Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in San José
Fly into San José and head to the rental car counter at the airport. From there, drive to your accommodation and settle in for the night. It's a good idea to rest up and get oriented before starting your Costa Rican adventure tomorrow.
- Day 2
San José to Montezuma or Santa Teresa
Get behind the wheel and drive through lush tropical jungle toward the coast. If you want to cut down travel time, there's a car ferry option from Puntarenas to Playa Naranjo. Either way, you'll arrive in Montezuma or Santa Teresa to soak in those relaxed beach vibes. Later, take a walk through the evening streets and feel the Caribbean atmosphere settle around you.
Optional Activities
- Car ferry from Puntarenas to Playa Naranjo
Landmarks Golfo Colorado - Day 3
Montezuma or Santa Teresa
Start your Saturday at the farmers market in the morning, browsing handicrafts and local food while live music plays spontaneously. Then head out on the Montezuma Waterfalls Trail, hiking through dense jungle where you'll hear unfamiliar sounds and spot playful capuchin monkeys. When you reach the waterfalls, take a refreshing swim in the pool beneath them.
Optional Activities
- Saturday farmers market visit
- Montezuma Waterfalls Trail hike
Landmarks Montezuma Waterfalls - Day 4
Montezuma or Santa Teresa
Have coffee and watch the sunrise from the beach. After that, take a boat trip to Tortuga Island, which is one of the popular day destinations in this area. Spend your time snorkeling, swimming, or just relaxing on the sand. If you're staying in Santa Teresa, catch the Pacific sunset in the evening.
Optional Activities
- Tortuga Island boat trip
Landmarks Tortuga Island 
- Day 5
Santa Teresa or Montezuma to Monteverde
Head inland through Costa Rica's green hinterland or use the car ferry from Playa Naranjo to Puntarenas if that works better for you. Drive to Monteverde cloud forest near your new place. Once there, hike through moss-covered lianas and mystical marshland, crossing suspension bridges high above the treetops. Keep your eyes open for sloths, monkeys, and rare jaguars.
Optional Activities
- Car ferry from Playa Naranjo to Puntarenas
- Monteverde cloud forest hike with suspension bridges
Landmarks Monteverde Cloud Forest 
- Day 6
Monteverde
Check out Monteverde's food scene during the day at cafés, bakeries, and restaurants. Later, return to the cloud forest for more exploring. You can add horseback riding, quad biking, or suspension bridge walks if you want. Watch for colorful toucans, quetzals, and other jungle birds coming through the mist.
Optional Activities
- Horseback riding in cloud forest
- Quad bike exploration
- Suspension bridges walk
Landmarks Monteverde Cloud Forest 
- Day 7
Monteverde to La Fortuna
Drive toward La Fortuna along Lake Arenal, and before long the Arenal volcano will appear on the horizon. Settle into your new accommodation with the volcano dominating the view. Spend time checking out the town's shops and colorful market stalls. Later, relax on your accommodation terrace and watch the sunset glow over the landscape.
Landmarks Arenal Volcano Lake Arenal 
- Day 8
La Fortuna
Drive to Arenal National Park with your rental car to see the volcanic landscape up close. Several hiking trails wind around the mighty Arenal volcano, so pick one that appeals to you. You'll see unique lava-formed vegetation and landscape. If your muscles need attention, there are natural hot springs around the volcano where you can relax.
Optional Activities
- Arenal National Park hiking trails
- Natural hot springs dip
Landmarks Arenal National Park Arenal Volcano 
- Day 9
La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Drive across the country from the rainforests to the Caribbean coast and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Known as Little Jamaica, this coastal town has reggae music playing, colorful surfboards around, and that laid-back island vibe everywhere. As evening comes, stroll along the beach and grab a drink at one of the colorful beach bars.
Landmarks Puerto Viejo de Talamanca 
- Day 10
Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro
Leave your rental car in Puerto Viejo and board a shuttle to Almirante. From there, take a boat transfer to Bocas del Toro, capital of Colón island. Walk through town and see the colorful fishing houses reflected in the water. Find restaurants and cafés, or head to nearby Istmito Beach. End your day watching the sunset over the Caribbean.
Landmarks Bocas del Toro Istmito Beach Colón Island 
- Day 11
Bocas del Toro
Get into Panama's underwater world with optional snorkeling, swimming around tropical fish and marine animals like sea turtles if you're lucky. Relax on the warm sand under the blue sky. If you want, catch a bus to Starfish Beach to see starfish in shallow water. Return to Bocas del Toro for evening activities.
Optional Activities
- Snorkeling excursion
- Bus to Starfish Beach
Landmarks Starfish Beach - Day 12
Bocas del Toro
Wake early and head to the beach before sunrise to watch the dawn light up the sky. Grab an extensive breakfast at a restaurant in Bocas del Toro afterward. Then spend the day at your choice of secluded beaches like Playa Punta Carenero, Bluff Beach, or Big Creek. If you're into it, grab a surfboard and ride some waves.
Optional Activities
- Surfing
Landmarks Playa Punta Carenero Bluff Beach Big Creek - Day 13
Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo
Say goodbye to Bocas del Toro this morning. Take the shuttle bus back to Puerto Viejo where your rental car is parked and waiting. Drive back through Costa Rica's tropical landscape toward San José, thinking back on your recent Caribbean adventures. Check in at your accommodation for your last night.
- Day 14
Departure from San José
Take one last look at Costa Rica as you head toward the airport. Return your rental car and prepare for your flight home with all those adventure memories fresh in your mind.
- Day 15
Arrival Home
Your plane touches down back home. You'll have plenty of stories to share with friends and family about everything you saw and did on this trip.
