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.