25 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

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

Explore Tamarindo's surroundings by going to Hacienda El Viejo Wetlands (in Area de Conservacion Guanacaste) and Playa Nacascolo (in Gulf of Papagayo). The adventure continues: stroll through Tamarindo Beach, see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour, get a taste of life in the country at Pura Aventura, and look for gifts at Urban Eclectic Jewelry.

To see reviews, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Tamarindo journey maker website.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Tamarindo is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. Traveling from Amsterdam to Tamarindo, you'll gain 7 hours due to the time zone difference. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive 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.

La Fortuna de San Carlos is known for nature, adventure, and parks. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: indulge in some personalized pampering at Tabacon Hot Springs, take in the natural beauty of Baldi Hot Springs, get impressive views of Arenal Volcano, and savor a delicious cup with a coffee and tea tour.

For traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, go to the La Fortuna de San Carlos trip planning website.

Traveling by car from Tamarindo to La Fortuna de San Carlos takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Mon) so you can go by car to Tortuguero.

One of Costa Rica's least accessible destinations, Tortuguero sits within an eponymous national park and remains accessible only by plane or boat.

On the 30th (Tue), explore the wealth of natural beauty at Tortuguero National Park.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Tortuguero road trip site.

Drive from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Tortuguero in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 33°C in January, and nighttime lows around 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Vara Blanca.

A vacation in Vara Blanca, located in the heart of Costa Rica, offers excellent access to a number of attractions across the area.

On the 31st (Wed), add some adventure to your tour with a kayaking and canoeing tour and then stroll through Tirimbina Biological Reserve. Here are some ideas for day two: contemplate the geological forces at Poas Volcano and then take in the dramatic scenery at Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz.

To see maps, photos, ratings, and tourist information, use the Vara Blanca online trip planner.

Getting from Tortuguero to Vara Blanca by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of ferry, bus, and taxi; or do a combination of ferry, bus, and taxi. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Thu) early enough to go by car to Jaco.

A seaside resort town with plenty of entertaining distractions along its attractive coastline, Jaco has long been a major tourist destination on the central Pacific coast.

Jaco is known for adventure, beaches, and classes. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, get outside with Outdoor Activities, take in the views from Tarcoles Bridge, and see Off-Road Tours.

For more things to do, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Jaco trip planner.

Traveling by car from Vara Blanca to Jaco takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive 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.

Get out of town with these interesting Manuel Antonio side-trips: Dominical (Mama Toucan's Natural and Organic Food Store & Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary), Kokopelli (in Sierpe) and Parque Nacional Marino Ballena (in Uvita). Next up on the itinerary: tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa Manuel Antonio, get outside with Outdoor Activities, walk around Parque Nahomi, and take in the local highlights with Walking tours.

To find reviews, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Manuel Antonio sightseeing planning site.

Traveling by car from Jaco to Manuel Antonio takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Thu) early enough to drive to Drake Bay.

Spend a day of island exploring on the 9th (Fri) at Cano Island.

Plan my Drake Bay trip by asking Inspirock to come up with tips and suggestions.

Drive from Manuel Antonio to Drake Bay in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and ferry; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 11th (Sun) to allow time for the car ride to Monteverde.

Monteverde is all about natural attractions, not surprising for an eco-tourism hotspot known for its cloud forests and rich diversity of animal life.

Monteverde is known for adventure, parks, and nightlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: tour the pleasant surroundings at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, whizz through the canopy at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, get to know the fascinating history of Santa Elena Skywalk, and take a peaceful walk through Curi Cancha Reserve.

For ratings, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Monteverde vacation tool.

Getting from Drake Bay to Monteverde by car takes about 7 hours. Other options: do a combination of car, bus, and taxi; or do a combination of ferry and bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) so you can catch the flight back home.