30 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.

Visiting Paradise Hot Springs and Zipline will get you outdoors. Explore hidden gems such as Venado Caves and Los Lagos Hot Springs. Go for a jaunt from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Tenorio Volcano National Park to see Rio Celeste about 1h 25 min away. There's still lots to do: get impressive views of Cerro Chato (Chato Volcano), take in the natural beauty of Rio Chollin, explore the galleries of Onirica Art Gallery, and look for all kinds of wild species at Natura Eco Park Costa Rica.

For more things to do, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the La Fortuna de San Carlos online vacation planner.

Jerusalem, Israel to La Fortuna de San Carlos is an approximately 26-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 8 hours traveling from Jerusalem to La Fortuna de San Carlos. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Thu) 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.

Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Playa Cocles and Puerto Viejo Beach. For shopping fun, head to La Feria Legendaria de Playa Chiquita or Talamanca Family Art. Step out of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to go to Puerto Limon and see Catedral Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, which is approximately 1h 5 min away. There's still lots to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Nature Park Walk and admire the natural beauty at Finca La Isla.

To find other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Puerto Viejo de Talamanca planning tool.

You can drive from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in 5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of taxi and bus; or take a bus. You will leave for Manuel Antonio on the 11th (Mon).

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

Get outdoors at Waterskiing & Jetskiing and Stand-Up Paddleboarding. Discover out-of-the-way places like MidWorld Costa Rica and Playa Biesanz. Step out of Manuel Antonio to go to Dominical and see Mama Toucan's Natural and Organic Food Store, which is approximately 48 minutes away. There's still lots to do: stop by Villa Vanilla / Rainforest Spices and surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Manuel Antonio trip itinerary builder site.

You can drive from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to Manuel Antonio in 7 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sun) so you can ride a ferry 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.

Get outdoors at Playa Hermosa and Playa Carmen. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Spas & Wellness. Step out of Santa Teresa to go to Montezuma and see Montezuma Falls, which is approximately 42 minutes away. It doesn't end there: look for gifts at Tica Surf Bikinis and enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Santa Teresa.

For ratings, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Santa Teresa road trip site.

You can ride a ferry from Manuel Antonio to Santa Teresa in 5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and ferry; or drive. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Wed) early enough 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.

We've included these beaches for you: San Juanillo Beach and Barrigona Beach. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary and Koss Art Gallery. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Playa Samara: Nosara (Playa Guiones & Spas & Wellness). Next up on the itinerary: admire the sheer force of Belen Waterfall, stroll through Samara Beach, and step aboard Kingfisher Sportfishing.

For where to stay, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Playa Samara trip planner.

You can drive from Santa Teresa to Playa Samara in 3.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Sun) 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.

Get some cultural insight at Lydia Beech Art Boutique and Iglesia Catolica de Playas del Coco. Visiting Scuba & Snorkeling and Playa Avellana will get you outdoors. Get out of town with these interesting Tamarindo side-trips: Playa Conchal (in Playa Conchal) and Playa Hermosa (in Playa Hermosa). There's much more to do: soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, stop by Urban Eclectic Jewelry, and glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area.

To see reviews, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, read our Tamarindo trip maker tool.

Traveling by car from Playa Samara to Tamarindo takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. You will leave for home on the 29th (Fri).