15-day itinerary
Whether you’re booking your trip independently or through a travel advisor, here are helpful ideas of big adventures in Costa Rica.
days 1-2
arrive in san josé
Arrive in San José, the beginning and end point of your 15-day adventure. San José is the capital and the biggest city in Costa Rica, overflowing with cultural activities and delicious dining. Take out your camera for selfies in front of the imposing Catedral Metropolitano. Visit the National and Melico Salazar Theater, and take a walk through the Central Market for an authentically local meal. The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and Museo Nacional De Costa Rica tell stories from Indigenous history to modern-day Costa Rica.
As an option, you can shorten your time in San José and spend day two at Poás Volcano, home to an active volcano with one of the largest craters in the world. This diverse area also has a cloud forest and lush trails. Among the must-do local activities are buying fresh strawberries and cheese, and stopping for lunch at one of the roadside restaurants.
catedral metropolitano
exploring the national theater
melico salazar theater
pre-columbian gold museum
museo nacional de costa rica
exploring restaurants
poás volcano
day 3
drake bay
Located on the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay (Bahía Drake) is a small town with a big legacy. Named for Sir Francis Drake, it’s believed that the pirate/explorer used the bay as his base to raid Spanish ships. It’s also the gateway to Corcovado National Park and Caño Island, ideal for watching humpback whales, guided wildlife hikes, and diving or snorkeling in clear blue waters.
exploring drake bay
corcovado national park
cano island
day 4
sierpe river
Also on the Osa Peninsula, Sierpe is located at the mouth of the Sierpe River. This secluded town is a perfect hub for your nature getaway, where water adventures play a starring role. Set out on a tour of a large mangrove reserve, go on a guided hike through the rainforest, or take a wildlife-spotting boat ride along the river.
tour of the mangrove reserve
guided hike through the rainforest
spot wildlife on a boat ride
day 5
marino ballena national park
Humpback whales and several kinds of dolphins play in these waters, and the beaches are absolutely stunning. Be sure to visit the Whale Tale (tombolo) , a natural rocky formation that resembles a whale’s tail. Snorkeling or scuba diving reveals the colorful underwater world. There are four access points to Marino Bellena National Park: Uvita, Colonia, Ballena and Piñuela
visit the whale tail (tombolo)
snorkeling or scuba diving
day 6
san gerardo de dota
At the edge of Los Quetzales National Park, San Gerardo de Dota is hidden in a valley and surrounded by the Talamanca mountains. This small area is renowned for its exceptional bird-watching, where forests are home to a significant population of Resplendent Quetzal, hummingbirds and many other prized species. Go on a cloud forest hike or soar through the canopy on your adventure-filled journey.
As another off-the-beaten-path option, head to the private Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park. Massive falls tumble into a swimmable basin, creating a spectacle that is considered one of the most beautiful views in Costa Rica.
los quetzales national park
nauyaca waterfall nature park
day 7
irazú volcano national park
Costa Rica’s tallest volcano is located within this protected area, connected by a paved road to Cartago. Travel along the volcano slope and venture on a hike to a crater – the terrain feels as if you’re in another world altogether.
Or you can tackle whitewater rapids on the Savegre River. These Class III are navigable yet exhilarating, and you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of jungles and small river towns. Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge is a tropical preserve filled with forests, mangroves and wetlands. Go on a guided hike, explore old plantations or take a zipline tour for the full adventure.
hacienda barú national wildlife refuge
whitewater rafting on the savegre river
day 8
turrialba and pacuare river
Take on another set of rapids on the Pacuare River. Considered one of the top whitewater rapid spots in the world, these Class IV rapids are a wild ride. The Central Valley town of Turrialba is your launch point. Depending on your guide, you may take a break to go on a waterfall hike before returning for another whirlwind adventure.
whitewater rafting on the pacuare river
waterfall hike in turrialba
day 9
tortuguero national park
Tortuguero National Park is so secluded that it’s only accessible by a plane ride or or a scenic journey by private car and boat. The rewards are worth it! Catch sight of the famous sea turtles that reside on these shores (nesting season is July through October), and take a canal cruise that meanders through landscapes where sloths, monkeys and toucans reside.
canal cruise in tortuguero national park
sea turtle nesting observation
day 10
puerto viejo de sarapiquí
Within Sarapiquí, Tirimbina Biological Reserve is a nature-lover’s paradise and significant research center. Hike through the rainforest and look for over hundred species of bird life. A night tour of the Sarapiquí Rainforest shows a different side of nature. For an adrenaline rush, go zip lining, rappelling and horseback riding, or tackle the white-water rapids of the Rio Sarapiquí. A rainforest cacao tour and a visit to a pineapple farm satisfy every craving.
bird-watching in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
whitewater rafting on sarapiqui river
tour a pineapple farm
day 11
la fortuna and arenal volcano
Travel to La Fortuna, the small town at the base of Arenal Volcano. It’s best known for iconic natural vistas and restorative wellness experiences. Visit the local spas and discover a connection with nature and yourself.
From La Fortuna, you have your pick of activities at Arenal Volcano National Park, Lake Arenal and surrounding areas. Keep it laid-back on a walking tour to learn about the history of Arenal and its massive eruptions, and learn about the local agriculture on a coffee and chocolate tour. Go horseback riding or take it to the next level on a canopy tour or white-water rafting adventure. A nocturnal hike through the jungle reveals a different side of nature.
arenal volcano history and walking tour
coffee and chocolate tour
canopy tour
nocturnal wildlife walk
day 12
rincón de la vieja national park
In Guanacaste Province, this national park is home to one of the most famous volcanoes in Costa Rica: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, along with the dormant Santa Maria Volcano. Collectively, the area is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled with adventures. Go on a wildlife hike through the dry tropical forest where birds and mammals thrive. You can also explore a cloud forest, and hike toward areas where volcanic activity is apparent with boiling mud pots, steam vents and fumaroles.
wildlife hike
cloud forest hiking
volcanic activity tour
days 13-14
papagayo gulf
On this beautiful stretch of coastline, you’ll find picture-perfect beaches framed by lush green foliage and shady palm trees. There are several all-inclusive, boutique and luxury resorts to choose from. Swim in the warm, welcoming waters, or plunge beneath the surface on a snorkeling or diving excursion. You can go kayaking or paddle boarding through tranquil water or set out on a sunset sail, and then simply unwind on the beach after a full day of adventure.
snorkeling or scuba diving
kayaking / paddle boarding
sunset sail
day 15
departure from liberia guanacaste airport
Head over to the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport to catch your departing flight and start planning your next trip to Costa Rica.
departure
