12 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

Surfing remains the main reason to take a trip to Tamarindo, as the beachside town is mostly known for its excellent waves.

Start off your visit on the 11th (Tue): stroll through Playa Conchal and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa Avellana. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 12th (Wed): enjoy the sand and surf at Tamarindo Beach and then see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

To find reviews, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Tamarindo trip planning tool .

Boracay, Philippines to Tamarindo is an approximately 37-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 14 hours traveling from Boracay to Tamarindo. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Monteverde.

Monteverde is all about natural attractions, not surprising for an eco-tourism hotspot known for its cloud forests and rich diversity of animal life.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Thu): look for all kinds of wild species at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and then stop by Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Monteverde trip planning website .

You can drive from Tamarindo to Monteverde in 3.5 hours. Other options are to take a shuttle; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Manuel Antonio.

The rainforest meets the sea at Manuel Antonio National Park, a small but scenic natural preserve on the west coast of Costa Rica.

Start off your visit on the 14th (Fri): enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Manuel Antonio and then enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Biesanz. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, then get interesting insight from Tours, and then look for gifts at Jungle Avenue.

For where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Manuel Antonio trip maker tool .

Getting from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio by car takes about 4 hours. Other options: do a combination of shuttle and bus; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Sat) early enough to go by car to La Fortuna de San Carlos.

Set against the backdrop of the imposing Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna de San Carlos offers visitors a chance to explore diverse natural landscapes and sample some delicious local produce.

Step out of the city life by going to River Rafting & Tubing and Arenal Volcano (Volcan Arenal). Head to Souvenir Leo and Onirica Art Galleryfor plenty of shopping. There's lots more to do: take in the natural beauty of Tabacon Hot Springs, view the masterpieces at Galeria Estudio, identify plant and animal life at Proyecto Asis, and shop like a local with Wood & Art Gallery.

To find other places to visit, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the La Fortuna de San Carlos trip itinerary maker app .

You can drive from Manuel Antonio to La Fortuna de San Carlos in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Wed) early enough to travel back home.