14 days In Costa Rica - 5 itineraries

Discover the wonders of Costa Rica, a paradise of pristine landscapes and boundless adventure. Dive into our carefully crafted collection of five Costa Rica itineraries for 14 days that turn your trip into an exciting odyssey. Amidst unspoiled beauty and limitless discoveries, every moment becomes a fascinating page of your journey of exploration.

Itinerary #1: Costa Rica Eco Adventure

People come to Costa Rica for its compact jungles, tropical beaches, forests, wildlife, and national parks. The country may be small, but it's strikingly diverse and provides the perfect backdrop for this true eco-adventure.

The adventure starts with your arrival in San Jose. On the second day, you will take a domestic flight to Puerto Jimenez and be transferred to the Lapa Rios Ecolodge. On the following days, you will be treated to a variety of eco excursions and tours organized by the lodge. You can choose from three daily activities.

On day six you will explore the local communities of Los Bajos del Toro Amarillo.

On the seventh day, a bird-watching excursion from early morning along the lodge trails to see various species of birds. On the eighth day, a scenic horseback ride through the countryside of Bajos del Toro, during which you can interact with the locals and admire the scenic views. On the ninth day, transfer to your new destination.

On the tenth day, transfer to Manuel Antonio National Park. On the eleventh day, you will embark on a sea kayak trip from the pier in Quepos, exploring hidden coves and watching sea birds.

On the twelfth day, a catamaran cruise from the Quepos pier awaits. Day thirteen involves a return to San Jose. The last day is a departure from San Jose, concluding the adventure. Read more.

Tourists on horseback in Costa Rican cloud forest © Shutterstock

Tourists on horseback in Costa Rican cloud forest © Shutterstock

Best time to visit Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio @ Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this Costa Rica itinerary for 14 days.

    Day one

  • Arrival in San Jose.
  • Overnight in San Jose.

    Day two

  • Flight to Puerto Jimenez.
  • Overnight in Lapa Rios Ecolodge.

    Day three

  • Lapa Rios Lodge Excursions.
  • Overnight in Lapa Rios Ecolodge.

    Day four

  • Lapa Rios Lodge Excursions.
  • Overnight in Lapa Rios Ecolodge.

    Day five

  • Lapa Rios Lodge Excursions.
  • Overnight in Lapa Rios Ecolodge.

    Day six

  • Los Bajos Cultural Experience.
  • Overnight in Bajos Del Toro.

    Day seven

  • Daybreak Bird Watching and Horseback Riding.
  • Overnight in Bajos Del Toro.

    Day eight

  • Horseback Riding.
  • Overnight in Bajos Del Toro.

    Day nine

  • Transfer to Manuel Antonio.
  • Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

    Day ten

  • Manuel Antonio National Park Tour.
  • Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

    Day eleven

  • Ocean Kayaking and Snorkelling.
  • Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

    Day twelve

  • Catamaran Adventure Tour.
  • Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

    Day thirteen

  • Drive Back To San Jose.
  • Overnight in San Jose.

    Day fourteen

  • Departure from San Jose.

Feeling curious? Take a step forward and book this trip now.

Catarata del Toro waterfall in Bajos del Toto, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Catarata del Toro waterfall in Bajos del Toto, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Sunrise in Puerto Jimenez Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Sunrise in Puerto Jimenez Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Hummingbird, Rara Avis Reserve, Costa Rica

Hummingbird, Costa Rica @ Shutterstock

Itinerary #2: A Dream of Costa Rica

This is the perfect 14-day trip to Costa Rica! Spend a few days around Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde Cloud Forest before heading to the coast. Return to the Central Valley to visit another volcano, Poas, before heading home.

Your adventure will begin in San Jose, where your driver will transfer you to your hotel. Day two begins early in the morning with a drive to Braulio Carrillo National Park. A riverboat ride will take you to Tortuguero National Park, known as Costa Rica's Amazon.

Day three is dedicated to exploring Tortuguero's canals. On the fourth day, you will leave the Caribbean coast and travel to La Fortuna. Day five includes a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall and a hike to the volcano.

