12 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Costa Rica: Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio

Monkeys, sloths, lizards, birds, insects, jaguars—Costa Rica's wildlife await you on this colorful 12-day itinerary that takes you to beaches, jungles, cloud forests, and national parks.

Welcome to Costa Rica! After a day exploring San José, you'll go to Tortuguero National Park to spot nocturnal wildlife and explore the region's waterways on a boat tour. Then continue on to Arenal, basing yourself in La Fortuna while you enjoy volcano hikes, soaking in hot springs, and a stroll along the beautiful blue Rio Celeste. 

The itinerary takes you to Monteverde next, where you'll discover the cloud forest and soar through the trees during an afternoon of zip-lining at the Sky Adventures Park. Then it's off to Manuel Antonio National Park, where you'll spend the last few days of the tour hiking, boating, and snorkeling. Learn more

For more travel tips and inspiration, read this article on the Top Active Experiences in Manuel Antonio National Park.

Itinerary #2: Explore Costa Rica's Volcanoes & Pacific Coast

This 12-day adventure around Costa Rica's spectacular natural landscapes leads you to the hot springs of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Arenal Volcano, and the beaches of Tamarindo and Sámara.

Kick off the adventure in Rincón de la Vieja National Park with an excursion on horseback and a chance to relax in the Rio Negro Hot Springs. More hot springs await at your next destination, Arenal, where you'll also hike through a sloth habitat, go birdwatching, and learn how chocolate is made at a cocoa bean farm. Head to Monteverde for zip-lining adventures and hikes in the cloud forest.

You'll have the rare opportunity to observe nesting sea turtles in the surf hub of Tamarindo. Enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and surf lessons both here and around Sámara, your final stop. Go kayaking and snorkeling around the island of Isla Chora and spend the last full day exploring a biological reserve before the trip ends. Learn more

Find out more about the Best Things to Do in Tamarindo.

Itinerary #3: Wildlife Luxury Adventure in Arenal, Monteverde & the Osa Peninsula

See the best of Costa Rica on this luxurious 12-day itinerary featuring excursions with private guides, including birdwatching, snorkeling, hiking, a coffee tour, and horseback riding through the cloud forest. 

Arrive in San José, then fly to the Osa Peninsula, where you'll explore Corcovado National Park for the next few days. You'll see exotic birds on a full-day hike through the park and swim with tropical fish while snorkeling in the waters offshore. Next, you'll go to the Arenal region of Costa Rica, where you'll hike to La Fortuna Waterfall and visit Tenorio Volcano National Park.

The latter portion of the itinerary takes you to Monteverde. Coffee lovers will enjoy a tour of a coffee bean farm and the chance to taste various locally produced coffees. You'll also go on a nighttime nature walk, a guided hike through the cloud forest, and an excursion on horseback. Finish the trip with a gourmet coffee and cocoa bean tour that includes samples of delicious Costa Rican chocolates. Learn more

Read more about the Best Luxury Hotels in Costa Rica.

Itinerary #4: Costa Rica Arenal, Monteverde & Pacific Coast Self-Drive Tour

See many of Costa Rica's highlights, from national parks and cloud forests to rushing rivers and world-class beaches, on this thrilling road trip around the country.

The trip begins in Liberia. Pick up a rental car and drive to Río Celeste, just outside Tenorio National Park. After a day of hiking, you'll get back in the car and drive to Arenal Volcano National Park, venturing to the La Fortuna Waterfall and the region's famous Hanging Bridges. On day four, go whitewater rafting on the Sarapiquí River. Continue along the road trip to Monteverde for a guided nighttime nature tour and an aerial canopy adventure.

Drive from Monteverde to Playa Sámara, where you'll relax for a day on the beach, then to the Refugio Nacional Ostional, a protected stretch of coastline where sea turtles come during nesting season to lay their eggs. Continue to one of the country's most beloved beaches, Playa Tamarindo, for a private surf lesson followed by a free day to practice your newfound skills, try other water sports, go for a hike, or just enjoy some sand and sun. Learn more

This article on the Top Active Experiences in Costa Rica has more ideas and information.

Itinerary #5: Luxury Spas & Outdoor Adventures in Costa Rica

On this luxury itinerary, you'll enjoy Costa Rica's great outdoors while whitewater rafting and hiking, then treat yourself to spa treatments and relax in natural hot springs.

This high-end itinerary kicks off in style with a private transfer to The Retreat, a wellness center where guests can practice yoga and enjoy spa treatments. On day two, you'll move onto Pacuare River Lodge, a riverside getaway in the rainforest. Then get ready for a rafting adventure down the Río Pacuare to Bajos del Toro. Transfer to Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, an elegant refuge with its own thermal hot springs.

Enjoy an exclusive chocolate-making tour and class before traveling to the Pacific coast and the beach of Playa Esterillos for an outrigger canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard excursion. Continue onward to San Isidro del General and the luxurious boutique lodge of Hacienda Altagracia. Finish the trip at the five-star Xandari Resort and Spa, complete with hiking trails, gardens, waterfalls, pools, Jacuzzis, and a spa with panoramic views. Learn more

Find out more about the best luxury hotels in the Arenal region by reading this article.

Itinerary #6: Mountain Biking from Manuel Antonio to the Caribbean Coast

Pedal from the Pacific coast to the Caribbean coast—crossing the entire country—on this challenging 12-day bicycle trip.

Spend a day sightseeing in San José before taking a three-hour bus ride to the village of Quepos. Get fitted for a bicycle before the next day's cycling and trekking trip to Naranjito, with sweeping coastal views along the way. Pedal up the famously challenging Cemetery Hill, then sleep in a cozy bungalow in Santa Maria before biking over the Continental Divide and cycling and trekking through Tapantí National Wildlife Refuge.

Take a break from your bike to go whitewater rafting down Río Pacuare, then pedal around Pacuare Valley before continuing onward to Finca Pacuarito to spend the night. You'll ride through a series of old banana plantations before hopping on a kayak and paddling down the river. Overnight in Puerto Viejo and enjoy a free morning on the Caribbean coast to relax on the sand. Learn more

Check out the Ultimate Guide to Puerto Viejo: Costa Rica's Southern Caribbean Coast.

More Great Costa Rica Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these other 12-Day Costa Rica itineraries, explore different ways to spend two weeks in Costa Rica, or discover the best time to visit Costa Rica.