Visiting Costa Rica in 15 days involves, unfortunately, excluding some destinations. Costa Rica is a country famous for its incredible biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes, but as you may know to visit all the country’s beauty would require at least four weeks. This 15-day itinerary focuses mainly on the natural wonders of the country’s Central-North, offering a full immersion among active volcanoes, cloud forests, hot springs, and enchanting beaches.
We have chosen to explore less-traveled areas of the north, such as Rincón de la Vieja and the Monteverde Nebula Forest, without leaving out classic, must-see destinations like Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio National Park, as well as the sea turtles of Tortuguero. This itinerary does not include places like Cahuita and Puerto Viejo, but you can consult another of our itineraries if you plan to include these stops.
Tips
- Car rental: we recommend a 4×4 car to explore the more remote areas.
- Equipment: hiking shoes, binoculars and insect repellent are essential.
- Reservations: book park admissions and tours in advance, especially in high season. SINAC ‘s official website allows you to book most of the National Parks in advance.
Day 1: Arrival in San José
San José is the cultural and political center of Costa Rica. Founded in the 18th century, the city is now a hub for travelers wishing to explore the country. Despite its urbanization, San José retains interesting parks and museums worth visiting.
- Arrival: plan to arrive by mid-day to allow time to explore the city.
- Accommodation: stay atCariari B&B for a convenient location near the airport, or at Chillout Hostel in the quaint Barrio Escalante.
- Free afternoon: after your flight, relax with a walk in La Sabana Metropolitan Park, the city’s green lung, ideal for a first contact with the daily life of Costa Ricans.
- Dinner: end the day at “El Novillo Alegre” restaurant, where you can enjoy Argentine-style grilled meat, a great alternative to local cuisine.
Day 2: Poás Volcano and La Paz Gardens
Poás Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the country and one of the largest craters in the world, with a diameter of 1.5 km. The La Paz Gardens, located nearby, offer a perfect combination of waterfalls, local wildlife and tropical flora.
- Departure: 6:00 AM. Leave early to reach Poás Volcano National Park (founded in 1971), where you can visit the crater and admire the emerald green acid lake. The park covers more than 65 km² and offers amazing biodiversity.
- Excursion to Poás Volcano: Book your admission online and enjoy a hike to the crater rim, where you can admire the power of the volcano. The area is inhabited by birds such as quetzals and toucans.
- La Paz Gardens: In the afternoon, visit the La Paz Gardens, an area that is home to 5 beautiful waterfalls and a sanctuary for butterflies and tropical birds. The Gardens are located about 1,500 meters above sea level in a rainforest that is also home to capuchin monkeys and sloths.
- Lunch: we recommend lunch at one of the small local sodas near La Paz Gardens or on the way to San Jose.
- Afternoon: Return to San Jose and relax or explore other hidden corners of the city.
Day 3: Transfer to Tortuguero
Tortuguero National Park, nicknamed “Costa Rica’s little Amazon,” covers 312 km² and stretches along the Caribbean coast. Accessible only by boat or plane, Tortuguero is famous for nesting sea turtles and for its network of canals through lush jungle.
- Early departure: 6:00 AM. Begin your adventure with a combined bus and boat trip. On the way, you will observe local wildlife including caimans, exotic birds and iguanas.
- Arrive in Tortuguero: around noon. Stay overnight in an eco-lodge such as Kawe Lodge, a quiet place nestled between lagoon and ocean.
- Afternoon: Explore the village of Tortuguero, which has preserved the traditional Costa Rican atmosphere. Visit the Turtle Museum, which tells the story of sea turtle conservation, a key issue for this region.
- Evening: If you travel from July to October, book a night walk to observe nesting green turtles. It is a once-in-a-lifetime and touching experience.
Day 4: Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero is home to more than 300 species of birds, 57 species of amphibians and reptiles, and numerous mammals, including jaguars and manatees. Its canals offer a unique experience to spot wildlife and discover the local ecosystem.
- Wake up at dawn: 5:30 AM. Get up early for a canoe tour of the park’s canals. Morning is the best time to spot animals such as howler monkeys, crocodiles, and various tropical bird species.
- Canoe Tour: 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM. Glide silently through the park’s back channels in search of exotic wildlife.
- Breakfast and trek: After a breakfast at the lodge, explore the park trails on a guided hike. Bring plenty of water and insect repellent, as the park is one of the wettest areas in the country.
