9 day itinerary
Costa Rica
Itinerary
Costa Rica is a stunning destination with so much to offer, and I’m excited to help you plan an amazing 9-day itinerary that includes all your must-see spots. Let’s dive right in!
Day 1: Arrival in San José
Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at in San José. Depending on your arrival time, you can check into your hotel and freshen up.
Evening: Explore downtown San José. Visit the and the if time allows. Grab dinner at a local restaurant—try some traditional Costa Rican dishes like casado or gallo pinto!
Day 2: Poás Volcano &
Morning: After breakfast, head to (about 1.5 hours from San José). Enjoy the stunning views of the crater and the surrounding area.
Afternoon: After exploring the volcano, make your way to (about 30 minutes away). Walk the trails and enjoy the beautiful waterfalls and wildlife exhibits.
Evening: Return to San José for the night. Enjoy a relaxing dinner and prepare for your journey to the next day.
Day 3: Travel to
Morning: Depart early for . You can either drive to La Pavona and take a boat to or book a shuttle service that includes the boat ride. The journey is scenic and takes about 4-5 hours.
Afternoon: Arrive in and check into your lodge. After lunch, take a guided boat tour through the canals to spot wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and various bird species.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at your lodge and relax. If you’re visiting during turtle nesting season (July to October), consider a night tour to see the turtles!
Day 4: Explore
Morning: After breakfast, take a guided nature walk in the national park. The lush rainforest is teeming with wildlife, so keep your camera ready!
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at leisure. You can opt for more boat tours, visit the small village of , or simply relax at your lodge.
Evening: Enjoy another delightful dinner and perhaps share stories with fellow travelers.
Day 5: Travel to Monteverde
Morning: After breakfast, take the boat back to La Pavona and then drive to Monteverde (about 3-4 hours). The drive is beautiful, with winding roads and stunning views.
Afternoon: Arrive in Monteverde and check into your accommodation. After settling in, visit the for a hike. The biodiversity here is incredible!
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try the famous Monteverde cheese!
Day 6: Monteverde Adventures
Morning: Start your day with a thrilling zip-line tour through the cloud forest! It’s an exhilarating way to see the canopy from above.
Afternoon: After lunch, visit the or the hummingbird gallery. You can also explore the hanging bridges for a different perspective of the forest.
Evening: Relax and enjoy a quiet evening. Consider a night walk to see the nocturnal wildlife!
Day 7: Travel to Manuel Antonio
Morning: After breakfast, drive to Manuel Antonio (about 3-4 hours). Enjoy the scenic views along the way!
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and then head to . Spend the afternoon hiking the trails and enjoying the beautiful beaches.
Evening: Have dinner at a beachfront restaurant and soak in the sunset. The vibe here is relaxed and perfect for unwinding.
Day 8: Day
Morning: Spend the day at the beach! Relax, swim, or try some water sports like kayaking or snorkeling.
Afternoon: If you’re up for it, take a guided tour in the national park to spot more wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds.
Evening: Enjoy your last dinner in Manuel Antonio. Treat yourself to some fresh seafood!
Day 9: Return to San José
Morning: After breakfast, take your time packing and enjoying the last moments in Manuel Antonio.
Afternoon: Drive back to San José (about 3 hours). Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to do some last-minute shopping or visit a local café.
Evening: Head to the airport for your departure. If you have a late flight, consider a farewell dinner in San José before you leave.
And there you have it! A fun-filled 9-day itinerary that takes you through some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in Costa Rica. Make sure to pack your sense of adventure and enjoy every moment! If you have any questions or need further adjustments, feel free to ask. Happy travels! 🌴✨