19 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.

On the 27th (Sat), tour the pleasant surroundings at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, then get to know the resident critters at The Bat Jungle, and then take in the exciting artwork at Alas y Raices. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 28th (Sun): take in nature's colorful creations at Monteverde Butterfly Garden (Jardin de Mariposas), then experience rural life at El Trapiche Tour, and then stroll through Ranario Monteverde Frog Pond.

To plan Monteverde vacation without wasting time, ask Inspirock to design an itinerary.

London, UK to Monteverde is an approximately 16-hour combination of flight and taxi. The time zone changes from Greenwich Mean Time to Central Standard Time, which is usually a -6 hour difference. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive 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.

Start off your visit on the 1st (Mon): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Tortuguero National Park.

To find out how to plan a trip to Tortuguero, use our trip itinerary maker.

Drive from Monteverde to Tortuguero in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a shuttle. In February, daily temperatures in Tortuguero can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 24°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Mon) early enough to go by car 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.

Manuel Antonio is known for beaches, adventure, and nightlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: kick back and relax at Playa Manuel Antonio, take a memorable tour with Tours, walk around Parque Nahomi, and stroll through Playa Biesanz.

To see photos, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, read Manuel Antonio trip maker.

You can drive from Tortuguero to Manuel Antonio in 5.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of taxi and bus; or do a combination of ferry and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to San Jose.

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.

Get out of town with these interesting San Jose side-trips: Souvenir Muy Tranquilo (in Fraijanes), Else Kientzler Botanical Garden (in Sarchi) and Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz (in Vara Blanca). There's lots more to do: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Poas Volcano, take an in-depth tour of Jade Museum, capture your vacation like a pro with an inspiring photography tour, and take in the exciting artwork at Galeria Namu.

For ratings, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, read our San Jose trip itinerary planning site.

Traveling by car from Manuel Antonio to San Jose takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. In March, daily temperatures in San Jose can reach 32°C, while at night they dip to 21°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Wed) so you can drive to Cahuita.

With its dusty streets and simple (read affordable) lodgings, Cahuita bustles as a hub of backpacker tourism in southeastern Costa Rica.

Step out of Cahuita with an excursion to Tortuguero Canal in Puerto Limon--about 1h 25 min away. There's still lots to do: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Cahuita National Park, tour the pleasant surroundings at Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica, and admire the natural beauty at Tree of Life Wildlife Rescue Center and Botanical Gardens.

To see maps, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Cahuita online road trip planner.

You can drive from San Jose to Cahuita in 4 hours. Another option is to take a bus. In March, plan for daily highs up to 34°C, and evening lows to 24°C. On the 12th (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca offers a wealth of entertainment by the sea, attracting a lively international crowd of revelers while maintaining a bright and breezy coastal charm with a local feel.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is known for wildlife, beaches, and shopping. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour, enjoy the sand and surf at Puerto Viejo Beach, explore the galleries of Luluberlu Art Gallery, and stroll through Playa Cocles.

For ratings, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, use the Puerto Viejo de Talamanca journey builder app.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is just a short distance from Cahuita. You'll set off for home on the 15th (Mon).