41 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

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 Butterfly Conservatory and Parque Nacional Volcan Arenal. Step off the beaten path and head to Paradise Hot Springs and Cerro Chato (Chato Volcano). Step out of La Fortuna de San Carlos to go to El Castillo and see Arenal Eco Zoo, which is approximately 38 minutes away. There's much more to do: trek along Arenal Natura Ecological Park, witness a stunning natural landmark at Eco Termales Hot Springs, identify plant and animal life at Arenal Oasis Wildlife Refuge, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Cerro Chato ANC Park & Gardens.

To see more things to do, ratings, maps, and tourist information, refer to the La Fortuna de San Carlos trip planner .

Tijuana, Mexico to La Fortuna de San Carlos is an approximately 14-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 2 hours traveling from Tijuana to La Fortuna de San Carlos. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Thu) so you can drive 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.

Take a break from the city and head to Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena and Viento Fresco Waterfall. Explore hidden gems such as The Bat Jungle and Up in the Cloud Forest. Venture out of the city with trips to La Reserva Forest Reserve (in Tilaran), Middle Earth Thermal Springs (in Quebrada Grande) and Sky Mountain Canopy (in Punta Arenas). There's much more to do: look for all kinds of wild species at Monteverde Theme Park, get to know the fascinating history of Ecological Sanctuary, and look for gifts at Souvenir Rosewood.

To find reviews, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Monteverde planner .

Traveling by car from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Monteverde takes 2 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Wed) so you can drive to Nosara.

Along with its agricultural and fishing heritage, Nosara stands as one of the oldest expatriate communities in the country.

Explore hidden gems such as SIBU Wildlife Sanctuary and Nosara Refuge for Wildlife. Take a break from the city and head to The Ara Project and Equisol Retreats CR, SRL. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Nosara: Playa Manzanillo (in Nicoya) and Playa Samara (Koss Art Gallery, Werner Sauter Biological Reserve, & more). There's still lots to do: kick back and relax at Nosara Beach (Playa Guiones), view the masterpieces at MAEL's ABSTRACT ART GALLERY, enjoy some diversion at Tennis Club Colibri, and try for a hole-in-one at Jungle Mini Golf, Nosara.

To plan Nosara vacation without wasting time, ask Inspirock to design an itinerary.

You can drive from Monteverde to Nosara in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of shuttle and bus. In February, daily temperatures in Nosara can reach 39°C, while at night they dip to 25°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Playa Flamingo.

The white sand beach of Playa Flamingo has become a go-to tourist getaway by the sea.

Explore hidden gems such as Playa Avellana and Costa Rica Sailing Center. Visiting El Viejo Wetlands and Barra Honda National Park will get you outdoors.

For traveler tips, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Playa Flamingo tour itinerary app .

You can drive from Nosara to Playa Flamingo in 2 hours. Another option is to take a bus. In February, daytime highs in Playa Flamingo are 39°C, while nighttime lows are 25°C. On the 21st (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Puerto Limon.

Get in touch with nature at Veragua Rainforest Park and Nature & Wildlife Tours. Explore hidden gems such as Tortuguero Canal and Costa Rica Wildlife Sanctuary.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Puerto Limon trip itinerary builder tool .

You can do a combination of taxi, flight, and bus from Playa Flamingo to Puerto Limon in 5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus, flight, and taxi; or drive. Expect slightly colder weather when traveling from Playa Flamingo in February: highs in Puerto Limon hover around 34°C, while lows dip to 24°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca offers a wealth of entertainment by the sea, attracting a lively international crowd of revelers while maintaining a bright and breezy coastal charm with a local feel.

Visiting Playa Chiquita and Tree of Life Wildlife Rescue Center and Botanical Gardens will get you outdoors. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Playa Cocles and Finca La Isla. Step out of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca with an excursion to Nature Park Walk in Manzanillo--about 36 minutes away. Next up on the itinerary: identify plant and animal life at Nature Observatorio and enjoy the sand and surf at Puerto Viejo Beach.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Puerto Viejo de Talamanca online travel planner .

You can drive from Puerto Limon to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Puerto Limon to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Plan for a bit warmer nights when traveling from Puerto Limon in February since evenings lows in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca dip to 32°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Thu) so you can take a bus to Uvita.

Ideal for visitors looking to escape Costa Rica's busy beaches, Uvita offers a serene atmosphere and plenty of uncrowded sand for a leisurely vacation.

Get outdoors at Hacienda Baru and Parque Nacional Marino Ballena. Step off the beaten path and head to Uvita Beach and Parque Nacional Marino Bahia Ballena. Take a break from Uvita with a short trip to Los Cusingos Neotropical Bird Sanctuary in San Isidro del General, about 1h 05 min away. There's still lots to do: look for all kinds of wild species at Oro Verde Biological Reserve, stop by Mama Toucan's Natural and Organic Food Store, head outdoors with Cascada Pavon - Waterfall in Costa Rica, and take in the dramatic scenery at Santa Lucia Falls.

To see photos, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Uvita trip itinerary planner .

Take a bus from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to Uvita in 6 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Central Standard Time (CST), which is usually a -1 hour difference. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Quepos.

The tourist-oriented town of Quepos marks the entrance for many travelers looking to explore the nearby national park.

Step off the beaten path and head to Naturalist Michael Araya Flores and Playa Matapalo. Step out of the city life by going to Palo Seco Beach and Los Campesinos Reserve. Go for a jaunt from Quepos to Esterillos Este to see Playa Bejuco about 52 minutes away. There's still lots to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa Espadilla Norte, take a peaceful walk through Kids Saving the Rain Forest, take in the dramatic scenery at Mulguri Adventure, and soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers.

To see more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, read our Quepos driving holiday planning tool .

You can drive from Uvita to Quepos in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 31°C in March, and nighttime lows around 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Sun) early enough to travel to Carara.

Start off your visit on the 11th (Sun): look for all kinds of wild species at Neo Fauna and then enjoy the sand and surf at Jaco Beach. On the 12th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in the exciting artwork at Tico Pod Art House & Gifts, take a memorable tour with Tours, and then look for gifts at Dantica Gallery.

To see ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Carara online trip builder .

You can drive from Quepos to Carara in 2 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 13th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel back home.