Costa Rica itinerary (7, 10 & 14 days)

Costa Rica may look small on a map, but the range of landscapes is wide. In a single trip you might hike rainforest trails, see steam rising from volcanoes, and spend time between the Pacific coast and the Caribbean. With so much variety, an itinerary really helps.

Travel moves at a slower pace than in some places since roads wind through mountains and rain can change plans. It is worth building in time to relax as well as explore. If you prefer not to plan everything yourself, Rough Guides’ local experts can take care of the trip and provide support the whole way.

Best Costa Rica itinerary at a glance

Most travelers plan for 7, 10, or 14 days in Costa Rica. A week means choosing just two or three areas, while two weeks give you the chance to cross from the Caribbean jungle to the Pacific coast. These examples give you an idea of what works well.

7 days in Costa Rica: Split your time between Arenal’s volcanic foothills and Manuel Antonio’s beaches and wildlife. You will get both outdoor adventure and downtime by the ocean.

10 days in Costa Rica: Focus on volcanoes with visits to Irazú, Poás, and Arenal, along with rafting on the Pacuare River. A good choice if you are interested in geology, hiking, and hot springs.

14 days in Costa Rica: A longer loop that includes Tortuguero’s canals, Monteverde’s cloud forest, Arenal’s volcano, and Pacific beaches. This works if you want to see a range of ecosystems without rushing.
 

7 days in Costa Rica itinerary

This week-long Costa Rica itinerary lets you split time between the volcanic landscapes near Arenal and the Pacific coast around Manuel Antonio. You start in the capital, head north to La Fortuna, then finish with a few days by the ocean.

Day 1: Arrival in San José

For day one of this Costa Rica itinerary, fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport and transfer to San José for your first night. The capital has a mix of colonial and modern architecture, with plenty happening around Plaza de la Cultura.

The Teatro Nacional is a highlight and worth visiting if it is open. Spend the evening walking the central streets, adjusting to the climate, and trying Costa Rican coffee in a local café.

Insider tip: Eat at a traditional soda for gallo pinto and fresh juice instead of the tourist-focused restaurants downtown.

Day 2: San José to La Fortuna

Travel time: 2 hours

Travel north toward La Fortuna through the central valley. Shuttles or rental cars are the easiest way, while buses require transfers and take longer.

La Fortuna has developed into a well-known base for outdoor activities while keeping its small-town feel. Spend your afternoon exploring the main street, browsing local shops, and checking the views of Arenal Volcano if the weather is clear.
 

Day 3: La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano National Park

Start the day 3 of the this Costa Rica itinerary with the 500-step walk down to La Fortuna Waterfall. The pool at the base is refreshing and good for a swim after the hike down.

Have lunch with the Rodriguez family by the river, where they prepare traditional dishes with local ingredients. In the afternoon, head into Arenal Volcano National Park. Trails take you through forest and across old lava flows. Guides explain the volcano’s history and help point out wildlife such as monkeys, birds, and frogs.

Insider tip: Quick-dry clothing and a waterproof phone case make the waterfall visit much easier.

Day 4: La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio

Travel time: 3.5 hours

The drive from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio takes about three and a half hours and covers a stretch of Costa Rican landscapes, from volcanic foothills to the Pacific coast. Most travelers use private shuttles since they are straightforward and comfortable, with scheduled stops along the way. A common stop is the Tárcoles River bridge, where you can look down and see large American crocodiles sunning themselves by the river.

Next you’ll head to Manuel Antonio. Playa Manuel Antonio is a good place to spend the afternoon, with calm water for swimming and long sand for resting. Vendors pass through selling coconuts and fruit while small beach bars set out tables. Behind the beach, steep green hills create a dramatic backdrop. In the evening, restaurants on the sand serve fresh seafood with waves rolling in nearby.

Days 5 & 6: Manuel Antonio National Park

On day 5 of this Costa Rica itinerary you’ll go to Manuel Antonio National Park with a guide helps you see wildlife that would be easy to miss on your own. In just a couple of hours, a naturalist can point out sloths clinging to trees, capuchin monkeys moving overhead, and reptiles that stay hidden in plain sight. Bright poison dart frogs and a variety of birds, from macaws to hummingbirds, are often spotted as well.

