Costa Rica Itinerary: The Best Travel Plan for an Unforgettable Trip

Last Updated: March 01, 2025

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Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in Central America. It is home to beautiful beaches, museums, rainforests, and volcanoes, and its remarkable beauty attracted over 2.6 million visitors in 2024.

While writing this guide, I cannot express how excited I am to visit Costa Rica. If I ever get the chance to witness the country's beauty, I will certainly choose the 14-day itinerary with VolunteerFDIP.

If you are planning to visit Costa Rica, you must review today’s guide to help you plan your visit according to your itinerary.

Costa Rica Itinerary 3 Days

If you have just three days to spend in Costa Rica, don't worry. You can still experience the beauty, wildlife, and culture there. The only thing you need is the perfect three-day itinerary. The itinerary below will provide you with a taste of city life, nature, and relaxation.

Day 1: Arrive in San José & Discover the City

Your first day will start at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) of San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica. After landing there, find out the best hotel in the city and take some time to explore the city.

The places you can visit in San Jose are:

1. The National Museum of Costa Rica - This is a fantastic place to learn about Costa Rica and its history.
2. The Central Market - Next, you can visit the Central Market. I recommend exploring it on foot, enjoying the local snacks and experiencing the life of the local Costa Ricans.

After a full day, visit nearby hotels to enjoy traditional Costa Rican food, such as gallo pinto or casado plates with rice, beans, plantains, and salad.

Day 2: Explore Manuel Antonio – Beaches, Wildlife & Nature

On the second day, wake up in the morning and travel to Manuel Antonio, which will take you around 3 to 3.5 hours to drive from San José. There, you can enjoy the well-known national parks and the beaches.

Spend your whole day in Manuel Antonio National Park, enjoying the scenic hiking trails and lush jungle. You can find many cute wildlife, such as monkeys, sloths, and colourful birds, which you will surely capture. Here, you can also find relaxing parks with beautiful white-sand beaches where you can swim.

In the evening, go for a beachfront dinner at any local restaurant and enjoy your meal while watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Day 3: Relax on the Beach & Head Back Home

Today is the last day for your three-day Costa Rica itinerary. Before heading back, start your morning on the relaxing beach and have some adventures. You can swim in the Pacific Ocean with colourful fish and marine animals. Alternatively, you can also take a paddle boat to enjoy the ocean.

And after a beautiful morning, drive back to San Jose to catch your flight home with a lot of beautiful memories.

Costa Rica Itinerary 4 Days

If you have a bit more time, you can gain experience and create more memories. On a 4-day trip to Costa Rica, you can immerse yourself in both the culture and adventurous locations. You can explore the capital city, stunning volcanoes, and misty cloud forests and enjoy some thrilling outdoor activities on your 4-day Costa Rica itinerary.

Day 1: Arrive in San José and Explore the City

Start your day from the Airport, San Jose, Costa Rica, and explore the city as mentioned in day 1 of the 3-day itinerary. This involves exploring the National Museum of Costa Rica and the Central Market of San Jose.

And in the afternoon, visit the nearby coffee plantation and experience how Costa Rica's famous coffee tastes. And at the end day, have a delicious Costa Rican diner like Casado.

Day 2: Hike Arenal Volcano and Relax in Hot Springs

On the second day, travel to La Fortuna, the home of the famous Arenal Volcano. This drive will take you around three hours from San José to Arenal Volcano.

And spend your afternoon hiking around Arenal Volcano. Enjoy the views of that massive volcano and the lush jungle.

After your hike, find out the best nearby hot spring resort and enjoy it by sitting near the natural hot springs (Arenal Volcano).

Day 3: Adventure in Monteverde Cloud Forest

The next morning, drive to Monteverde, one of Costa Rica's most popular cloud forests. This journey will take you 3 to 3.5 hours from La Fortuna.

Spend your whole day in the magical misty forest of Monteverde. It is the home of many unique plants, birds, and animals that you love looking at.

For more adventures, I recommend having a canopy tour or Zizipliningyou need to glide above the treetops to experience the amazing view of the rainforest.

