Here we have listed sample Costa Rica itineraries to help your Costa Rica trip planning.
Feel free to change them up according to your own wants and needs!
Why Should You Trust Our Costa Rica Itineraries?
First, we live in Costa Rica full time.
Second, we have been traveling throughout Costa Rica non-stop for the last 15 years.
Third, Yeison is a Costa Rican and Samantha grew up in the United States so we offer our perspectives from a local and foreigner.
Fourth, Yeison was an itinerary planner at a Costa Rican travel agency as one of his first jobs so he’s really good at it!
Throughout the years, we have created many Costa Rica itineraries for our family and friends from the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia.
With our combined knowledge and perspectives of traveling as a local and a foreigner, we know exactly what important information to include for a safe, stress free and fun trip to Costa Rica.
Destination Information
Each itinerary contains a short snippet of important information about each destination.
These itineraries are to give you a kickstart to your Costa Rica itinerary planning. They also have maps and routes so you can see where exactly you are going.
Transportation
Each itinerary has recommended transportation methods.
Includes distance and driving times from San Jose International Airport and Guanacaste Airport.
Where to stay, what to eat, what to do
Our recommendations for lodging, restaurants, things to do, day tours and important things to know.
Budget
An estimation of how much you will spend for that itinerary.
Extra Travel Tips
Miscellaneous travel tips related to the Costa Rica itineraries. Kid friendly? Better for couples? Things to know about certain destinations, tours, etc.
Recommendations for other beaches and towns to visit/stay nearby. What to pack. Weather.
All that kind of good stuff so you are prepared for your trip.
Discounts
We include our own Mytanfeet exclusive discounts so you can save money on car rentals, hotels and tours. There are also helpful links to other posts and resource.
I’ll be updating this post whenever I write new itineraries so don’t forget to check back!
One Month Coast to Coast
Highlights
Destinations: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Hermosa, Samara, Manuel Antonio, Uvita and Drake Bay.
This itinerary goes to both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica. Must rent a car for the ultimate road trip adventure. If you don’t rent a car, you will have to book shared/private shuttles.
Must fly into and out of SJO (San Jose International Airport).
For adventure, beach, wildlife and nature lovers looking to experience the best of Costa Rica all in one trip. Ideal for active travelers: solo travelers, couples, backpackers and older families.
Click to read our Costa Rica 1 month itinerary.
15 Days Birding and Wildlife
Highlights
Destinations: Sarapiqui, Boca Tapada, Arenal, Monteverde, Tarcoles, Playa Bejuco
Must fly in and out of SJO Airport.
Focuses moderately heavy on birding and wildlife, with some opportunities for beach time and adventure. Best for older families, couples and birders. Goes to less touristic destinations, highlights eco-lodges. Highly recommended to rent a car, although it is also possible to get around by private shuttles.
Read our 2 week Costa Rica birding and wildlife itinerary.
Two Weeks Beach, Adventure, Nature, Forest
Highlights
Destinations: La Fortuna, Monteverde, Santa Teresa and Playas del Coco
Fly into LIR or SJO Airport, must fly out of LIR Airport.
Includes beach, rainforest, volcano, cloud forest, adventure and relaxation. Ideal for any traveler as it has a mix of relaxation, beach time and some adventure. Good for solo travelers, backpackers, couples and families. Can get around by public bus, shuttles or driving.
Click to read our two week Costa Rica itinerary.
Two Weeks: Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde, Jaco/Manuel Antonio
Highlights
Destinations: Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Jaco/Manuel Antonio
Must fly into and out of SJO Airport
This itinerary goes coast to coast so you’ll experience both the Caribbean and Pacific. Includes rainforest, beach, volcano and cloud forest. Plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, relax, and go on adventures. It’s an active itinerary so good for couples, solo travelers and active families. Can get around via tour interconnections, taxi-boat, public bus, driving or shuttles.
Click to read our 2 week coast to coast itinerary.
Two Weeks: Tamarindo, Monteverde, Bijagua and Rincon de la Vieja
Highlights
Destinations: Monteverde, Bijagua, Rincon de la Vieja and Tamarindo. Visits the cloud forest, rainforest, volcano and beach.
