Ultimate Costa Rica 2 week itinerary
We’ve built this itinerary to cover all the important things we think should be seen in Costa Rica. If you don’t have 2 weeks to explore you can easily break it down into fewer days by just picking what is most important for you to see. However, we recommend spending at least 7 days visiting the most essential parts of Costa Rica.
Day 1 - San José
San José, the capital city of Costa Rica, is an interesting destination that seamlessly combines a rich history and vibrant culture. This bustling metropolitan city is renowned for its colonial architecture and lively markets.
Make sure to visit:
- National Museum of Costa Rica
- Plaza De La Cultural
- Parque Central de San José
Day 2, 3, 4 - Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is a tropical paradise offering breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and exciting adventures. Explore the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, home to an abundance of exotic animals and lush rainforests. Indulge in thrilling activities like zip-lining, kayaking, or simply relax on the pristine beaches.
Day 5 & 6 - Monteverde
Monteverde has the breathtaking cloud forests, diverse wildlife, and exciting activities. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Explore the canopy on zip lines and encounter rare species on a guided hike. Or immerse yourself in the fascinating world of frogs and butterflies.
Key sites to see include Santa Elena Cloud Forest, Monteverde Waterfall and Mirador El Maike.
Day 7 & 8 - La Fortuna
This charming town is nestled in the shadow of the majestic Arenal Volcano. It offers picturesque views and lots of exciting activities. From thrilling hikes to admiring cascading waterfalls, to relaxing in soothing hot springs, La Fortuna has something for everyone.
Make sure to visit:
- La Fortuna Waterfall
- Mini-Tabcon Hot Springs
- Arenal Volcano National Park
Day 9 & 10 - The Orosi Valley
The Orosi Valley is a relatively unheard-of destination for tourists. If you need some peace and quiet and want to escape the crowds for a bit, then you are going to love this destination! Here you can immerse yourself in the history and the natural beauty of this area. Three places that are worth visiting include Cartago, Orosi, and Paraiso.
Day 11, 12, 13 - Puerto Viejo
Located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Start by exploring the stunning beaches, such as Playa Cocles and Playa Chiquita. Venture into the rainforest in the nearby Cahuita National Park, where you can hike or go wildlife spotting or even go snorkelling. Additionally, the vibrant town itself offers a lively nightlife scene, delicious Caribbean cuisine, and a chance to immerse oneself in the unique Afro-Caribbean culture that permeates the area.
Day 14 - San José
If you have followed our suggested route at the end of day 14 you will find yourself either in Puerto Vieto or San José. From here travel back to San José to take a flight or cross the border by bus to Nicaragua. Or at this point, you could travel onwards to Panama from Puerto Vieto.
If you enjoyed our Costa Rica 2-week Itinerary, you can read more about individual locations here.
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