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 (Thu), look for gifts at Souvenir Guanacaste.

To find photos, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Tamarindo online trip itinerary planner.

Zurich, Switzerland to Tamarindo is an approximately 18.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Central European Standard Time to Central Standard Time is minus 7 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Fri) so you can go by car to Playa Samara.

A beach town with just enough development to be comfortable for families accustomed to the trappings of modern life, Playa Samara has the resorts you'd expect to find in such a scenic area, but they don't hinder the relaxing atmosphere.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Sat): stroll through Werner Sauter Biological Reserve, then browse the exhibits of Koss Art Gallery, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Buena Vista.

To see where to stay, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Playa Samara trip website.

Traveling by car from Tamarindo to Playa Samara takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Sat) early enough to go by car 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.

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Sun): soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, then hike along Locos por el Bosque, and then head outdoors with Cascada Pavon - Waterfall in Costa Rica. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: stop by Discount Liquor Wine & Cigars, tour the pleasant surroundings at Oro Verde Biological Reserve, then view the masterpieces at Magic Ananda, and finally take in the dramatic scenery at Santa Lucia Falls.

For where to stay, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Uvita trip app.

You can drive from Playa Samara to Uvita in 6.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of taxi and ferry; or do a combination of car and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Mon) 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.

Start off your visit on the 24th (Tue): kick back and relax at Playa Espadilla Norte, get some thrills out on the water with a waterskiing or jet-skiing adventure, and then indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

For more things to do, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Manuel Antonio road trip planner.

Getting from Uvita to Manuel Antonio by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Tue) early enough to 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.

On the 25th (Wed), witness a stunning natural landmark at Los Lagos Hot Springs, hike along Arenal Natura Ecological Park, and then witness a stunning natural landmark at Paradise Hot Springs. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 26th (Thu): tour the pleasant surroundings at Bogarin Trail, tour the pleasant surroundings at Butterfly Conservatory, then take a pleasant ride with Arenal Wilberth Stables, and finally take an in-depth tour of ChocoMuseo La Fortuna.

To find maps, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, go to the La Fortuna de San Carlos attractions site.

Traveling by car from Manuel Antonio to La Fortuna de San Carlos takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Fri) early enough to travel back home.