Costa Rica is a comparatively small nation, however it’s jammed full of causes it must be in your future vacation listing. For those who have been to try to totally expertise every little thing this wonderful nation has to supply, you’d be right here for months! However, since that’s not a sensible possibility for everybody, we’ve compiled just a few separate variations of a 2-week Costa Rica itinerary to cowl any kind of vacation you’d wish to take whereas visiting Costa Rica.
Earlier than you resolve in your final Costa Rica itinerary, although, try our information to the greatest time to go to Costa Rica, it could make a distinction to your Costa Rica Itinerary.
Finest Time to Go to Costa Rica
While you’re placing collectively your Costa Rica journey itinerary, the very best time to go to is determined by what you’re searching for and the place you’re going. The northwest areas of Costa Rica, similar to Guanacaste, are usually drier, whereas it tends to be a bit cooler within the central areas and the southern areas are usually extra humid.
In broader phrases, Costa Rica has two important seasons. From December to April, it’s the dry season and in addition the vacationer season. For those who’re seeking to admire the partying and the nightlife in Costa Rica, then the dry season is the very best time so that you can go to.
From Could to November is the wet season or inexperienced season. For those who aren’t trying ahead to crowds or if you wish to see Costa Rica at its most vibrant, then the inexperienced season is for you. Nevertheless, the climate could be unpredictable, and driving can get a bit treacherous on unpaved roads.
Solar & Surf Costa Rica Itinerary
Seaside bums searching for a calming 2 weeks in Costa Rica ought to focus their journey on the Guanacaste area.
Throughout the dry season in Costa Rica, the temperatures are hotter, making it excellent for hopping from seashore to seashore or going for a hike. Even throughout the wet season, most rain showers are temporary, and the greenery blooms with a rainbow of colors.
Guanacaste, Costa Rica can also be the place you’ll discover Tamarindo, probably the most fashionable seashore cities within the province. With stunning, pristine seashores of the Pacific coast, crystal clear waters, and tons to do on the town, it has earned its fame.
Its comparatively dry local weather, white sand seashores and unimaginable surf make Guanacaste a must-see for any seashore lover on the market. Right here’s a pattern of a surfer’s dream 2 week Costa Rica itinerary:
Playa Conchal – 2 days
This seashore on Costa Rica’s Gold Coast is known as a result of it’s not composed of sand however crushed shells! Nestled in a bay, that is the proper seashore for laid-back enjoyable. It’s not removed from Tamarindo, and different seashores close by embody Playa Flamingo and Playa Brasilito.
One of many issues Playa Conchal is most recognized for is its magnificence. The crushed shells act as a pure water air purifier, so it has a few of the clearest water within the province. That form of magnificence does appeal to admirers, although, so don’t go on the weekend for those who’re hoping to skip the crowds in Costa Rica.
The waves don’t get too loopy, which makes the waters excellent for swimming and snorkelling. It’s the proper place to both begin or finish your vacation – you may seize a drink and a guide and simply calm down!
Bonus: For those who’d additionally wish to go diving in your journey, pop over to the Papagayo Peninsula. Nonetheless comparatively unspoiled, this gulf has a few of the greatest diving alternatives within the nation. You are able to do straightforward dives alongside the shoreline or head out to Catalina’s Islands for extra in-depth dives.
Playa Conchal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Playa Avellanas – 3 days
Although most individuals planning a seashore getaway to Costa Rica are going to focus their journey round Tamarindo, we’d advocate staying at Playa Avellanas as a substitute!
It’s a very good place to go to flee the town and the crowds in Costa Rica, it has a few the very best inns within the area, and it’s not as crowded as Tamarindo tends to be. It’s a very good seashore for strolling alongside the sand or going for a horseback experience, and for those who’re there throughout the wet season, you could get to see turtles coming ashore to put their eggs.
