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Ultimate 3-Week Costa Rica Adventure: Beaches, Rainforests & Volcanoes

Viewed by 102 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & City Tour

San José, Costa Rica on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Mundo

Enjoy a hearty Costa Rican breakfast with fresh coffee, gallo pinto, eggs, and tropical fruit at this popular local spot.
CRC5000, 1h0m

10:00am

National Museum of Costa Rica

Explore Costa Rica’s rich history and culture housed in a former fort, featuring archaeological artifacts and exhibits on indigenous peoples.
CRC3000, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Soda Tapia

Sample traditional Costa Rican dishes like casado or ceviche in this casual eatery favored by locals.
CRC4000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk through Mercado Central

Browse stalls selling fresh produce, souvenirs, and local crafts in this bustling market.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante Grano de Oro

Dine on gourmet Costa Rican and international cuisine in an elegant home setting.
CRC12000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Travel to Santa Teresa & Beach Day

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in San José

Fuel up with a quick hotel breakfast including tropical fruits and eggs before departure.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Santa Teresa

Drive or shuttle west to the Nicoya Peninsula; journey takes approximately 5–6 hours including a scenic ferry crossing.
USD50, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Katana Asian Cuisine

Enjoy fresh sushi and Asian fusion dishes in vibrant Santa Teresa.
USD15, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax at Playa Santa Teresa

Spend the afternoon on Santa Teresa’s golden beaches famous for surfing and sunsets.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Bakery

Enjoy fresh baked goods, artisanal breads, and casual dinner fare in a cozy atmosphere.
USD12, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Santa Teresa

Day 3: Beach & Adventure Activities

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Green Room Café

Try organic smoothies, coffee, and healthy breakfast bowls to start your day.
USD10, 1h0m

9:00am

Surf Lesson at Playa Santa Teresa

Take a beginner-friendly surf lesson with experienced instructors on one of Costa Rica’s top surfing beaches.
USD40, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Zwart Art Café

Enjoy fresh fish tacos and casual local fare at this artsy café.
USD15, 1h0m

2:00pm

ATV Tour through Nicoya Peninsula

Explore nearby forests, beaches, and rural landscapes on an exciting guided ATV adventure.
USD60, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Koji’s

Savor Japanese dishes with a fusion twist, popular for fresh sushi and robata grill.
USD20, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Santa Teresa

Day 4: Travel to Arenal Volcano Area

La Fortuna, Costa Rica on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Santa Teresa

Quick organic breakfast including coffee and tropical fruit before travel.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to La Fortuna

Drive approximately 5–6 hours to the Arenal Volcano area with scenic views en route.
USD50 shuttle, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Soda La Hormiga

Eat casual Costa Rican dishes like casados in this affordable local spot.
USD10, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit La Fortuna Waterfall

Hike down to a stunning waterfall where you can swim in the natural pool below; open 8am–4pm.
USD18, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Don Rufino

Upscale restaurant serving modern Costa Rican cuisine with fresh local ingredients.
USD25, 1h30m
Find Hotels in La Fortuna

Day 5: Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs

La Fortuna, Costa Rica on May 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Rainforest Café

Start your day with fresh juices, tropical fruits, and bakery treats.
USD12, 1h0m

9:00am

Arenal Volcano National Park Hike

Explore walking trails with views of lava fields and the impressive Arenal Volcano; park open 8am–4pm.
USD15, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nene’s Restaurant

Local favorite offering traditional Costa Rican meals in a casual setting.
USD10, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Tabacón Hot Springs

Enjoy natural thermal springs set in lush gardens, perfect for unwinding after hiking; open 10am–9pm.
USD65, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Lava Lounge Bar & Grill

Casual dining with international dishes and great drinks near La Fortuna center.
USD18, 1h30m
Find Hotels in La Fortuna

Day 6: Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde, Costa Rica on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in La Fortuna

Simple breakfast before departure including fresh fruit and coffee.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Monteverde

Travel 3–4 hours through scenic mountain roads to Monteverde for the cloud forest experience.
USD40 shuttle, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Stella’s Bakery

