How To Spend 14 Days In Costa Rica - 5 Itineraries

Q: Is this itinerary suitable for a first-time visit to Costa Rica?

Yes, two weeks lets you explore Costa Rica properly. You’ll travel between cloud forests, volcanoes, and both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. There’s time for hiking, swimming, and learning about local conservation projects. The slower pace helps you appreciate daily life and natural rhythms. For those learning how to plan a trip to Costa Rica , two weeks means deeper experiences.

Q: Should I include the Osa Peninsula in 14 days?

You can, but it’s a commitment. The Osa Peninsula is remote and expensive to reach, but it’s also home to Corcovado, one of the most biodiverse places in the world. If wildlife is your top priority, it’s worth it. Just know you’ll need to cut time elsewhere. See our map of Costa Rica for inspiration.

Q: Should I spend more time in fewer places?

That depends on your travel style. If you enjoy variety and don’t mind frequent moves, you can see more regions. If you prefer to settle in and explore one area fully, stay in fewer places. A good balance is three to four bases with a few nights in each. For more advice, see our Costa Rica travel tips .

Q: How many national parks can I visit in two weeks?

Four to six is realistic. Choose a mix that covers different ecosystems: beachside parks like Manuel Antonio, cloud forests like Monteverde, volcanic regions like Arenal, and maybe more remote ones like Corcovado or Tortuguero. National parks are the best places to visit in Costa Rica , most parks are best experienced with a guide, especially for wildlife.

Q: What's the best way to get around Costa Rica?

There’s no single best option. It depends on where you're going and how you like to travel. Renting a car gives you flexibility and works well for exploring areas like Monteverde or the Nicoya Peninsula, but roads can be rough and signage limited. Shared shuttles are more relaxed and great for popular routes. Public buses are cheap but slower and better for short distances. See our guide to getting around Costa Rica .

Costa Rica is a land of pristine landscapes and endless adventure. If you’re traveling to Costa Rica and have two weeks to spare, our carefully curated 14-day itineraries offer a thrilling mix of nature and exploration. From jungles to beaches, each day unfolds a new chapter in your journey through one of the world’s most diverse destinations.

14 days in Costa Rica overview
Is 14 days enough?

14 days in Costa Rica overview

With two weeks, you can cover a wider range of Costa Rica’s landscapes without rushing. This itinerary links together the northern volcano and cloud forest region with both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. You’ll have time for national parks, beach towns, and wildlife reserves, with a few travel days in between. The route balances active days with time to slow down.

Day 1-3: San Jose
Day 4-5: Tortuguero
Day 6-8: Arenal
Day 9-11: Monteverde
Day 12-13: Tamarindo
Day 14: San Jose

Tortuga Island, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Is 14 days enough?

Two weeks in Costa Rica gives you room to explore beyond the usual highlights. You can add the Caribbean coast, visit Tortuguero, or venture down to the Osa Peninsula. With this much time, you can travel at a more relaxed pace and dive deeper into the country’s nature and wildlife. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to go off the beaten path. Here's how Costa Rica trips compare by length:

Itinerary	Ideal for	Main highlights	Pace	Best for	From price*
5 days in Costa Rica	Short break	San José, Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna hot springs	Fast-paced	First-timers on limited time	$1,250 pp
7 days in Costa Rica	One-week adventure	Monteverde Cloud Forest, Pacific beaches	Moderate	Couples and nature lovers	$1,850 pp
10 days in Costa Rica	Classic route	Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio	Balanced	Families or first-time visitors	$2,450 pp
14 days in Costa Rica	Extended journey	Caribbean coast, Tortuguero, Osa Peninsula	Relaxed	Explorers and photographers	$3,350 pp

*Indicative price per person for a fully arranged tailor-made trip.

Costa Rica Tulemar beach © Shutterstock

Tips from Roberto

Costa Rica Travel Expert

Arenal hasn’t had a big eruption since 2010, so you won’t see lava, but it’s still an amazing place to visit. Try to stay on the north side where you can actually see the volcano from your hotel room—it’s something else to wake up to that view. The hot springs are worth it too. Tabacón is really nice but pricey, while Ecotermales is smaller and feels more relaxed. Do the hanging bridges early in the morning before the tours show up.

Wondering how to plan your trip? Our local travel experts design itineraries just for you.

Tips from Carolina

Costa Rica Travel Expert

The food’s not spicy or fancy, but it’s fresh and comforting. Expect a lot of rice and beans, plantains, and simple grilled meat or fish. Gallo pinto for breakfast is the real deal, and you'll probably miss it once you leave. You can drink the tap water in most of the country, but if you're heading somewhere rural, it’s smart to bring a reusable bottle with a filter just in case.

Curious how a local sees this destination? Our Costa Rica travel experts craft itineraries to show you.

Playa Ocotal Beach in Guanacaste, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Costa Rica itinerary FAQ

When is the best time to take a 14 day trip to Costa Rica?−

The best time to visit Costa Rica is during dry season, from mid-December through April. This is when the Pacific side gets the most sun, roads are easier to navigate, and wildlife is more active in national parks. January to March usually has the most consistent weather. If you don’t mind some afternoon rain, the green season (May to November) has fewer crowds, lush scenery, and lower prices. The Caribbean coast actually sees its best weather in September and October. For sea turtles and whales, aim for July to October or December to April. Book early for high-season favorites.

Costa Rica 10 days itinerary

14 days in Costa Rica overview

Is 14 days enough?

Costa Rica itinerary FAQ

When is the best time to take a 14 day trip to Costa Rica?−

Is this itinerary suitable for a first-time visit to Costa Rica?+

Should I include the Osa Peninsula in 14 days?+

Should I spend more time in fewer places?+

How many national parks can I visit in two weeks?+

What's the best way to get around Costa Rica?+

Travel advice for Costa Rica

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