11 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

A vacation in Vara Blanca, located in the heart of Costa Rica, offers excellent access to a number of attractions across the area.

Start off your visit on the 1st (Fri): admire the sheer force of Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz and then join in the after-dark buzz at Souvenir Muy Tranquilo.

For reviews, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Vara Blanca trip planner.

San Juan, Puerto Rico to Vara Blanca is an approximately 10-hour combination of flight and car. The time zone changes from Atlantic Standard Time (AST) to Central Standard Time (CST), which is usually a -2 hour difference. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (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.

Kick off your visit on the 2nd (Sat): look for gifts at Beso Loco Boutique de Playa.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Manuel Antonio itinerary maker site.

You can drive from Vara Blanca to Manuel Antonio in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 3rd (Sun) to allow time for the car ride 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 3rd (Sun): take an in-depth tour of Museo Nacional De Costa Rica, then take an in-depth tour of Jade Museum, and then see the interesting displays at Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. On the 4th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: pause for some serene contemplation at Santuario Nacional Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles, revel in the low prices at Mercado Municipal De Artesanias, and then walk around Parque La Sabana.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, read our San Jose route builder site.

Traveling by car from Manuel Antonio to San Jose takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. In September, daily temperatures in San Jose can reach 32°C, while at night they dip to 21°C. You will leave for Monteverde on the 5th (Tue).

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 5th (Tue): kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks.

For photos, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Monteverde online visit planner.

Traveling by car from San Jose to Monteverde takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (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.

La Fortuna de San Carlos is known for nature, adventure, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour, indulge in some personalized pampering at Tabacon Hot Springs, get the adrenaline pumping with an extreme tour, and contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Arenal.

For other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, refer to the La Fortuna de San Carlos holiday builder website.

Getting from Monteverde to La Fortuna de San Carlos by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel back home.