12 day itinerary
Costa Rica
Personalized with:I travel at a fast paceInclude parks and green spacesActivité plein air
Itinerary
Costa Rica is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and with 12 days to explore, you can pack in a ton of adventure while soaking in the lush landscapes. Here’s a fast-paced itinerary that balances parks, green spaces, and outdoor activities. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in San José
- Morning: Arrive at . Grab a quick breakfast at a local café.
- Afternoon: Explore downtown San José. Visit the and stroll through the for some local snacks.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional dishes like Casado or Gallo Pinto.
Day 2:
- Morning: Early drive to Arenal (about 3 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Hike the trails in . Look for wildlife and enjoy views of the volcano.
- Evening: Relax in the hot springs at Tabacón or Baldi. Soak those muscles after a day of hiking!
Day 3: & Adventure Activities
- Morning: Visit . Take a refreshing dip in the pool at the base.
- Afternoon: Choose an adventure activity: zip-lining through the canopy or white-water rafting on the Balsa River.
- Evening: Dinner in La Fortuna. Try a local pizzeria or a steakhouse.
Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Morning: Drive to Monteverde (about 3.5 hours). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
- Afternoon: Explore the . Walk the suspension bridges and look for the elusive Quetzal bird.
- Evening: Night walk in the cloud forest to see nocturnal wildlife. Dinner at a cozy café.
Day 5: Monteverde Adventures
- Morning: Go for a coffee tour to learn about Costa Rican coffee production.
- Afternoon: Try a canopy tour or go horseback riding through the cloud forest.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy a quiet dinner. Maybe try some local cheese at a nearby dairy farm!
Day 6:
- Morning: Depart for Manuel Antonio (about 3.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at . Hike the trails and relax on the beautiful beaches.
- Evening: Dinner in . Enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant.
Day 7: Beach Day & Water Activities
- Morning: Go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the ocean. Look for dolphins and sea turtles!
- Afternoon: Relax on the beach or hike more trails in the park. Keep an eye out for monkeys!
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner. The views are stunning!
Day 8:
- Morning: Early drive to Sierpe (about 1.5 hours) and take a boat to .
- Afternoon: Guided hike in Corcovado. This park is a biodiversity hotspot, so be ready to see wildlife!
- Evening: Camp overnight in the park or return to Sierpe for the night.
Day 9: Exploration
- Morning: If you camped, enjoy a morning hike. If not, take a guided tour to explore more of the .
- Afternoon: Visit nearby beaches like or .
- Evening: Return to Sierpe and enjoy a local dinner.
Day 10: Back to San José
- Morning: Head back to San José (about 4 hours). Stop for lunch along the way.
- Afternoon: Visit the or the in San José.
- Evening: Dinner at a nice restaurant. Try some Costa Rican craft beers!
Day 11: Poás Volcano &
- Morning: Drive to (about 1.5 hours). Hike to the crater and enjoy the views.
- Afternoon: Visit . Walk the trails and see the beautiful waterfalls and wildlife.
- Evening: Return to San José for your last dinner. Celebrate with a nice meal!
Day 12: Departure
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or a visit to a local café.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure. Take all those amazing memories with you!
This itinerary is packed with adventure and showcases the incredible biodiversity and beauty of Costa Rica. Make sure to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and enjoy every moment! Safe travels! 🌿✈️🌊