10-day itinerary
Whether you’re booking your trip independently or through a travel advisor, here are helpful ideas of what you may like to see and do to enjoy the incredible nature in Costa Rica.
day 1
arrive in san josé
Touch down at Juan Santamaría Airport, then explore the capital. San José is 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.
arrival at juan santamaria airport
avenida Central and the historic post office building
catedral metropolitano
melico salazar theater
central market and a traditional meal
la sabana metropolitan park
day 2-3
tortuguero national park
Visitors can only reach Tortuguero by plane or by boat. Book a two-day expedition through the canals to take in the impressive biodiversity. Incredible species you may see here include green sea turtles, green frogs, caymans, darters and jacanas. Take a hike through the jungle, paddle your own kayak or ride on a motorized boat through the waters. In town, sit down for a delicious local meal.
canal expedition
jungle hike
kayaking adventure
enjoy a local meal
days 4–5
sarapiquí river
Go whitewater rafting along the Rio Sarapiquí or take a night tour of the Sarapiquí Rainforest. If you’re looking for even more adrenaline, you can go zip lining, kayaking, rappelling and horseback riding in this unique setting. This area is also a hotbed for nature research and birdwatching.
The La Selva Biological Reserve has miles of trails for adventuring and trekking, and you just may spot tapirs, agoutis, bats, monkeys, butterflies and a variety of bird species.
Braulio Carrillo National Park is just outside Sarapiquí. Follow hiking trails through this wide expanse of virgin forest, or view the splendor from above on the aerial tram.
whitewater rafting
zip lining
kayaking on the rio sarapiquí
rappelling in sarapiquí
horseback riding in sarapiquí
night tour of sarapiqui rainforest
nature research and birdwatching
visit la selva biological reserve
braulio carrillo national park
days 6–7
monteverde cloud forest biological reserve
This tropical jungle is home to unique flora and fauna, as well as an ever-present mist — or cloud. Ride sky trams, zipline and cross suspension bridges through this incredible landscape. You may spot big cats, such as ocelots or jaguars, or incredible bird species. Explore this oasis by day or night to see different species and activities.
Nearby the cloud forest, you can also visit local coffee, cacao and sugar cane farms to experience how these delicacies are created and enjoy samples.
zip lining and suspension bridges
exploring the flora and fauna
tour of coffee, cacao or sugar cane farms
days 8-9
carara national park and central pacific beaches
Carara National Park sits between the provinces of San José and Puntarenas. Carara means “lizard river” in the indigenous Huetar language. Birdwatchers will enjoy looking for the scarlet macaw, an endangered species.
Then continue on to one of the surfing beaches nearby. Jacó Beach offers great surfing, as well as fishing tours, ATV rides, kayaking, nightlife and delicious cuisine. Playa Esterillos is a scenic location with exceptional surfing.
explore carara national park
jacó beach
surfing at playa esterillos
day 10
departure from juan santamaría international airport
Head back to San José to catch your departing flight and start planning your next trip to Costa Rica.
departure
