8 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.

On the 25th (Sun), pause for some serene contemplation at Tamarindo Church and then enjoy the sand and surf at Tamarindo Beach.

To see where to stay, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Tamarindo travel app .

Madison, USA to Tamarindo is an approximately 11.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and taxi; or drive. Traveling from Madison in March, things will get warmer in Tamarindo: highs are around 94°F and lows about 71°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 25th (Sun) to allow time for the car ride 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.

Start off your visit on the 26th (Mon): kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks and then identify plant and animal life at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.

For more things to do, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Monteverde trip planner.

Drive from Tamarindo to Monteverde in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a shuttle. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 27th (Tue) so you can 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.

On the 27th (Tue), witness a stunning natural landmark at Tabacon Hot Springs and then view the masterpieces at Onirica Art Gallery. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 28th (Wed): take in the dramatic scenery at La Fortuna Waterfall, relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour, then witness a stunning natural landmark at Baldi Hot Springs, and finally hike along Arenal Natura Ecological Park.

To find ratings, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our La Fortuna de San Carlos day trip tool .

Traveling by car from Monteverde to La Fortuna de San Carlos takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Thu) early enough 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.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Thu): let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour and then take in breathtaking views at MidWorld Costa Rica.

For ratings, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, read Manuel Antonio online day trip planner .

Traveling by combination of taxi and flight from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Manuel Antonio takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a shuttle. In March, plan for daily highs up to 80°F, and evening lows to 66°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Fri) early enough to travel to San Jose.

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.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Fri): take an in-depth tour of National Museum (Museo Nacional), get engrossed in the history at Jade Museum, then view the masterpieces at Galeria Namu, and finally explore the world behind art at Precolumbian Gold Museum.

To find other places to visit, reviews, maps, and tourist information, read our San Jose itinerary maker app .

You can do a combination of taxi, flight, and bus from Manuel Antonio to San Jose in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 80°F in March, and nighttime lows around 66°F. On the 31st (Sat), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.