It’s fingers down probably the most stunning seashores within the nation – and method much less crowded than its neighbour, and that alone is sufficient of a purpose to issue it into your Costa Rica 2 week itinerary. It’s straightforward to take a day journey to Tamarindo, however staying right here for just a few days means that you can calm down, be surrounded by nature, and luxuriate in peaceable seashores.
Playa Avellanas can also be a surfer’s dream in Costa Rica, with greater than eight breaks alongside the shore. It’s not a surf spot for newbies, although, because the waves can get a bit too intense for a novice.
For those who’re an entire newbie, going to one of many close by seashores to study the ropes will probably be your most secure guess. However if in case you have some expertise and wish to enhance, or if you understand what you’re doing and are simply seeking to sharpen your expertise a bit, then a day with Avellanas Surf Faculty is certain to be a blast.
Bonus: For those who like to surf, we advocate taking over just a few further days on this space! Close by Playa Negra is a browsing paradise. And you may simply take a day journey out to Witch’s Rock or Ollie’s Level for some severe swells.
Dry season in Playa Avellanas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Playa Samara/Carillo – 3 days
This space has a lot to supply. With light currents and an incredible coral reef, not solely is the seashore stunning and excellent for stress-free, suntanning, snorkelling and swimming – there are additionally a bunch of actions within the space which can be value testing!
It’s not an incredible browsing seashore in Costa Rica, because the waves are usually delicate, however sports activities like jet snowboarding, water snowboarding, kayaking, and sport fishing are all fashionable within the space. It’s additionally an incredible place to go for those who’re simply seeking to see all that the Nicoya Peninsula actually has to supply.
For snorkelling particularly, Guide With Maria gives a dolphin-watching and snorkelling journey. You’ll take a ship experience out to Isla Chora Nationwide Wildlife Refuge to understand the view of the coast and the ocean. When you’re there, you’ll be given snorkelling gear and set free within the water. As you discover the reef, you’ll get to see dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and probably even whales from a distance most individuals can solely dream of.
Whether or not you want seashore yoga, fishing or horseback driving, Playa Samara’s bought you coated.
Playa Sámara
Playa Carillo, Sámara, Guanacaste
Santa Teresa – 3 days
That is one other fantastic possibility for browsing lovers – however don’t fear, Santa Teresa’s bought a lot extra to supply than its waves!
It’s not the busiest space in Guanacaste, but it surely sees its fair proportion of surfers, backpackers, and vacationers. It’s somewhat bit off of the crushed path, with loads of seashores, retailers, and locations to eat.
Simply watch out for those who’re extra of a swimmer than a surfer. The water can get fairly tough. Whereas that may make for some spectacular browsing, it doesn’t make for very secure swimming. Although, you can find just a few hidden nooks the place the water is calmer.
Yoga is fashionable for individuals hoping to calm down, and Horizon Yoga Heart & Tea Home is likely one of the greatest methods to provide yoga a attempt. The studio overlooks the ocean, supplying you with a spectacular view throughout the class. The meals and repair within the tea home are additionally phenomenal. So, you may have the additional advantage of a very good meal earlier than or after your class.
There are a bunch of spas, yoga courses and leisure alternatives on this city, too. It additionally boasts a few of the greatest sunsets you’re ever going to see.
Surfer hitting the waves in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Sundown views from Playa Cielo in Santa Teresa
Nature & Wildlife Costa Rica Itinerary
Costa Rica has a lot extra to supply the out of doors lover than simply its seashores. Heading even barely inland unlocks an entire new realm of magnificence.
For those who wish to hike, camp, or go to a nationwide park, that is the Costa Rica itinerary for you!
Monteverde – 3 days
Start your two weeks in Costa Rica excessive up within the mountains in Monteverde, well-known for its cloud forests. The most well-liked one is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, however only a bit down the highway is the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. It offers you with precisely the identical expertise – the identical distinctive wildlife – with half the crowds!
Among the extra distinctive methods to discover embody night time walks and horseback driving via the cloud forest. In both case, you’ll have the ability to benefit from the journey for those who go for a guided tour. The information will have the ability to clarify the distinctive flora and level out animals which can be in any other case very properly hidden.