At the end of the 3rd day, go to any lodge on the mountain and enjoy your favourite meal with fresh air and a peaceful atmosphere.

Day 4: Spend the Morning in Monteverde and Return to San José

Now, today is the last day of your 4 days in Costa Rica. Start your morning with a coffee and have a nature walk in the cloud forest with the beautiful voices of exotic birds like the famous resplendent quetzal.

And after the relaxed morning, drive back to San Jose to return back your home.

The Costa Rica 4-day itinerary is best for travellers who want to experience the country's cultures, nature, and adventures in a short period of time. In just four days, you can visit the city streets, witness active volcanoes, and explore the breathtaking cloud forest.

Costa Rica Itinerary 5 Days

If you want a more in-depth experience, opt for the 5-day Costa Rica itinerary. In just 5 days, you can enjoy many adventures, relaxation, and explore Costa Rica’s culture.

Day 1: Arrive in San José and Tour the City

The first day of your five-day trip to Costa Rica starts at the San Jose airport. After landing, explore the local market, the National Theater, and the museum. Spend the whole day exploring the city.

At the end of the first day, enjoy a Costa Rican dinner or fresh seafood while learning about the country's culture.

Day 2: Visit Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna’s Hot Springs

The next day, after your morning coffee and light breakfast, leave for the majestic Arenal Volcano, which will take you around 3 hours from San Jose.

Hire a guide to know more about the Arenal Volcano Base and to explore the lush jungle in more detail. After exploring the volcano, don't miss visiting Fortuna Waterfall.

Day 3: Explore Monteverde’s Cloud Forest and Ziplining

After exploring the La Fortuna volcano, travel to Monteverde, which will take you around 3.5 hours from La Fortuna. After reaching their experience, the famous cloud forest of the

While in the forest, have a canopy tour and walk through the suspension bridge above the forest and spot different unique wildlife like monkeys, toucans, and the rare resplendent quetzal.

Day 4: Relax on Manuel Antonio’s Beaches and Wildlife Spotting

Again on day 4 of your 5 days in Costa Rica, have a drive to the Ma Antonio to enjoy the most famous beaches of Costa Rica. The drive to Manuel Antonio from Monteverde takes around 3.5 hours.

Spend your whole day at the Manuel Antonio National Park. Have a memorial hiking while enjoying different wild animals like sloths and monkeys.

And don't miss to have a swim in the crystal clear waters of the park's stunning beaches.

At the end of the day, enjoy the seaside dinner at any beachfront restaurant while also enjoying the beautiful sunset.

Day 5: Enjoy a Beach Morning and Return to San José

Today is the last day, and you must leave for your country. So before leaving, start your morning from the relaxing beaches and explore the different local shops of Manuel Antonio. Find the best places for your coffee and breakfast.

After a fresh morning, leave for San Jose around 10 a.m. to catch your flight back to your home country.

This is a five-day itinerary for Costa Rica. It is a mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation. Whether you want to hike through volcanoes or explore the forest, we have covered it all.

Costa Rica Itinerary for 7 Days

Spending a week in Costa Rica allows you to experience its cultures and nature more deeply. Our seven-day itinerary allows you to see all the country's attractions while also absorbing the local cultures.

Day 1: Arrive in San José and Explore Its Culture

As we do above, after arriving at San Jose Airport, go to your favourite hotel in the city. And after taking a bath and being fresh, go out to explore the capital city of Costa Rica.

Spend your whole day exploring the city, but at night, sleep on time, as the next day, you need to travel to La Fortuna, Volcano City.

Day 2: Travel to La Fortuna and Visit Arenal Volcano

On the second day morning, around 8 am, book your taxi from the ride-sharing app and head towards Fortuna. You will reach there around 11 am, have your morning meal at any local restaurant there and g,o hiking.

Hike near the Arenal volcano with its breathtaking views. Spending time there will forgotforgetour life stress.

After a scenic day, have a sleep at a local hotel with some local meals.

Day 3: Explore Monteverde’s Cloud Forest and Wildlife

Today is the third day of your week's itinerary in Costa Rica. Start your morning with a hard coffee and be ready for more adventures. Travel to Monteverde will take you around 3.5 hours from La Fortuna.

