Discover Northern Costa Rica trip

Pick up your rental car at the airport and set off for La Fortuna to begin your Northern Costa Rica trip. This first stretch of Costa Rica travel is easy to personalize, with time for scenic viewpoints, local eateries, and spontaneous photo stops along the way.

As you arrive at the foot of Arenal Volcano, learn how the 1968 eruption reshaped Pueblo Nuevo and helped transform the region from quiet farmland into today’s lively adventure hub. Settle in and enjoy the highlights ahead, from guided hikes and birdwatching to restorative natural hot springs.

Begin the morning with a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall, descending the 500 steps at a relaxed pace as your guide highlights birds and mammals along the trail. Cool off with a swim in the natural pool at the base of the falls, then enjoy a riverside traditional lunch with the Rodríguez family, accompanied by freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee.

In the afternoon, join a guided walk through Arenal Volcano National Park to learn about past eruptions and lava flows, observe rainforest regeneration, and keep an eye out for wildlife along the trails.

Drive from La Fortuna to the small village of Monterrey, then discover local life with a community guide in one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica for authentic cultural encounters. Meet the shoemaker and leather artisans, pass the school and plaza, and stop by the bakery, pulperías, and cantina, where everyday rhythms unfold. You will also visit local makers creating souvenirs and recycled goods with creativity and care.

Later, continue to Río Celeste for a scenic hike to the famous turquoise river and waterfall, with plenty of time to soak in the rainforest setting and capture unforgettable photos.

Explore Tenorio Volcano National Park with a local guide to experience the iconic Río Celeste, known for its sky blue waters created by a natural mix of volcanic minerals. Follow well-marked cloud forest and rainforest trails to viewpoints, waterfalls, and steaming hot springs, with chances to spot wildlife along the way and plenty of photo opportunities.

After your visit, continue by rental car to Nosara in Guanacaste.

Create an authentic, tailor-made free day in Nosara with experiences chosen around your style. Book private surf lessons, join sunrise yoga with a local instructor, or take a guided coastal wildlife walk.

Between activities, unwind at your boutique hotel, swim at the beach, enjoy a seaside massage, and end the day with a glowing Pacific sunset, all arranged to match your pace and interests.

Enjoy a full leisure day in Nosara, shaped entirely around your interests. Choose guided surf lessons, sunrise yoga among the trees, or a private wildlife walk to look for howler monkeys and tropical birds.

Treat yourself to farm-to-table flavors at a beachfront café, book a wellness treatment, or simply stretch out on the golden sand and slow down. This free day gives you the freedom to create an authentic Costa Rica trip experience that feels truly your own.

Continue your Costa Rica itinerary with a scenic drive from Nosara to Monteverde. As the air turns cooler in Monteverde and Santa Elena, enjoy a tailor-made afternoon exploring local shops, ice cream parlors, cheese factories, and cozy coffee houses.

At sunset, join a guided night walk at Valle Escondido Preserve, one of Monteverde’s classic night tours. You will be picked up from your hotel for this memorable two-hour walk, led by certified local guides as the forest comes alive with nocturnal wildlife.

Explore the cloud forests of Santa Elena and Monteverde, where moss drapes the trees, ferns and epiphytes thrive, and mist drifts across the slopes. Wander tranquil trails and listen for vibrant birdlife echoing through the canopy.

In the morning, choose your pace, either an adrenaline-filled canopy tour on long zipline cables or a gentler walk across hanging bridges for sweeping treetop views. Later, enjoy a combined coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane experience. Learn how coffee is grown and processed, taste artisan chocolate, and press fresh sugar cane juice for a hands-on Costa Rica trip highlight.

After your time in Monteverde, drive back to Alajuela for the final night of your Costa Rica trip. The scenic journey takes around three hours or longer if you choose to include tailor-made stops along the way.

A popular pause is Sarchí, where you can admire the vividly painted oxcarts that have become a national symbol and browse artisan workshops for distinctive souvenirs to take home.

Return your rental car at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José with plenty of time for your flight home. Enjoy a final drive through the Central Valley, with a last chance to pick up souvenirs or savor one more cup of Costa Rican coffee.

Your Northern Costa Rica trip ends with the same tailor-made service and friendly local tips that have kept everything running smoothly. Hasta luego and safe travels.