31 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

A vacation in Vara Blanca, located in the heart of Costa Rica, offers excellent access to a number of attractions across the area.

On the 25th (Wed), take in the dramatic scenery at Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz.

Plan my day in Vara Blanca using traveler tips and tourist information provided by Inspirock.

San Jose to Vara Blanca is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. You can also do a combination of bus and taxi. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Wed) to allow 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Jaco (Costa Rica SUP'ers & Zipline) and Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary (in Dominical). The adventure continues: enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Manuel Antonio, tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa Biesanz, identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas, and stroll around Parque Nahomi.

To find out how to plan a trip to Manuel Antonio, use our trip itinerary maker.

You can drive from Vara Blanca to Manuel Antonio in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 29th (Sun) to allow time for the car ride 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.

Step out of Monteverde with an excursion to Finca El Paraiso in Los Tornos--about 40 minutes away. Next up on the itinerary: tour the pleasant surroundings at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, view the masterpieces at Sarah's Gallery, take a peaceful walk through Curi Cancha Reserve, and get to know the fascinating history of Santa Elena Skywalk.

Planning Monteverde trip won't be overwheling when you use's Insprock itinerary maker.

Getting from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde by car takes about 4 hours. Other options: take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Thu) to allow enough time to 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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Tamarindo: Playa Conchal (Playa Conchal & Garra de Leon Golf Course), Pura Veda Archery (in San Juanillo) and Nosara (Playa Guiones & Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary). There's still lots to do: get a taste of life in the country at Pura Aventura, enjoy the sand and surf at Tamarindo Beach, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Tamarindo Church, and have fun at Tamarindo Tennis & Pickleball Club.

To see other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Tamarindo tour itinerary planner.

You can drive from Monteverde to Tamarindo in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or take a shuttle. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Liberia.

Tourism in Liberia has been growing since the opening of its airport, with more and more international visitors using the city as a starting point for explorations of the country's northwest.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Liberia: Playa Nacascolo (in Gulf of Papagayo) and Area de Conservacion Guanacaste (Hacienda El Viejo Wetlands & Miravalles Volcano). And it doesn't end there: contemplate the geological forces at Rincon de La Vieja National Park, sample the tasty concoctions at Maderos Brewery, look for gifts at Souvenir Ocarina, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Church of La Ermita La Agonia.

For more things to do, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Liberia sightseeing planner.

Traveling by car from Tamarindo to Liberia takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sat) so you can 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.

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

Start your trip to La Fortuna de San Carlos by creating a personalized itinerary on Inspirock.

You can drive from Liberia to La Fortuna de San Carlos in 2.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Sat) early enough to drive 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 20th (Sun): get a new perspective on nature at Sea Turtle Conservancy and then explore the wealth of natural beauty at Tortuguero National Park.

For photos, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Tortuguero trip maker.

Traveling by car from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Tortuguero takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in October, and nighttime lows around 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to San Jose.

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), Poas Volcano (in Poas Volcano National Park) and Toucan Rescue Ranch (in San Isidro). Next up on the itinerary: contemplate the geological forces at Irazu Volcano National Park, take an in-depth tour of Jade Museum, take in the exciting artwork at Museo Dr. Rafael Calderon Guardia, and let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the San Jose trip planner.

Drive from Tortuguero to San Jose in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus. In October, San Jose is slightly colder than Tortuguero - with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Fri) early enough to travel back home.