11 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 29th (Thu), stroll through Monkey Park, get a taste of life in the country at Pura Aventura, and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 30th (Fri): discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour and then see Off-Road Tours.

For more things to do, other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Tamarindo trip itinerary maker site.

Phoenix, USA to Tamarindo is an approximately 11.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. The time zone changes from Mountain Standard Time to Central Standard Time, which is usually a 1 hour difference. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Phoenix in December: highs in Tamarindo hover around 82°F, while lows dip to 82°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Fri) early enough to drive 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.

Start off your visit on the 31st (Sat): trot along with a tour on horseback and then get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour.

To see traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Playa Samara trip maker site.

You can drive from Tamarindo to Playa Samara in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 82°F in December, and nighttime lows around 82°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Sat) to allow enough 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 1st (Sun): stroll around Parque Nahomi, get a new perspective on things with Jackpot Sport Fishing, and then take an exotic tour of Safari Adventures.

To see maps, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Manuel Antonio online route planner.

Drive from Playa Samara to Manuel Antonio in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and ferry; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sun) so you can 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.

Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Playa Ventanas and Uvita Beach. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Uvita Waterfall and Canyoning & Rappelling Tours. There's much more to do: ride a horse along Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge, stroll through Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, and get outside with Outdoor Activities.

For traveler tips, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Uvita route tool.

You can drive from Manuel Antonio to Uvita in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Wed) to allow time 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.

Get in touch with nature at Bogarin Trail and Dave & Dave's Costa Rica Nature Park. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Butterfly Conservatory - Arenal and Nature & Wildlife Tours. There's lots more to do: identify plant and animal life at Natura Eco Park Costa Rica, take in the natural beauty of Paradise Hot Springs, and take an in-depth tour of ChocoMuseo La Fortuna.

For photos, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our La Fortuna de San Carlos vacation planning tool.

Getting from Uvita to La Fortuna de San Carlos by car takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and car; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Sat) to allow time to fly back home.