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.

You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Paradise Hot Springs and Natura Eco Park Costa Rica. Visiting Butterfly Conservatory and La Fortuna Waterfall will get you outdoors. And it doesn't end there: Head underground at Venado Caves, take in the natural beauty of Titoku Hot Springs, and explore the striking landscape of Arenal Volcano.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the La Fortuna de San Carlos trip planner.

Detroit, USA to La Fortuna de San Carlos is an approximately 13-hour combination of flight and shuttle. You can also drive. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Central Standard Time (CST), which is usually a -1 hour difference. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Fri) early enough to drive to Monteverde.

Monteverde is all about natural attractions, not surprising for an eco-tourism hotspot known for its cloud forests and rich diversity of animal life.

On the 1st (Sat), learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at The Bat Jungle and then delve into the lush surroundings at Curi Cancha Reserve.

To find photos, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Monteverde online trip planner.

You can drive from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Monteverde in 3.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Sat) early enough to go by car to Jaco.

A seaside resort town with plenty of entertaining distractions along its attractive coastline, Jaco has long been a major tourist destination on the central Pacific coast.

On the 2nd (Sun), enjoy the sand and surf at Jaco Beach, whizz through the canopy at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, and then look for gifts at Fruity Monkey Poop.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, read Jaco online vacation planner.

Traveling by car from Monteverde to Jaco takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 3rd (Mon) early enough to travel 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 3rd (Mon): stroll through Playa Hermosa and then admire the sheer force of Montezuma Falls. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 4th (Tue): glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area and then stroll through Playa Santa Teresa.

To find reviews, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Santa Teresa tour itinerary planning website.

Traveling by combination of ferry and bus from Jaco to Santa Teresa takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Tue) 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 5th (Wed): find your balance on the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Conchal, and then stop by Azul Profundo Boutique. Here are some ideas for day two: relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers, discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour, and then stop by Cheboards.

To see ratings, photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Tamarindo road trip planning site.

You can drive from Santa Teresa to Tamarindo in 4.5 hours. Other options are to take a shuttle; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.