For those who’re hoping to fill your entire day, Feather Hunters gives a guided day tour that features a stroll via the Monteverde Cloud Forest, chook watching in Curi-Cancha reserve, and an evening hike via Monteverde Wildlife Refuge.
If in case you have youngsters with you, an alternative choice is the Cloud Forest Prepare. It’s not very quick and it solely fills an hour. There’s a information on the practice and it’s a enjoyable and cute option to admire the cloud forest that’s much more approachable for anybody too younger for a full-day tour.
In case you are on a tighter schedule, then you may simply make this a 1-2 day journey to suit your 7-day Costa Rica itinerary. Monteverde is a few 2-½ hour drive from San Jose, making it an incredible start line in your journey.
Bonus: Monteverde can also be dwelling to the longest zip line in Latin America!
Suspension bridge alongside the Puente Path in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Manuel Antonio – 4 days
Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park has been acknowledged as probably the most stunning nationwide parks within the WORLD. It’s the true deal. It’s situated alongside the coast, so not solely are you able to soak in all the distinctive wildlife, go on hikes and even camp – it’s also possible to chill on the seashore!
The park covers 683 hectares, together with rainforests, seashores, and coral reefs, with glorious snorkelling. Inside Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park, you’ll see sloths, basilisks, toucans, frogs, hummingbirds, coatimundis, and plenty of different animals, although you’ll have the very best odds of recognizing all of them if in case you have a information who is aware of what to search for.
Must do Costa Rica in a single week? Manuel Antonio space might be the best choice to see the sweetness and biodiversity of Costa Rica.
BONUS: The Dominical area in Costa Rica is one other excellent spot for out of doors lovers. Irrespective of in case you are on a Costa Rica 10-day itinerary or have two weeks in Costa Rica, you may’t skip on a day journey to the Nauyaca Waterfalls. And for those who’re involved in whale watching, make sure that to take a look at the Ballena Marine Park!
Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park
Uvita – 2 days
Uvita is a quieter, sometimes uncrowded, small seashore city with golden sand assembly tropical rainforests. Kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkelling are all fashionable actions in Uvita, as there’s fairly quick access to Cano Island. Nevertheless, considered one of Uvita’s highlights is whale and dolphin watching.
The Marino Ballena Nationwide Park is dwelling to many species. It is likely one of the greatest locations to see dolphins and whales in Costa Rica. Most whale and dolphin excursions, together with this extremely advisable one by Pacific Expeditions, go via the park for that purpose. Relying on the time of the 12 months, you may see humpback whales, pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, widespread dolphins, and noticed dolphins.
Corcovado, Osa Peninsula – 4 days
Positioned on the very backside of the Gold Coast in Costa Rica, the Osa Peninsula is a distant paradise. It’s the nation’s most biodiverse area – which is saying one thing contemplating how biodiverse your entire nation is!
Over half of this peninsula is taken up by Corcovado Nationwide Park, and also you positively don’t wish to miss a chance to spend just a few days mountain climbing round there. Plus, for those who love birds, Osa Peninsula is the very best place within the nation for chook watching. There are extra species of birds than you may depend, and you’ll depend on seeing loads whatever the time of 12 months! Simply to listing just a few, you’ll see owls, macaws, harpy eagles, and toucans.
The park covers over 160 sq. miles and features a major forest, cloud forest, mangrove swamp, seashores, waterfalls, and lowland tropical rainforest. You’ll have the ability to see wildcats, amphibians, reptiles, monkeys, peccaries, and a few oddities like tapirs.
For those who resolve to go diving, it’s also possible to see dolphins, sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, eels, and extra. Whether or not you’re mountain climbing, tenting, diving, or a mixture of every little thing, Corcovado could have one thing to impress you.
For the very best expertise, a guided tour is a should. Pacheco Excursions gives a full-day tour, beginning with an early morning boat experience to Sirena Station.
