16 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

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.

To find other places to visit, maps, ratings, and tourist information, read San Jose online journey planner.

London, UK to San Jose is an approximately 15-hour flight. You can also fly. The time zone difference when traveling from London to San Jose is minus 6 hours. Traveling from London in April, things will get much warmer in San Jose: highs are around 33°C and lows about 22°C. You'll set off for Monteverde on the 9th (Thu).

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 9th (Thu), tour the pleasant surroundings at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at The Bat Jungle, and then explore the galleries of Alas y Raices. Keep things going the next day: take a peaceful walk through Curi Cancha Reserve, then take in nature's colorful creations at Monteverde Orchid Garden, and then relax in the rural setting at El Trapiche Tour.

For other places to visit, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, read Monteverde trip planner.

Traveling by car from San Jose to Monteverde takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Playa Samara.

A beach town with just enough development to be comfortable for families accustomed to the trappings of modern life, Playa Samara has the resorts you'd expect to find in such a scenic area, but they don't hinder the relaxing atmosphere.

Start off your visit on the 11th (Sat): enjoy the sand and surf at Samara Beach, then step aboard Kingfisher Sportfishing, and then indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas. On your second day here, see Off-Road Tours, take a pleasant ride with a tour on horseback, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Buena Vista.

To find where to stay, reviews, photos, and other tourist information, use the Playa Samara online route planner.

You can drive from Monteverde to Playa Samara in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Mon) 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 13th (Mon): get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, then kick back and relax at Tamarindo Beach, and then stop by Organic Products by Coco Beauty Spa. On the 14th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get in on the family fun at Black Stallion Eco Park & Estates and then enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Conchal.

To see where to stay and other tourist information, go to the Tamarindo online trip itinerary maker.

Getting from Playa Samara to Tamarindo by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Wed) so you can go by car 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.

La Fortuna de San Carlos is known for nature, adventure, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: soothe aching muscles at Tabacon Hot Springs, contemplate the geological forces at Arenal Volcano, witness a stunning natural landmark at Ecotermales Fortuna, and take a memorable tour with Tours.

Plan my La Fortuna de San Carlos trip by asking Inspirock to come up with tips and suggestions.

Traveling by car from Tamarindo to La Fortuna de San Carlos takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Tortuguero.

One of Costa Rica's least accessible destinations, Tortuguero sits within an eponymous national park and remains accessible only by plane or boat.

On the 19th (Sun), see the interesting displays at Sea Turtle Conservancy and then explore the wealth of natural beauty at Tortuguero National Park.

To find traveler tips, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Tortuguero holiday builder site.

Getting from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Tortuguero by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a shuttle; or do a combination of bus and taxi. In April, daily temperatures in Tortuguero can reach 35°C, while at night they dip to 26°C. You'll set off for Manuel Antonio on the 20th (Mon).

The rainforest meets the sea at Manuel Antonio National Park, a small but scenic natural preserve on the west coast of Costa Rica.

On the 21st (Tue), get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour and then stroll through Playa Manuel Antonio. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 22nd (Wed): paddle through the water with a kayaking and canoeing tour.

To see ratings, reviews, and tourist information, read our Manuel Antonio route maker site.

Drive from Tortuguero to Manuel Antonio in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or do a combination of ferry and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 22nd (Wed) to allow enough time to travel back home.