15-day culture itinerary

day 1

arrive in san josé

Touch down at Juan Santamaría Airport. After your flight, make your way to your hotel, eat some great food and relax.
 

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day 2

explore the capital

San José is the capital and the biggest city in Costa Rica. Enjoy the atmosphere of Avenida Central. Check out the historic post office building. Take a photo in the Catedral Metropolitano. Visit the National and Melico Salazar Theaters. And stroll through the Central Market to grab a traditional meal. You could also grab food and have a picnic in La Sabana Metropolitan Park. Explore the interesting museums and art galleries to get a fuller picture of local life and history.

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day 3

day trip from san josé

Outside the capital, you can choose from incredible short trips bursting with culture. Visit the Sarchi Oxcart Factory to learn more about this staple of Costa Rican artisanship. You could also make your way to Poás Volcano, which boasts one of the largest craters in Central America. Make your reservation in advance. When you arrive, you’ll watch a safety video and then take a short scenic walk to the crater. Or take a tour through one of the many local coffee farms. See how the craftsmanship and attention to detail creates unmatched flavor. Sample some of the freshest coffee you’ve ever right, directly from the artisans who create it.

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days 4-5

arenal volcano national park

Just outside of Fortuna, a soaring volcano dominates the landscape and a namesake lake just below. Conservation efforts keep this land pristine, so you can hike, kayak, fish or soak in one of the nearby hot springs.

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days 6-7

puerto viejo

Puerto Viejo (“old port”) is a colorful city with one of the most popular beaches on the Caribbean side, Salsa Brava, where many people go to surf. You can also visit the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge which includes a protected reef.

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day 8

day trip to the bribri indigenous reserve

Talamanca is full of nature and mysticism. Ancient indigenous cultures, such as Cabécar and Bribri, intersect here. The Association of Bribri Indigenous Tourist Guides of Talamanca (AGITUBRIT) offers local-guided tours of their attractions, such as cacao farms, medicinal plants, waterfalls and beautiful hikes.

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day 9

irazú or guayabo

Breathe in the fresh air at Costa Rica’s highest volcano. At 3,432 meters above sea level, the vistas are incredible. On a clear day, you can even see both coasts. Irazú has five craters, and the largest and most visited crater contains a stunning iridescent green lake.

Just outside the city of Turrialba, you’ll discover Guayabo National Monument, built to protect one of Costa Rica’s most important archaeological sites. These ancient structures were inhabited from 1000 BCE until 1400 ACE. Structures include aqueducts, plazas, roadways, bridges and steps. Experts believe this site was a key regional hub for culture, religion and politics.
 

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days 10-11

explore the south pacific side

Travel to the South Pacific side of Costa Rica to have a few more exciting experiences. The Barú National Wildlife Refuge features some of the best birdwatching, as well as potential sightings of white-faced monkeys, blue morpo butterflies, collared peccaries and white-nosed coati.

Uvita is a small beach village, and you may know it best for its iconic whale tale-shaped sand formation, called Marino Ballena. From this vantage point, you may be able to see migrating whales during the right season.
 

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days 12-14

manuel antionio park

This protected area includes rainforests, beaches and coral reefs, meaning you can spot some incredible wildlife in astounding settings. Whether you’re walking white-sand beaches or trying to spot sloths in the forest, this is a fantastic post to dive into natural splendor. Take guided tours of the area, go ziplining or cruise on a catamaran.

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day 15

departure from Juan Santamaría International Airport

Head back to San Jose to catch your departing flight and start planning your next trip to Costa Rica.

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