30 days in Costa Rica Itinerary
30 days in Costa Rica Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Costa Rica trip planner
Route & dates
30 days in Costa Rica Itinerary
Start: Amsterdam
Fly:
13h
1
San Jose
— 1 night
Drive:
1h 45min
2
Jaco
— 1 night
ferry + bus:
2h 15min
3
Santa Teresa
— 1 night
Drive:
3h 45min
4
Playas del Coco
— 2 nights
Drive:
2h 45min
5
Monteverde
— 1 night
Drive:
3h 30min
6
La Fortuna de San Carlos
— 2 nights
Drive:
2h 45min
7
San Jose
— Few hours
Drive:
6h 15min
8
Golfito
— 13 nights
Drive:
2h 45min
9
Drake Bay
— 6 nights
Drive:
6h 30min
10
San Jose
— 1 day
Fly:
16h 15min
End: Amsterdam
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Learn more about your trip
1
night
San Jose
1
night

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.Kick off your visit on the 19th (Tue): look for gifts at J.LANG Atelier & Showroom.
To find reviews, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the San Jose trip planner .
Amsterdam, Holland to San Jose is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of flight and bus. The time zone difference moving from Central European Time to Central Standard Time is minus 7 hours. Traveling from Amsterdam in November, things will get warmer in San Jose: highs are around 30°C and lows about 22°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Jaco.
Things to do in San Jose
Side Trip
J.LANG Atelier & Showroom
Highlights from your plan

J.LANG Atelier & Showroom
5:30pm, Tue Nov 19
1
night
Jaco
1
night
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.On the 20th (Wed), push the limits with an extreme tour, stroll through Jaco Beach, then buy something for everyone on your list at Jaco Walk Open Air Shopping Center, and finally take in the exciting artwork at Zukia Art Gallery. On your second day here, whizz through the canopy at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, then don't miss a visit to Mirador de Jaco, then take a pleasant ride with a tour on horseback, and finally stop by Fruity Monkey Poop.
To find reviews, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Jaco trip planner .
You can drive from San Jose to Jaco in 2 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Santa Teresa.
Things to do in Jaco
Highlights from your plan
Horseback Riding Tours
2:00pm, Thu Nov 21
Zipline
10:00am, Thu Nov 21
Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
10:00am, Wed Nov 20
1
night
Santa Teresa
1
night

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.On the 22nd (Fri), kick back and relax at Playa Hermosa and then kick back and relax at Playa Santa Teresa.
To find maps, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Santa Teresa planning website .
Traveling by combination of ferry and bus from Jaco to Santa Teresa takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Fri) early enough to go by car to Playas del Coco.
Things to do in Santa Teresa
Highlights from your plan

Playa Santa Teresa
1:00pm, Fri Nov 22

Playa Hermosa
10:00am, Fri Nov 22
2
nights
Playas del Coco
2
nights
Coco Beach
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.Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Sat): enjoy the sand and surf at Playas del coco, meet some fierce fish with a shark diving experience, and then view the masterpieces at Rojas Bros Boruca Indigenous Arts. Here are some ideas for day two: relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers and then relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour.
To see ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Playas del Coco day trip tool .
Traveling by car from Santa Teresa to Playas del Coco takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Sun) so you can drive to Monteverde.
Things to do in Playas del Coco
Side Trip
Playas del coco
Highlights from your plan
Shark Diving
1:00pm, Sat Nov 23
River Rafting & Tubing
12:00pm, Sun Nov 24

Playas del coco
10:00am, Sat Nov 23
1
night
Monteverde
1
night

Monteverde is all about natural attractions, not surprising for an eco-tourism hotspot known for its cloud forests and rich diversity of animal life.For where to stay, traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Monteverde tour itinerary planning website .
Traveling by car from Playas del Coco to Monteverde takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of bus and shuttle. On the 25th (Mon), you'll travel to La Fortuna de San Carlos.
Things to do in Monteverde
2
nights
La Fortuna de San Carlos
2
nights

