Plan your long-weekend getaway to Costa Rica
With so much to explore (30 national parks! A dozen different ecosystems! 200 volcanic formations!), it’s easy to think of Costa Rica as a “someday” kind of trip – the kind of journey that requires impeccable planning and a big budget. But if you’re short on time, you can jump right into that feeling of pura vida on a long-weekend getaway. It’s the perfect way to sample the best of Costa Rica and set the stage for your next visit.
Nonstop flights, zero jet lag
Getting to Costa Rica is a breeze with daily nonstop options from multiple gateway cities. Your flight time is 4 hours or less to Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, departing from several U.S. airports, including:
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Sightseeing in a single weekend
Take it from those who have been there. Starting from San José, one traveler chronicles their adventures, which included an aerial tour, zip lining and dining on local cuisine.
Get to know San José
Costa Rica’s vibrant capital is a story unto itself. Take a walking tour through this historical city where you’ll encounter a mix of neoclassical and Victorian architecture, peppered with modern and sustainable styles. From theaters and museums to plazas and parks, see what you’ll uncover.
6 destinations near San José
Keep it simple in San José. From here, you can hit lots of highlights over a long weekend, including beaches, caves and a major national park.
National parks, close to home
Feel your pulse pound as you move from the city to Costa Rica’s famous national parks. From San José, catch sight of one of the world’s largest craters at Poás Volcano National Park and see the tallest volcano in the country rising from within Irazú Volcano National Park. From Liberia, Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Palo Verde National Park and Guanacaste National Park are all within about an hour’s drive.
Historical walks through Liberia
If you’re flying into Liberia, capital of the Guanacaste region, you’ve got a whole city to explore on day one. Take a walking tour to see traditional bahareque architecture, historical churches and serene green spaces.
The beaches of Guanacaste
With 400 miles of Pacific coastline, the Guanacaste region is paradise for beachgoers. Discover the top beaches and other natural attractions that are within close reach.
If you can only pick one …
Dedicate your long weekend to the experience you’ve always dreamed about. Whether you’re imagining yourself zip-lining through a rainforest canopy, greeting sloths in their natural habitat or hiking in an Indigenous reserve, get inspired by our itineraries – then click on the trip planning tool to build your own personal adventure.