14 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

A trip to San Jose, the capital, commercial center, and cultural hub of Costa Rica, gives you a chance to experience the lively atmosphere and rich cultural past of this vibrant country.

Venture out of the city with trips to Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz (in Vara Blanca) and Poas Volcano (in Poas Volcano National Park). There's lots more to do: steep yourself in history at Teatro Nacional Costa Rica, cruise along Top Travel Costa Rica, explore the wealth of natural beauty at Irazu Volcano National Park, and get engrossed in the history at Museo Nacional De Costa Rica.

To find reviews, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, go to the San Jose day trip website .

Dublin, Ireland to San Jose is an approximately 17-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight. Traveling from Dublin to San Jose, you'll gain 6 hours due to the time zone difference. Expect warmer temperatures when traveling from Dublin in November; daily highs in San Jose reach 30°C and lows reach 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Sat) early enough to travel 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 1st (Sun), get a new perspective on nature at Sea Turtle Conservancy and then explore the wealth of natural beauty at Tortuguero National Park.

To find traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Tortuguero holiday builder site .

Traveling by combination of bus and taxi from San Jose to Tortuguero takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a shuttle. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from San Jose in November; daily highs in Tortuguero reach 34°C and lows reach 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Sun) early enough 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.

Kick off your visit on the 2nd (Mon): enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Manuel Antonio, take a memorable tour with Tours, and then walk around Parque Nahomi. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: see Off-Road Tours and then explore the striking landscape of Manuel Antonio National Park.

To find where to stay, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Manuel Antonio trip planner.

Traveling by car from Tortuguero to Manuel Antonio takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or do a combination of shuttle and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Tue) early enough to drive 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.

On the 4th (Wed), tour the pleasant surroundings at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and then stroll through Monteverde Frog Pond. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the exciting artwork at Alas y Raices, then whizz through the canopy at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, then experience rural life at El Trapiche Tour, and finally meet the residents at The Bat Jungle.

To see traveler tips, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Monteverde trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde in 4 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and shuttle; or take a bus. In December in Monteverde, expect temperatures between 32°C during the day and 32°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Thu) 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.

La Fortuna de San Carlos is known for nature, adventure, parks, trails, and wildlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: witness a stunning natural landmark at Tabacon Hot Springs, admire the sheer force of La Fortuna Waterfall, head outdoors with Salto, and let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour.

To see where to stay, photos, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the La Fortuna de San Carlos trip itinerary planning tool .

You can drive from Monteverde to La Fortuna de San Carlos in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Tue) so you can travel back home.