- Free afternoon: relax at the lodge or join a second canoe trip in the afternoon.
Day 5: Transfer to La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)
La Fortuna, at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano, is an ideal base for exploring one of the world’s best known and most studied volcanoes. Arenal was famous for its spectacular eruptions until 2010, but today it is dormant and surrounded by hot springs and lush forests.
- Departure: 7:00 AM. The transfer will take you from the Caribbean coast to the central mountains. The trip takes about 5 hours, so be prepared with snacks and water.
- Arrival in La Fortuna: around 2:00 PM. Stay in a hotel overlooking the volcano, such as the Arenal Xilopalo, an economical option with all the amenities.
- Afternoon: After your long journey, relax in the natural thermal waters of Tabacón or Baldi, two of the most famous spas in the area. The water, heated by underground volcanic activity, is perfect for relaxing your muscles.
- Dinner: Don Rufino restaurant, known for its gourmet cuisine that emphasizes local flavors.
Day 6: Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park covers about 121 km² and offers a wide range of hiking trails that will take you close to solidified lava flows, impressive waterfalls, and an extraordinary variety of wildlife. Tickets are purchased directly on site, at least at the time of writing.
- Departure: 7:00 AM. Have a hearty breakfast and get ready for an adventure through the park trails.
- Hike: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Follow the Las Coladas Trail, which will take you among the lava flows from the 1968 eruption. The park is famous for its biodiversity, with more than 850 species of birds, including toucans and hummingbirds. Keep an eye out for monkeys and sloths as well.
- Visit to La Fortuna Waterfall: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. The 70-meter-high La Fortuna Waterfall plunges into a natural pool where you can take a refreshing dip. The path to reach it involves a descent of about 500 steps.
- Afternoon: Return to the lodge and relax, or take a short kayaking trip on Lake Arenal, the largest ( but no less beautiful) man-made lake in the country.
Day 7: Transfer to Monteverde
Monteverde is famous for its nebula forest, a unique ecosystem where constant humidity creates a perfect environment for a wide range of plant and animal species.
- Departure: 7:00 AM. Transfer by boat and jeep across Lake Arenal, one of the most scenic ways to reach Monteverde.
- Arrival in Monteverde: Around 12:00 PM. Stay in a house surrounded by greenery, or in the same house we stayed in.
- Afternoon: Visit the orchid garden and hummingbird garden, two of Monteverde’s most popular attractions, where you can see rare species of plants and birds up close.
- Night walk: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Monteverde offers some of the best night walks in the country. Discover nocturnal animals such as kinkajou, red-eyed frogs and giant tarantulas.
Day 8: Monteverde Nebular Forest Reserve
The Monteverde Biological Reserve covers more than 10,500 hectares and protects one of the most important cloud forests in the world. Its altitude (between 1,200 and 1,800 meters) and constant humidity make it one of the richest areas of biodiversity in Costa Rica.
- Departure: 7:00 AM. Have a light breakfast and get ready for a long day of exploration.
- Hike: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Follow the Sendero Bosque Nuboso, one of the reserve’s most famous trails, which will take you among giant moss-covered trees, ferns and orchids. Try to spot the shining quetzal, one of the rarest and most beautiful birds in the world.
- Suspension Bridges: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Walk along the suspension bridges, which will allow you to admire the forest from high in the treetops.
- Zip-line or canopy tour: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM. For adrenaline lovers, the zip-line will allow you to “fly” above the forest, one of Monteverde’s most exciting experiences.
Day 9: Geothermal exploration in Rincón de la Vieja
The 141 km² Rincón de la Vieja National Park is known for its unique geothermal activities: hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pools. The volcano, which gives the park its name, is one of the most active in the country, and the surrounding area is full of hiking trails that offer breathtaking views and sightings of local wildlife. To book entry to the park you can visit this SINAC page.
- Departure: 7:00 AM. Transfer to the Guanacaste region, where Rincón de la Vieja National Park is located.
- Arrival at the park: around 9:30 AM. We recommend you start with the Las Pailas Trail (about 3 hours), one of the most popular trails in the park. This trail will take you through an active volcanic zone with sulfur springs, fumaroles and seething mud pools. You will be able to smell the strong smell of sulfur and see the earth “live” under your feet.