Day six includes a scenic drive from La Fortuna to Monteverde, crossing Lake Arenal by boat. Day seven involves a tour of the Hanging Bridges. Day eight is a trip to the Gulf of Papagayo.

Day nine features a sunset sailing and snorkeling trip and an introduction to the marine life of the Pacific Ocean. Day ten offers a horseback ride on the beach. The eleventh day is a rest day to relax and enjoy the beach life.

Day twelve is a return to San Jose. Day thirteen includes a visit to Doka Coffee Estate, Poas Volcanoes National Park, and a waterfall. The last day concludes with a transfer to San Jose International Airport for your return flight home.

Tortuguero Village, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Tortuguero Village, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Sun rising over the Playa Blanca beach in Peninsula Papagayo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Playa Blanca beach in Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this Costa Rica itinerary for 14 days.

    Day one

  • Arrival in San Jose.
  • Overnight in San Jose.

    Day two

  • From San Jose to Tortuguero by River Boat.
  • Overnight in Tortuguero.

    Day three

  • Tortuguero Canals - Full Day.
  • Overnight in Tortuguero.

    Day four

  • From Tortuguero to La Fortuna.
  • Overnight in La Fortuna.

    Day five

  • La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano National Park.
  • Overnight in La Fortuna.

    Day six

  • From La Fortuna to Monteverde.
  • Overnight in Monteverde.

    Day seven

  • Hanging Bridges Tour.
  • Overnight in Monteverde.

    Day eight

  • From Monteverde to Gulf Papagayo.
  • Overnight in Gulf Papagayo.

    Day nine

  • Sunset sailing and snorkeling.
  • Overnight in Gulf Papagayo.

    Day ten

  • Horseback riding on the beach.
  • Overnight in Gulf Papagayo.

    Day eleven

  • Day at leisure.
  • Overnight in Gulf Papagayo.

    Day twelve

  • From the Gulf of Papagayo to Alajuela.
  • Overnight in Alajuela.

    Day thirteen

  • Volcano Poas, Coffee Tour, and Waterfall.
  • Overnight in Alajuela.

    Day fourteen

  • Departure from San Jose.

Interested? Don't miss the opportunity to book this trip now.

Poas Volcano, Costa Rica

Poas Volcano, Costa Rica @ Shutterstock

The Peninsula Papagayo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

The Peninsula Papagayo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

La-Fortuna-waterfall-Arenal-volcano-Costa-Rica-shutterstock_634125518

La Fortuna Waterfall, Costa-Rica @ Shutterstock

Itinerary #3: Costa Rica: Coast to Coast

Costa Rica has much to offer: paradise beaches, scenic narrow waterways, and magical rainforests. With this two-week trip, you'll head east and discover the calm Caribbean Sea and, to the west, the turbulent Pacific Ocean and a surfer's paradise.

Your adventure begins with your arrival in San Jose. Day two includes a series of excursions: a visit to Doc's Coffee Plantation with a guided tour and breakfast, followed by a trip to Poas Volcanoes National Park and culminating with a tour of La Paz Waterfall Garden.

Day three is free time in San Jose, and on day four you will travel to the town of Tortuguero, crossing Braulio Carrillo National Park. Subsequent days include a morning boat trip to Evergreen Lodge, an evening stay at Tabacon Hot Springs with dinner, a hike in Arenal Volcanoes National Park, and a Sky Tram and Sky Walk through the Arenal Reserve.

On the ninth day, an overnight Bat Jungle tour is scheduled, during which you will learn about different species of bats. On the tenth day is a guided naturalist-guided tour of Monteverde's Cloud Forest Reserve, and on the eleventh day is a guided tour of Trapiche, which explains the production of sugar and coffee. Day twelve marks the transition to a new destination.

On the thirteenth day, you will embark on a morning open sailing excursion from Tamarindo Beach, where you can snorkel and observe marine life. Finally, on the fourteenth day, the trip will conclude with a departure from San Jose.

Playa-Tamarindo-costa-rica-shutterstock_184286795

Playa Tamarindo @ Costa Rica @ Shutterstock

Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park @ Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this Costa Rica itinerary for 14 days.

