15 days in Costa Rica Itinerary
15 days in Costa Rica Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Costa Rica Trip Planner
Start: Montreal
Fly
1
Jaco
— 1 night
Drive
2
Manuel Antonio
— 3 nights
Drive
3
San Jose
— 1 night
Shuttle
4
La Fortuna de San Carlos
— 4 nights
Drive
5
Monteverde
— 2 nights
Drive
6
Tamarindo
— 2 nights
Fly
End: Montreal
Sat, Jul 8 - Sat, Jul 22
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See full calendar
Jaco
— 1 night

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.Start off your visit on the 8th (Sat): kick back and relax at Jaco Beach and then head outdoors with Costa Rica SUP'ers.
For photos, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Jaco online trip itinerary maker.
Montreal, Canada to Jaco is an approximately 11-hour flight. 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. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Manuel Antonio.
Things to do in Jaco
Highlights from your trip
See timeline
Manuel Antonio
— 3 nights

The rainforest meets the sea at Manuel Antonio National Park, a small but scenic natural preserve on the west coast of Costa Rica.Step out of the city life by going to River Rafting & Tubing and Playa Biesanz. Next up on the itinerary: get interesting insight from MidWorld Costa Rica and look for gifts at Beso Loco Boutique de Playa.
To see ratings, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, use the Manuel Antonio tour itinerary tool.
Traveling by car from Jaco to Manuel Antonio takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) early enough to go by car to San Jose.
Things to do in Manuel Antonio
Highlights from your trip
San Jose
— 1 night
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.Kick off your visit on the 12th (Wed): see the interesting displays at Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, then contemplate the long history of Ruins of Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Limpia Concepcion, and then pause for some serene contemplation at Santuario Nacional Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 13th (Thu): get engrossed in the history at Museo Nacional De Costa Rica and then get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports.
For ratings, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our San Jose itinerary builder website.
You can drive from Manuel Antonio to San Jose in 3 hours. Other options are to take a shuttle; or take a bus. In July, plan for daily highs up to 31°C, and evening lows to 22°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Thu) early enough to catch the shuttle to La Fortuna de San Carlos.
Things to do in San Jose
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
La Fortuna de San Carlos
— 4 nights

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 Tabacon Hot Springs and River Rafting & Tubing. The adventure continues: get impressive views of Arenal Volcano, tour the pleasant surroundings at Arenal Oasis Wildlife Refuge, admire the sheer force of La Fortuna Waterfall, and browse the exhibits of Onirica Art Gallery.
To find more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the La Fortuna de San Carlos trip builder app.
Take a shuttle from San Jose to La Fortuna de San Carlos in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Mon) early enough to drive to Monteverde.
Things to do in La Fortuna de San Carlos
Side Trip
Monteverde
— 2 nights

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 18th (Tue): take in the views from Santa Elena Skywalk and then stroll through Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks.
You can plan Monteverde trip in no time by asking Inspirock to help create your itinerary.
Traveling by car from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Monteverde takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 19th (Wed) to allow time for the car ride to Tamarindo.
Things to do in Monteverde
Highlights from your trip
Tamarindo
— 2 nights

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 20th (Thu): tour the pleasant surroundings at Tamarindo Beach, then take in the exciting artwork at Lydia Beech Art Boutique, and then stroll through Playa Conchal. On the 21st (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: find something for the whole family at Black Stallion Eco Park & Estates and then enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Avellana.
To find where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Tamarindo trip itinerary planner.
Traveling by car from Monteverde to Tamarindo takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or take a shuttle. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Fri) early enough to travel back home.
Things to do in Tamarindo
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
Costa Rica travel guide
Tiny in terms of land area, Costa Rica is astoundingly diverse when it comes to culture and natural attractions. In a country called "Rich Coast", it's no surprise most Costa Rica vacations dedicate at least a few days to picturesque Pacific and Caribbean beaches, ideal for water sports and relaxation. Few small countries offer such a range of landscapes, allowing tourists to observe towering volcanoes while soaking away their worries in a hot spring, or hike into dense rainforests in the morning and surf at a modern resort in the afternoon. A trip to Costa Rica also lets you discover pristine national parks, ensuring plenty of chances to view wildlife from the comfort of eco-friendly lodges packed with amenities even ardent nature lovers secretly desire.