- Flora and fauna: as you walk, keep an eye out for howler monkeys, tapirs, and even jaguars (if you’re really lucky!). The area is also rich in birds, with more than 300 species surveyed in the park.
- Lunch: bring a packed lunch with you or stop at a local soda near the park entrance.
- Afternoon: After lunch, continue exploring with a visit to Oropendola Falls, which can be reached by a short hike. Here you can cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear waters that descend from about 25 meters.
- Dinner and overnight stay: you can stay overnight at a lodge in the area, such as Pochote Lodge, which provides a great starting point for the next day’s excursions.
Day 10: Trekking and adventure among waterfalls and hot springs
The second day at Rincón de la Vieja National Park will be devoted to more challenging trekking and a day of adventure. Take advantage of the variety of landscapes and natural beauty this area has to offer.
- Departure: 7:00 AM. Start with the Trail to La Cangreja Waterfall. This trail is a bit longer and more challenging (about 10 km round trip, 4-5 hours of walking), but well worth it. The waterfall drops into a natural pool of azure blue water, fed by volcanic minerals.
- Trekking: as you walk along the trail, you will pass through dry, tropical forests, the habitat of numerous animal species, including monkeys, armadillos, and numerous types of butterflies. The variety of landscapes and the solitude of the trail will make this hike especially impressive.
- Lunch: Upon returning from the waterfall, have lunch at the lodge or a nearby soda shop.
- Afternoon of relaxation: after your morning trek, devote the afternoon to relaxing in the hot springs of Río Negro. These natural pools heated by the volcano are perfect for relaxing after a long day of hiking. You can also try the traditional volcanic mud bath, known for its therapeutic properties.
- Dinner and overnight stay: return to the lodge for a quiet evening and a local dinner, perhaps accompanied by typical Guanacaste dishes.
Important note: Rincón de la Vieja Park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, including canyoning and rock wall climbing, which you can book if you are a lover of more extreme adventures. However, even classic hikes such as those described offer a full immersion experience in the volcanic wilderness of this region.
Day 11: Transfer to Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park, established in 1972, is one of Costa Rica’s most visited parks. Despite its small size (about 16 km²), the park is a sanctuary of biodiversity, with rainforests overlooking white sandy beaches.
- Departure: 7:00 AM. Travel to the Pacific coast and arrive in Manuel Antonio.
- Arrival in Manuel Antonio: around 12:00 PM. Accommodation at a glamping or eco-lodge surrounded by nature.
- Afternoon: relax on Playa Espadilla beach, famous for its natural beauty and calm waters.
Day 12: Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is known for its combination of rainforests, paradise beaches, and vast wildlife, including capuchin monkeys, sloths, and iguanas. We have edited a detailed guide to this amazing park.
- Departure: 7:30 AM. Enter the park early to explore the trails that wind between the forest and the beaches. Sendero Punta Catedral offers spectacular views of the Pacific.
- Snorkel or kayak: rent equipment and discover the park’s hidden bays. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for seeing colorful fish and, if you’re lucky, even sea turtles.
Day 13: Carara National Park and Tárcoles River Cruise
Carara National Park is a transition zone between the dry forest of the north and the rainforest of the south, famous for its biodiversity, particularly its more than 400 species of birds. The nearby Tárcoles River is home to one of the largest populations of American crocodiles in the world. You can book tickets on the official SINAC website.
- Visit Carara National Park: walk along the park trails and observe the rich biodiversity, from butterflies to parrots.
- Cruise the Tárcoles River: in the afternoon, take a cruise down the river to get a close look at giant crocodiles, some of the largest in the country.
Day 14: Return to San José
Dedicate the last day in San Jose to relax and make your final purchases before returning.
- Free morning: visit the Central Market to buy souvenirs and discover local specialties.
- Farewell dinner: At Cafe Rojo restaurant, known for its contemporary cuisine and relaxed atmosphere.
Day 15: Departure
Get ready for your return flight. If your flight leaves in the afternoon, take advantage of the last few hours to explore other corners of San José. This detailed itinerary will allow you to fully experience much of the natural wonders Costa Rica has to offer!
Costa Rica in 15 days: conclusions
As we have said many times, taking a trip to Costa Rica is a unique experience. In this itinerary we have chosen some well-known stops and some less traveled ones, but feel free to contact us for advice or to study an itinerary made just for you.
