8 days in Costa Rica Itinerary
8 days in Costa Rica Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Costa Rica attractions planner
Route & dates
8 days in Costa Rica Itinerary
Start: Madison
+2
Fly + shuttle + bus:
11h 30min
1
Tamarindo
— 1 night
Find places to stay »
Drive:
3h 15min
2
Monteverde
— 2 nights
Find places to stay »
Drive:
2h 45min
3
La Fortuna de San Carlos
— 2 nights
Find places to stay »
Drive:
1h 30min
4
Manuel Antonio
— 1 night
Find places to stay »
Drive:
1h 15min
5
San Jose
— 1 night
Find places to stay »
Fly + bus:
11h
End: Madison
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1
night
Tamarindo
1
night

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.
Things to do in Tamarindo
Find places to stay Mar 24 — 25:
Highlights from your plan

Tamarindo Beach
11:30am, Sun Mar 25

Tamarindo Church
10:00am, Sun Mar 25
2
nights
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 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.
Things to do in Monteverde
Find places to stay Mar 25 — 27:
Highlights from your plan

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
1:30pm, Mon Mar 26
©
Zipline
10:30am, Mon Mar 26
2
nights
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.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.
Things to do in La Fortuna de San Carlos
Find places to stay Mar 27 — 29:
Highlights from your plan

Tabacon Hot Springs
12:30pm, Tue Mar 27
River Rafting & Tubing
11:30am, Wed Mar 28

La Fortuna Waterfall
10:00am, Wed Mar 28
1
night
Manuel Antonio
1
night

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.
Things to do in Manuel Antonio
Find places to stay Mar 29 — 30:
Highlights from your plan

MidWorld Costa Rica
2:30pm, Thu Mar 29
River Rafting & Tubing
11:00am, Thu Mar 29
1
night
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.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.
Things to do in San Jose
Find places to stay Mar 30 — 31:
Highlights from your plan

Galeria Namu
2:30pm, Fri Mar 30

National Museum (Museo Nacional)
11:00am, Fri Mar 30

Jade Museum
1:00pm, Fri Mar 30
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