53 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.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Mon): tour the pleasant surroundings at Spirogyra Butterfly Garden, take an in-depth tour of Jade Museum, and then stop by Chieton Moren. Here are some ideas for day two: explore and take pictures at Top Travel Costa Rica, get engrossed in the history at Museo Nacional De Costa Rica, and then capture your vacation like a pro with an inspiring photography tour.

To see other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, read our San Jose day trip website.

Mexico City, Mexico to San Jose is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Mexico City in December: high temperatures in San Jose hover around 30°C and lows are around 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Tue) so you can 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.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Wed): stroll through Oro Verde Biological Reserve, hike along Locos por el Bosque, and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers.

For traveler tips, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Uvita trip planner.

Traveling by car from San Jose to Uvita takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Thu) 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.

Take a break from the city and head to Playa Manuel Antonio and Nature & Wildlife Tours. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Playa Espadilla Norte and Waterskiing & Jetskiing. The adventure continues: see Off-Road Tours and relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

To plan Manuel Antonio vacation without wasting time, ask Inspirock to design an itinerary.

You can drive from Uvita to Manuel Antonio in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 19th (Sat) to allow time for travel to San Juanillo.

Get in touch with nature at San Juanillo Beach and Junquillal Bay Wildlife Refuge.

To see traveler tips, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the San Juanillo sightseeing site.

You can drive from Manuel Antonio to San Juanillo in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In December, plan for daily highs up to 32°C, and evening lows to 32°C. You'll set off for La Fortuna de San Carlos on the 2nd (Tue).

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.

Start off your visit on the 3rd (Wed): take in the natural beauty of Los Lagos Hot Springs, then hike along Arenal Natura Ecological Park, and then take in the natural beauty of Paradise Hot Springs. Here are some ideas for day two: tour the pleasant surroundings at Arenal Oasis Wildlife Refuge, get interesting insight from Tours, and then stroll through Bogarin Trail.

To see photos, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, use the La Fortuna de San Carlos sightseeing planner.

Traveling by car from San Juanillo to La Fortuna de San Carlos takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive.