16 days in Costa Rica Itinerary
16 days in Costa Rica Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Costa Rica tour itinerary builder
Start: New York City
Fly
1
San Jose
— 1 night
Drive
2
La Fortuna de San Carlos
— 2 nights
Drive
3
Monteverde
— 2 nights
Drive
4
Manuel Antonio
— 4 nights
Drive
5
Drake Bay
— 2 nights
Drive
6
Orosi
— 3 nights
Drive to Tobias Bolanos International Airport, Fly to La Guardia Airport
End: New York City
Thu, Jun 3 - Fri, Jun 18
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See full calendar
San Jose
— 1 night
©
A trip to San Jose, the capital, commercial center, and cultural hub of Costa Rica, gives you a chance to experience the lively atmosphere and rich cultural past of this vibrant country.On the 3rd (Thu), take an in-depth tour of Museo Nacional De Costa Rica, then take an in-depth tour of Jade Museum, and then capture your vacation like a pro with an inspiring photography tour.
To see ratings, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the San Jose road trip planner.
New York City, USA to San Jose is an approximately 9-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time to Central Standard Time is minus 1 hour. In June, daily temperatures in San Jose can reach 81°F, while at night they dip to 67°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Fri) early enough to take a shuttle to La Fortuna de San Carlos.
Things to do in San Jose
Find places to stay Jun 3 — 4:
Highlights from your trip
La Fortuna de San Carlos
— 2 nights
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.Kick off your visit on the 4th (Fri): take in the dramatic scenery at La Fortuna Waterfall and then take in the natural beauty of Tabacon Hot Springs. Here are some ideas for day two: take a memorable tour with Tours, then get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, and then take an in-depth tour of ChocoMuseo La Fortuna.
To find maps, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the La Fortuna de San Carlos road trip planning app.
You can take a shuttle from San Jose to La Fortuna de San Carlos in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sun) so you can go by car to Monteverde.
Things to do in La Fortuna de San Carlos
Find places to stay Jun 4 — 6:
Monteverde
— 2 nights
©
Monteverde is all about natural attractions, not surprising for an eco-tourism hotspot known for its cloud forests and rich diversity of animal life.Start off your visit on the 6th (Sun): admire the natural beauty at Monteverde Orchid Garden and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Here are some ideas for day two: take a peaceful walk through Curi Cancha Reserve, then stroll through Ranario Monteverde Frog Pond, and then kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks.
For photos, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, read our Monteverde journey planner.
Traveling by car from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Monteverde takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Tue) so you can go by car to Manuel Antonio.
Things to do in Monteverde
Find places to stay Jun 6 — 8:
Highlights from your trip
Manuel Antonio
— 4 nights
©
The rainforest meets the sea at Manuel Antonio National Park, a small but scenic natural preserve on the west coast of Costa Rica.Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Manuel Antonio: Jaco (Costa Rica SUP'ers, Canyoning & Rappelling Tours, &more). Next up on the itinerary: enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Manuel Antonio, see Off-Road Tours, surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, and relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.
To see maps, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Manuel Antonio trip itinerary planning tool.
Traveling by car from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sat) so you can drive to Drake Bay.
Things to do in Manuel Antonio
Side Trips
Find places to stay Jun 8 — 12:
Highlights from your trip
Drake Bay
— 2 nights
©
Step out of Drake Bay to go to Carate and see Corcovado National Park, which is approximately 1h 10 min away.
To find photos, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Drake Bay trip itinerary builder tool.
You can drive from Manuel Antonio to Drake Bay in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and ferry; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Mon) early enough to travel to Orosi.
To find photos, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Drake Bay trip itinerary builder tool.
You can drive from Manuel Antonio to Drake Bay in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and ferry; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Mon) early enough to travel to Orosi.
Things to do in Drake Bay
Side Trip
Find places to stay Jun 12 — 14:
Highlights from your trip
Orosi
— 3 nights
©
On the 15th (Tue), explore the wealth of natural beauty at Parque Nacional Tapanti Macizo de la Muerte and then stop by House of the Dreamer - Casa Del Sonador. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: steep yourself in history at Ruins of the Church of Carthage, pause for some serene contemplation at Santuario Nacional Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles, then admire the natural beauty at Jardin Botanico Lankester, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia de San Jose de Orosi and the Museum.
For maps, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Orosi travel itinerary planner.
Drive from Drake Bay to Orosi in 6.5 hours. In June, plan for daily highs up to 81°F, and evening lows to 67°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Thu) early enough to travel back home.
For maps, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Orosi travel itinerary planner.
Drive from Drake Bay to Orosi in 6.5 hours. In June, plan for daily highs up to 81°F, and evening lows to 67°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Thu) early enough to travel back home.
Things to do in Orosi
Side Trips
Find places to stay Jun 14 — 17:
Highlights from your trip
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Costa Rica travel guide
Tiny in terms of land area, Costa Rica is astoundingly diverse when it comes to culture and natural attractions. In a country called "Rich Coast", it's no surprise most Costa Rica vacations dedicate at least a few days to picturesque Pacific and Caribbean beaches, ideal for water sports and relaxation. Few small countries offer such a range of landscapes, allowing tourists to observe towering volcanoes while soaking away their worries in a hot spring, or hike into dense rainforests in the morning and surf at a modern resort in the afternoon. A trip to Costa Rica also lets you discover pristine national parks, ensuring plenty of chances to view wildlife from the comfort of eco-friendly lodges packed with amenities even ardent nature lovers secretly desire.
