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
15 Day Costa Rica Itinerary, incl. San Jose and Manuel Antonio
Diverse landscapes color this 15-day route through 8 key destinations from San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park. Accommodations include 7 nights in hotels, 6 in lodges, and 1 homestay in Santa Rosa de Pocosol, showcasing everything from Tortuguero's canals to Monteverde's forests.
- Days 1-2
San Jose & Tortuguero
Visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum in San Jose before traveling to Tortuguero. The journey takes a 3-hour drive to La Pavona port followed by a boat transfer through the canals. One traveler shared: "The boat ride into Tortuguero was magical - we spotted howler monkeys and toucans before even reaching our lodge." Pack light waterproof bags for this portion.
- Days 3-4
Tortuguero National Park & Santa Rosa
Early mornings offer the best wildlife viewing along the canals. Plan turtle watching tours if visiting July through October. Travel to Santa Rosa de Pocosol for a local homestay experience. A recent visitor noted: "The cooking class with our host family was a highlight - learning to make traditional corn tortillas from scratch."
- Days 5-6
Rio Celeste & Tenorio Area
Visit the bright blue waters of Rio Celeste. The waterfall trail takes about 1.5 hours but can get slippery. Good hiking shoes are essential. You can learn about local culture from the Maleku indigenous community. River tubing is popular but remember the water stays cold all year.
- Days 7-8
La Fortuna/Arenal
La Fortuna offers great views of the volcano and relaxing hot springs. Visit La Fortuna waterfall early to avoid crowds. The trail has 500 steps each way and takes about 45 minutes. Book white water rafting trips in advance during peak season.
- Days 9-10
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Take the scenic route to Monteverde via boat and bus across Lake Arenal. The trip takes about 3 hours total. Bring warm layers and rain gear for the cool, wet cloud forest. One visitor recommended: "Book the night walk tour - we saw so many nocturnal creatures we'd never have spotted in daylight."
- Days 11-13
Manuel Antonio
Enjoy beach time and wildlife on the Pacific coast. Stay in Manuel Antonio instead of Quepos for better restaurants and atmosphere. Take a guided tour of the national park to spot wildlife like sloths and monkeys. Get there when it opens at 7am to avoid crowds.
- Days 14-15
San Jose
Take the public bus back to San Jose. The ride takes 4-5 hours. Plan extra time for morning traffic when heading to the airport. Afternoon flights work best to avoid delays.
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."
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."
Costa Rica 18 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
What people love about 3-week Costa Rica tours
- Classic Costa Rica (10 destinations)
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 !
- Discover Costa Rica
Everything except one optional activity was good to excellent. Our guide Gerhard and driver Henry were excellent. Gerhard's knowledge of everything from history to wildlife and geology was impressive. Henry safely navigated some rather sketchy stretches of road and mad me glad I wasn't driving!
- Costa Rica Adventure
This trip caters for all! For the adrenaline seeks: white water rafting, zip lining, canyoning, horseback riding, surfing, kayaking and hiking. For the nature lover: epic scenery from beaches to volcanoes, birds, sloths, reptiles, insects .. For those that like a little pampering there is the catamaran tour and man-made hot springs, and options to sit back and relax in a boat whilst gazing out. However, this all comes at a cost, each activity is on average $50 so it starts to get pricey quick and it feels like you are obligated to book something each day. Travelling around Costa Rica, means sitting in a minibus, these are not high end and who knew that a seat would fold out in the middle isle. With all luxury stored on the back seats, there isn't a lot of space, no charging points and intermittent wifi - make sure you have something to read. Accommodation standards are low (backpackers had more amenities in La Fortuna), your going to need a torch. The itinerary changes and not everything is available or even meets the printed description, but the guide will help you achieve your goals, remember the ethos is Pura Vida - just relax. Its a real shame that the tour shows nothing of San Jose, so add a day and see it for yourself.
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