3-Week Costa Rica Tour Packages
Costa Rica is a real dream come true. Descend to the Caribbean lowlands for Tortuguero National Park, visit La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano - a truly impressive sight when you see it, explore Monteverde National Park on walking tours through cloud forest. Manuel Antonio's exotic wildlife rounds everything out. Classic Costa Rica hits Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and the biodiversity is incredible across the country.
Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Costa Rica tour itineraries
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
16 Days in Costa Rica, incl. San Jose and Arenal
Eight distinct destinations unfold over 16 days, from Manuel Antonio's beaches to Monteverde's cloud forests. Comfortable stays at hotels and jungle lodges complement highlights like Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative tour and Tortuguero canal exploration.
- Days 1-2
San José to Manuel Antonio
Leave San José and drive 4 hours to the Pacific coast. Book afternoon departures to skip morning traffic. "The small town of Quepos is perfect for relaxing, while Manuel Antonio National Park offers beautiful white-sand beaches and turquoise water."
- Days 3-4
Manuel Antonio & Quepos
Visit Costa Rica's smallest national park with its lush forests and beautiful beaches. "Watching the monkeys swing through the trees while hiking the coastal trails was incredible. Get to the park by 7:30 AM before the crowds and heat build up." You can try kayaking through mangroves ($70) or go sailing at sunset ($75).
- Days 4-5
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Take a 6-hour trip to Monteverde. It's cooler up here, so bring warm layers. "The night walk is a must-do activity - we saw sleeping toucans, tarantulas, and the rare olingo. Bring shoes with good grip as trails get slippery."
- Days 6-8
La Fortuna/Arenal
A 1.5-hour journey by boat and van takes you to La Fortuna. "Do the waterfall rappelling early morning when it's less crowded. The Arenal hot springs are perfect after a day of adventures - Baldi springs cost around $65." Try whitewater rafting or canyoning while you're here.
- Days 9-10
Sarapiquí Rainforest
Stop at a local coffee cooperative on your way to your jungle lodge. "The traditional coffee tour and lunch were highlights - try the fresh tilapia farmed on site." You can enjoy river swimming and learn local cooking techniques.
- Days 11-12
Tortuguero
Take a 5.5-hour boat trip through canals to reach Tortuguero. "Even outside turtle nesting season, the wildlife viewing is exceptional. Early morning kayaking offers the best chances to spot river otters and caiman." Internet access is limited here, so plan ahead.
- Days 13-14
Puerto Viejo
Travel 6 hours to the Caribbean coast. "The Afro-Caribbean vibe here is totally different from the Pacific side. The included bike ride to the beach was fantastic - rent snorkel gear ($10) to explore the coral reefs." Bring rain gear for afternoon showers.
- Days 15-16
Return to San José
Drive 5 hours back to San José. Spend your last evening exploring local markets and restaurants. "Stay in the Barrio Amón area - it's safe, walkable, and has great dining options."
15 Day Costa Rica Itinerary, incl. San Jose and Tortuguero
The 15-day Costa Rica tour showcases the country's natural wonders across 10 destinations. Marvel at iconic sites like Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, and Savegre Valley. Expert guides reveal incredible biodiversity from distinctive lodges throughout multiple ecosystems.
- Days 1-2
San Jose & Tortuguero
Start in San Jose before traveling northeast to Tortuguero National Park. The 6-hour journey includes a breakfast stop. "Our first views of the waterways and wildlife in Tortuguero were breathtaking - it's like a pocket-sized Amazon." Plan for a 1 hour 15 minute boat ride to reach your jungle lodge.
- Days 3-4
La Fortuna/Arenal
Visit the Arenal region to explore its famous volcano. "The hike to La Fortuna waterfall involves 500+ steps - go early around 8:30 AM before tour groups arrive." Plan your hot springs visits for the afternoon since mornings often bring rain. The waterfall's cool water feels great after hiking down all those steps.
- Days 5-6
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Travel up to the misty Tilaran Mountains. The final 25 miles run on rough gravel roads. "Bring motion sickness meds if needed, but the cloud forest views are worth it." Start your hanging bridges walk early to see more wildlife. You can also try the zipline tours for an exciting view of the forest canopy.
- Days 7-8
Manuel Antonio
Make your way to the Pacific coast. "Book the guided park walk first thing - by 10 AM the trails get crowded and wildlife hides from the heat." Watch for sloths, monkeys and tropical birds. You'll find beautiful beaches inside the park perfect for afternoon swimming.
