15 day itinerary for Costa Rica

Itinerary

Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers, and with 15 days, you can explore a variety of stunning parks and green spaces. Here’s a fun and adventurous itinerary that balances relaxation, exploration, and a bit of adventure. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in San José

• Morning: Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport. Check into your hotel in San José.
• Afternoon: Explore downtown San José. Visit the National Museum and stroll through the beautiful Central Park.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican dinner at a local restaurant. Try “casado” – a typical dish!

## Day 2: San José to Tortuguero

• Morning: Early breakfast, then take a shuttle to Tortuguero. Enjoy the scenic drive through the lush countryside.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Tortuguero and check into your lodge. Take a guided boat tour through the canals to spot wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds.
• Evening: Dinner at your lodge and listen to the sounds of the jungle.

## Day 3: Tortuguero National Park

• All ## Day: Spend the day exploring Tortuguero National Park. Take a guided hike through the rainforest and learn about the unique ecosystem. If it’s turtle nesting season (July to October), you might even get to see turtles laying eggs at night!
• Evening: Relax at your lodge and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

## Day 4: Tortuguero to Arenal

• Morning: After breakfast, take a boat ride back to the mainland and then a shuttle to Arenal.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel with a view of the Arenal Volcano. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the hot springs nearby.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant with a view of the volcano.

## Day 5: Arenal Volcano National Park

• Morning: Hike the trails in Arenal Volcano National Park. Enjoy stunning views of the volcano and the surrounding rainforest.
• Afternoon: Visit La Fortuna Waterfall. Take a refreshing swim in the natural pool at the base of the waterfall.
• Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner in La Fortuna and maybe catch some live music!

## Day 6: Arenal Adventure Day

• All ## Day: Choose an adventure activity! Options include zip-lining through the canopy, white-water rafting on the Balsa River, or horseback riding to the volcano.
• Evening: Relax at your hotel or visit a local café for dessert.

## Day 7: Arenal to Monteverde

• Morning: After breakfast, take a scenic shuttle to Monteverde. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the way.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Take a guided tour to learn about the unique flora and fauna.
• Evening: Dinner at a cozy restaurant in Santa Elena.

## Day 8: Monteverde Cloud Forest

• All ## Day: Explore more of the cloud forest. Walk the hanging bridges for breathtaking views and look for the elusive quetzal bird.
• Evening: Consider a night walk to see nocturnal wildlife!

## Day 9: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio

• Morning: Depart Monteverde and head to Manuel Antonio. Enjoy the scenic drive.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax at the beach.
• Evening: Dinner at a beachfront restaurant, enjoying the sunset.

## Day 10: Manuel Antonio National Park

• All ## Day: Spend the day in Manuel Antonio National Park. Hike the trails, relax on the beautiful beaches, and keep an eye out for monkeys and sloths!
• Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner in Quepos, the nearby town.

## Day 11: Beach Day in Manuel Antonio

• All ## Day: Enjoy a leisurely beach day. Swim, sunbathe, or try water sports like kayaking or snorkeling.
• Evening: Dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

## Day 12: Manuel Antonio to Osa Peninsula

• Morning: Depart for the Osa Peninsula, home to Corcovado National Park. It’s a bit of a journey, but the scenery is stunning!
• Afternoon: Check into your eco-lodge and relax.
• Evening: Dinner at your lodge, surrounded by nature.

## Day 13: Corcovado National Park

• All ## Day: Take a guided tour of Corcovado National Park. This park is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth! Look for tapirs, jaguars, and a variety of bird species.
• Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and share stories of your wildlife encounters.

## Day 14: Osa Peninsula to San José

• Morning: After breakfast, head back to San José. It’s a long drive, so enjoy the views along the way.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax. If you have time, visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in San José, perhaps at a restaurant with live music.

## Day 15: Departure

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure, taking with you unforgettable memories of Costa Rica!

And there you have it! A delightful 15-day itinerary filled with parks, green spaces, and plenty of adventure. Costa Rica is sure to leave you enchanted with its natural beauty and vibrant wildlife. Enjoy your trip! 🌿🌺🌊