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 parks, spas, outdoors, theme parks, and classes. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: witness a stunning natural landmark at Tabacon Hot Springs, let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour, scramble along the landscape with a canyoning and rapelling tour, and experience rural life at Finca Loma Verde.
To see photos and other tourist information, you can read our La Fortuna de San Carlos trip planner .
You can drive from Monteverde to La Fortuna de San Carlos in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 27th (Wed) to allow time for the car ride to San Jose.
Things to do in La Fortuna de San Carlos
Highlights from your plan

Tabacon Hot Springs
12:00pm, Mon Nov 25
River Rafting & Tubing
10:00am, Tue Nov 26
Canyoning & Rappelling Tours
1:00pm, Tue Nov 26
few
hours
San Jose
few
hours

For where to stay, photos, ratings, and tourist information, go to the San Jose sightseeing planner.
You can drive from La Fortuna de San Carlos to San Jose in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. On the 27th (Wed), you'll travel to Golfito.
You can drive from La Fortuna de San Carlos to San Jose in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. On the 27th (Wed), you'll travel to Golfito.
Things to do in San Jose
13
nights
Golfito
13
nights

The port town of Golfito is located in Puntarenas Province on the southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, near the border of Panama. Explore Golfito's surroundings by going to Golfo Dulce (in Puerto Jimenez), Playa Pavones (in Pavones) and San Vito (Finca Cantaros & Las Cruces Biological Station). Spend the 29th (Fri) exploring nature at Piedras Blancas National Park. The adventure continues: take in nature's colorful creations at Paradise Tropical Gardens, tour the pleasant surroundings at Golfito National Wildlife Refuge, go for a stroll along the water at Golfito Marina Village & Resort, and get outside with Cataratas y Senderos Avellan.
To find where to stay, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Golfito itinerary app .
You can drive from San Jose to Golfito in 5 hours. You'll set off for Drake Bay on the 11th (Wed).
To find where to stay, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Golfito itinerary app .
You can drive from San Jose to Golfito in 5 hours. You'll set off for Drake Bay on the 11th (Wed).
Things to do in Golfito
Side Trips
San Vito, Playa Pavones, Golfo Dulce, Paradise Tropical Gardens
Highlights from your plan

Las Cruces Biological Station
1:00pm, Thu Nov 28

Piedras Blancas National Park
11:00am, Fri Nov 29

Playa Pavones
11:00am, Mon Dec 2
6
nights
Drake Bay
6
nights

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Drake Bay: Puerto Jimenez (Rancho Raices de Osa & Jagua Arts and Crafts), Corcovado National Park (in Carate) and Quebrada Cuervo (in Loma). Spend a day of island exploring on the 12th (Thu) at Cano Island.
To see maps, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Drake Bay trip maker .
The Route module can help you plan travel from Golfito to Drake Bay. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Tue) to allow time to drive to San Jose.
To see maps, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Drake Bay trip maker .
The Route module can help you plan travel from Golfito to Drake Bay. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Tue) to allow time to drive to San Jose.
Things to do in Drake Bay
Side Trips
Puerto Jimenez, Quebrada Cuervo, Corcovado National Park
Highlights from your plan

Cano Island
11:00am, Thu Dec 12

Corcovado National Park
11:00am, Fri Dec 13
Dolphin & Whale Watching
1:00pm, Sat Dec 14
1
day
San Jose
1
day
Start off your visit on the 17th (Tue): get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, then stop by Holalola Souvenir Shop, and then steep yourself in history at Teatro Nacional Costa Rica.
For other places to visit, reviews, maps, and tourist information, refer to the San Jose trip planner .
You can drive from Drake Bay to San Jose in 6.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of ferry and bus; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.
For other places to visit, reviews, maps, and tourist information, refer to the San Jose trip planner .
You can drive from Drake Bay to San Jose in 6.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of ferry and bus; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.
Things to do in San Jose
Highlights from your plan
River Rafting & Tubing
12:30pm, Tue Dec 17

Teatro Nacional Costa Rica
4:30pm, Tue Dec 17

Holalola Souvenir Shop
3:30pm, Tue Dec 17
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