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 find the relaxation you seek.
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.
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.
arrival at juan santamaria airport
explore avenida central
catedral metropolitano
exploring the national theater
melico salazar theater
san josé central market
la sabana metropolitan park
museums and art galleries
days 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 cruise in tortuguero national park
see the sea turtles
boating or kayaking
explore local cuisine
days 4-5
poás volcano or irazú 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.
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.
poás volcano
volcán irazú national park
days 6-7
savegre river
Next explore beautiful forests, spot quetzales, discover waterfalls and immerse yourself in the lush setting. The Savegre River starts in the Cerro de la Muerte and runs through San Gerardo de Dota, Pérez Zeledón and Quepos. The heights of San José province boast a variety of accommodation options, as well as trout fishing, hiking and even suspension bridges. If you follow the river’s path to its mouth, you should go to Quepos in Puntarenas and explore Manuel Antonio National Park.
explore the savegre river
whitewater rafting
fishing in the river
days 8-9
san gerardo de dota
This village is set in a valley surrounded by towering mountains. Its unique beauty makes this an ideal destination for relaxation. Enjoy the exquisite peacefulness, go birdwatching, hike, discover waterfalls and fish for trout. Los Quetzales National Park is located nearby – you may be able to see quetzales, hummingbirds, sloths, and pumas in this protected area.
bird-watching at san gerardo de dota
los quetzales national park
nauyaca waterfall nature park
days 10-11
ballena national marine park
Ballena National Marine Park was the first marine park in Central America and is one of the best places to see humpback whales on their migrations. From July to October, visitors bring their binoculars to see these giant beauties give birth to their young.
In September, the Festival of Whales and Dolphins takes over the Uvita area. Join in the daily whale and dolphin watching. We recommend booking your accommodations early, and while you’re there, visit the famous Cola de la Ballena, which is a rock and sand formation in the shape of a whale’s tail.
visit the whale tail (tombolo)
snorkeling or scuba diving
relaxation and beach exploration
days 12-14
drake bay and isla del caño
Drake Bay is your home base for further adventures. While you’re there, take a nighttime bioluminescence tour or ride a boat through the mangrove.
Take a boat out to Isla de Caño to go snorkeling or scuba diving. The biological reserve is home to one of the most extensive coral formations on the Pacific coast. It’s a prime breeding ground for humpback whales from both the northern and southern hemispheres, as well as several types of dolphins.
bioluminescence tour in drake bay
snorkeling or scuba diving at isla del caño
days 15-17
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 18-19
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 20-21
travel back to san josé
Head back to San Jose to spend a night and catch your departing flight home.
heading back to san josé and departure
