40 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

The rainforest meets the sea at Manuel Antonio National Park, a small but scenic natural preserve on the west coast of Costa Rica.

Explore hidden gems such as Jackpot Sport Fishing and Safari Adventures. Step out of the city life by going to Playa Manuel Antonio and Los Campesinos Reserve. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Manuel Antonio: Playa Linda (in Playa Matapalo), Isla Damas (in Puntarenas) and Rainmaker Park (in Parrita). There's still lots to do: stroll through Playa Espadilla Norte, enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Biesanz, stroll around Parque Nahomi, and take in the exciting artwork at The Captain's Booty.

Plan my trip to Manuel Antonio with suggested itineraries provided by Inspirock.

Santiago, Chile to Manuel Antonio is an approximately 14-hour flight. The time zone changes from Chile Standard Time to Central Standard Time, which is usually a -2 hour difference. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (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.

You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Playa Ventanas and Uvita Beach. Step off the beaten path and head to Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary and Cano Island. Step out of Uvita to go to Ballena and see Nature & Wildlife Tours, which is approximately 1h 15 min away. Next up on the itinerary: skim along the rocks with a canyoning and rapelling tour, see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour, see Off-Road Tours, and relax and rejuvenate at Danyasa Eco-Retreat - Bamboo Yoga Play Studio.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, read Uvita tour itinerary planning app.

Drive from Manuel Antonio to Uvita in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Puerto Jimenez.

Kick off your visit on the 4th (Sat): hike along Osa Wild. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 5th (Sun): relax in the rural setting at Rancho Raices de Puerto Jimenez and then get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports.

To find more things to do, photos, maps, and tourist information, read Puerto Jimenez online trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Uvita to Puerto Jimenez in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca offers a wealth of entertainment by the sea, attracting a lively international crowd of revelers while maintaining a bright and breezy coastal charm with a local feel.

Step out of the city life by going to Nature & Wildlife Tours and Playa Cocles. Visit Playa Punta Uva and Playa Puerto Viejo for some beach relaxation. Next up on the itinerary: admire the natural beauty at Tree of Life Wildlife Rescue Center and Botanical Gardens and tour the pleasant surroundings at Nature Observatorio.

To find traveler tips, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, read Puerto Viejo de Talamanca online holiday planner.

Getting from Puerto Jimenez to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca by car takes about 7 hours. Other options: take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (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.

Step out of the city life by going to La Fortuna Waterfall and River Rafting & Tubing. Discover out-of-the-way places like Bogarin Trail and Natura Eco Park Costa Rica. Go for a jaunt from La Fortuna de San Carlos to El Castillo to see Butterfly Conservatory - Arenal about 38 minutes away. There's lots more to do: take an exotic tour of a safari tour, take in the natural beauty of Rio Chollin, skim along the rocks with a canyoning and rapelling tour, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Arenal Sanctuary Reserve.

To see ratings, reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, read La Fortuna de San Carlos trip itinerary builder website.

Traveling by car from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna de San Carlos takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Tue) to allow time to 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.

Get outdoors at Carara National Park and Quepos Fish Adventure Private Day Charters. Step off the beaten path and head to Nature & Wildlife Tours and Tarcoles Bridge. Step out of Jaco to go to Parrita and see Palo Seco Beach, which is approximately 1 hour away. Next up on the itinerary: tour the pleasant surroundings at Royal Butterflies, get outside with Outdoor Activities, see Off-Road Tours, and kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Jaco road trip planner.

Getting from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Jaco by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sat) early enough to 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 19th (Sun): enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Carmen and then glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area. Here are some ideas for day two: enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Santa Teresa, then kick back and relax at Playa Hermosa, and then look for all kinds of wild species at Costa Rican Tropical Tours.

To find reviews, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Santa Teresa trip maker website.

Traveling by combination of ferry and bus from Jaco to Santa Teresa takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Mon) early enough to 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Playa Guiones and Dolphin & Whale Watching. Visiting Horseback Riding Tours and Playa Carrillo will get you outdoors. When in Playa Samara, make a side trip to see Room Escape Games in Nosara, approximately Nosara away. There's still lots to do: kick back and relax at Barrigona Beach and tour the pleasant surroundings at Samara Beach.

Plan my trip to Playa Samara with suggested itineraries provided by Inspirock.

Traveling by car from Santa Teresa to Playa Samara takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Thu) so you can drive to Tamarindo.

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

Escape the urban bustle at Nature & Wildlife Tours and Playa Conchal. Explore hidden gems such as Potrero Beach and Off-Road Tours. There's lots more to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Tamarindo Beach, stroll through Monkey Park, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, and get in on the family fun at Black Stallion Eco Park & Estates.

You can plan Tamarindo trip in no time by asking Inspirock to help create your itinerary.

Traveling by car from Playa Samara to Tamarindo takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Playas del Coco.

A long-established beach community, Playas del Coco has developed a reputation as a favored spot for young travelers and locals to let loose by the sea.

Get outdoors at Playa Hermosa and Rio Negro Hot Springs. Step off the beaten path and head to Hacienda El Viejo Wetlands and Immaculate Church of Concepcion de Maria. Venture out of the city with trips to Cataratas Llanos de Cortes (in Bagaces) and Nahua (in Liberia). Next up on the itinerary: tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa Nacascolo and discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Playas del Coco attractions planner.

Getting from Tamarindo to Playas del Coco by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Sat) early enough to catch the flight back home.