11 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

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 15th (Sun): get a taste of life in the country at Pura Aventura. Here are some ideas for day two: push the limits with an extreme tour, see Off-Road Tours, and then look for gifts at Souvenir Guanacaste.

To see more things to do, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Tamarindo trip builder site.

New York City, USA to Tamarindo is an approximately 9.5-hour flight. You can also drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from New York City to Tamarindo. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Santa Teresa.

A coastal getaway popular with surfers and young travelers, Santa Teresa spreads out from the beach and the main coastal road to a ring of newer developments on the surrounding hills.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Tue): glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, then enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Hermosa, and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

For maps, reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Santa Teresa trip builder website.

You can drive from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa in 4.5 hours. Other options are to take a shuttle; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Tue) so you can catch the ferry 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 18th (Wed), indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour, and then see exotic creatures in open habitats at Safari Adventures.

For ratings and more tourist information, go to the Manuel Antonio online trip builder.

You can ride a ferry from Santa Teresa to Manuel Antonio in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and ferry; or drive. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Uvita.

Ideal for visitors looking to escape Costa Rica's busy beaches, Uvita offers a serene atmosphere and plenty of uncrowded sand for a leisurely vacation.

On the 19th (Thu), enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Ventanas, tour the pleasant surroundings at Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, and then surround yourself with nature on Pineapple Tours. On your second day here, admire the sheer force of Uvita Waterfall and then kick back and relax at Uvita Beach.

For photos, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, read Uvita itinerary builder site.

Traveling by car from Manuel Antonio to Uvita takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Fri) early enough to drive to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca offers a wealth of entertainment by the sea, attracting a lively international crowd of revelers while maintaining a bright and breezy coastal charm with a local feel.

On the 21st (Sat), take in nature's colorful creations at Tree of Life Wildlife Rescue Center and Botanical Gardens, kick back and relax at Playa Cocles, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Punta Uva Beach.

To see ratings, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Puerto Viejo de Talamanca route planner.

Getting from Uvita to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca by car takes about 7 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sat) so you can drive 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.

On the 22nd (Sun), hike along Arenal Natura Ecological Park, witness a stunning natural landmark at Paradise Hot Springs, and then savor a delicious cup with a coffee and tea tour. Here are some ideas for day two: tour the pleasant surroundings at Butterfly Conservatory, see Off-Road Tours, and then walk around Bogarin Trail.

Take the guesswork out of planning a La Fortuna de San Carlos vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

You can drive from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna de San Carlos in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Mon) so you can go by car 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 24th (Tue), see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour, then enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Hermosa, and then stop by Lis Umana Beachwear. On the next day, stroll through Hacienda El Viejo Wetlands.

To find traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Playas del Coco trip builder tool.

You can drive from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Playas del Coco in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 25th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel back home.