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.

On the 10th (Mon), explore the galleries of Onirica Art Gallery, hike along Natura Eco Park Costa Rica, and then take in the natural beauty of Rio Chollin. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 11th (Tue): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Arenal Volcano.

For photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read La Fortuna de San Carlos trip planner.

Toronto, Canada to La Fortuna de San Carlos is an approximately 11-hour combination of flight and shuttle. You can also drive. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Toronto to La Fortuna de San Carlos due to the time zone difference. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Tue) early enough 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.

On the 12th (Wed), get to know the resident critters at The Bat Jungle and then stroll through Curi Cancha Reserve.

To see reviews, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, read our Monteverde online trip itinerary builder.

You can drive from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Monteverde in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 12th (Wed) so you can go by car 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 13th (Thu): stroll through Jaco Beach and then take a memorable tour with Tours.

For maps, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Jaco trip planner.

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 14th (Fri) so you can travel 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.

Start off your visit on the 14th (Fri): kick back and relax at Playa Hermosa and then enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Santa Teresa.

To see maps, ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Santa Teresa day trip planner.

You can do a combination of ferry and bus from Jaco to Santa Teresa in 3 hours. Another option is to drive. 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.

On the 15th (Sat), relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers and then stroll through Playa Avellana. Keep things going the next day: enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Conchal and then discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

To see ratings, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Tamarindo trip planner.

Traveling by car from Santa Teresa to Tamarindo takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. You will have some time to spend on the 17th (Mon) before leaving for home.