After arriving in Monteverde, explore the Cloud Forest and look for endangered animals like toucans and sloths. Here, you can experience a suspension bridge that provides a close-up view of the rainforest.

Day 4: Experience Ziplining and Canopy Tours in Monteverde

Spend the 4th day also in Monteverde for more experience. Go through the Zipling, have a canopy tough to walk through the treetops and more.

In the evening, visit the local artisan markets and enjoy fresh Costa Rican coffee. Before it's too late, go to your hotel and sleep on time, as we have different plans for tomorrow.

Day 5: Visit Manuel Antonio National Park and Its Beaches

After your morning coffee, head to Manuel Antonio, which will take you around 3 to 3.5 hours to ride from Monteverde.

Once you arrive, go for a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, home to various wild animals.

In the midday, have a swim at the park's crystal-clear beaches. You can enjoy as much as you like there, as our plan is to spend another day in Manuel Antonio.

Day 6: Relax on Manuel Antonio’s Beaches and Try Water Activities

On the 6th day, try snorkelling or kayaking along the beautiful coastline. This way, you can experience the underwater world.

For more relaxation, spend time on the white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio.

After an adventurous day, treat yourself to delicious seafood or other favorite dishes on the dinner.

Day 7: Enjoy a Morning in Manuel Antonio and Return to San José

Today is the last day of a week's itinerary in Costa Rica. Have a relaxed morning at the beach and explore local shops for some memorial gifts or items to purchase.

And then travel back to San Jose to catch your flight back.

The 7-day Costa Rica travel itinerary is full of culture exploration, adventurous hiking, and beach, each time.

Costa Rica 10 day itinerary

Spending 10 days in Costa Rica allows you to experience more things in Costa Rica and that very closely.

The Costa Rica itinerary for 10 days is as follows:

1. Days 1-3: Explore Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna
2. Days 4-5: Discover Monteverde’s Cloud Forest
3. Days 6-8: Enjoy Manuel Antonio’s Beaches & Nature
4. Days 9-10: Experience the Caribbean Coast Culture

Day 1: Arrive in San José & Drive to La Fortuna

After clearing your cs at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose, you can book a rental car from Adobe Rental and experience San Jose.

Then, drive to La Fortuna, which will take you about three hours. Enjoy the scenic views of the countryside.

You will reach La Fortuna in the evening, so check in at your hotel and enjoy your dinner. Leave others for tomorrow.

Day 2: Discover Arenal Volcano & Its Surroundings

On the second morning, head out to Arenal Volcano National Park. Enjoy the scenic views of the lava flow. You can relax and soak in the natural hot springs there.

In the evening, enjoy lunch at a local eatery with fresh, local ingredients.

Day 3: Enjoy Canyoning and Explore Local Artisan Markets 

On the third day, you can try canyoning, where you'll climb and descend to the waterfalls. You can also take a guided nature walk to explore the different plants and animals.

In the afternoon, visit the local markets and buy a Boruca mask or other wooden crafts made by local artists as a token of love.

Day 4: Travel to Monteverde & Join a Guided Cloud Forest Tour

Today is the 4th day of your 10 days in Costa Rica. After your morning meal, drive to the Moerde, which will take you around 2.5 to 3 hours from La Fortuna. Once you reach there, join a guided tour to explore the forest reserve, where you can see different colors of birds, small animals, and unique plants.

In the afternoon, explore the local market by walking and relaxing with locally grown coffee. At night, enjoy local dishes for dinner.

Day 5: Experience Ziplining & Savor Local Coffee Flavors

Start your 5th day with Zipling or a canopy tour. By gliding through the treetops, you can experience the Monteverde as the bird. Spend your whole day experiencing the adventurous trip around the cloud forest.

Day 6: Drive to Manuel Antonio & Check-In at a Beachfront Hotel

On the 6th day of your 10-day trip in Costa Rica, depart for Manuel Antonio, which will take about a 3-hour drive from Monteverde. After arriving, enjoy the scenic beauty of the Pacific coast.