In Corcovado Nationwide Park, probably the most bio-diverse locations on the planet
Nauyaca Waterfall, Dominical
Lively Costa Rica Itinerary
For those who’re not solely an outside lover but additionally wish to preserve your adrenaline flowing all through your journey as you discover Costa Rica, these locations are excellent in your two weeks in Costa Rica!
Monteverde – 2-3 days
Start your Costa Rica itinerary with spectacular views and wonderful wildlife experiences within the Monteverde Cloud Forest. For those who’re staying within the city of Santa Elena, there are just a few completely different reserves you may spend your days mountain climbing round. You too can expertise the longest zip line in Latin America in Monteverde!
The Authentic Cover Tour consists of zip strains, rappelling, rope swings, and extra to appease the adrenaline junkie in any household with out compromising on security. It takes lower than three hours, and resort pick-up and drop-off are included.
Ziplining briefing in Monteverde, Costa Rica
Arenal – 2-3 days
The Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park, close to La Fortuna, has an array of mountain climbing trails that cater to each degree of health. You too can expertise Rio Balsa’s class IV and V whitewater rapids right here! (For those who’re involved in rafting however aren’t skilled, there are many class I-III choices within the Arenal area as properly).
Arenal Rafting gives a white water rafting class on the Balsa River, over class II and sophistication III rapids. You’ll get to see the rainforest at excessive speeds earlier than slowing down for a swim. The entire gear you’ll want is included within the tour.
Another choice is Mistico Park, filled with suspension bridges strung via the forest cover. You may admire the sweetness Arenal has to supply from a formidable special approach so long as you aren’t apprehensive about heights.
Mt. Chirripó – 3 days
For those who’re involved in climbing Costa Rica’s highest peak, make sure that to go to throughout the dry season (February – March). You may solely undertake this Costa Rica journey with a information that helps you purchase a allow, which is important as solely 60 climbers are allowed per day. Take your time climbing this mountain – the views from this trek are unimaginable!
Whereas mountain climbing, you’ll go via cloud forests in addition to ecosystems that you may solely see at greater elevations in Costa Rica. Nevertheless, it’s a protracted hike, and solely probably the most skilled hikers can end it in someday. For many, it can take two or three. The elevation additionally means it’s not as balmy as Costa Rica sometimes is, so carry a jacket.
To make sure the hike goes as easily as potential, it’s greatest to have a information, similar to these offered by Caminatas al Chirripo.
Mt. Chirripo. Photograph by Amanda through Flickr CC
Osa Peninsula – 4 days
Spherical off your Costa Rica itinerary with a go to to the Osa Peninsula. Greater than half of the Osa Peninsula is taken up by the Corcovado Nationwide Park – a mountain climbing vacation spot you positively don’t wish to miss. However past the nationwide park, Osa Peninsula has an array of superior actions you are able to do! Be sure to take a look at the ocean kayaking and diving at Cano Island throughout your 2 weeks in Costa Rica.
If you’d like an opportunity to see the marine life up shut in Costa Rica, then a snorkelling tour might be simply what you’re searching for. Yemanya Expeditions gives a half-day snorkelling tour on Cano Island with gear, transport, and coaching included. You’ll meet early in Drake Bay, after which later end the tour with a very good lunch.
Ocean kayaking within the Osa Peninsula
Calm down & Unwind Costa Rica Itinerary
Whereas action-packed adventures could be enjoyable, generally the final word Costa Rica itinerary is all about chilling out.Lots of the locations already talked about on this article can simply double as locations to chill and get away from the chaos of your life!
Relying on how lengthy your journey is, these concepts can simply be tailored to suit a Costa Rican 10 day itinerary. Or decide and select, calm down in Costa Rica for 1 week after which have a jam-packed 7-day Costa Rica itinerary. The perfect factor about Costa Rica is that it gives so many choices for each kind of traveller.
Right here’s our pattern easy-to-adapt Costa Rica itinerary for unwinding.
