26 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

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.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Bogarin Trail and ChocoMuseo La Fortuna. Get in touch with nature at Tabacon Hot Springs and Canyoning & Rappelling Tours. There's lots more to do: hike along Natura Eco Park Costa Rica, get interesting insight from Tours, see Off-Road Tours, and take in the exciting artwork at Wood & Art Gallery.

To see other places to visit, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our La Fortuna de San Carlos trip planner.

Seattle, USA to La Fortuna de San Carlos is an approximately 15-hour combination of flight and shuttle. You can also drive. The time zone changes from Pacific Standard Time to Central Standard Time, which is usually a 2 hour difference. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive 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.

Relax by the water at Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Norte. Step off the beaten path and head to Safari Adventures and Horseback Riding Tours. Step out of Manuel Antonio to go to Parrita and see Rainmaker Park, which is approximately 46 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, walk around Parque Nahomi, relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour, and view the masterpieces at The Captain's Booty.

To see reviews, photos, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Manuel Antonio planning website.

You can drive from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Manuel Antonio in 4.5 hours. Other options are to take a shuttle; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Wed) 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary and Uvita Waterfall. Take a break from the city and head to Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge and Canyoning & Rappelling Tours. There's much more to do: add some adventure to your tour with a kayaking and canoeing tour, kick back and relax at Uvita Beach, look for gifts at Mama Toucan's Natural and Organic Food Store, and soothe aching muscles at Danyasa Eco-Retreat - Bamboo Yoga Play Studio.

To see photos, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Uvita trip planner.

You can drive from Manuel Antonio to Uvita in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sat) so you can drive to Jaco.

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.

Get outdoors at Carara National Park and Kayaking & Canoeing. Explore hidden gems such as Horseback Riding Tours and Tico Pod Art House & Gifts. The adventure continues: explore by horseback at Vista Los Suenos Horseback Riding, take in the views from Tarcoles Bridge, see Off-Road Tours, and indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

Take the guesswork out of planning a Jaco vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

You can drive from Uvita to Jaco in 2 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel 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.

On the 17th (Thu), tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa Hermosa, view the masterpieces at Bri'ah Art Gallery, and then find your balance on the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 18th (Fri): stroll through Playa Carmen, trot along with a tour on horseback, and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

For other places to visit, photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Santa Teresa tour planning tool.

Do a combination of ferry and bus from Jaco to Santa Teresa in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Fri) so you can 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.

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Sat): view the masterpieces at MAEL's ABSTRACT ART GALLERY, take a memorable tour with Tours, and then indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas. Keep things going the next day: tour the pleasant surroundings at Barrigona Beach and then take a pleasant ride with a tour on horseback.

To find where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Playa Samara road trip planning website.

You can drive from Santa Teresa to Playa Samara in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 82°F in December, and nighttime lows around 82°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Playas del Coco.

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.

Start off your visit on the 21st (Mon): discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour, tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa Hermosa, and then look for gifts at Cata Chocolate. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, then admire the sheer force of Cataratas Llanos de Cortes, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Immaculate Church of Concepcion de Maria.

To find where to stay, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Playas del Coco tour itinerary planning site.

Drive from Playa Samara to Playas del Coco in 2 hours. In December, daytime highs in Playas del Coco are 82°F, while nighttime lows are 82°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (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.

Escape the urban bustle at Adrenaline & Extreme Tours and Playa Avellana. Get a sense of the local culture at Lydia Beech Art Boutique and La Galeria Centro de Arte. Next up on the itinerary: take a memorable tour with Tours, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, enjoy the sand and surf at Tamarindo Beach, and stroll through Monkey Park.

To see maps, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, read our Tamarindo route site.

Traveling by car from Playas del Coco to Tamarindo takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 82°F, and evening lows to 82°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 26th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.