15 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

Set against the backdrop of the imposing Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna de San Carlos offers visitors a chance to explore diverse natural landscapes and sample some delicious local produce.

Change things up with a short trip to Butterfly Conservatory in El Castillo (about 42 minutes away). The adventure continues: witness a stunning natural landmark at Tabacon Hot Springs, take in the exciting artwork at Wood & Art Gallery, get a taste of the local shopping with Onirica Art Gallery, and trek along Arenal Natura Ecological Park.

To see more things to do, photos, and tourist information, read our La Fortuna de San Carlos trip itinerary website .

Brussels, Belgium to La Fortuna de San Carlos is an approximately 19-hour combination of flight and shuttle. You can also do a combination of train, flight, and shuttle; or do a combination of train, flight, and car. The time zone difference moving from Central European Time (CET) to Central Standard Time (CST) is minus 7 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel to Manuel Antonio.

The rainforest meets the sea at Manuel Antonio National Park, a small but scenic natural preserve on the west coast of Costa Rica.

On the 5th (Tue), kick back and relax at Playa Biesanz and then enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Manuel Antonio. On your second day here, soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers and then take in breathtaking views at MidWorld Costa Rica.

For reviews, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Manuel Antonio trip itinerary maker tool .

Do a combination of taxi and flight from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Manuel Antonio in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a shuttle. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Thu) so you can travel to San Jose.

A trip to San Jose, the capital, commercial center, and cultural hub of Costa Rica, gives you a chance to experience the lively atmosphere and rich cultural past of this vibrant country.

On the 7th (Thu), take an in-depth tour of National Museum (Museo Nacional), then take an in-depth tour of Jade Museum, then view the masterpieces at Galeria Namu, and finally admire the masterpieces at Precolumbian Gold Museum. On the 8th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the world behind art at Museo de Arte Costarricense and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Our Lady of the Angels Basilica (Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles).

For reviews, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our San Jose trip itinerary builder tool .

Traveling by combination of taxi, flight, and bus from Manuel Antonio to San Jose takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In March, plan for daily highs up to 32°C, and evening lows to 21°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Fri) early enough to travel to Santa Teresa.

A coastal getaway popular with surfers and young travelers, Santa Teresa spreads out from the beach and the main coastal road to a ring of newer developments on the surrounding hills.

On the 9th (Sat), glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa Santa Teresa.

To find where to stay, maps, photos, and other tourist information, use the Santa Teresa online trip itinerary maker .

Traveling by combination of flight and taxi from San Jose to Santa Teresa takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Sat) early enough to travel to Tamarindo.

Surfing remains the main reason to take a trip to Tamarindo, as the beachside town is mostly known for its excellent waves.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Sun): kick back and relax at Playa Avellana, then enjoy the sand and surf at Tamarindo Beach, then stop by Organic Products by Coco Beauty Spa, and finally look for gifts at Azul Profundo Boutique. Keep things going the next day: admire all the interesting features of Pura Aventura, then identify plant and animal life at Monkey Park, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa Conchal.

To find reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Tamarindo trip itinerary maker .

Do a combination of taxi and flight from Santa Teresa to Tamarindo in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Monteverde.

Monteverde is all about natural attractions, not surprising for an eco-tourism hotspot known for its cloud forests and rich diversity of animal life.

On the 12th (Tue), look for all kinds of wild species at Curi Cancha Reserve and then snap pictures at Santa Elena Skywalk. On your second day here, look for all kinds of wild species at Monteverde Frog Pond and then look for all kinds of wild species at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Monteverde trip itinerary planning site .

Getting from Tamarindo to Monteverde by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a shuttle. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Wed) early enough to travel back home.