    Day one

  • Arrival in San Jose.
  • Overnight in San Jose.

    Day two

  • Doka Coffee Plantation, Poas Volcano, and La Paz Tour.
  • Overnight in San Jose.

    Day three

  • Free Day in San Jose.
  • Overnight in San Jose.

    Day four

  • On to Tortuguero National Park.
  • Overnight in Tortuguero.

    Day five

  • Evergreen Lodge Morning Boat Tour.
  • Overnight in Tortuguero.

    Day six

  • Tabacon Hotsprings with Dinner.
  • Overnight in Arenal.

    Day seven

  • Arenal Volcano National Park Hike.
  • Overnight in Arenal.

    Day eight

  • Sky Tram and Sky Walk in Arenal Park.
  • Overnight in Arenal.

    Day nine

  • Bat Jungle Night Tour.
  • Overnight in Monteverde.

    Day ten

  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Tour.
  • Overnight in Monteverde.

    Day eleven

  • Guided Tour in Trapiche.
  • Overnight in Gulf Monteverde.

    Day twelve

  • On to Tamarindo.
  • Overnight in Tamarindo.

    Day thirteen

  • Morning Open Sailing Tour.
  • Overnight in Tamarindo.

    Day fourteen

  • Transfer and Departure from San Jose.

Looking for a new experience? Book your trip now.

Tabacon Hot Springs River at Arenal Volcano, Alajuela, San Carlos, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Tabacon Hot Springs River at Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Monteverde cloudforest, Costa Rica © Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock

Monteverde Cloudforest, Costa Rica © Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock

Arenal volcano in Costa Rica ©Shutterstock

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica © Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock

Itinerary #4: Coastal Paradise and Rainforest Exploration

This 14-day journey is designed for those looking for the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From the pristine shores of Manuel Antonio National Park to the captivating rainforests of Corcovado, you'll pass through coastal paradises and immerse yourself in the heart of lush wilderness.

Start your trip by arriving in San Jose and exploring the city Spend the next day exploring the city's vibrant culture, visiting local markets, museums, and historical sites.

Head to Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its gorgeous beaches and rich biodiversity on day three. Day four features guided hikes through the rainforest, spot wildlife, and relax on pristine shores.

On day five, you'll be flown to Puerto Jimenez and transferred to Corcovado National Park. Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the rainforest, and encounter unique wildlife on day six.

A vacation on the Osa Peninsula awaits you on days seven and eight.

Day nine is marked by departure to Montezuma, a bohemian beach town. Experience the thrill of rappelling down a waterfall and explore the lush surroundings on day ten.

Head to Arenal on day eleven, where you'll hike around the Arenal Volcano and soak in the natural hot springs. Enjoy ziplining adventures, visits to waterfalls, and views of the volcanic landscape on day twelve.

Head to the Nicoya Peninsula and relax on its serene beaches on the thirteenth day. On the last day before departing from San Jose, do yoga, ride the waves, and soak up the tranquil charm of the peninsula.

Nicoya-costa-rica-shutterstock_1598849740

Nicoya, Costa Rica @ Shutterstock

Walking through Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

Walking through Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica @ Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this Costa Rica itinerary for 14 days.

    Day one

  • Arrival in San Jose.
  • Overnight in San Jose.

    Day two

  • City Tour of San Jose.
  • Overnight in San Jose.

    Day three

  • Transfer to Manuel Antonio.
  • Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

    Day four

  • Manuel Antonio National Park Tour.
  • Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

    Day five

  • Flight to Puerto Jimenez.
  • Overnight in Puerto Jimenez.

    Day six

  • Corcovado National Park Tour.
  • Overnight in Puerto Jimenez.

    Day seven

  • Tour to the Osa Peninsula and Day at Leisure.
  • Overnight in Osa.

    Day eight

  • Day at Leisure.
  • Overnight in Osa.

    Day nine

  • Departure to Montezuma.
  • Overnight in Montezuma.

    Day ten

  • Day at Leisure.
  • Overnight in Montezuma.