Check into any beachfront hotel to take in the stunning ocean views right from your room. In the evening, stroll along the beach to witness the breathtaking sunset.

Day 7: Hike and Explore Manuel Antonio National Park

On the morning of the 7th day, be fresh and ready for a memorable hike. Head to Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can spot playful monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds.

Enjoy the entire day on your own, and for dinner, savor fresh seafood at the beachfront cafe while listening to the soothing sounds of nature.

Day 8: Enjoy Water Sports & Relax on the Coast

Start your eighth day with some water sports, like kayaking and snorkeling. You can even take a guided tour for a more adventurous experience.

After enjoying the whole day, I recommend exploring the local market in town. Here, you can find small shops owned by kind-hearted locals. Make sure to buy something from them if you want to support their businesses.

Don't be too late for sleep, as our plan for tomorrow is to drive to the Caribbean Coast. So, go to your hotel on time and have a good night's sleep after enjoying your favorite dinner.

Day 9: Explore the Caribbean at Puerto Viejo or Tortuguero

Start the 9th day in Costa Rica with a beautiful drive to the Caribbean Coast. First, head to Puerto Viejo to enjoy the jungle trails and explore the local culture.

After your time there, you can even drive to Tortuguero for boat tours and wildlife exploration.

Day 10: Bike Through Coastal Villages & Return to San José

Today is the last day of your 10-day Costa Rica itinerary. But before leaving, have a guided bike ride to the coastal villages. This way you can experience the everyday life of the Caribbean locals and can learn about their traditions and regional crafts.

For lunch, you can have regional and cultural dishes at any local restaurant. Depending on your flight schedule, you can then drive back to San Jose.

Costa Rica Itinerary 14 Days

In 14 days, Costa Rica itinerary, explore the Arenal Volcano, hike Monteverde's cloud forest, and relax on the Antonio beaches. Also experience the Caribbean culture and their tradition.

14-day itinerary for Costa Rica includes:

1. Days 1-3: Start Your Adventure by Exploring Arenal
2. Days 4-5: Discover the Wonders of Monteverde's Cloud Forest
3. Days 6-7: Relax on the Beaches and Enjoy Wildlife in Manuel Antonio
4. Days 8-9: Experience the Natural Beauty of Uvita & Dominical
5. Days 10-12: Explore the Caribbean Coast for Culture and Fun
6. Days 13-14: Return to San José and Say a Fond Goodbye

Days 1-3: Start Your Adventure by Exploring Arenal

Land in San Jose and explore the city as much as you can. Then in the midday, take a rental car and leave for the 3-hour scenic drive to La Fortuna.

You can spend that day exploring Arenal Volcano, or if you don't have enough time, you can explore it again the next day.

On the next day, take a guided tour of Arenal Volcano Park to explore the historic 1968 eruption that caused it.

On day 3 of 14 days in Costa Rica, go for an adventurous activity like whitewater rafting and canyoning.

As today is the last day in La Fortuna, in the evening, have a walk around the local market and browse their handcrafted items and La Fortians' lifestyle.

Days 4-5: Discover the Wonders of Monteverde's Cloud Forest

Your 5th day is all about leaving La Fortuna for Monteverde! The drive’s about 2.5–3 hours, but the views are super pretty. Once you get there, you’ll do a guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Think misty trails, so many cool birds (bring binoculars!), and tons of green plants everywhere. After the tour, chill at a cozy café or wander around the village—maybe grab a coffee or ice cream?

Start Day 5 with adventurous ziplining or a canopy tour (basically flying through the trees!). After lunch, visit hummingbirds or shop at the market. End with a cozy dinner and a quiet evening walk. This is a fun mix of adventure and chill vibes.

Days 6-7: Relax on the Beaches and Enjoy Wildlife in Manuel Antonio

On the 6th morning, drive to Manuel Antonio, which will take 3 to 3.5 hours from Monteverde. And checking into any beachfront hotels, and enjoy the beaches and pool all afternoon. For dinner, I will suggest any seafood.

On day 7 of 2 2-week itinerary, visit the Antonio National Park where you can spot different wildlife.