After a guided walk, you can continue on your own along trails that cross through the forest and open directly onto beaches within the park. This makes it easy to spend part of the day hiking and the rest swimming in the Pacific.

Day 7: Departure

Travel time: 3 hours

Your last morning in Manuel Antonio can be relaxed, with time for a short walk on the beach or some souvenir shopping before heading back to San José. The drive takes about three hours and passes through mountain towns where roadside stands sell fruit that makes for easy travel snacks.

Morning flights require an early departure, while afternoon departures allow for a slower start and maybe a coffee by the ocean. Many travelers also pick up coffee, chocolate, or local crafts before leaving. At the airport, duty-free shops usually have better prices on coffee than the stores near the beach.
 

10 days in Costa Rica itinerary

This 10-day trip takes you through Costa Rica’s volcanic landscapes, from active craters to natural hot springs. You will see how eruptions shaped the country’s ecosystems while also exploring rivers, forests, and mountain towns. The pacing works well for covering several volcanic regions without rushing.

Day 1: Arrival in San José

You’ll land at Juan Santamaría International Airport and settle into San José. The National Theater and Central Market are good first stops to get a feel for Costa Rican culture. At 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) above sea level, the city also helps you adjust before heading into higher volcanic areas.

Day 2: Irazú Volcano National Park

On day 2 of this 10 days Costa Rica itinerary, you’ll travel to Irazú, Costa Rica’s highest volcano. The main crater is more than a 2 miles wide (a kilometer) wide and often holds a bright green lagoon that can shift to red depending on mineral levels. On clear mornings, you can see both the Pacific and the Caribbean from the rim. The páramo ecosystem around the summit supports hardy plants adapted to cold and windy conditions.

Travel time: 2 hours from San José. The road passes through coffee farms and dairy country
 

Day 3: Pacuare River

Spend the day rafting the Pacuare River, which cuts through deep volcanic valleys. The route covers about 18 miles, with Class III and IV rapids and calmer stretches where you can take in rainforest scenery and waterfalls. The volcanic rock shapes the rapids, while the forest canopy overhead is home to toucans, monkeys, and other wildlife.

Travel time: Around 1.5 hours from San José to the river launch point. Most operators include round-trip transport from Turrialba, with some also arranging pickup in San José.

Day 4: Poás Volcano National Park

Poás has one of the largest active craters in the world, measuring 4,300 feet (1.3 kilometers) wide. A paved trail leads to the main viewpoint, where you can look down into a lagoon colored by volcanic minerals. 

Another short trail leads through cloud forest to Botos Lagoon, a crater filled with clear water. The elevation here creates conditions for rare birds and plants found only in this type of habitat.

Travel time: About 3 hours to reach Arenal after visiting Poás. The drive combines highway sections with rural roads through farmland. Direct buses connect Poás with La Fortuna, while private transfers allow for scenic stops along the way.

Day 5: Arenal Volcano National Park

In the afternoon, hike trails that trace the base of Arenal Volcano. Paths cross old lava fields from the 1969 eruption and pass through forest that has slowly returned since then.

The walk takes about two and a half hours. Later, soak in Tabacon Hot Springs, where underground volcanic activity warms mineral-rich pools to 77–122°F (25–50°C). It is a relaxing way to end the day while looking up at the volcano’s cone.

Day 6: La Fortuna

Begin the day with a guided walk in La Fortuna. Markets display handmade crafts and produce grown in volcanic soil, and local dishes such as gallo pinto and casado give you a taste of Costa Rican cooking. In the afternoon, travel to the Rincón de la Vieja region.

The four-hour trip crosses the continental divide, shifting from Caribbean slope rainforest to Pacific dry forest. Public buses require several changes, so private transfer is usually the easiest way to go.

Insider tip: Stop at small roadside sodas for fresh, homemade meals 
 

Day 7: Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Spend the day exploring Rincón de la Vieja, the largest volcanic complex in Costa Rica. Trails lead to steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, and waterfalls formed by centuries of volcanic activity.