Popular bakery serving fresh breads, sandwiches, and delicious Costa Rican pastries.
USD10, 1h0m

2:00pm

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Walk the trails of this famous reserve to see unique flora, birds, and possibly the elusive quetzal; open 7:00am–4:00pm.
USD25, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sabor Tico

Delight in traditional dishes prepared with local ingredients in a relaxed environment.
USD15, 1h30m
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Day 7: Adventure & Zipline

Monteverde, Costa Rica on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Butterfly Garden Café

Fuel up with fresh smoothies, coffee, and eggs while enjoying views of the garden.
USD12, 1h0m

9:00am

Canopy Zipline Tour

Experience adrenaline-filled ziplining through the cloud forest canopy with breathtaking views; tours 8am–4pm.
USD55, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Morphos Restaurant

A charming eatery specializing in Latin American and Costa Rican specialties.
USD20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit the Hummingbird Gallery

Discover vibrant hummingbirds up close in this garden and butterfly sanctuary; open till 4 pm.
USD25, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Café de Monteverde

Enjoy international and local dishes made from fresh local produce in a cozy setting.
USD18, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Monteverde

Day 8: Travel to Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Monteverde

Quick breakfast before travel includes coffee and fresh pastries.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Drive approximately 5–6 hours east across the country to the Caribbean coast, experiencing lush tropical scenery.
USD60 shuttle, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Koki Beach Restaurant Bar Lounge

Chill out with Caribbean seafood specialties right on the beach.
USD15, 1h0m

3:30pm

Beach Time at Playa Cocles

Relax or surf at this gorgeous, unspoiled Caribbean beach known for its laid-back vibe.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Stashus con Fusion

Try Afro-Caribbean fusion dishes in a lively, colorful spot in town.
USD20, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Puerto Viejo

Day 9: Explore Caribbean Culture & Nature

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bread & Chocolate

Enjoy freshly baked breads, coffee, and organic breakfast options at this popular café.
USD12, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Jaguar Rescue Center

Tour the wildlife rehabilitation center focusing on native species conservation; open 8am–4pm.
USD15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Soda Lidia’s Place

Taste delicious and affordable Caribbean-style Costa Rican meals in a family setting.
USD8, 1h0m

2:00pm

Biking to Cahuita National Park

Rent a bike and explore beautiful trails and beaches at this nearby national park housing coral reefs; park open 8am–6pm.
USD10 bike rental, USD10 park entrance, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Wo Mangú

Savor Caribbean fusion cuisine with local ingredients in a charming atmosphere.
USD18, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Puerto Viejo

Day 10: Relax & Departure Prep

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Viejo

Enjoy classic Costa Rican breakfast with ocean views.
USD12, 1h0m

10:00am

Free Morning at Playa Negra

Spend the morning relaxing, snorkeling or surfing at this peaceful beach known for its black sand.
Free, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Rico

Casual dining offering delicious Caribbean and Costa Rican specialties.
USD15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Prepare for Departure

Return to hotel to rest and pack for your journey back to San José the next day.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at La Pecora Nera

Enjoy upscale Italian and Caribbean fusion cuisine in a beautiful garden setting to end your trip.
USD25, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Puerto Viejo

Day 11: Return to San José

San José, Costa Rica on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Puerto Viejo

Light breakfast before traveling.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to San José

Take shuttle or domestic flight back to San José; travel time approx 4–5 hours by road.
USD60 shuttle, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Rojo

Enjoy modern Costa Rican dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
USD15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax or shopping in Escazú

Spend your afternoon exploring upscale shops and galleries in this trendy suburb of San José.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Park Café

Fine dining offering international cuisine with a focus on local ingredients; perfect for last night in Costa Rica.
USD40, 2h0m
Find Hotels in San José

Day 12: Departure Day

San José, Costa Rica on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final Costa Rican breakfast before your journey home.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Airport Transfer

Transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your departure flight.
USD20, 1h0m
Find Hotels in San José
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