9 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

Surfing remains the main reason to take a trip to Tamarindo, as the beachside town is mostly known for its excellent waves.

On the 19th (Sun), kick back and relax at Playa Conchal, then glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour, then stop by Cheboards, and then kick back and relax at Playa Avellana.

To find where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Tamarindo day trip planning tool.

Toronto, Canada to Tamarindo is an approximately 9.5-hour flight. You can also drive. Traveling from Toronto to Tamarindo, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Tue) to allow time to drive 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.

On the 21st (Tue), tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa Santa Teresa and then stroll through Playa Hermosa.

To see more things to do, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Santa Teresa trip planner.

Traveling by car from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Wed) so you can travel 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 22nd (Wed): take a memorable tour with Tours, scramble along the landscape with a canyoning and rapelling tour, and then get outside with Costa Rica SUP'ers.

To see maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Jaco trip itinerary maker site.

Traveling by combination of bus and ferry from Santa Teresa to Jaco takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Thu) 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.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Thu): surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour and then stop by Super Joseth.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Manuel Antonio trip maker tool.

You can drive from Jaco to Manuel Antonio in 1.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. On the 24th (Fri), you'll travel 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.

Kick off your visit on the 25th (Sat): take in the natural beauty of Rio Chollin and then take in the natural beauty of Tabacon Hot Springs. On the next day, trek along Natura Eco Park Costa Rica, then get interesting insight from Tours, then take in the dramatic scenery at La Fortuna Waterfall, and finally explore the galleries of Onirica Art Gallery.

To see more things to do, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, read our La Fortuna de San Carlos vacation planning website.

Drive from Manuel Antonio to La Fortuna de San Carlos in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. You will leave for home on the 27th (Mon).