Arenal – 3 days
Whereas it has come to be referred to as the journey capital of the nation, Arenal can also be fairly a serene place. Contemplating that just about every little thing you do boasts unimaginable views of the nation’s largest volcano, it’s straightforward to see why individuals publish up right here and let time slip away from them. Be sure to go to the Tabacon sizzling springs – a sustainable, luxurious sizzling spring the place you may simply spend a complete day.
The thermal expertise on the Tabacon sizzling springs is a well-liked alternative, although you’ll require a day go. Few issues are extra stress-free than wading via the naturally-heated swimming pools and waterfalls, with temperatures ranging between 72 and 105 levels Fahrenheit. For those who’re an in a single day visitor on the resort, you’ll get complimentary entry to the thermal river and swimming pools.
Lake Arenal, Costa Rica
Playa Avellanas – 3 days
As talked about beforehand on this article, Avellanas is situated fairly close to to Tamarindo – the preferred (and crowded) seashore city in Costa Rica. For those who’re searching for the identical vibes minus the gang, Avellanas is the proper place for you. You may take in the solar, snorkel and swim with out bumping elbows!
Playa Avellanas, Guanacaste
Nosara – 3 days
For those who’re searching for an incredible place to attach with nature, do some yoga and detox. Nosara’s a should for these sorts of actions.
They’ve bought loads of wholesome eating places throughout city which can be inexpensive and scrumptious. And just about any resort that you simply select to remain at goes to have yoga class/retreat choices!
There are even choices for massages, similar to at Spacio, Spa. Alone, as a pair, or in a gaggle with pals, by the point you allow, you’ll seemingly be extra relaxed and refreshed than at another level of your journey to Costa Rica.
Sundown at Playa Pelada in Nosara
Santa Teresa – 3 days
For those who’re searching for an opulent (and sustainable) beachfront getaway in Costa Rica, keep at one of many eco-hotels in Santa Teresa. You may publish up in one of many ocean-front hammocks and skim all day, take a surf lesson, or have a scrumptious meal and beverage at their beachfront restaurant.
Selva Resort, for instance, has an outstanding fame. With a backyard and a incredible ocean view, it has the best sustainability score that Reserving.com may give. A keep right here will preserve you comfy, depart you feeling refreshed, and allow you to be ok with it.
The Highlights of Costa Rica Itinerary
For those who nonetheless are discovering it inconceivable to decide on only one type of Costa Rican vacation, how about somewhat style of every little thing you are able to do in Costa Rica in 2 weeks? That is the final word Costa Rica itinerary!
Manuel Antonio – 4 days
This nationwide park is situated alongside the Pacific coast. So, you may expertise the flora, fauna, and seashores multi function place! Whereas planning out your Costa Rica itinerary, 4 days ought to provide you with loads of time to understand all of it.
Arenal – 3 days
You may spend someday wandering across the Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park, one-day white water rafting, and the final day stress-free in world-class sizzling springs.
Wonderful views of Arenal Volcano
Playa Avellanas – 3 days
Escape the chaos of Tamarindo and get some high quality leisure on this seashore city recognized for nice browsing, straightforward residing and an up-and-coming wellness neighborhood.
Santa Teresa or Nosara – 2 days
For those who’re seeking to delight in some calmness throughout your 2 weeks in Costa Rica, both of those locations is a good possibility. They’ve bought spas about, there are yoga courses/retreats for everybody’s talent set, and they’re surrounded by nature.
Bonus: If in case you have extra time, add a visit to Nauyaca Waterfalls, Costa Ballena Nationwide Park, and a day journey to Tamarindo
Should-do actions: Horseback driving, surf lesson, a cooking class, and embracing the Pura Vida way of life!
Different excursions and actions you may add to your Costa Rica itinerary
Surf lesson on the seashore in Santa Teresa
Costa Rica actually has one thing for everybody. For those who haven’t already, it’s time to maneuver it to the highest of your future vacation listing and begin planning your individual Costa Rica 2 week itinerary!