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.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Sun): take a peaceful walk through Naturalist Michael Araya Flores.

For photos and more tourist information, you can read our Manuel Antonio trip planner .

Los Angeles, USA to Manuel Antonio is an approximately 12-hour combination of flight and taxi. You can also do a combination of flight and bus; or drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 2 hours traveling from Los Angeles to Manuel Antonio. Traveling from Los Angeles in February, expect Manuel Antonio to be somewhat warmer, temps between 79°F and 65°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Mon) 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.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Mon): take in the exciting artwork at Wood and Art Gallery, take in the natural beauty of Paradise Hot Springs, and then trek along Arenal Natura Ecological Park. On the next day, stroll through Butterfly Conservatory and then get impressive views of Cerro Chato (Chato Volcano).

For maps, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, read our La Fortuna de San Carlos trip itinerary planning website .

You can do a combination of taxi and flight from Manuel Antonio to La Fortuna de San Carlos in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a shuttle. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Wed) early enough to 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.

Kick off your visit on the 28th (Wed): get to know the fascinating history of Ecological Sanctuary and then stroll through Monteverde Theme Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the dramatic scenery at Viento Fresco Waterfall, then stroll through Monteverde Wildlife Refuge, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at The Bat Jungle.

To see maps, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Monteverde travel planner .

Traveling by car from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Monteverde takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Fri) so you can go by car to Tamarindo.

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

Kick off your visit on the 28th (Wed): explore and take pictures at Pura Aventura.

To see traveler tips, ratings, maps, and tourist information, read Tamarindo online day trip planner .

Drive from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Tamarindo in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. In February, plan for daily highs up to 93°F, and evening lows to 71°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Thu) to allow enough time to drive 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.

On the 3rd (Sat), pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia Catolica de Playas del Coco, get outside with Crazy Alex CR, and then view the masterpieces at Rojas Bros Boruca Indigenous Arts. On the 4th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: kick back and relax at Playa Ocotal.

To find ratings, photos, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Playas del Coco online sightseeing planner .

Drive from Tamarindo to Playas del Coco in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In March, daytime highs in Playas del Coco are 94°F, while nighttime lows are 71°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 4th (Sun) to allow time for travel back home.