12 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 28th (Tue): appreciate the extensive heritage of Santa Elena Skywalk. On the next day, stroll through Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.

To find ratings, traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, read our Monteverde itinerary app.

Detroit, USA to Monteverde is an approximately 13.5-hour combination of flight and taxi. You can also drive. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time to Central Standard Time is minus 1 hour. You will have some time to spend on the 30th (Thu) before leaving for 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.

Take a break from the city and head to La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano. You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like River Rafting & Tubing and Onirica Art Gallery. There's more to do: take in the natural beauty of Tabacon Hot Springs.

To see where to stay, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the La Fortuna de San Carlos trip planner.

You can drive from Monteverde to La Fortuna de San Carlos in 3.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Vara Blanca.

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

Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Mon): admire the sheer force of Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz.

To see traveler tips, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Vara Blanca day trip tool.

Getting from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Vara Blanca by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Mon) 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.

Start off your visit on the 4th (Tue): look for gifts at Beso Loco Boutique de Playa.

For ratings, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Manuel Antonio trip itinerary builder website.

Traveling by car from Vara Blanca to Manuel Antonio takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or do a combination of taxi and bus. You will have some time to spend on the 5th (Wed) before leaving for 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.

On the 5th (Wed), enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Santa Teresa.

To see other places to visit, photos, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Santa Teresa day trip planning site.

Getting from Manuel Antonio to Santa Teresa by ferry takes about 5 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and ferry; or drive. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Wed) early enough to 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.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Thu): tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa Conchal and then enjoy the sand and surf at Tamarindo Beach. Here are some ideas for day two: soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, kick back and relax at Playa Avellana, and then look for gifts at Diamante Boutique.

To find maps, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, read Tamarindo trip itinerary tool.

Traveling by car from Santa Teresa to Tamarindo takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Fri) early enough to travel back home.