Explore Costa Rica
The 21-Day Best of Costa Rica
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It would take months to exhaust the possibilities for a total immersion in Costa Rica. Few visitors have time to explore Costa Rica from tip to toe, unless they’ve opted to fly to and from distinct locales using San José as a hub (in which case, visiting the “four quarters” is eminently feasible). Allow three or four weeks for a more complete itinerary that takes in half a dozen of the best parks plus a potpourri of active adventures.
Day 1
Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport; transfer to a hotel in or near San José.
Day 2
Take an early-morning flight to Tortuguero National Park for wildlife viewing, including an evening turtle viewing.
Day 3
After a morning wildlife viewing by canoe or boat, fly to San José for overnight. Take time to explore the capital city.
Day 4
Today, an early-morning visit to Poás Volcano National Park is followed by a visit to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Days 5–6
Transfer to La Fortuna for two days, with hiking at Arenal Volcano National Park; a ride on the Arenal Aerial Tram; and a soak at Tabacón Hot Springs.
Day 7
Transfer via Lake Arenal and Tilarán to Monteverde. This afternoon, take in such sites as the Serpentario and Jewels of the Rainforest Bio-Art Exhibition.
Day 8
You’ll want to be up early for a guided hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve or Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. In the afternoon, enjoy a canopy exploration.
Day 9
Transfer to Rincón de la Vieja National Park for horseback riding and overnight at a nature lodge.
Day 10
Continue north to Santa Rosa National Park for a hike offering great wildlife viewing.
Day 11
Today, head to the Nicoya Peninsula and Tamarindo for relaxing. This afternoon you might try surfing at Playa Grande Marine Turtle National Park.
Day 12
Active travelers might try their hand at catching the big one on a half-day sportfishing excursion. Spend the rest of the day sunning on the beach or by the pool. This evening, head to Playa Grande to witness marine turtles laying eggs (in season).
Day 13
Transfer to Nosara via Ostional Wildlife Refuge. If you’re driving, the coast road will prove an adventure! Visit the turtle arribada (in season).
Day 14
Relax at Nosara, where the beach is good for tidepooling, with great beach breaks for surfers.
Day 15
This morning, depart Nicoya for the Central Pacific and a crocodile safari on the Río Tárcoles. Then continue to Hotel Villa Caletas at Playa Herradura for a meal or, better yet, an overnight indulgence.
Days 16–17
Continue south to Manuel Antonio National Park for two days of wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and relaxing.
Day 18
Transfer to San José and fly from Pavas airport to Carate, on the Osa Peninsula. Overnight at a nearby nature lodge.
Day 19
A guided hike along coastal and rainforest trails in Corcovado National Park leads to waterfalls and offers phenomenal wildlife sightings. Spend the night at your nearby nature lodge, or at your campsite inside the park.
Day 20
Relax at your nature lodge. Spot birds from the comfort of your veranda, or enjoy board games with fellow guests.
Day 21
Transfer to San José for your departure flight.
© Christopher P. Baker from Moon Costa Rica, 6th Edition
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