Must fly in and depart from LIR Airport. You must rent a car – 4wd or at least a car with high clearance.
Is ideal for those who like hiking and nature – this Costa Rica itinerary goes to just 1 beach town so more rainforest, less beach. This itinerary focuses a good deal on hiking to see the dry and tropical rainforests so travelers need to be active and avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Click to read our 2 weeks hiking, cloud forest and beach itinerary.
13 Days Without a Car: Puerto Viejo, La Fortuna & Monteverde
Highlights
Destinations: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, La Fortuna and Monteverde
Fly in and out of SJO Airport
This itinerary was created specifically for those who do not plan to rent a car. It is also geared for those who are more on a budget and/or are backpackers. Has beaches, volcano, rainforest, adventure, relaxation and cloud forest.
Click the link to read our 13 days in Costa Rica itinerary.
11 Days Classic: La Fortuna, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio
Highlights
Destinations: La Fortuna, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio
Fly in and out of SJO Airport
This itinerary visits three classic tourist destinations in Costa Rica, making it an ideal trip for first time visitors. It has a mix of wildlife, relaxation and adventure but isn’t too crazy. Plenty of beach days with a great overall experience at the rainforest and cloud forest.
Click here to read the Costa Rica 11 days itinerary.
10 Days Chasing Waterfalls: Bijagua, Bajos del Toro and Manuel Antonio
Highlights
Destinations: Bijagua, Bajos del Toro and Manuel Antonio
Fly into LIR Airport, fly out of SJO Airport
This itinerary is dedicated to waterfall hikes and goes to some of the most popular waterfalls in Costa Rica. You will be extremely busy as there is a significant amount of driving time and lots of hiking/walking. Renting a car is required. This itinerary is not for those looking to relax or be at the beach the whole time – it is for active travelers who love hiking, waterfalls and rainforest.
Click to read our Costa Rica 10 day waterfall itinerary.
10 Day Itinerary: San Jose, Puerto Viejo and Manuel Antonio
Highlights
Destinations: San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Manuel Antonio
Fly in and out of SJO Airport.
This itinerary goes to both Pacific and Caribbean coast, stopping in each destination for a few days so you will also see the city of San Jose. Can get around by shuttles, driving or public bus. You will have beach, nature, wildlife, city, culture and relaxation in this specific itinerary. Good for solo travelers, couples, families, backpackers. Also good for those who want to visit both coasts and want more beach time.
Click to read our 10 days Costa Rica itinerary.
8 Days Itinerary: Tortuguero, Bijagua and La Fortuna
Highlights
Destinations: Tortuguero, Bijagua and La Fortuna
Fly in and out of SJO Airport.
This itinerary goes to three of Costa Rica’s most popular national parks to see wildlife, nature, rainforest and volcano. It’s fast paced, and requires a rental car, though the first part to Tortuguero is with an all-inclusive tour package. Good for couples and solo travelers who are more interested in hiking, nature, wildlife and rainforest as it does not include a beach destination.
Click to read our Costa Rica in 8 days itinerary.
One Week Itinerary: Jaco, Manuel Antonio and Uvita
Highlights
Destinations: Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Uvita
Fly in and out of SJO Airport.
This one week itinerary goes fast as you are visiting three destinations in 7 days. Luckily, they are all a short drive of each other. You will experience beach, rainforest and nature but you will not have a ton of time to do excursions so you need to manage your time and choose your activities wisely. Good for couples, backpackers and solo travelers who want to see more places in less time and don’t care too much about doing tours.
Click to read our one week Costa Rica Central and South Pacific itinerary.
Costa Rica Family Itinerary: 8 days
Highlights
Two itineraries that fit into spring break (8 days). One for San Jose International Airport. One for Guanacaste Airport.
Itinerary 1 La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio
This itinerary is for those flying in and out of San Jose International Airport (airport code SJO Airport.) Good for all families of all ages, including multi generational families. Has the mix of rainforest, volcano, relaxation, adventure, culture and beach. Goes to two of the most touristic destinations in Costa Rica so plenty of hotels and services, well paved roads in the routes and lots to do. Can travel via car or private shuttles.
