Costa Rica
Pacific Coast
Tamarindo
- Surf on beaches suitable for beginners and experienced surfers, with consistent waves.
- Relax on beaches and enjoy the vibrant beach town atmosphere.
- Enjoy nightlife and dining.
- Observe turtle nesting in Las Baulas National Marine Park.
Nosara
- Surf consistent waves at Playa Guiones, ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers.
- Practice yoga and enjoy a laid-back, wellness-focused atmosphere.
- Explore Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada.
Samara
- Relax on family-friendly beaches with gentle waves, suitable for beginner surfers.
- Enjoy calm waters for swimming and snorkeling.
- Explore the surrounding nature reserves.
Montezuma
- Explore the 3 level Montezuma waterfall as well as a waterfall that falls directly in the ocean.
- Experience a bohemian beach town atmosphere with smaller, more localized surfing spots.
Santa Teresa
- Surf consistent waves in a relaxed beach town setting.
- Practice yoga and enjoy the bohemian atmosphere.
- Enjoy beautiful sunsets and explore the surrounding beaches and nightlife.
Manuel Antonio National Park
- Enjoy the beautiful protected beaches and rainforest.
- Observe wildlife (sloths, monkeys).
- Hike the park's trails.
Jaco
- Surf the beaches.
- Experience the nightlife.
- Engage in adventure activities.
Dominical
- Surf powerful and consistent waves, attracting experienced surfers.
- Visit Nauyaca Waterfalls.
- Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Uvita
- Go whale watching in Marino Ballena National Park.
- Visit the "Whale Tail" sandbar.
Corcovado National Park
- Explore a remote and biodiverse rainforest.
- Observe wildlife (tapirs, jaguars, monkeys).
- Hike and camp in the park.
Playa Pavones
- Surf one of the world's longest left-hand point breaks, suitable for experienced surfers.
- Enjoy a remote and laid-back surfing village.
Inland & Caribbean
Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna
- Hike around the base of Arenal Volcano.
- Relax in the natural hot springs (Free if you drive to the river after the pools).
- Experience adventure activities like zip-lining and canyoning.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Explore the unique ecosystem of a cloud forest.
- Walk on hanging bridges and observe diverse flora and fauna.
- Go birdwatching and hopefully spot the famous Quetzal.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Experience the relaxed Caribbean vibe with reggae music and a laid-back atmosphere.
- Relax on beautiful beaches like Playa Cocles, Punta Uva, and Playa Chiquita.
- Surf the powerful waves of Salsa Brava.
Cahuita National Park
- Explore vibrant coral reefs while snorkeling or diving.
- Observe diverse wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and birds.
- Hike the scenic trails through the park's rainforest and beaches.
Tortuguero National Park
- Take boat tours through the intricate network of canals and lagoons.
- Observe sea turtle nesting (seasonal, primarily green sea turtles).
- Explore the rainforest and spot wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and caimans.
Suggested Travel Itinerary
Costa Rica - 7 Weeks
Days 1-3: Tamarindo
- Arrive at Liberia Airport (LIR).
- Explore Tamarindo's beaches, learn to surf, and enjoy the nightlife.
- Day trip to Las Baulas National Marine Park for turtle nesting (seasonal).
Days 4-7: Nosara
- Travel to Nosara.
- Surf at Playa Guiones, practice yoga, and relax in the wellness-focused atmosphere.
- Explore Playa Pelada.
Days 8-11: Samara
- Travel to Samara.
- Enjoy family-friendly beaches, swim, snorkel, and explore nature reserves.
- Take a horseback riding tour.
Days 12-20: Santa Teresa/Montezuma
- Travel to Santa Teresa.
- Surf, practice yoga, enjoy sunsets, and explore beaches.
- Travel to Montezuma.
- Experience the bohemian vibe, hike to waterfalls, and explore the beaches.
Days 21-23: Manuel Antonio National Park
- Travel to Manuel Antonio.
- Enjoy beaches and rainforest, observe wildlife, and hike the park's trails.
Days 24-27: Dominical
- Travel to Dominical.
- Surf powerful and consistent waves.
- Visit Nauyaca Waterfalls.
Days 27-31: Corcovado/Pavones
- Travel to Corcovado/Pavones.
- Explore Corcovado National Park (wildlife, hiking).
- Surf at Pavones (long left-hand point break).
Days 32-35: Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna
- Travel to La Fortuna.
- Hike around Arenal Volcano, relax in hot springs, and zip-line.
- Explore the La Fortuna waterfall.
Days 36-38: Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Travel to Monteverde.
- Walk on hanging bridges, explore the cloud forest, and go birdwatching.
Days 39-45: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Travel to Puerto Viejo.
- Experience the Caribbean vibe, relax on beaches, and surf Salsa Brava.
- Explore Cahuita National park.
Days 46-49: Tortuguero National Park
- Travel to Tortuguero.
- Take canal tours, observe turtle nesting (seasonal), and explore the rainforest.