20 day itinerary
Costa Rica
Personalized with:Non ho la macchina
Itinerary
Costa Rica is a stunning country with so much to offer, and traveling without a car can be a breeze with the right itinerary. Here’s a fun and engaging 20-day itinerary that will let you soak in the beauty of this Central American gem. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in San José
- Morning: Arrive at . Take a taxi or shuttle to 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 La Fortuna
- Morning: Take a shuttle to La Fortuna (about 3 hours). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax. Maybe take a dip in the hot springs!
- Evening: Dinner in La Fortuna. Try some local “sodas” (small restaurants) for authentic cuisine.
Day 3:
- Morning: Guided hike in . Marvel at the volcano and the lush surroundings.
- Afternoon: Visit . Don’t forget your swimsuit for a refreshing swim!
- Evening: Relax at your hotel or enjoy a night walk to spot wildlife.
Day 4: Adventure Day in La Fortuna
- All Day: Choose an adventure! Options include zip-lining, white-water rafting, or canyoning. Book a tour that includes transportation.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Share stories with fellow travelers!
Day 5: La Fortuna to Monteverde
- Morning: Shuttle to Monteverde (about 3.5 hours). Enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the town of Santa Elena.
- Evening: Visit a local café for some coffee and dessert. Monteverde is famous for its coffee!
Day 6: Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Morning: Guided tour of the . Look out for the famous quetzal bird!
- Afternoon: Visit the or the .
- Evening: Enjoy a night walk to see nocturnal wildlife.
Day 7: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
- Morning: Shuttle to Manuel Antonio (about 3.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax at the beach.
- Evening: Dinner at a beachside restaurant. Enjoy the sunset!
Day 8:
- Morning: Visit . Hike the trails and spot monkeys and sloths!
- Afternoon: Relax on the beautiful beaches within the park.
- Evening: Dinner in Quepos, the nearby town. Try some fresh seafood!
Day 9: Beach Day in Manuel Antonio
- All Day: Enjoy a leisurely beach day. Swim, sunbathe, or try water sports like kayaking or snorkeling.
- Evening: Explore the nightlife in Manuel Antonio. Check out local bars or live music!
Day 10: Manuel Antonio to Dominical
- Morning: Shuttle to Dominical (about 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the laid-back beach town.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy the relaxed vibe!
Day 11: Day
- All Day: Spend the day at the beach. Dominical is known for surfing, so if you’re up for it, take a lesson!
- Evening: Enjoy a beach bonfire if available. Perfect for stargazing!
Day 12: Dominical to Osa Peninsula
- Morning: Shuttle to Puerto Jiménez (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax. Explore the small town.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try some local dishes!
Day 13:
- All Day: Take a guided tour to . Spot diverse wildlife and enjoy the pristine nature.
- Evening: Return to Puerto Jiménez for dinner and share your adventure stories!
Day 14: Osa Peninsula to San José
- Morning: Shuttle back to San José (about 6 hours). It’s a long ride, but the views are worth it!
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax.
- Evening: Dinner in San José. Explore the local nightlife or enjoy a quiet evening.
Day 15: San José to Tortuguero
- Morning: Early morning shuttle to Tortuguero (about 3 hours by land and boat).
- Afternoon: Check into your lodge and explore the village.
- Evening: Dinner at your lodge. Enjoy the sounds of the jungle!
Day 16:
- All Day: Guided boat tour of . Spot wildlife and learn about the ecosystem.
- Evening: If in season (July to October), take a night tour to see turtles nesting!
Day 17: Tortuguero to Cahuita
- Morning: Boat and shuttle to Cahuita (about 5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax at the beach.
- Evening: Dinner in Cahuita. Try the Caribbean-style dishes!
Day 18:
- All Day: Explore . Hike the trails and enjoy the beautiful beaches.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner and maybe some live music!
Day 19: Cahuita to San José
- Morning: Shuttle back to San José (about 4 hours).
- Afternoon: Last-minute shopping or visit any sights you missed.
- Evening: Farewell dinner in San José. Celebrate your adventure!
Day 20: Departure
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and maybe a final stroll around San José.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure. Safe travels!
And there you have it! A delightful 20-day adventure through Costa Rica, filled with nature, wildlife, and beautiful beaches. Remember to check local transportation options and book your shuttles in advance for a smooth journey. Enjoy every moment of your trip! 🌴✨