11 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

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 a sense of the local culture at Catedral de Ciudad Quesada and Art House. Family-friendly places like River Rafting & Tubing and Adrenaline & Extreme Tours will thrill your kids. The adventure continues: relax and rejuvenate at Tabacon Hot Springs, stroll through Proyecto Asis, trek along Natura Eco Park Costa Rica, and stop by Souvenir Leo.

To find ratings, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the La Fortuna de San Carlos travel route planning app.

Dallas, USA to La Fortuna de San Carlos is an approximately 11.5-hour combination of flight and shuttle. You can also drive. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Mon) early enough to take a shuttle 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 4th (Tue): take an in-depth tour of Museo Nacional De Costa Rica, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Santuario Nacional Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles, and then get a taste of the local shopping with Multiplaza. Here are some ideas for day two: experience rural life at El Toledo Coffee Tour, then get engrossed in the history at Souvenir Museum, and then learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center.

Find out how to plan San Jose trip without stress by asking Inspirock to help create an itinerary.

Take a shuttle from La Fortuna de San Carlos to San Jose in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In July, daily temperatures in San Jose can reach 80°F, while at night they dip to 67°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Wed) so you can 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.

Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 7th (Fri): stop by Beso Loco Boutique de Playa, then look for gifts at Villa Vanilla / Rainforest Spices, then look for gifts at Jaime Peligro Book & CD Shop, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Biesanz.

Take the guesswork out of planning a Manuel Antonio vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

You can drive from San Jose to Manuel Antonio in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sat) to allow enough time to ride a ferry 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.

Start off your visit on the 8th (Sat): enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Santa Teresa.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, read Santa Teresa trip app.

Traveling by ferry from Manuel Antonio to Santa Teresa takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and ferry; or drive. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sat) so you can drive 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 9th (Sun): enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Conchal, take in the exciting artwork at Lydia Beech Art Boutique, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Tamarindo Beach.

To see photos, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Tamarindo day trip planning site.

Traveling by car from Santa Teresa to Tamarindo takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. On the 10th (Mon), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.