19 day itinerary
Costa Rica
Itinerary
Costa Rica is a stunning country with a rich tapestry of biodiversity, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture. Here’s a fun and adventurous 19-day itinerary that will let you soak in all the beauty and excitement this Central American gem has to offer!
Day 1: Arrival in San José
- Morning: Arrive at . Check into your hotel in San José.
- Afternoon: Explore downtown San José. Visit the and the .
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican dinner at a local restaurant. Try “casado” – a typical dish!
Day 2: San José to
- Morning: Early breakfast, then take a shuttle or bus to . Enjoy the scenic ride through lush landscapes.
- Afternoon: Arrive in and check into your lodge. Explore the village and visit the .
- Evening: Dinner at your lodge. If it’s turtle nesting season (July to October), consider a night tour to see the turtles!
Day 3:
- All Day: Take a guided boat tour through the canals of . Keep an eye out for monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds!
- Evening: Relax at your lodge and enjoy the sounds of the jungle.
Day 4: to Arenal
- Morning: After breakfast, head back to the mainland and travel to La Fortuna, home of .
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and take a dip in the hot springs. Relax and unwind!
- Evening: Dinner in La Fortuna. Try some local “soda” for an authentic experience.
Day 5: National Park
- Morning: Hike the trails of National Park. Enjoy stunning views and diverse wildlife.
- Afternoon: Visit . Take a refreshing swim in the natural pool!
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Consider a night walk to see nocturnal wildlife.
Day 6: Adventure Day in Arenal
- All Day: Choose your adventure! Options include zip-lining, white-water rafting, or canyoning.
- Evening: Relax at your hotel or enjoy a night out in La Fortuna.
Day 7: Arenal to Monteverde
- Morning: Travel to Monteverde via a scenic jeep-boat-jeep transfer across Lake Arenal.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the .
- Evening: Dinner at a cozy restaurant. Try the local coffee!
Day 8: Monteverde Cloud Forest
- All Day: Spend the day hiking in the cloud forest. Don’t miss the hanging bridges for breathtaking views!
- Evening: Consider a night tour to see the unique wildlife of the cloud forest.
Day 9: Monteverde to
- Morning: Depart for . Enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery along the way.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax at the beach.
- Evening: Dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Enjoy the sunset!
Day 10:
- All Day: Explore . Hike the trails and relax on the stunning beaches. Look out for monkeys and sloths!
- Evening: Dinner in Quepos, the nearby town.
Day 11: Beach Day in
- All Day: Enjoy a leisurely beach day. Go swimming, snorkeling, or just relax on the sand.
- Evening: Try a local seafood dish for dinner.
Day 12: to
- Morning: Travel to the , one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
- Afternoon: Check into your eco-lodge and explore the area.
- Evening: Dinner at your lodge. Enjoy the sounds of the rainforest.
Day 13:
- All Day: Take a guided tour of . Hike through the rainforest and spot wildlife like tapirs and jaguars!
- Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Day 14: to
- Morning: Depart for , a laid-back beach town.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and enjoy the beach.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try some fresh ceviche!
Day 15: Surfing and Relaxation in
- All Day: Take a surfing lesson or just relax on the beach. Explore the nearby waterfalls if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Evening: Enjoy a beach bonfire if available.
Day 16: to
- Morning: Travel to , a beautiful mountain area known for birdwatching.
- Afternoon: Check into your lodge and explore the area. Look for the resplendent quetzal!
- Evening: Dinner at your lodge. Enjoy the cool mountain air.
Day 17: Birdwatching and Hiking
- All Day: Spend the day birdwatching and hiking in the cloud forests. Enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful area.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy a quiet dinner.
Day 18: to San José
- Morning: Depart for San José. Enjoy the scenic drive back.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Evening: Celebrate your trip with a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant.
Day 19: Departure
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for a final stroll around San José.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure. Safe travels!
And there you have it! A delightful 19-day adventure through the wonders of Costa Rica. Each day is packed with activities, but there’s also plenty of time to relax and soak in the beauty of this incredible country. Enjoy your trip! 🌴✨