47 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Thu): relax in the rural setting at El Toledo Coffee Tour.

For maps, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Atenas trip builder app .

San Jose to Atenas is an approximately 1-hour car ride. In December, daily temperatures in Atenas can reach 32°C, while at night they dip to 21°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 22nd (Fri) to allow enough time to travel 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.

Get outdoors at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena. Change things up with these side-trips from Monteverde: Centro de Rescate Las Pumas (in Canas) and Viento Fresco Waterfall (in Tilaran). And it doesn't end there: whizz through the canopy at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, delve into the lush surroundings at Children's Eternal Rain Forest, admire the natural beauty at Monteverde Orchid Garden, and appreciate the extensive heritage of Ecological Sanctuary.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, read our Monteverde journey builder site .

Drive from Atenas to Monteverde in 2.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Vara Blanca.

A vacation in Vara Blanca, located in the heart of Costa Rica, offers excellent access to a number of attractions across the area.

Start off your visit on the 27th (Wed): look for gifts at Souvenir Muy Tranquilo, contemplate the geological forces at Poas Volcano, then identify plant and animal life at Dave & Dave's Costa Rica Nature Park, then identify plant and animal life at Tirimbina Biological Reserve, and finally take in nature's colorful creations at Pierella Ecological Garden. On the 28th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: identify plant and animal life at Refugio de Vida Silvestre Bosque Alegre, admire the sheer force of Catarata Del Toro Adventures, then have fun at La Campestre Espanol, then look for gifts at J.LANG Atelier & Showroom, and finally step off the mainland to explore Cocos Island National Park.

For maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Vara Blanca day trip site .

Getting from Monteverde to Vara Blanca by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: do a combination of taxi and flight; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 32°C in December, and nighttime lows around 21°C. On the 29th (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel 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.

Take a break from the city and head to Cahuita National Park and Puerto Viejo Beach. You'll get in some beach time at Playa Cocles and Playa Chiquita. Change things up with a short trip to Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica in Cahuita (about 1h 05 min away). Next up on the itinerary: identify plant and animal life at Gandoca - Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, admire the natural beauty at Finca La Isla, get interesting insight from Tours, and view the masterpieces at Luluberlu Art Gallery.

To find maps, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Puerto Viejo de Talamanca tour itinerary planner .

Traveling by combination of taxi, flight, and bus from Vara Blanca to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Vara Blanca to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Traveling from Vara Blanca in December, you will find days in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca are little chillier (28°C), and nights are somewhat warmer (28°C). You'll have a few hours on the 2nd (Tue) to wrap things up before traveling to Tortuguero.

One of Costa Rica's least accessible destinations, Tortuguero sits within an eponymous national park and remains accessible only by plane or boat.

Start off your visit on the 2nd (Tue): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Tortuguero National Park.

For more things to do, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Tortuguero trip planner .

Traveling by combination of bus, taxi, and flight from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to Tortuguero takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Central Standard Time (CST), which is usually a -1 hour difference. While traveling from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, expect much hotter days and somewhat warmer nights in Tortuguero, ranging from highs of 30°C to lows of 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 3rd (Wed) to allow enough time to travel 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.

Get in touch with nature at MidWorld Costa Rica and Villa Vanilla / Rainforest Spices. Pack the 6th (Sat) with family-friendly diversions at Rancho Tipico Don Juan. And it doesn't end there: tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa Biesanz, head outdoors with Barraba's Surf, look for gifts at Super Joseth, and relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers.

For traveler tips, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, use the Manuel Antonio route app .

Traveling by combination of bus, flight, and taxi from Tortuguero to Manuel Antonio takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and shuttle. In January, daytime highs in Manuel Antonio are 30°C, while nighttime lows are 22°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sat) so you can go by car to Dominical.

The laid back beachfront town of Dominical has been transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a surfer haunt of some repute.

Get in touch with nature at Hacienda Baru and Uvita Beach. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Dominical: Cloudbridge Nature Reserve (in Chirripo National Park), Los Cusingos Neotropical Bird Sanctuary (in San Isidro del General) and Dantica Gallery (in San Gerardo de Dota). There's lots more to do: explore by horseback at Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge, look for gifts at Discount Liquor Wine & Cigars, look for all kinds of wild species at Parque Reptilandia, and admire the sheer force of Uvita Waterfall.

To see other places to visit, photos, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Dominical journey planner.

Traveling by car from Manuel Antonio to Dominical takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 10th (Wed) to allow time for the car ride to Quepos.

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

On the 10th (Wed), see what you can catch with a fishing tour. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 11th (Thu): get interesting insight from Tours, enjoy the sand and surf at Palo Seco Beach, look for all kinds of wild species at Rainmaker Park, then look for gifts at Jaime Peligro Book & CD Shop, and finally stroll through La Selvita.

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

You can drive from Dominical to Quepos in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Quepos can reach 30°C, while at night they dip to 22°C. On the 12th (Fri), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Jaco.

