17 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca offers a wealth of entertainment by the sea, attracting a lively international crowd of revelers while maintaining a bright and breezy coastal charm with a local feel.

Start off your visit on the 24th (Fri): stroll through Nature Observatorio and then kick back and relax at Playa Punta Uva. On the next day, take in nature's colorful creations at Tree of Life Wildlife Rescue Center and Botanical Gardens, head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, and then stroll through Playa Cocles.

To see other places to visit, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Puerto Viejo de Talamanca trip itinerary maker website.

Mexico City, Mexico to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is an approximately 11.5-hour combination of flight and shuttle. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus and shuttle. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sat) so you can go by car to La Fortuna de San Carlos.

Set against the backdrop of the imposing Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna de San Carlos offers visitors a chance to explore diverse natural landscapes and sample some delicious local produce.

Get outdoors at La Fortuna Waterfall and Tabacon Hot Springs. Explore hidden gems such as Bogarin Trail and Paradise Hot Springs. Take a break from La Fortuna de San Carlos with a short trip to Butterfly Conservatory - Arenal in El Castillo, about 38 minutes away. The adventure continues: take an exotic tour of a safari tour, witness a stunning natural landmark at Rio Chollin, let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour, and trek along Natura Eco Park Costa Rica.

Make your La Fortuna de San Carlos itinerary with Inspirock to find out what to see and where to go.

Traveling by car from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna de San Carlos takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Playas del Coco.

A long-established beach community, Playas del Coco has developed a reputation as a favored spot for young travelers and locals to let loose by the sea.

On the 30th (Thu), see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, then stroll through Playa Hermosa, and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers.

To find where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Playas del Coco holiday tool.

Traveling by car from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Playas del Coco takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Tamarindo.

Surfing remains the main reason to take a trip to Tamarindo, as the beachside town is mostly known for its excellent waves.

Start off your visit on the 31st (Fri): see Off-Road Tours, then soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Avellana. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Tamarindo Beach.

To see other places to visit, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Tamarindo driving holiday planner.

You can drive from Playas del Coco to Tamarindo in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sat) so you can go by car to Santa Teresa.

A coastal getaway popular with surfers and young travelers, Santa Teresa spreads out from the beach and the main coastal road to a ring of newer developments on the surrounding hills.

Start off your visit on the 2nd (Sun): kick back and relax at Playa Santa Teresa, kick back and relax at Playa Hermosa, and then get a dose of the wild on Costa Rican Tropical Tours.

For photos, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Santa Teresa trip itinerary tool.

Drive from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Sun) early enough to catch the ferry to Manuel Antonio.

The rainforest meets the sea at Manuel Antonio National Park, a small but scenic natural preserve on the west coast of Costa Rica.

Step out of the city life by going to Playa Manuel Antonio and Canyoning & Rappelling Tours. Explore hidden gems such as Horseback Riding Tours and Parque Nahomi. And it doesn't end there: enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Biesanz, get outside with Outdoor Activities, and relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour.

For reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Manuel Antonio online holiday maker.

Traveling by ferry from Santa Teresa to Manuel Antonio takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and ferry; or drive. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Wed) so you can drive to Uvita.

Ideal for visitors looking to escape Costa Rica's busy beaches, Uvita offers a serene atmosphere and plenty of uncrowded sand for a leisurely vacation.

Step off the beaten path and head to Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary and Uvita Beach. Get in touch with nature at Uvita Waterfall and Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge. The adventure continues: get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour, relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers, and see Off-Road Tours.

To see photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Uvita trip itinerary planner.

Drive from Manuel Antonio to Uvita in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Sat) early enough to fly back home.