8 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.

Start off your visit on the 13th (Thu): hike along Natura Eco Park Costa Rica and then take in the natural beauty of Tabacon Hot Springs. Here are some ideas for day two: skim along the rocks with a canyoning and rapelling tour, relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour, and then view the masterpieces at Onirica Art Gallery.

To see ratings, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, read La Fortuna de San Carlos sightseeing app.

Detroit, USA to La Fortuna de San Carlos is an approximately 13-hour combination of flight and shuttle. You can also drive. The time zone difference when traveling from Detroit to La Fortuna de San Carlos is minus 1 hour. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Fri) so you can 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.

Kick off your visit on the 15th (Sat): stroll through Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and then look for gifts at Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, go to the Monteverde trip planner.

You can drive from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Monteverde in 3.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sat) so you can drive to Jaco.

A seaside resort town with plenty of entertaining distractions along its attractive coastline, Jaco has long been a major tourist destination on the central Pacific coast.

Start off your visit on the 16th (Sun): trot along with a tour on horseback and then kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks.

To see ratings, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Jaco itinerary maker.

Traveling by car from Monteverde to Jaco takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sun) so you can travel to Ojochal.

Start off your visit on the 17th (Mon): head outdoors with Cascada Pavon - Waterfall in Costa Rica and then enjoy the sand and surf at Parque Nacional Marino Ballena.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Ojochal trip itinerary maker site.

Traveling by car from Jaco to Ojochal takes 2.5 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Mon) so you can 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.

Start off your visit on the 18th (Tue): kick back and relax at Playa Manuel Antonio and then surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour.

To see ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Manuel Antonio travel itinerary planner.

You can drive from Ojochal to Manuel Antonio in 1.5 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Tue) 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.

On the 19th (Wed), see a show at Teatro Nacional Costa Rica.

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

Traveling by car from Manuel Antonio to San Jose takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. In February, daily temperatures in San Jose can reach 79°F, while at night they dip to 65°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 19th (Wed) to allow time for travel back home.