- Days 9-11
Piedras Blancas
Experience Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. "The night walks here were incredible - we saw red-eyed tree frogs, snakes, and so many creatures. Having a good headlamp is essential." You can explore the lodge's trails on your own during the day.
- Days 12-13
Savegre Valley
Head to the highlands to look for the resplendent quetzal. "Go early with your guide - we saw both male and female quetzals around 6:30 AM when they're most active." Remember to pack warm clothes for the cool mountain weather.
- Days 14-15
Return to San Jose
Visit the Copey Valley to see highland farming and enjoy lunch with a local family before heading back to San Jose. "This cultural experience was a perfect way to end our wildlife-focused journey."
Costa Rica Adventure Family Holiday
Natural wonders unfold across 9 destinations in this 15-day Costa Rican adventure, from San Jose to Tortuguero National Park, Cahuita, Sarapiqui, Arenal Volcano, and Manuel Antonio. Package includes 14 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, and comfortable lodge accommodations.
San Jose Costa Rica
17 miBraulio Carillo National Park Costa Rica
17 miSan Jose Costa Rica
53 miTortuguero National Park Costa Rica
23 miSiquirres Costa Rica
51 miCahuita Costa Rica
93 miPuerto Viejo de Sarapiqui Costa Rica
20 miBraulio Carillo National Park Costa Rica
50 miLa Fortuna Costa Rica
3 miArenal Volcano National Park Costa Rica
82 miManuel Antonio National Park Costa Rica
36 miSan Jose Costa Rica
Costa Rica 18 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
What people love about 3-week Costa Rica tours
- Costa Rica Adventure
I loved this trip through Costa Rica. In 2 weeks time we got to see and do so many things. Busy schedule but loved every minute of it. Our ceo Yinier was so kind, always with a smile and making sure everyone felt included. Happy I decided to join !
- Discover Costa Rica
First, I want to say that our tour guide Daniel was EXCELLENT in all things! He shared his vast knowledge of all of the beautiful areas that we visited and his obvious love for what he does was contageous! We had one traveler in our group who complained about EVERYTHING and at times was very rude to Daniel and condescending. Totally uncalled for. It made the others uncomfortable at times. However, Daniels patience and ability to handle the situation was very professional. Now as for the trip itself, it was all that I expected! The various areas we visited were beautiful and full of so much "nature" in the form of birds, lizards, monkeys, crocodiles, turtles and other forms of life. The vegetation was mind boggling. As much as I loved the various hikes (thank goodness for my two walking sticks) I had to back out of a couple because of my bad knee. Daniel made sure that I was included at least in the ascent to the top of the hills in a jeep with the others in order to see the area, and while they made the trek back down, I returned in the jeep. He was always watching out for me to make sure that I didn't fall flat on my face! Overall, the meals that were included were good. The restaurants that Daniel chose for our meals that we paid for were excellent and in a fair price range (the complainer thought $6 was too much to pay for a meal and made a big deal out of it, so Daniel took him next door to a far less "expensive" restaurant.). While we were staying at El Establo in Monteverde I missed a step in the poorly lit hallway stairs and had a nasty tumble. Although badly bruised hip, I survived. Daniel made sure the management knew about the poorly lit stairs so that they could hopefully fix it before someone else fell. The various national parks were absolutely beautiful. Seeing the sloths up close in Manuel Antonio Park was a real treat. Great trip! I would highly recommend it to anyone!
- Classic Costa Rica
Hi, This is my seventh trip organized by Intrepid, and I’ll definitely continue to trust you for the next ones. If you want a complete change of scenery and love nature and animals, Costa Rica is a perfect destination.Impressive rain forest Some litle treks and safari in those forests to alot of animals. You will learn al lot of things on the history, plants, animals. You’ll be amazed by the lush nature and all the animals you can encounter if you’re a bit lucky — sloths, tarantulas, tree frogs, lots of different bird species, and more. Without our excellent guide Tayron, this trip wouldn’t have been nearly as exceptional. The hotels were beautiful, set away from the villages, right in the heart of nature—with pools (and sometimes animals ;-) ). The hotel in Manuel Antonio was especially lovely, with a view of the ocean. There wasn’t too much driving—about three hours on average—so we had plenty of free time to enjoy ourselves. March is a great time to go: few tourists and not too hot. It was actually quite peaceful in the end. Just note that Costa Rica is a fairly expensive country when it comes to restaurants, juices, cocktails, etc., and plan for an extra budget if you’re interested in optional activities. And also very good group with nice and kind people Thanks Tayron Thanks Intrepid ! Pura Vida !