11 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

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.

Start off your visit on the 9th (Fri): take an in-depth tour of Museo Nacional De Costa Rica, then pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia La Soledad, and then let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 10th (Sat): walk around Parque La Sabana, explore the world behind art at Museo de Arte Costarricense, then learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, and finally stop by J.LANG Atelier & Showroom.

To see reviews, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our San Jose sightseeing planning website.

New York City, USA to San Jose is an approximately 9-hour flight. You can also drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from New York City to San Jose. Traveling from New York City in April, expect San Jose to be much hotter, temps between 83°F and 67°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Sun) to allow time to take a shuttle to La Fortuna de San Carlos.

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.

On the 11th (Sun), contemplate the geological forces at Arenal Volcano and then take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports. On the 12th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in the dramatic scenery at La Fortuna Waterfall and then relax and rejuvenate at Tabacon Hot Springs.

For more things to do, maps, photos, and tourist information, read our La Fortuna de San Carlos online journey planner.

Take a shuttle from San Jose to La Fortuna de San Carlos in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (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.

Family-friendly places like Zipline and El Trapiche Tour will thrill your kids. Next up on the itinerary: stroll through Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, delve into the lush surroundings at Curi Cancha Reserve, take in the exciting artwork at Arte Jaguar Gallery, and learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at The Bat Jungle.

To find reviews, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Monteverde trip maker app.

You can drive from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Monteverde in 3.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive 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.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Fri): enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Manuel Antonio, then glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, and then walk around Parque Nahomi. On the 17th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, then see Off-Road Tours, and then explore the wealth of natural beauty at Manuel Antonio National Park.

To see other places to visit, photos, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Manuel Antonio trip builder.

Drive from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sun) so you can go by car to San Jose.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Sun): hit the best photo ops around with an inspiring photography tour, view the masterpieces at Galeria Namu, then get engrossed in the history at Jade Museum, and finally revel in the low prices at Mercado Municipal De Artesanias.

For more things to do, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, read San Jose trip planning tool.

Drive from Manuel Antonio to San Jose in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Mon) to allow time to travel back home.