20 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

A long-established beach community, Playas del Coco has developed a reputation as a favored spot for young travelers and locals to let loose by the sea.

Kick off your visit on the 1st (Mon): soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, get outside with Crazy Alex CR, and then stop by Playa Ocotal.

To find reviews, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Playas del Coco trip itinerary tool.

Winnipeg, Canada to Playas del Coco is an approximately 14-hour flight. You can also drive. Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Tue) early enough to go by car to Tamarindo.

Surfing remains the main reason to take a trip to Tamarindo, as the beachside town is mostly known for its excellent waves.

On the 2nd (Tue), take in the architecture and atmosphere at Tamarindo Church, stop by EK Art Jewelry, look for gifts at Papaya Con Leche, explore the galleries of Lydia Beech Art Boutique, then step aboard Kingpin Sportfishing, and finally have some family-friendly fun at Bolas Locas Mini Golf. Here are some ideas for day two: explore the striking landscape of Barra Honda National Park.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Tamarindo vacation planner.

Traveling by car from Playas del Coco to Tamarindo takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Uvita.

Ideal for visitors looking to escape Costa Rica's busy beaches, Uvita offers a serene atmosphere and plenty of uncrowded sand for a leisurely vacation.

On the 4th (Thu), tour the pleasant surroundings at Kokopelli. Keep things going the next day: head outdoors with Cascada Pavon - Waterfall in Costa Rica, then look for gifts at Discount Liquor Wine & Cigars, then stop by Mama Toucan's Natural and Organic Food Store, and finally take in the dramatic scenery at Santa Lucia Falls.

To find ratings, other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, read Uvita road trip app.

You can drive from Tamarindo to Uvita in 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Drake Bay.

On the 6th (Sat), see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour and then surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 7th (Sun): stroll through Cano Island.

To find other places to visit, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Drake Bay trip itinerary planning website.

You can drive from Uvita to Drake Bay in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Quepos.

The tourist-oriented town of Quepos marks the entrance for many travelers looking to explore the nearby national park.

Start off your visit on the 8th (Mon): get a dose of the wild on Mike’s Nature Tours. On your second day here, walk around La Selvita and then get a dose of the wild on Kids Saving the Rain Forest.

For where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, read our Quepos online sightseeing planner.

Drive from Drake Bay to Quepos in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and bus; or do a combination of ferry and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Wed) so you can drive to Carara.

Start off your visit on the 10th (Wed): get lost in a book at Jaco Library and Learning Center, then stop by Fruity Monkey Poop, then cast your line with a fishing tour, and finally take in the views from Tarcoles Bridge.

To see where to stay, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Carara trip planner.

Traveling by car from Quepos to Carara takes 2 hours. On the 12th (Fri), you'll travel 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.

Start off your visit on the 12th (Fri): Head underground at Venado Caves and then take in the natural beauty of Paradise Hot Springs. Here are some ideas for day two: contemplate the geological forces at Cerro Chato (Chato Volcano), then tour the pleasant surroundings at Butterfly Conservatory, and then look for all kinds of wild species at Natura Eco Park Costa Rica.

To see where to stay, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, use the La Fortuna de San Carlos attractions planning website.

You can drive from Carara to La Fortuna de San Carlos in 4 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Sun) to allow 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.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Sun): look for gifts at Souvenir Rosewood-Info Center, then admire all the interesting features of Ecological Sanctuary, and then admire the sheer force of San Luis Waterfall. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the striking landscape of Up in the Cloud Forest.

For where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Monteverde trip planner.

Getting from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Monteverde by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Nosara.

Along with its agricultural and fishing heritage, Nosara stands as one of the oldest expatriate communities in the country.

On the 16th (Tue), get your game on at Eskina Skate Parq and then view the masterpieces at Koss Art Gallery. On the 17th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: stroll through International Animal Rescue Costa Rica, then enjoy some diversion at Tennis Club Colibri, then explore the galleries of MAEL's ABSTRACT ART GALLERY, and finally head outdoors with Equisol Retreats CR, SRL.

To find ratings, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Nosara online itinerary maker.

Drive from Monteverde to Nosara in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Thu) to allow time to travel back home.