The park is also home to more than 300 bird species along with mammals adapted to the dry forest. End the day at Los Azufrales hot springs, where pools warmed by underground heat sit among quiet forest.

Day 8: Return to San José

On day 8 of this 10 day Costa Rica itinerary, head back to the capital on a drive of about four and a half hours. The route passes coffee plantations on volcanic slopes and cattle ranches on older lava plains before reaching San José.

Buses connect through Liberia but require an early departure, while private transfers allow more flexibility for stops at viewpoints along the way.

Insider tip: Look for volcanic stone crafts sold by local artisans instead of waiting to shop at the airport.

Day 9: San José

The 9th day is spent in Costa Rica’s capital. The Teatro Nacional and the plazas around it give you a sense of the city’s cultural heart.

The Mercado Central is a lively place to try traditional dishes and browse stalls filled with coffee and handicrafts. Museums such as the Gold Museum and the Jade Museum highlight the country’s pre-Columbian past. City parks provide an easy place for a quiet walk if you want a slower pace before leaving.

Day 10: Departure

On your last morning, enjoy breakfast or shop for souvenirs before heading to the airport. Juan Santamaría International is about 45 minutes from San José, with taxis, shuttles, and private transfers available.

Shops sell coffee grown in volcanic soil and locally made crafts, though prices in town are usually lower. Give yourself extra time for traffic and international check-in.

Insider tip: Declare any volcanic rock you have collected, since some pieces need permits to take home.
 

14 days in Costa Rica itinerary

Two weeks in Costa Rica is enough time to see just how different the landscapes can be, from Caribbean rainforest to Pacific beaches. This route takes you through cloud forests, volcanic terrain, and coastal areas, with time in towns and villages along the way. The pace is steady, but you could easily stretch it with extra days if you want more downtime.

Day 1: San José

Start in the capital. The National Theatre, Cathedral, and La Merced church are easy to reach on foot and give you a sense of the city. If you want to get out of the center, hop on a bus to Escazú, a nearby town known for its folklore and witchcraft stories.

On the way, you’ll pass La Sabana Park, once the city’s airport and now its largest green space. For lunch, try a historic restaurant serving bocas (small plates) with homemade chicha. Later, stop by a small workshop where a local family still hand-crafts the traditional masks used in Costa Rican festivals. You can learn how they’re carved and painted.

Day 2: Travel to Tortuguero

Travel time: 4–5 hours

Leave early for Tortuguero. Tgee drive takes you through Braulio Carrillo National Park, where the landscape shifts from mountain forest to lowland jungle. After a quick stop for breakfast, you’ll continue to the river port, where boats handle the final stretch.

The ride along the canals is part of the experience. Guides point out the different habitats as you go, and it’s common to spot toucans, herons and monkeys along the banks. By the time you reach your lodge, you’ll already feel the slower rhythm of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park

Spend the day inside Tortuguero National Park. In the morning, join a boat trip to see monkeys, caimans, iguanas, and plenty of birdlife.

Later, hike up Tortuguero Hill for a wide view over the forest and sea. In the afternoon, switch to a canoe for a slower paddle along the quieter canals. The Green Turtle Museum is worth a stop to learn about conservation work that protects nesting beaches. If you’re here between July and October, you can join a night tour to see turtles laying eggs.

Insider tip: Bring repellent with at least 20 percent DEET. Mosquitoes are busiest at dawn and dusk.

Day 4: Travel to La Fortuna

Travel time: 4 to 5 hours

Take the boat back along the canals, then transfer by bus toward the Arenal region. The road climbs from the Caribbean lowlands into volcanic foothills. You’ll likely reach La Fortuna by late afternoon. After checking in, spend the evening in the hot springs. Sitting in warm pools with Arenal Volcano in the background is one of those classic Costa Rica moments.
 

Day 5: La Fortuna

Start with the hike down 500 steps to La Fortuna Waterfall. The descent is steep, but the swim at the base is refreshing. After the hike, many travelers stop for a typical lunch at a family-run farm near the river. Meals are cooked with local produce, and you’ll usually get fresh coffee grown in the region.