Days 8-9: Experience the Natural Beauty of Uvita & Dominical

In the morning, drive to Uvita for the Coastal views. Explore the Marino Ballen Park and see the whale's tail sandbar at low tide.

• Don't miss the whale tail's sandbar, it looks like a giant whale flipper.

 

On the 9th day, head to Dominical surf town. Explore the markets, walk through the beach and try surfing. Lunch at a beach café, chill by the ocean. End with sunset dinner by the waves.

Days 10-12: Explore the Caribbean Coast for Culture and Fun

Next drive for the Puerto Viejo through the rainforest. After arrival, explore the shops, and the Caribbean food in Puerto Viejo.

On the 11th day of 14 days in Costa Rica, go for hiking at Cahuita park and have lunch at their cafe. Plus you can rent out the bikes and have an evening ride through the cruise villages for a more adventurous day.

And the 12th day, have a local chocolate tour and soak up the local Caribbean vibes. At night, enjoy the Spicy dinner and have time to sleep.

Note: Be sure to try the Afro-Caribbean dishes, enjoy fresh coconut water from the roadside stall, and participate in the homemade chocolate tour in Puerto Viejo.

Days 13-14: Return to San José and Say a Fond Goodbye

On the 13th day, drive back to San Jose. Go slowly, enjoying the coffee farm or Poás Volcano along the way. Have Costa Rican lunch during the journey. In short, enjoy the ride and make it a full day of travel by savoring the trip.

Today is the last day of the 14-day Costa Rica itinerary. So visit San Jose museums, take city tours, and create as many memories as you can before your flight. Then fly back to your home country by saying sweet goodbyes and taking lots of memories from Costa Rica.

Must See Highlights for Costa Rica Itinerary

There are many things to do in Costa Rica, but few are memorable that you won’t want to miss by any chance.

1. Don’t miss the chance to explore the lush rainforest, the Arenal Volcano puffing steam, and the beaches. They feel like a real-world Jurassic Park.
2. Explore the cloud forest to discover unique wildlife such as the Manuel Antonio monkeys, sloths, and more.
3. Try enjoying local cuisine and sampling breakfast, while participating in cultural activities for a memorable experience.
4. Don't miss out on adventurous activities like ziplining and surfing.

Read about interesting facts about Costa Rica to discover the must-see things you shouldn't miss during your visit.

Conclusion

In summary, Costa Rica has many attractions, including beautiful nature, wildlife, and cultural experiences. There are many places that every traveler should visit at least once. So, plan your next trip to Costa Rica for an adventure that is both exciting and relaxing.

While planning your visit, it’s important to pay attention to every detail. A guided trip can help ensure you don’t miss any must-see highlights and that your travel experience is smooth and stress-free. Get in touch with our support team to discover which itinerary best fits your budget and schedule, and let us help you create an unforgettable Costa Rica adventure.

FAQs

Q1. How many days do you need in Costa Rica?

You need 7 to 14 days to properly explore Costa Rica, including its beaches, rainforests, and volcanoes.

Q2. Is 10 days enough for Costa Rica?

10 days is a good amount of time for exploring Costa Rica. In 10 days, you can explore the Arenal's hot springs, Monteverde's cloud forest, Manuel Antonio Wildlife, and many more.

Q3. Where should I start my Costa Rica Trip?

San Jose is the starting point for a Costa Rica trip for foreigners as it is the capital city and has an international airport.

Q4. What are the best places to visit for a first-time traveler?

Arenal and La Fortuna are the best places for first-time travelers to Costa Rica, as you can experience zip-lining, enjoy volcano views, and soak in natural hot springs.

Q5. What is the shortest trip I can take for Costa Rica?

Even you can opt for the 3-4 day itinerary, but don't choose a trip shorter than 7 days to fully experience Costa Rica, including zip lining and beach naps.

Q6. How do I plan a perfect Costa Rica itinerary?

Know your budget, choose the spots you love in Costa Rica, and plan your itinerary according to your timetable. If you would like us to plan your Costa Rica itinerary, please contact us.