9 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

The rainforest meets the sea at Manuel Antonio National Park, a small but scenic natural preserve on the west coast of Costa Rica.

For maps, photos, reviews, and tourist information, read our Manuel Antonio trip itinerary planning app .

Chicago, USA to Manuel Antonio is an approximately 10-hour combination of flight and taxi. You can also do a combination of flight and bus; or drive. Expect much hotter temperatures when traveling from Chicago in April; daily highs in Manuel Antonio reach 82°F and lows reach 67°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Mon) so you can 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 Tabacon Hot Springs. And it doesn't end there: get interesting insight from Tours, take in the dramatic scenery at La Fortuna Waterfall, take in the natural beauty of Ecotermales Fortuna, and contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Arenal.

For more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our La Fortuna de San Carlos driving holiday planner .

You can do a combination of taxi and flight from Manuel Antonio to La Fortuna de San Carlos in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a shuttle. On the 12th (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Turrialba.

Start off your visit on the 13th (Fri): explore the ancient world of Guayabo National Park and Monument.

To find where to stay, maps, reviews, and tourist information, read Turrialba day trip site .

Traveling by car from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Turrialba takes 4.5 hours. In April, daytime highs in Turrialba are 82°F, while nighttime lows are 67°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Fri) to allow enough time 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.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Sat): admire the masterpieces at Precolumbian Gold Museum, then take an in-depth tour of Jade Museum, then get engrossed in the history at National Museum (Museo Nacional), and finally get a taste of the local shopping with Galeria Namu.

To find photos, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our San Jose trip planning app .

Traveling by car from Turrialba to San Jose takes 2 hours. In April, daytime highs in San Jose are 82°F, while nighttime lows are 67°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 15th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel back home.