In the afternoon, explore Arenal Volcano National Park. Trails take you through forest and across old lava fields with views of the volcano’s cone. Wildlife is often seen here too, including sloths and monkeys. The routes vary in length and difficulty, so you can choose according to your pace.

Day 6: Travel to Monteverde

Travel time: 3–4 hours including boat transfer

This route is one of the most scenic in Costa Rica. After a short drive, you’ll cross Lake Arenal by boat for about an hour, watching the volcano and mountains reflected in the water. It is a memorable way to travel between regions and far less tiring than going by road alone.

Monteverde sits at 4,724 feet (1,440m), and you notice the change in climate right away. The cooler air and misty forest make it feel different from the lowlands. The town has local shops, coffee houses, cheese makers, and ice cream parlors. Evenings are good for adjusting to the higher elevation and slower pace.
 

Day 7: Monteverde Cloud Forest

Walk the hanging bridges trail, the best way to see the canopy. The two-mile (three-kilometer) trail crosses eight suspension bridges, some over 550 feet (170m) long. From up high you can look straight into the forest, with orchids, bromeliads, and moss-covered branches all around.

Wildlife is active throughout the reserve. Birds, monkeys, butterflies, and coatis are common, and the diversity of plant life makes the walk even more interesting.

Day 8: Travel to the Gulf of Papagayo

Travel time: 4–5 hours with stops

On the way toward the Pacific, it’s worth breaking the journey. The Corobicí River has gardens where you can stretch your legs and maybe catch sight of howler monkeys or iguanas. Birdwatchers in particular enjoy the variety here, as it links to Palo Verde National Park.

Another stop is the Las Pumas Rescue Center, where staff care for wild cats, monkeys, and deer. It doubles as a rehabilitation site and educational project, with a small shop and picnic area. By the time you reach the Gulf of Papagayo, the sun will likely be dropping over the Pacific.

Day 9: Beach day

Playas del Coco is a practical base for getting out on the water. Join a snorkeling trip into calm bays where rays and schools of fish move through the reefs, or rent a kayak and paddle along the coast at your own pace.

Nearby Playa Hermosa has tide pools that are fun to explore at low tide, with crabs, small fish, and sea anemones in the pools. You can swim, rest on the sand, or buy fruit and drinks from local vendors throughout the day.

Day 10: Horseback riding

Head inland for a guided ride through farmland, hills, and villages. The horses are steady, and guides often point out medicinal plants or animals along the way. Many routes take you across both mountain and coastal paths, with wide views back toward the ocean.

You may see monkeys moving in the trees or iguanas warming themselves on rocks. Riding here is a fun and  comfortable way to connect with the landscape.

Insider tip: Wear long pants and closed shoes to avoid scratches from brush on the trail.
 

Day 11: Another day on the beach

If you want to get out on the water again, book a deep-sea fishing trip. Captains will walk you through the basics, and you might pull in mahi-mahi, tuna, or even marlin. If staying close to shore is more your style, try a beginner surf lesson.

In the afternoon, head to Playa Conchal, known for its crushed-shell sand. The water is usually calm enough for swimming or snorkeling, and the nearby mangroves are a peaceful place to kayak. End the day on the beach as the sun sinks into the Pacific.

Day 12: Travel to Alajuela

Travel time: 3+ hours with cultural stop

On the way back toward San José, stop in Sarchí, a town known for its hand-painted oxcarts. These carts once hauled coffee from mountain farms to the coast, and today local artisans keep the tradition alive. You can watch them painting the bright geometric designs and browse smaller versions or other crafts in the workshops.

Buying here supports the makers directly and gives you a sense of how much skill goes into the work. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Alajuela, close to the airport, where you’ll spend your final nights.
 

Day 13: Poás Volcano and coffee tour

Start the day with a coffee tour at a farm in the hills outside Alajuela. Guides walk you through the growing and roasting process, explaining how the volcanic soil and elevation shape the flavor of the beans.

