Manuel Antonio & Monteverde: Best Itinerary Ideas

How many days do you need?

• Most travelers spend 6-7 days in Manuel Antonio and Monteverde combined
• Visiting Manuel Antonio and Monteverde in 5 days is possible, but will feel rushed
• With 8 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
• The most common extensions are Arenal/La Fortuna and Tamarindo

How Many Days Should You Spend in Costa Rica?

Recommended Itineraries for Manuel Antonio and Monteverde

Recommended Itinerary for 6 Days

Perfect for nature lovers and first-time travelers to Costa Rica, this fast-paced itinerary takes you to two of the country's most beloved national parks. With the diverse wildlife of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the jungle-lined white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio, you'll get to the essence of the Costa Rican motto: Pura Vida! Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 7 Days

With abundant wildlife, a nocturnal nature tour, a visit to the jungle in Manuel Antonio National Park, and time to relax on the beach, this trip captures the essence of Costa Rica's motto: Pura Vida! Starting in San José, you'll travel first to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you'll encounter Costa Rica's famed biodiversity. Continue on to Manuel Antonio National Park, where the forest meets the sea, for activities including a sunset catamaran cruise. Read more

Extended Itineraries

8-Day Itinerary Including Arenal/La Fortuna

This 8-day trip is ideal for travelers looking to experience Costa Rica's highlights. Go for a dip in Arenal's hot springs and spot monkeys and other wildlife on hikes around the famous volcano. Continue to Monteverde, where you'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. Read more

15-Day Itinerary Including Arenal/La Fortuna and Tortuguero

Experience Costa Rica's most spectacular national parks on this 15-day tour. You'll catch glimpses of sea turtles and monkeys in Tortuguero National Park and spot hundreds of bird species in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Then it's time to head to the countries largest and most famous volcano, Arenal, for a mix of wildlife and heart pumping excursions. Finally, you'll end the trip in  Manuel Antonio, where you'll snorkel among colorful fish and traverse jungle trails. Read more

15-Day Itinerary Including Arenal/La Fortuna and Tamarindo

Enjoy a 15-day honeymoon adventure that covers several of Costa Rica’s greatest outdoor destinations. Begin in the capital city for a welcome dinner, before heading to the Arenal region for river rafting, volcano hikes, scenic waterfalls, and more. Next, go snorkeling and kayaking in the ocean on the shores of beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park. Venture into the cloud forests of Monteverde to take suspension bridges and ziplines through the greenery, followed by downtime in Tamardino Beach to surf, sail, and relish magnificent sunsets. Read more

How to travel between Manuel Antonio and Monteverde

Manuel Antonio National Park is a microcosm of Costa Rica's most iconic offerings: pristine beaches, rainforests with an abundance of wildlife, and active outdoor pursuits. It’s also fairly easy to reach from other major hubs in Costa Rica. Read more