restaurante La Cantina

Recharge with delicious Costa Rican fare in the heart of Manuel Antonio.

USD 25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend your afternoon soaking up the sun on Manuel Antonio's pristine beach.

USD 0, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at El Avion

Dine with a view in a former airplane, serving unique dishes and drinks.

USD 40, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Day 12: Return to San José

San José, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have your final breakfast in Manuel Antonio with a tropical twist.

USD 20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel Back to San José

Head back to San José for your departure preparations.

USD 60, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Restaurante La Esquina de Buenos Aires

Enjoy a delightful Argentine lunch before your flight.

USD 35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Free Time for Last-Minute Shopping

Take the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and enjoy the hustle of downtown San José.

USD 0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Airport Transfer

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

USD 30, 1 hour

Find Hotels in San José

Day 13: Departure Day

San José, Costa Rica

Time varies

Departure

Time to say goodbye to beautiful Costa Rica, taking home unforgettable memories.

USD 0, 0

Find Hotels in San José

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Ultimate Couples' Adventure in Costa Rica: A Nature and Foodie Honeymoon Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in San José

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Journey to Monteverde

8:00AM

9:30AM

1:30PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Nature Exploration in Monteverde

7:30AM

9:00AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

6:30PM

Day 4: Travel to La Fortuna

8:00AM

9:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 5: Chocolate and Nature Day

7:30AM

9:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

Day 6: Adventure and Explore

8:00AM

9:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

6:30PM

Day 7: Surfing and Relaxation

8:00AM

9:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

Day 8: More Surfing and Sunset

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

5:30PM

8:00PM

Day 9: Beach Day and Relaxation

8:00AM

9:30AM

3:30PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

Day 10: Relax in Manuel Antonio

7:30AM

9:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 11: National Park Exploration

7:30AM

9:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

6:00PM

Day 12: Return to San José

7:00AM

9:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

Day 13: Departure Day

Time varies

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