31 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

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.

Change things up with these side-trips from San Jose: Cartago (Santuario Nacional Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles, Jardin Botanico Lankester, &more), Poas Volcano (in Poas Volcano National Park) and Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center (in Alajuela). Next up on the itinerary: cruise along Top Travel Costa Rica, get impressive views of Irazu Volcano National Park, hit the best photo ops around with an inspiring photography tour, and explore the galleries of Galeria Namu.

To find reviews, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the San Jose trip builder.

London, UK to San Jose is an approximately 15-hour flight. You'll gain 6 hours traveling from London to San Jose due to the time zone difference. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from London in July: high temperatures in San Jose hover around 31°C and lows are around 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Mon) early enough to take a shuttle 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.

La Fortuna de San Carlos is known for nature, adventure, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: witness a stunning natural landmark at Tabacon Hot Springs, contemplate the geological forces at Arenal Volcano, stroll through La Fortuna Waterfall, and let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the La Fortuna de San Carlos trip itinerary maker site.

You can take a shuttle from San Jose to La Fortuna de San Carlos in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sun) so you can go by car 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 3rd (Mon): learn more about the world around you at Sea Turtle Conservancy.

To see where to stay, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, use the Tortuguero road trip planning tool.

You can drive from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Tortuguero in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or do a combination of bus and taxi. In August, daytime highs in Tortuguero are 35°C, while nighttime lows are 26°C. On the 3rd (Mon), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Drake Bay.

Step out of Drake Bay with an excursion to Corcovado National Park in Carate--about 1h 10 min away. Spend a day of island exploring on the 5th (Wed) at Cano Island.

To find where to stay, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, use the Drake Bay trip maker site.

Traveling by car from Tortuguero to Drake Bay takes 9 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi, bus, and ferry; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Fri) so you can drive to Quepos.

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

Quepos is known for wildlife, adventure, and spas. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, and look for gifts at Altair Souvenir & Gallery Shop.

Make your Quepos itinerary with Inspirock to find out what to see and where to go.

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. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Tue) 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.

Monteverde is known for adventure, parks, and nightlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: stroll through Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, get to know the resident critters at The Bat Jungle, look for gifts at Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery, and see the interesting displays at Chorotega Arts & Crafts.

For maps, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Monteverde online sightseeing planner.

Traveling by car from Quepos to Monteverde takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Sat) 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.

Take a break from Tamarindo with a short trip to Playa Guiones in Nosara, about 2 hours away. Next up on the itinerary: tour the pleasant surroundings at Tamarindo Beach, get a taste of life in the country at Pura Aventura, see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, and see Off-Road Tours.

To see reviews, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, read Tamarindo tour itinerary planner.

Getting from Monteverde to Tamarindo by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of taxi and bus; or take a shuttle. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Wed) so you can travel back home.