2 Weeks in Costa Rica - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Discover Costa Rica's Natural Highlights

On this exciting two-week trip around Costa Rica, you'll visit San José, Tortuguero National Park, the towering Arenal Volcano, Monteverde's cloud forest, and the remote beaches of Guanacaste. 

Welcome to Costa Rica! After a bit of culture in San José, you'll venture north to Tortuguero National Park.You'll spot rare birds like macaws and toucans as you travel along the park's network of canals by boat. Then it's off to Arenal and a whitewater rafting excursion on the Sarapiquí River. Hike and soak in hot springs before traveling by boat to Monteverde.

For the next few days, you'll partake in all the adventure sports the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has to offer, including zip-lining high over the forest canopy. You'll then transfer to the Gulf de Papagayo and the inviting beaches of the northern Pacific. Surf the waves at Tamarindo and take a sunset catamaran cruise. Learn more

Read more about the Top Nature Experiences in Costa Rica.

Itinerary #2: Costa Rica from Coast to Coast 

Hike in the jungle, snorkel with tropical fish, swim in waterfalls — these are just a few of the outdoor adventures that await travelers on this lively 14-day itinerary that takes you from coast to coast in Costa Rica.  

After getting oriented in San José, you’ll go on a nighttime jungle hike and a boat tour in Tortuguero National Park. You'll spot wildlife while exploring the park's lush waterways. Then move onto Arenal for a few days of volcano hikes and soaking in natural hot springs. After a stop at Tenorio Volcano National Park, the tour takes you to Monteverde next.

Discover the Children’s Eternal Forest and zip-line high above the trees at the Sky Adventures Park. Spend the last few days of the trip in Manuel Antonio National Park, where you'll have the opportunity to boat, snorkel, and go horseback riding and swimming at Nauyaca Waterfalls. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Luxury Trip to Costa Rica's Beaches, Cloud Forests & Volcanoes

Discover Costa Rica's natural landscapes — and sleep in luxury hotel stays along the way — on this two-week trip through the country's national parks, cloud forests, and coastal getaways.

The adventure begins with a birdwatching tour around Drake Bay and a day of hiking in Corcovado National Park. Snorkel with vibrant tropical fish and marine life at the Isla Del Caño Biological Reserve before continuing onward to Manuel Antonio National Park for more hiking, boating, and snorkeling.

Learn about the process behind coffee production at a Costa Rican coffee farm before going on a nighttime nature walk in the Monteverde cloud forest. You'll zip-line through the jungle at the Sky Adventures Park before finishing up the trip with a few days in Arenal, where are you'll enjoy hikes with volcano views and a relaxing dip in hot springs. Learn more

Read more about the Best Luxury Hotels in Costa Rica.

Itinerary #4: Road Trip to Costa Rica's Pacific Coast

Hit the road for this 14-day self-drive adventure around Costa Rica's highlights, including the volcanoes and hot springs of Rincón de la Vieja and Arenal, the cloud forest of Monteverde, and the beaches of Tamarindo and Sámara. 

The road trip begins in Liberia. Head to Rincón de la Vieja National Park for hiking and Hot Springs, then see the beautiful Rio Celeste on the way to La Fortuna. Hike through a sloth habitat and learn how chocolate is made before the adventure continues in Monteverde, home to a famous cloud forest and the thrilling zip lines of the Sky Adventures Park.

The trip takes you to Tamarindo next. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to see Pacific green turtles nesting on the beach. Finally, you’ll spend a few days exploring the beaches and hiking trails around Sámara, enjoying a kayaking and snorkeling excursion around the island of Isla Chora. Learn more

Check out these Costa Rica FAQs to learn more about traveling in the country.

Itinerary #5: Explore the Jungles & Beaches of Costa Rica

On this outdoorsy two-week itinerary, you'll brave the whitewater rapids of jungle rivers, hike to the base of Costa Rica's most famous volcano, and surf to your heart's content on Pacific beaches. 

After arriving in San José and spending a day enjoying the city, you'll transfer to Arenal and a premium rafting river, the Río Pacuare. The Pacuare is thought by many to be one of the best bodies of water for rafting in the world. You'll spend a couple days on this river with a professional guide, occasionally braving class III-IV rapids.

Transfer to nearby La Fortuna and let the adrenaline wash away in the relaxing Tabacón Hot Springs. You'll tour a working coffee/chocolate farm in Monteverde, then head to the famous Nicoya Peninsula and the seaside village of Santa Teresa. Visit nearby Playa Tambor and embark on an excursion to Isla Tortuga, an island just offshore. Learn more

More Great Costa Rica Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these other Costa Rica itineraries, explore self-drive tours around Costa Rica, or discover the best time to visit Costa Rica.