From there, drive into Poás Volcano National Park. The road winds through cloud forest until you reach the rim of a crater more than a mile wide, with sulfurous steam rising from the depths.

Later, continue to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you can have lunch before exploring the rainforest trails. The paths lead past waterfalls and rivers, and the gardens also include aviaries, butterfly houses, and enclosures with hummingbirds and frogs.

Insider tip: Check conditions before visiting Poás. The crater sometimes closes when volcanic activity increases.

Day 14: Departure

Travel time: 30–45 minutes to airport

On your last day, transfer from Alajuela to Juan Santamaría International Airport. Allow time for packing, luggage checks, and exchanging any remaining colones. The drive is short but gives you a final look at Costa Rica’s countryside.
Over two weeks, you will have traveled through rainforests, beaches, volcanoes, and regions rich with wildlife. 
Insider tip: Plan to arrive at the airport three hours before your flight. Security lines can be long during busy seasons.
 

Personalize your Costa Rica travel itinerary

Everyone travels differently. Some people want early morning hikes in the cloud forest, others want long afternoons by the ocean, and many prefer a mix of both. Rough Guides’ local experts can plan a route that matches your pace, choosing lodges, guides, and activities that fit your style. 

They also handle the logistics such as private transfers, domestic flights, and activity bookings, so you can focus on the trip itself. If you want a private naturalist in Monteverde or a rafting trip that includes a night in a remote lodge, they can set it up. 
The result is a trip that feels personal but does not come with the stress of managing details on your own. On top of that, our travel experts are locals and known the area inside and out. Ready to start planning? Reach out to us today.
 

Other Costa Rica travel itineraries

Costa Rica is small enough that you can combine different regions in one trip, but it helps to decide on a focus. Some travelers spend most of their time on the Pacific coast for beaches and surf, while others go inland for volcanoes, cloud forests, and wildlife. Here are some other great Costa Rica itineraries.

Best Costa Rica family itinerary

This 7-day trip is paced for kids but still captures Costa Rica’s highlights. You’ll start in San José, continue to La Fortuna for gentle rainforest adventures, and finish with beaches and wildlife in Manuel Antonio. Along the way, activities balance learning, nature, and downtime so the whole family stays engaged.

• Days 1 & 2: San José and Arenal
  • Begin in San José with family-friendly stops like the Children’s Museum and the Central Market, where kids can taste fresh fruit and snacks. Then head to La Fortuna, a town at the base of Arenal Volcano. At Proyecto Asis, children meet rescued animals and learn about conservation. Hanging bridge walks give an easy glimpse of the rainforest canopy, and evenings are perfect for soaking in natural hot springs.
• Day 3: La Fortuna
  • Keep the pace light with outdoor activities that work for all ages. Families often swim at La Fortuna Waterfall, take gentle horseback rides, or walk the shorter trails in Arenal Volcano National Park. Wildlife spotting becomes a game: kids love pointing out sloths, toucans, and howler monkeys along the way.
• Days 4 to 7: Manuel Antonio Beach
  • Travel toward the Pacific coast, pausing at the Tárcoles River bridge where huge crocodiles can be seen below. Once in Manuel Antonio, explore the national park’s short, shaded trails. Rangers often share simple explanations about local wildlife, which helps kids stay interested. The last few days can be a mix of beach time, beginner zip-lining, and a catamaran trip at sunset, where dolphins sometimes appear alongside the boat.

Best Costa Rica nature and wildlife itinerary

This 12 day Costa Rica itinerary takes you through Costa Rica’s most diverse ecosystems, from volcanic craters and cloud forests to rainforest and the Pacific coast. It’s designed for travelers who want close wildlife encounters, guided experiences, and time to learn about conservation.