    Day eleven

  • To Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs.
  • Overnight in Arenal.

    Day twelve

  • Zipline Adventure and Watrefalls.
  • Overnight in Arenal.

    Day thirteen

  • Day at Leisure in Nicoya.
  • Overnight in Nicoya.

    Day fourteen

  • Transfer and Departure from San Jose.

Interested? Don't miss the opportunity to book this trip now.

Montezuma beach, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Montezuma Beach, Costa Rica @ Shutterstock

jaguar-costa-rica-corcovado-shutterstock_473867038

Jaguar in Corcovado, Costa Rica @ Shutterstock

Alex Robinson, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Itinerary #5: Adventure and Wildlife Expedition in Costa Rica

From rafting on the Sarapiqui River to exploring the intricate canals of Tortuguero National Park, each day of this trip brings a new adventure. Whether you love thrills, nature, or culture, this 14-day itinerary promises to satisfy your craving for excitement and discovery in Costa Rica's captivating landscapes.

Begin your journey by arriving in San Jose. Spend the first two days exploring museums, galleries and enjoying local cuisine in charming restaurants.

On the third and fourth days, you'll head to the enchanting Tortuguero National Park. Navigate the intricate canal system while watching turtles, caimans, and a multitude of bird species.

On the fifth and sixth days, the adventure will continue in the Sarapiqui region. On the seventh and eighth days of your trip, head to the spectacular Caribbean coast. Immerse yourself in Afro-Caribbean culture, relax on picturesque beaches, and enjoy the vibrant music of the region.

Days nine and ten will take you to La Fortuna, where many exciting adventures await. You can do canyoning, waterfall rappelling, horseback riding and then relaxing in natural hot springs.

On the eleventh and twelfth days of your trip, you'll enter the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest. Stroll through its enchanting landscapes, visit butterfly gardens, and learn about important conservation work.

On day thirteen, you'll experience the coastal charm of the Papagayo Peninsula. Engage in a variety of exciting water sports including kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Finally, on day fourteen, you will be transferred back to San Jose for a departure.

A river through the Sarapiqui Rainforest, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

A river through the Sarapiqui Rainforest, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Tortuguero Canal, Costa Rica © Kenneth Vargas Torres/Shutterstock

Tortuguero Canal, Costa Rica © Kenneth Vargas Torres/Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this Costa Rica itinerary for 14 days.

    Day one

  • Arrival in San Jose.
  • Overnight in San Jose.

    Day two

  • City Tour of San Jose.
  • Overnight in San Jose.

    Day three

  • Transfer to Tortuguero National Park.
  • Overnight in Tortuguero.

    Day four

  • Tortuguero National Park Canals Tour.
  • Overnight in Tortuguero.

    Day five

  • Transfer to Sarapiqui Region.
  • Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

    Day six

  • Sarapiqui River Rafting and Forest Hikes.
  • Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

    Day seven

  • Transfer to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
  • Overnight in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

    Day eight

  • Day at Leisure.
  • Overnight in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

    Day nine

  • Departure to La Fortuna.
  • Overnight in La Fortuna.

    Day ten

  • Tour of La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano.
  • Overnight in La Fortuna.

    Day eleven

  • Transfer to Monteverde.
  • Overnight in Monteverde.

    Day twelve

  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Tour.
  • Overnight in Monteverde.

    Day thirteen

  • Day at Leisure at Papagayo Peninsula.
  • Overnight in Papagayo Peninsula.

    Day fourteen

  • Transfer and Departure from San Jose.

Looking for a new experience? Book your trip now.

Eco lodge rainforest, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Eco Lodge in Puerto Viejo De Talamanca @ Costa Rica

Cloudforest-Bosque-Nuboso-Monteverde-Costa-Rica-shutterstock_509875324

Cloudforest Bosque Nuboso Monteverde, Costa-Rica @ Shutterstock

For even more inspiration, check out The Rough Guide to Costa Rica. You can also browse our customized Costa Rica itineraries or chat with our local Costa Rica experts.

Ties Lagraauw

written by
Ties Lagraauw

updated 26.01.2024

Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl, Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

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