10 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

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 22nd (Tue): stroll through Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and then view the masterpieces at Arte Jaguar Gallery. On the 23rd (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get to know the fascinating history of Ecological Sanctuary, then whizz through the canopy at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, and then explore the world behind art at Chorotega Arts & Crafts.

To find photos, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Monteverde online trip builder.

Toronto, Canada to Monteverde is an approximately 10.5-hour combination of flight and taxi. You can also drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Toronto to Monteverde. Plan for warmer temperatures traveling from Toronto in December, with highs in Monteverde at 32°C and lows at 32°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Wed) early enough to 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.

Get some cultural insight at ChocoMuseo La Fortuna and Wood & Art Gallery. Get in touch with nature at La Fortuna Waterfall and Canyoning & Rappelling Tours. Next up on the itinerary: relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour, hike along Senderos Los Tucanes, view the masterpieces at Onirica Art Gallery, and explore the striking landscape of Arenal Volcano.

For other places to visit, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the La Fortuna de San Carlos trip itinerary builder site.

Getting from Monteverde to La Fortuna de San Carlos by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Sat) early enough to drive 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.

On the 27th (Sun), enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Manuel Antonio, then let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour, and then take in the exciting artwork at The Captain's Booty. On the 28th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas and then stroll through Birding Spots Manuel Antonio.

To find reviews, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Manuel Antonio trip itinerary app.

You can drive from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Manuel Antonio in 4.5 hours. Other options are to take a shuttle; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Mon) so you can drive 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 29th (Tue): take an in-depth tour of Jade Museum, then take an in-depth tour of Museo Nacional De Costa Rica, then see the interesting displays at Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and finally explore the galleries of Galeria Namu. Keep things going the next day: view the masterpieces at Riish and Toosh Afro Costa Rican Paintings, get engrossed in the history at Museo Dr. Rafael Calderon Guardia, and then admire the masterpieces at Museo de Arte Costarricense.

For other places to visit and other tourist information, refer to the San Jose trip itinerary tool.

You can drive from Manuel Antonio to San Jose in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. December in San Jose sees daily highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C at night. On the 30th (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.