• Days 1 & 2: Volcanoes and cloud forests
  • Begin in the Central Valley with birdwatching in the hills around Heredia. Visit Poás Volcano to see its wide crater and fumaroles before continuing to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Trails here pass waterfalls, and the exhibits introduce you to many of the country’s species.
• Days 3 to 5: Osa Peninsula rainforest
  • Fly to Puerto Jiménez and travel into the Osa Peninsula, one of Costa Rica’s richest regions for wildlife. Guided hikes bring you through thick rainforest, while night walks give a chance to see nocturnal animals. Truck tours cover more ground, with frequent sightings of monkeys, sloths, and countless birds.
• Days 6 to 9: Manuel Antonio coast
  • Head north to Manuel Antonio. The national park has short trails with a high concentration of animals — monkeys, iguanas, and sloths are common here. Offshore, you can kayak or snorkel in sheltered bays, or join a catamaran trip at sunset when dolphins often appear. Depending on the season, humpback whales may be passing along the coast.
• Days 10 to 12: Cloud forest conservation
  • End your trip in the mountains near Poás Volcano at El Silencio Lodge. Here, you can plant native trees as part of reforestation efforts, walk along forest creeks to hidden waterfalls, and spend time on organic farms learning about sustainable practices. It’s a quiet, grounding way to close out your time in Costa Rica.
     

Best San José itinerary

This week-long plan keeps you based around San José, with day trips that highlight history, traditions, and coffee culture. It works well if you’d rather stay near the capital but still want to explore the countryside.

• Days 1 & 2: Historic Downtown & museums
  • Start downtown with the National Theater and the elegant Barrio Amón district. The Gold and Jade Museums showcase some of Costa Rica’s most important artifacts, while the Central Market is a great place for sampling local food and browsing crafts.
• Days 3 & 4: Ruins, coffee and volcanoes
  • Head east to Cartago to see the Basilica de Los Ángeles and the ruins nearby. The Lankester Botanical Garden makes a good stop before continuing into the hills for a coffee tour at a working plantation. From there, it’s easy to visit Poás Volcano for a look into its steaming crater, then finish the day walking the rainforest trails at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
• Days 5 to 7: Local traditions
  • Spend time in Escazú, a town known for its folklore and traditional markets. A cooking class here is a hands-on way to try Costa Rican dishes. In Heredia Province, hike around Barva Volcano and explore coffee-growing landscapes. Wrap up with a visit to Sarchí, where artisans hand-paint the colorful oxcarts once used to transport coffee and where workshops sell smaller versions to take home.
     

Costa Rica travel itineraries FAQ

Here’s some of the most common questions we get from our readers when planning a Costa Rica itinerary.

How many days are enough for Costa Rica?

For a first trip, 10 to 14 days is a good amount. You can see different regions without feeling rushed and still have time for slower days if the weather changes or the roads take longer than expected. In that time, you could fit in three or four areas: the cloud forests of Monteverde, the volcano and hot springs around La Fortuna, the Pacific beaches near Manuel Antonio, or the Caribbean coast around Puerto Viejo.

Travel moves at its own pace in Costa Rica. A drive listed as two hours can easily take three, whether from potholes, traffic, or stopping to check out a roadside fruit stand. With just a week, you will want to focus on two or three regions. Any less than five days and you will spend most of your time on the road instead of in nature.

What is the best time to visit Costa Rica?

December through April is the dry season, which means more sun and better road conditions. It is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. From May to November, the rainy season brings afternoon showers, greener landscapes, and lower prices.

September and October see the heaviest rain, especially on the Pacific coast, while the Caribbean is often drier during those months. Keep in mind that weather can change a lot between regions. You might get clear skies in Tamarindo while Monteverde is covered in mist just a few hours away. 
 

When is the best time to see specific animals (sloths, monkeys, quetzals)?

Sloths are around year-round but are easier to spot in the dry season when the trees are thinner. They are most active in the early morning between 6 and 9 AM. Monkeys are active all year, with howlers being especially loud at dawn and dusk. In the rainy season, monkeys often move to lower areas to look for fruit.

Resplendent quetzals are found in Monteverde from December through May, with breeding season between March and May when the males show their long tail feathers. In San Gerardo de Dota you can usually see them from January through April.

Sea turtles nest at different times depending on the species. Leatherbacks lay eggs on the Caribbean from March to July, while Olive Ridleys nest on the Pacific from July to December.

Humpback whales can be seen twice a year: December to March when they migrate from the north, and July to November when they come from the south. Marino Ballena National Park is one of the best places to see them.
 

