30 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

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

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Papaya Con Leche and Off-Road Tours. Get out of town with these interesting Tamarindo side-trips: Playa Flamingo (Pesca Deportiva & Adrenaline & Extreme Tours). There's still lots to do: relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, stroll through Tamarindo Beach, wander the wide-open spaces of Pura Aventura, and get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour.

For more things to do, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Tamarindo road trip planning site.

Zurich, Switzerland to Tamarindo is an approximately 18.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 7 hours traveling from Zurich to Tamarindo. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Fri) so you can 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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Scuba & Snorkeling and Playa Hermosa. Step out of Playas del Coco to go to Liberia and see Ponderosa Adventure Park, which is approximately 1h 15 min away. Spend the 7th (Sun) among the fascinating landscape of Rincon de La Vieja National Park. There's more to do: relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers and view the masterpieces at Rojas Bros Boruca Indigenous Arts.

For other places to visit, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Playas del Coco vacation builder.

Getting from Tamarindo to Playas del Coco by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Mon) 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Spas and Off-Road Tours. Change things up with a short trip to Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary in Nosara (about 58 minutes away). There's much more to do: get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour, stroll through Barrigona Beach, enjoy the sand and surf at Samara Beach, and surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Playa Samara road trip site.

Drive from Playas del Coco to Playa Samara in 2 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Thu) early enough to go by car 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Monteverde Butterfly Garden (Jardin de Mariposas) and Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena. There's lots more to do: relax in the rural setting at El Trapiche Tour, take in nature's colorful creations at Monteverde Orchid Garden, stroll through Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, and get to know the resident critters at The Bat Jungle.

Ask Inspirock to suggest an itinerary and make planning a trip to Monteverde fast, fun, and easy.

Traveling by car from Playa Samara to Monteverde takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Sun) 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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at River Rafting & Tubing and Walking tours. Change things up with these side-trips from Manuel Antonio: Jaco (Off-Road Tours & Mirador de Jaco). The adventure continues: kick back and relax at Playa Manuel Antonio, look for gifts at Altair Souvenir & Gallery Shop, take a pleasant ride with a tour on horseback, and stroll around Parque Nahomi.

To see photos, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Manuel Antonio trip maker tool.

You can drive from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Wed) early enough to go by car 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.

Step off the beaten path and head to Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary and Canyoning & Rappelling Tours. There's much more to do: glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, stop by Mama Toucan's Natural and Organic Food Store, soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, and admire the sheer force of Uvita Waterfall.

To find ratings, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Uvita vacation planning tool.

Traveling by car from Manuel Antonio to Uvita takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) early enough to go by car 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.

Step off the beaten path and head to Caribeans Coffee & Chocolate and Finca La Isla. There's lots more to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Punta Uva Beach, explore the wealth of natural beauty at Cahuita National Park, take in nature's colorful creations at Tree of Life Wildlife Rescue Center and Botanical Gardens, and stroll through Playa Cocles.

To find traveler tips, reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Puerto Viejo de Talamanca day trip site.

Getting from Uvita to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca by car takes about 7 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Tue) to allow time to drive 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Butterfly Conservatory and Paradise Hot Springs. There's still lots to do: let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour, look for all kinds of wild species at Wildlife Areas, savor a delicious cup with a coffee and tea tour, and witness a stunning natural landmark at Ecotermales Fortuna.

Use Inspirock's suggestions to plan your La Fortuna de San Carlos trip and find the best activities and attractions for your vacation.

You can drive from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna de San Carlos in 5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Mon) to allow time to travel back home.