21-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 travel to either Poás Volcano or Irazú Volcano.
arrival at juan santamaria airport
poás volcano
volcán irazú national park
days 2-3
corcovado national park
Corcovado National Park is a famous site for hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, swimming, horseback riding and fishing. You can discover scenic trails and waterfalls and visit the Guaymí Indigenous Reserve. At the right time of the year, you might see turtles nesting. But at any time, you may see ocelots, jaguars, monkeys, tapirs, agoutis, bull sharks and more.
hiking and wildlife watching
bird-watching in corcovado national park
kayaking and swimming
visit guaymi indigenous reserve
days 4-5
piedras blancas national park
Protecting over 14,000 hectares of local land, this national park consists of lowland tropical rainforest and several beaches and bays. Hike to waterfalls and along rivers. You may see howler monkeys, capuchins, coatis, toucans and scarlet macaws. Dive and snorkel around a coral reef. Explore mangroves, lakes and lagoons.
hiking in piedras blancas national park
snorkeling or scuba diving
exploring mangroves, lake and lagoons
day 6
golfito national wildlife refuge
This wildlife refuge surrounds the town of Golfo and protects the water supply. Choose between intensive five-hour hikes through the forest or shorter scenic trails. Keep an eye out for capuchins, spider monkeys, raccoons, parrots, ibises, butterflies and bats.
hiking the refuges
days 7-8
las cruces and wilson botanical gardens
Las Cruces Research Station brings together scientists, outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to study and explore the tropical wet premontane forest. Research conducted here involves outreach to the surrounding communities to help improve sustainable landscapes and livelihoods.
The Wilson Botanical Gardens spans 10 hectares and houses a broad collection of plants from across the globe. Botanists care for and study endangered plants from Costa Rica and beyond.
las cruces research station visit
wilson botanical gardens
day 9
cerro de la muerte
Don’t let the name scare you. This stunning mountain is a great place for birdwatching, hiking, fishing and horseback riding. Dress in layers – the mountain has been known to be a bit chilly, especially at night. The colder weather means unique flora grows here, including diverse species of ferns, bamboo and mosses.
bird-watching at cerro de la muerte
hiking at cerro de la muerte
fishing at cerro de la muerte
horseback riding
days 10-11
los quetzales national park
At the head of the Savegre River basin, you’ll find Los Quetzales National Park. Unsurprisingly, this park is renowned as a fantastic bird-watching spot, especially in the lower cloud forest. As the name suggests, you may be able to see quetzales on your trek, but keep your eyes peeled for hummingbirds, trogons, wrens and woodpeckers as well. The protected area is also home to sloths, monkeys and pumas.
bird-watching in lower cloud forest
trekking to a waterfall
wildlife spotting
days 12-13
los santos biological reserve
Embark on an adventure at Hacienda La Lucha. Whether you choose to stay and camp or stop in for a visit, you’ll find incredible natural beauty. Hike through 35 kilometers of trails through the lush landscape. Many visitors choose to make their way to a scenic waterfall. You can also rent a boat or kayak to explore Lake Muni.
If you can’t get enough java, Los Santos is a great spot to tour coffee plantations and taste the local brews.
hiking at hacienda la lucha
see a scenic waterfall
boating or kayaking
coffee plantation tour
days 14-15
irazú national park
Breathe in the 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.
hike to irazú volcano national park
days 16-17
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 cruise in tortuguero national park
see the sea turtles
boating or kayaking
explore local cuisine
day 18
la cangreja national park
This scenic destination gets its name from the Spanish word for crab, referring to the particular shape of the hill at its highest point. The park protects the crystalline springs of the Rio Negro and Quebrada Grande, which flow through natural rock formations. Visitors can swim and enjoy the surroundings. Many trails will lead you to stunning and refreshing waterfalls.
hiking to crystalline springs
swimming at rio negro
trail to waterfalls
day 19
la amistad international park and biosphere preserve
Declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, this park protects lands in both Costa Rica and Panama, hence its name, “Friendship.” Considered the largest tropical forest-covered mountain system in the country, the park contains wet, rain and cloud forests. Within these different habitats, you can find a wealth of biodiversity.
guided nature walk
cloud forest exploration
wildlife spotting
day 20
grecia forest reserve
The forest that sits at the base of Poás Volcano is also known as “The Child’s Forest.” Two looping trails wind through pines, eucalyptus and cypress trees, which were planted by local children in 1979. Sloths, armadillos, foxes and coyotes can also be seen here.
looping trail excursion
wildlife viewing
day 21
departure from SJO
Head back to San José to catch your departing flight and start planning your next trip to Costa Rica.
departure
