📍 Costa Rica

COSTA RICA COMPLETE: HIGHLANDS AND TROPICAL COASTS

Geothermal waters steam gently, canopy drips with morning mist, beach sand warms in the sun. Costa Rica is nature in its purest form.

≈ 13
Days
853
Km
4
Stops
📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

San José, La Fortuna hot springs, Monteverde cloud forest and Manuel Antonio beaches. Costa Rica is pura vida: generous nature and a unique way of life.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

San Jose

cultural hub city gateway

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5 photos
Day 1
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Discover

1
Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport and car pickup at Adobe Rent a Car
2
Short drive around San Jose and Walmart stop for supplies
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Next stop
Distance: 92.9 km
Travel time: 1h33
2
Day

La Fortuna

geothermal spring volcano

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8 photos
Day 2
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Discover

1
Scenic drive from San Jose to La Fortuna through small villages and rainforest
2
Mistico Hanging Bridges self-guided walk (3 km loop)
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Activities

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Night hike at El Silencio with Wildlife Tours Costa Rica to spot frogs, vipers and toucans
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Next stop
Distance: 130 km
Travel time: 2h30
3
Day

La Fortuna

geothermal spring volcano

La Fortuna - Photo 1La Fortuna - Photo 2La Fortuna - Photo 3La Fortuna - Photo 4La Fortuna - Photo 5La Fortuna - Photo 6La Fortuna - Photo 7La Fortuna - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 3
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Discover

1
Hike and wildlife observation at Arenal Observatory Lodge including Danta Waterfall and Los Cangrejos Trail
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Activities

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Optional evening relaxation at Tabacón Hot Springs or free El Choyin
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Next stop
Distance: 15 km
Travel time: 20min
4
Day

La Fortuna

geothermal spring volcano

La Fortuna - Photo 1La Fortuna - Photo 2La Fortuna - Photo 3La Fortuna - Photo 4La Fortuna - Photo 5La Fortuna - Photo 6La Fortuna - Photo 7La Fortuna - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 4
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Discover

1
Morning hike at Mirador El Silencio exploring lava trails and rainforest (3 h)
2
Lunch at Soda La Palma
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Activities

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Afternoon Sloth Tour and Night Walk at Papa’s Place
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Next stop
Distance: 10 km
Travel time: 15min
5
Day

Monteverde

misty canopy forest reserve

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6 photos
Day 5
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Discover

1
Visit La Fortuna Waterfall (500 steps round trip)
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Activities

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Drive from La Fortuna to Monteverde with scenic stops around Lake Arenal
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Next stop
Distance: 120 km
Travel time: 3h
6
Day

Monteverde

misty canopy forest reserve

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6 photos
Day 6
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Discover

1
Ziplining adventure at Selvatura Park (13 cables, 1 km longest line)
2
Hiking trails at Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (Youth Challenge and Encantado trails)
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Next stop
Distance: 10 km
Travel time: 15min
7
Day

Monteverde

misty canopy forest reserve

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6 photos
Day 7
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Discover

1
Full-day hike at El Tigre Waterfalls (8 km, 6 main waterfalls, 8 hanging bridges)
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Next stop
Distance: 10 km
Travel time: 20min
8
Day

Manuel Antonio

shore paradise beach wildlife

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7 photos
Day 8
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Discover

1
Morning walk in Aguti Reserve
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Activities

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Drive from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio with toll highways and scenic Pacific views
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Next stop
Distance: 180 km
Travel time: 4h
9
Day

Manuel Antonio

shore paradise beach wildlife

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7 photos
Day 9
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Discover

1
Explore Manuel Antonio National Park including Cathedral Trail and beaches
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Next stop
Distance: 5 km
Travel time: 10min
10
Day

Manuel Antonio

shore paradise beach wildlife

Manuel Antonio - Photo 1Manuel Antonio - Photo 2Manuel Antonio - Photo 3Manuel Antonio - Photo 4Manuel Antonio - Photo 5Manuel Antonio - Photo 6Manuel Antonio - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 10
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Discover

1
Rainmaker Reserve hike through hanging bridges and waterfalls
2
Afternoon drive to Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita
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Next stop
Distance: 120 km
Travel time: 2h30
11
Day

San Jose

cultural hub city gateway

San Jose - Photo 1San Jose - Photo 2San Jose - Photo 3San Jose - Photo 4San Jose - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 11
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Discover

1
Drive from Manuel Antonio to San Jose Airport with stop at crocodile bridge
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Next stop
Distance: 160 km
Travel time: 3h

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

COSTA RICA: VOLCANOES, CLOUD FORESTS AND PACIFIC BEACHES

📅 12 days 🛣️ 883.4 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - Costa Rica

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Dry Season (December-April): Perfect weather, minimal rainfall, peak tourist season, highest prices, ideal for beaches and outdoor activities.

Green Season (May-November): More rainfall, lush landscapes, fewer crowds, lower prices, afternoon showers typical, excellent for wildlife viewing.

Shoulder Seasons (April-May, November-December): Good balance weather and prices, moderate crowds, transitional periods, flexible travelers benefit.

Regional Variations: Caribbean coast different pattern, Pacific drier, mountain areas cooler, microclimates vary significantly.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 10 and 16 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Costa Rica?

"Pura Vida" philosophy with incredible biodiversity, adventure activities, and eco-tourism leadership. Experience cloud forests, pristine beaches, and exotic wildlife in stable Central American democracy. The country offers zip-lining, volcano hikes, and sustainable tourism practices. Costa Rica provides adventure and nature in environmentally conscious paradise.