8-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 Metropolitana. 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

visit alajuela

Alajuela is Costa Rica’s largest province by surface area. It’s known as the “Land of Mangos” because of the large number of mango trees. This region is a hub for historical figures and natural wonders. It also has two of the most impressive active volcanoes in the country, including Poás Volcano.

Poás Volcano 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.

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day 4

quick stop in limón

On your way to Puerto Viejo, Visit Limón sample the delicious Afro-Caribbean cuisine. Walk to Parque Vargas on the east end of the city to take in stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and enjoy the town’s unique architecture. Then continue on to Puerto Viejo.

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day 5

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.

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day 6

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 7

day trip to cahuita national park

Cahuita National Park was established to protect the most important coral reef in the country. It protects white-sand beaches, turquoise ocean waters and both marine and land-based biodiversity. Visitors can go hiking, snorkeling, surfing, diving or relax on the beach.

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day 8

departure day

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

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