Costa Rica
Costa Rica itinerary: 10 and 14 days
The most common mistake in Costa Rica is trying to see everything. The roads are winding, and three hours on the map soon becomes five. These two routes give you more time in places than in the car.
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In short: how should you travel around Costa Rica?
In ten days you can fit in three places, from the volcano at Arenal to the rainforest at Manuel Antonio. With fourteen days you can add the beaches of Guanacaste or the turtles of Tortuguero. Hire a car or use tourist shuttles between places, and allow three to four hours per leg.
Our first choice at Arenal: Nayara Tented Camp, with views of the volcano. Check availability and prices
Picolo has been to Costa Rica and to several of the places below. Driving times are approximate and depend on weather and traffic.
Route 1: Costa Rica in 10 days
The route starts and ends in San José, where most international flights land.
Day 1: land in San José and drive on, or stay a night near the airport if you arrive late.
Days 2 to 4: Arenal and La Fortuna, around three hours from San José. Three nights gives you time for both the volcano and the hot springs.
Days 5 and 6: Monteverde, around three and a half hours from La Fortuna. Two nights in the cloud forest.
Days 7 to 9: Manuel Antonio, around four hours from Monteverde. Three nights of rainforest and beach.
Day 10: back to San José, around three hours, and fly home.
Culebra Bay
From Andaz on the Papagayo Peninsula you look out over Culebra Bay.
Where to stay at Arenal: Nayara Tented Camp
Luxury tents with their own pools on a hillside facing Arenal. Breakfast is included, and guests rate it 10 out of 10. A good place to land after the flight and the first drive.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices
Where to stay in Monteverde: Senda Monteverde
A Cayuga Collection hotel with breakfast included and a guest rating of 9.6. It is a short way to both the Bat Jungle and the cloud forest hanging bridges.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices
Where to stay in Manuel Antonio: Si Como No
Si Como No has its own nature reserve on the grounds and sits on the hill above Biesanz beach. More than 800 guests rate it 9.4, and breakfast is included. After a week on the road, this is the place to stay put.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices
Route 2: Costa Rica in 14 days
Fourteen days leaves room for a fourth place. The simplest option is to fly into San José and home from Liberia in Guanacaste. That way you avoid driving the same road back.
Days 1 to 9: as route 1, from San José via Arenal and Monteverde to Manuel Antonio.
Day 10: drive north along the coast to Guanacaste, a long day of around five hours. Break the leg with a night on the way if you can.
Days 11 to 13: the beaches of Guanacaste, with three nights on the Papagayo Peninsula.
Day 14: fly home from Liberia, around half an hour from Papagayo.
Evening in Manuel Antonio
After a week on the road, a pool in the evening light is worth a couple of extra nights.
Where to stay in Guanacaste: Andaz Peninsula Papagayo
Andaz overlooks Culebra Bay, a short way from both the beach and Marina Papagayo. Guests rate it 9.4. A calm place to end the trip before the flight from Liberia.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices
Alternative: Tortuguero instead of Guanacaste
If you travel between July and October, you can swap the beach for the turtles of Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast. Tortuguero can only be reached by boat or small plane, and Tortuga Lodge is rated 9.4.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices
Tips for your itinerary
Do not move every day: two or three nights in each place gives you time to experience it, not just drive there.
Drive in daylight: it gets dark around six in the evening all year, and the roads are winding and poorly lit.
Choose four-wheel drive: especially for Monteverde and the Nicoya Peninsula, and especially in the rainy season.
Fly between regions: domestic flights save hours if you want to reach Tortuguero or the south-west.
Frequently asked questions about a Costa Rica itinerary
How many days do you need in Costa Rica?
Ten days is enough for three places inland and on the Pacific coast. With fourteen days you can add the beaches of Guanacaste or Tortuguero.
How long does it take to drive from Arenal to Monteverde?
Around three and a half hours around Lake Arenal. The road is winding, and the last stretch towards Monteverde can be bumpy.
Should you hire a car in Costa Rica?
A hire car gives the most freedom and is the most common choice. Tourist shuttles between the popular places are an alternative if you would rather not drive. Read more in our guide to car hire in Costa Rica.
Which airport should you fly into in Costa Rica?
San José suits Arenal, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio best. Liberia in the north-west is closest to the beaches of Guanacaste.
When is the best time to drive around Costa Rica?
The roads are in their best condition in the dry season from December to April. Read more in our guide to the best time to visit Costa Rica.