Itinerary #1: Costa Rica Dream
We’ll kick off with might be the ultimate way to spend 14 days in Costa Rica — an aptly named Dream of Costa Rica itinerary. That said, you might want to hold fire on booking anything until you’ve read all our suggested itineraries — plenty more magic awaits below.
Itinerary overview
But first, back to a dream of a trip that kicks off in Tortuguero National Park, which is known as Costa Rica's Amazon for very good reason.
Next stop, the Arenal volcano area, where you’ll also get to explore the majestic Monteverde Cloud Forest before heading to the coast, and later continuing to the Central Valley, where more volcanic adventures await. Keep reading for more detail.
After arriving in Costa Rica’s capital — San José — you’ll have chance to rest-up overnight before day two will see you venturing to Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Here you’ll board a riverboat to venture into the canals of Tortuguero National Park. Given that’s there’s so much to see here, day three is also devoted to exploring the canals.
Come day four, you’ll leave Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast and travel to La Fortuna, gateway to exploring Arenal volcano.
Talking of which, day five will see you hike the volcano, and visit La Fortuna Waterfall, which happens to be one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica.
Next, day six is given over to transferring from La Fortuna to Monteverde in spectacularly scenic style when you cross Lake Arenal by boat.
Adventure and wildlife is in store on day seven when you’ll discover local flora and fauna on a thrilling Hanging Bridges tour of the forest.
The next segment of the trip heralds a shift in landscape and mood when you move to the Gulf of Papagayo on day eight, before day nine will have you enjoying a sublime sunset sailing and snorkeling trip.
After an exhilarating coastal horseback ride on day ten, spend day eleven chilling out on the beach before returning to San Jose on day twelve.
Day thirteen is given over to visiting Doka Coffee Estate, Poas Volcanoes National Park, and La Paz Waterfall Garden — that a way to spend your last full day in Costa Rica.
Want insider intel on how to plan a trip to Costa Rica? Informed by personal experience, our Content Manager has written a guide to exactly that.