A seaside resort town with plenty of entertaining distractions along its attractive coastline, Jaco has long been a major tourist destination on the central Pacific coast.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Fri): kick back and relax at Jaco Beach, get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour, then indulge your taste buds at Jimmy T's Provisions, then soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, and finally browse the collection at Jaco Library and Learning Center. On the 13th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Carara National Park, admire the sheer force of Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls, look for gifts at Dantica Gallery, then take in the exciting artwork at Tico Pod Art House & Gifts, and finally stop by The Costa Rica Coffee Experience.

To find maps, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Jaco vacation planner.

Getting from Quepos to Jaco by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: ride a ferry; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sun) so you can ride a ferry to Montezuma.

With a scenic position on a sheltered bay, Montezuma remains one of Costa Rica's quieter destinations, attracting mostly backpackers and other explorers averse to making detailed travel plans.

On the 14th (Sun), head off the coast to Isla de Cabuya, relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers, and then admire the sheer force of Montezuma Falls.

To see where to stay, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Montezuma online sightseeing planner .

Traveling by ferry from Jaco to Montezuma takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Sun) early enough to travel 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). Get out of town with these interesting La Fortuna de San Carlos side-trips: El Castillo (Arenal Eco Zoo & Butterfly Conservatory) and Rio Celeste (in Tenorio Volcano National Park). And it doesn't end there: take in the natural beauty of Tabacon Hot Springs, take in the dramatic scenery at La Fortuna Waterfall, hike along Ecocentro Danaus, and explore the activities along Lake Arenal.

To find reviews, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, read La Fortuna de San Carlos day trip planner.

You can do a combination of ferry and car from Montezuma to La Fortuna de San Carlos in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of ferry, bus, and shuttle. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 23rd (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Santa Teresa.

A coastal getaway popular with surfers and young travelers, Santa Teresa spreads out from the beach and the main coastal road to a ring of newer developments on the surrounding hills.

Visiting Playa Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa will get you outdoors. Step out of Santa Teresa to go to Nicoya and see Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve, which is approximately 32 minutes away. There's lots more to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Carmen, get interesting insight from Tours, soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, and stop by Tica Surf Bikinis.

To find maps, ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Santa Teresa trip itinerary website .

Traveling by car from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Santa Teresa takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of shuttle, bus, and car; or do a combination of bus, ferry, and taxi. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 27th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Playa Samara.

A beach town with just enough development to be comfortable for families accustomed to the trappings of modern life, Playa Samara has the resorts you'd expect to find in such a scenic area, but they don't hinder the relaxing atmosphere.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Playa Samara trip builder site .

You can drive from Santa Teresa to Playa Samara in 2 hours. Expect a daytime high around 38°C in January, and nighttime lows around 25°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Sat) to allow enough time to take a bus to Nosara.

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

On the 28th (Sun), look for all kinds of wild species at SIBU Wildlife Sanctuary, soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, have some family-friendly fun at Eskina Skate Parq, enjoy the sand and surf at Nosara Beach (Playa Guiones), then take in the exciting artwork at MAEL's ABSTRACT ART GALLERY, and finally have fun at Tennis Club Colibri. Keep things going the next day: try for a hole-in-one at Jungle Mini Golf, Nosara, look for all kinds of wild species at Nosara Refuge for Wildlife, and then trot along with a tour on horseback.

To find traveler tips, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, read Nosara travel planner.

Nosara is just a short distance from Playa Samara. January in Nosara sees daily highs of 38°C and lows of 25°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Mon) so you can catcht the bus to Tamarindo.

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

Visit Tamarindo Beach and Playa Avellana for some beach relaxation. Visiting Playa Conchal and Hacienda Pinilla Golf Club will get you outdoors. Venture out of the city with trips to Playa Flamingo (Adrenaline & Extreme Tours & Fishing Charters & Tours). Next up on the itinerary: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Las Baulas National Marine Park, get in on the family fun at Black Stallion Eco Park & Estates, soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, and have some family-friendly fun at Bolas Locas Mini Golf.

Plan my day in Tamarindo using traveler tips and tourist information provided by Inspirock.

Traveling by bus from Nosara to Tamarindo takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In January, plan for daily highs up to 38°C, and evening lows to 25°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Fri) early enough to travel to Playas del Coco.

A long-established beach community, Playas del Coco has developed a reputation as a favored spot for young travelers and locals to let loose by the sea.

Kick off your visit on the 2nd (Fri): relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Hermosa, identify plant and animal life at El Viejo Wetlands, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia Catolica de Playas del Coco, and finally stop by Sea Hag Clothing.

To see traveler tips, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Playas del Coco journey maker site .

Getting from Tamarindo to Playas del Coco by combination of flight and taxi takes about an hour. Other options: do a combination of bus and taxi; or drive. In February, daily temperatures in Playas del Coco can reach 39°C, while at night they dip to 25°C. You'll have a few hours on the 5th (Mon) to wrap things up before traveling home.