15 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.

Take a break from the city and head to Playa Hermosa and Playa Conchal. Discover out-of-the-way places like Adrenaline & Extreme Tours and Spas & Wellness. Step out of Tamarindo with an excursion to Scuba & Snorkeling in Playas del Coco--about 1h 15 min away. There's much more to do: stroll through Playa Avellana, glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, and stop by Azul Profundo Boutique.

For reviews, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Tamarindo trip itinerary planning website.

Montreal, Canada to Tamarindo is an approximately 9.5-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone difference when traveling from Montreal to Tamarindo is minus 1 hour. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Wed) so you can 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 26th (Wed): kick back and relax at Playa Hermosa, glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, and then kick back and relax at Playa Santa Teresa. On the 27th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers, tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa Carmen, and then admire the sheer force of Montezuma Falls.

To see maps, reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Santa Teresa online trip builder.

Getting from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa by car takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: take a shuttle; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Fri) early enough to ride a 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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Waterskiing & Jetskiing and Playa Biesanz. Visiting Nature & Wildlife Tours and MidWorld Costa Rica will get you outdoors. There's more to do: stop by Beso Loco Boutique de Playa.

To find more things to do, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Manuel Antonio trip itinerary maker.

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. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 1st (Mon) to allow enough time 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.

Step out of the city life by going to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena. Explore hidden gems such as Monteverde Butterfly Garden (Jardin de Mariposas) and Souvenir Rosewood-Info Center. The adventure continues: kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, take in nature's colorful creations at Monteverde Orchid Garden, stop by Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery, and appreciate the extensive heritage of Santa Elena Skywalk.

To see where to stay, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Monteverde online day trip planner.

Getting from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde by car takes about 4 hours. Other options: take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Thu) to allow time to 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Natura Eco Park Costa Rica and Paradise Hot Springs. Escape the urban bustle at Tabacon Hot Springs and River Rafting & Tubing. And it doesn't end there: contemplate the geological forces at Arenal Volcano, tour the pleasant surroundings at La Fortuna Waterfall, take in the natural beauty of Rio Chollin, and take in the exciting artwork at Onirica Art Gallery.

To see reviews, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read La Fortuna de San Carlos travel route builder website.

Traveling by car from Monteverde to La Fortuna de San Carlos takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.