Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in San José
You'll fly into San José and grab your rental car right at the airport. The drive to your accommodation takes a bit of time, but you'll get settled in and have the evening to yourself. This is really just about getting acclimated and resting up before the tropical adventures start.
- Day 2
San José to Tamarindo
Drive your rental car from San José heading north toward Tamarindo. There's an optional stop at Llanos de Cortés waterfall if you want to swim and have a picnic along the way, though it does add time. Once you reach the beach town, check into your accommodation and walk around the local alleyways. You'll find boutiques and cafés tucked throughout. Later, head down to Playa Tamarindo to catch the sunset over the water.
Optional Activities
- Llanos de Cortés waterfall stop for swimming and picnic
Landmarks Llanos de Cortés Waterfall Playa Tamarindo 
- Day 3
Tamarindo
Spend your morning surfing at Tamarindo beach. If you're new to surfing, local instructors are available to help you get started. Later in the day, drive over to Las Baulas National Park where you can walk through mangrove trails and look for capuchin monkeys, birds, and iguanas. Another option is heading to Playa Grande Trail if you'd rather search for leatherback turtles instead.
Included Activities
- Las Baulas National Park mangrove trail exploration
Optional Activities
- Surf board rental (payable on site)
- Surf instructor hire (payable on site)
- Playa Grande Trail for leatherback turtle spotting
- Boat safari through Las Baulas National Park
Landmarks Las Baulas National Park Playa Grande - Day 4
Tamarindo
Today you're beach hopping along the coast. Start at Playa Avellanas for its golden sand and clear water. Then head to Playa Carbón, which has black volcanic sand and some nice rock formations that make it feel different from the other beaches. End the afternoon at Mirador La Cruz where you get good views of the coastline. As evening comes on, relax at a beach bar with a drink and listen to music.
Optional Activities
- Visit Playa Avellanas
- Visit Playa Carbón
- Visit Mirador La Cruz viewpoint
- Drinks and entertainment at beach bars
Landmarks Playa Avellanas Playa Carbón Mirador La Cruz - Day 5
Tamarindo
Head to Playa Conchal with its white sand and turquoise water, and spend some time in the eastern section where shells create patterns across the beach. After that, drive back and explore more of Tamarindo's streets on foot. By evening, take a walk along Playa Langosta where you can listen to the waves and watch the sun go down.
Optional Activities
- Visit Playa Conchal
- Explore Tamarindo town alleyways
- Visit local market
- Sunset walk along Playa Langosta
Landmarks Playa Conchal Playa Langosta - Day 6
Tamarindo to La Fortuna
You'll drive across Costa Rica from the Pacific side toward La Fortuna, traveling along Lake Arenal as it comes into view. The landscape changes as you go, and then the Arenal volcano appears on the horizon. Once you reach La Fortuna, walk through the town and check out the shops and market stalls. Get to your accommodation and settle in for the evening. From the terrace you'll catch the sunset while hearing the birds around you.
Landmarks Lake Arenal Arenal Volcano 
- Day 7
La Fortuna
Explore Arenal National Park and its hiking trails around the volcano. You'll walk through landscapes shaped by lava flows and see the unique plants that grow in this region. During the afternoon or evening, head to one of the natural hot springs near the volcano. The warm water is perfect for soaking your muscles after all that hiking.
Optional Activities
- Arenal National Park hiking trails (payable locally)
- Natural hot springs around the volcano (payable locally)
Landmarks Arenal National Park 
- Day 8
La Fortuna
Visit La Fortuna waterfall early in the day. You'll climb down 480 steps to reach the 70-meter cascade that drops into a pool with jade-colored water. It's a great spot to swim surrounded by the sounds of the jungle. Later, drive to El Castillo on Lake Arenal and try SUP boarding on the calm water.
Included Activities
- La Fortuna waterfall visit and swimming
Optional Activities
- SUP board rental at Lake Arenal
Landmarks La Fortuna Waterfall El Castillo - Day 9
La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Drive your rental car from the rainforests across Costa Rica toward the Caribbean coast and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. This town has a very different vibe from what you've seen so far, with reggae music, colorful surfboards, and a relaxed atmosphere. Walk along the beach at sunset and grab a drink at one of the colorful beach bars in town.
Landmarks Puerto Viejo de Talamanca 
- Day 10
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Take things easy today and start with breakfast or coffee at GypSea Café. Then hop in your car or rent a bike to cruise along the coastal road. Playa Chiquita is just a short ride away, and that's where you'll spend the afternoon. Soak up the sun, order some refreshing drinks, and just relax on the beach.
Optional Activities
- GypSea Café breakfast visit
- Bike rental in town (payable locally)
- Visit Playa Chiquita
Landmarks GypSea Café Playa Chiquita - Day 11
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Walk through Puerto Viejo's alleyways with their pastel-colored wooden houses and grab fresh fruit at the street stalls. Head to Playa Negra, which is known as a good surf spot. You can sit with a book and watch surfers ride the waves, or sign up at a local surf school to try it yourself.
Optional Activities
- Stroll through pastel-colored alleyways
- Visit street market for fresh fruit
- Watch surfers at Playa Negra
- Surf lessons at Playa Negra (payable on site)
- Boogie board rental at Playa Negra (payable on site)
Landmarks Playa Negra - Day 12
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San José
It's time to head back toward San José, driving through Costa Rica's green rainforest landscape. The road trip itself is nice, and you'll see wildlife and lots of green scenery along the way. When you reach the airport, return your rental car before your flight.
- Day 13
Departure from San José
Fly home from San José with memories from your two weeks in Costa Rica. You've been to beaches, waterfalls, hiked in jungles, and spent time in both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. It's been quite the adventure through the country.