Click to read our one week Costa Rica family itinerary.
Itinerary 2 Samara and Bijagua
This itinerary is for families flying in and out of Guanacaste Airport (airport code LIR). Great itinerary for all ages. Goes to a beach town, Samara and a small farming town, Bijagua to experience beach, adventure, culture, nature, wildlife and rainforest. Must rent a car.
Click to read our Costa Rica family itinerary for Guanacaste Airport.
Costa Rica Itinerary 8 days: Playas del Coco and La Fortuna
Highlights
Destinations: Playas del Coco and La Fortuna
Fly in and out of LIR Airport.
Ideal itinerary for first timers or anyone who wants a simple trip to plan. Lots of hotels and things to do and see with a mix of rainforest, volcano and beach. Great for any traveler, all families, couples, solo travelers, backpackers, luxury travelers. Can rent a car or book shuttles. Can also use public transportation but must plan carefully between Playas del Coco and La Fortuna as it requires 3 buses.
Click to read our Costa Rica 8 days itinerary.
Tamarindo 5 Days (1 week total)
Highlights
Fly in and out of LIR Airport.
Total 1 week itinerary but day 1 is flying in, day 7 is flying out so this itinerary has 5 full days in Tamarindo.
Great for families who only have 1 week (like spring break) or those who want to stay at the beach as a home base.
Click to read our Tamarindo 5 days itinerary.
Guanacaste 5 Days
Highlights
Fly in and out of LIR Airport.
This sample 5 day Guanacaste itinerary helps you decide where in Guanacaste to stay, what to do and how to get around.
Main areas discussed in this post: Papagayo Peninsula/Playas del Coco, Tamarindo/Flamingo, Samara/Nosara and La Cruz.
Click to read our Guanacaste 5 days itinerary.
San Jose 5 Days
How to spend 5 days in the capital city of Costa Rica: San Jose
Click to read our San Jose 5 days itinerary.
5 Days Arenal and Monteverde
This sample 5 day itinerary in Arenal and Monteverde helps you figure out where to stay, what to do, how to get around and how many days to stay in Arenal and how many days to stay in Monteverde.
Click to read our Arenal and Monteverde 5 days itinerary.
2, 3 and 4 Days in La Fortuna
Ideas on how to spend 1, 2, 3 and 4 full days in La Fortuna. Recommendations for half and full day tours, where to eat and hotels to stay at.
Click to read our 3 day La Fortuna itinerary.
1, 2 and 3 Days in Monteverde
Ideas on how to spend 1, 2 or 3 full days in Monteverde. Also includes hotel recommendations, weather tips, packing tips and restaurant recommendations.
Click to read our 1 and 2 days in Monteverde itinerary.
Abby W says
Hi!
Your site is awesome! Packed with so much information that it’s almost making it harder to decide what to do and I’ve really left it to the last minute.
I’m arriving on 11/17 and I have nothing booked yet! I have 8 days in Costa Rica and it’s my first time. I’m traveling solo, I’m 40ish and I’d prefer to avoid the family loaded locations and not at all looking for a crazy party scene. Mostly want to spend time chillin’ on beautiful beaches with turquoise warm waves gently lapping at my feet.
I’m thinking 2-3 days at Tabocon (probably just 2 due to $$, this will be my hotel splurge, the rest have to cost under $150/night)
Then 3 days in Manuel Antonio and then where should I spend the remaining 3?
Maybe Samara? Or should I venture out to the Caribbean side and go to Puerto Viejo.
I don’t want to waste too much time in cars/buses. I’m open to short flights.
Help!
Thank you!
Sammi says
You can check Uvita, Costa Rica, it doesn’t have turquoise water but it’s warm.
The Caribbean is really far and if you’re traveling by bus, you’d have to do MA – SJ – PV which is a full day of travel (like 10 hours on a bus) and so I’d recommend somewhere close like Uvita, there is a bus from Quepos to Uvita.
Sammi says
October is the best month for the Caribbean as it’s their “summer” month. Sept and Nov can be nice too there but October is the best month.