How do you get around Costa Rica?

Getting around Costa Rica gives you a lot of options.

Between cities

Domestic flights can save a lot of time. For example, San José to Drake Bay takes about 50 minutes compared to over 6 hours driving. Tourist shuttles are popular for door-to-door service between major destinations. Public buses are much cheaper but slower.

Driving

Renting a car gives you flexibility, but you need to be ready for rough roads and possible river crossings. A 4WD is important in the rainy season. Driving at night is not recommended because of poor lighting and animals on the road. Parking in San José can be a challenge.

How do I get around without a car (public buses, shuttles, domestic flights)?

Public buses go almost everywhere and are very affordable. From San José you can take direct buses to Manuel Antonio in about 3 hours, Monteverde in 4.5, and Puerto Viejo in 4. Shuttles are more expensive but include hotel pickup and air conditioning. Interbus and Caribe Shuttle are both well known.

Flights are useful for reaching remote places like Tortuguero or the Osa Peninsula. Water taxis connect parts of the Nicoya Peninsula and Tortuguero. Many lodges arrange transfers from set pickup points. In the busy season, book shuttles at least two days in advance and always check bus schedules since they change.
 

How much does a trip to Costa Rica cost?

Costa Rica is more expensive than Nicaragua or Guatemala but not as costly as Caribbean islands. A good comparison is the prices around U.S. national parks.

• Budget  ($75–150 per day / ₡45,000–85,000)): Hostels or basic cabinas, public buses, and simple meals at sodas (local restaurants).
• Mid-range ($150–250 per day / ₡85,000–150,000): Eco-lodges with private bathrooms, restaurant meals, and guided activities like hikes or snorkeling. This is the range most travelers use.
• Luxury ($250+ per day / ₡150,000+): Boutique rainforest resorts, private guides, or helicopter transfers.

Pacific Coast vs Caribbean Coast – which is better?

The Pacific Coast has more infrastructure, better roads, and reliable dry season weather from December to April. Guanacaste has well-known surf towns like Tamarindo and quieter beaches on the Papagayo Peninsula. Manuel Antonio is popular for its mix of beaches and wildlife.

The Caribbean side feels more relaxed and has Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae, and coconut-based cooking. Puerto Viejo and Cahuita are laid-back towns with good snorkeling. The dry season here runs from September to October, opposite the Pacific.

Wildlife is also different, with more sloth species and jaguars found around Tortuguero. If you want convenience and variety, the Pacific is easier. If you want more culture and a slower pace, the Caribbean is a great choice. Many travelers combine both since they are only about 5 hours apart at the narrowest point.
 

Do I need a guide for wildlife spotting or can I do it independently?

You will see more with a guide, especially in Monteverde or Corcovado where guides are required. They carry scopes, know bird calls, and can point out animals that are almost invisible to the untrained eye. In places like Manuel Antonio or Cahuita, you can still spot monkeys and sloths on your own. Apps like Merlin Bird ID or iNaturalist help too.

A good balance is to hire guides for early morning bird walks or night tours, then explore during the day on your own. Local freelance guides at park entrances are often cheaper than booking through lodges. Just agree on the price before starting.

Do I need experience for activities like canopy tours?

Most activities are designed for beginners. On zip-lines, guides handle the braking. Rafting trips with Class II–III rapids are beginner-friendly. Horseback rides pair you with calm horses, and canyoning guides control the ropes. Surf lessons in Tamarindo or Dominical are aimed at first-timers.

It is important to be honest about your comfort level. Some zip-lines reach 40 mph, and hanging bridges can be unsettling if you are afraid of heights.

Most operators set age and weight limits for safety. Skip tours if you have injuries or health concerns. Multi-day treks in Corcovado are the exception and require strong fitness and hiking experience. For everything else, mornings are best since you will have more energy and less chance of rain cancellations.

Time to start planning? Rough Guides’ local travel experts know the region inside out and can shape a trip that fits you perfectly. From transport and hotels to day tours, they’ll take care of the details so you don’t have to. Learn more about our tailor made trips.