You can read more about Best time to visit Costa Rica here.
If you don’t want any rain in Guanacaste, then you should visit Dec – April.
Lisa Rosado says
Hi,
Your info is fantastic, but I am so confused now as to when to come! I was trying to come third week of September for my 60th birthday. I really love to sit on the beach and take in the sun, although I love to venture out to see the land, animals, and environment- not a water sports couple.
Everyone told me to go to Guanacaste but if it’s raining daily then the beach is out from what I gather. I thought you said the Caribbean side has less rain in September, but then I thought somewhere else you said it’s rainy?
I love the Caribbean? Heard it’s more of a Jamaican feel? I want to come and eat all the tropical fruit that I can’t get in USA.
Do you think to fit my needs November or December would be better? Ugh
I appreciate any suggestions.
Thank you,
Lisa
Alicia says
Hi, Thanks for all the great content. My family is traveling to Costa Rica the last week in March and I just can’t decide on an itinerary. Any recommendations you have would be great. My first obstacle is that we arrive 3/23 on a red-eye at 6:30 am. What would you suggest that isn’t too far of a drive from SJO that would be too draining as we’ll be going on little sleep. And there’s also the issue of having to leave luggage in our rental vehicle until we are able to check-in. We have a total of 6 days leaving from SJO on the morning of the 29th so we will stay the night of the 28th by the airport. We’d like a combo of rain/cloud forest and relaxing beach time. Do you think that possible? If so what would you suggest route and stops would you suggest? Thanks sooo much
Sammi says
You could go to Jaco as it’s about 1.5 hours from San Jose and usually hotels are nice about letting you leave your luggage at the hotel before checking in and they can try to check you in a little earlier. You could do a couple nights at Jaco and then go to La Fortuna or Manuel Antonio National Park as Manuel Antonio has nice rainforest.
Angela says
Hello!
My friend and I are planning a 11day trip! We are thinking of doing Arenal then Monteverde then a beach on the pacific coast. We are having a hard time deciding where to go! We are looking for beginner surfing, snorkelling, and not overly touristy. What would your suggestion be? Also we don’t plan on renting a car so will be taking shuttles & buses.
Thank you!!
Sammi says
Hi Angela, you can check our Guanacaste, Costa Rica guide for ideas for beaches on the Guanacaste coast. You can also check our destinations map and read guides to the other beaches on the Pacific coast: Costa Rica destination map
Kim says
Hi, we are retired couple 60s , would like to have a 10 days (March) relax trip on the beach, light hiking, light adventure, more in beach, culture, food, scenery.
Need to depart from San Jose, should we arrive to Liberia instead of San Jose? Does Adobe rent the car pickup at Liberia and return at San Jose ? Any suggestion for itinerary is very appreciated . Thank You very much
Sammi says
Hi Kim, you can pick up the car in Liberia and return at San Jose, but there is a $45 USD fee for this change of locations.
Ron says
Looking for 10 days in CR in late Feb-early March… want to hit up SJ, La Fortuna, Monteverde, but torn between Manuel Antonio or Corcovado (or something else). A friend went and said that they were underimpressed with MA and I should go to Corcovado.
I plan to drive… but not sure if I’m overdoing it here. Also not sure whether I need a 4×4.
This is a loaded comment!
Sammi says
Corcovado is very far so you’ll need to plan accordingly to give yourself adequate time for travel. A 4×4/4wd is highly recommended for Monteverde and Osa Peninsula
Jessamyn C Trocio says
Hi,
Two of us will be flying into San Jose Airport on March 17th. We are trying to do La Fortuna/Arenal, Monteverde, Carara or Jaca National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park….do you think this is possible in one week? Do you recommend staying at multiple accommodations? Thank you in advance.
Sammi says
It’ll be a bit tight for one week but doable. You could even visit Carara on your way from Monteverde – Jaco.
Sammi says
Hi Lisa! I’m working on this page because the links are broken. Here is the 1 month one
Lisa says
Hi!
I am having trouble opening any of the itineraries. I am interested in the month long one. Is it possible you could send me a link?
Enjoying all the info so much!
Thank you,
Lisa