The Ultimate Costa Rica Itinerary for 14 Days (2025)

The Ultimate Costa Rica Itinerary for 14 Days (2025)

Are you visiting Costa Rica for the first time and looking for the best Costa Rica Itinerary? We’ve put together a 14-day Costa Rica Travel Itinerary that covers the popular attractions, the best places to see sloths, pristine beaches, stunning waterfalls, and some hidden gems.

In our opinion, a Costa Rica road trip is the best and most enjoyable way to explore this magical country and its attractions. This route starts and ends in San Jose and will take you to epic places like Rio Celeste Waterfall, Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal Volcano, and Monteverde Cloud Forest.

Our Costa Rica Travel Guide includes the best places to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Costa Rica. Plus, you’ll find all the useful tips and information you need to plan your 2-week Costa Rica Itinerary.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

How to Get to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a small country in Central America. The best way to get to Costa Rica is by plane. Most people come from the USA, Canada, Mexico, Panama or Nicaragua.

Costa Rica has two main international airports: Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), about 20 kilometers from downtown San Jose, and Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport, also known as Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR).

TIP
Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to San Jose, Costa Rica.

Most international flights arrive at San Jose Airport, where you can start your Costa Rica Itinerary. To enter Costa Rica, you need a return flight ticket or proof of onward travel to another country.

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

Costa Rica has two seasons: a dry season from December to April and a rainy season from May to November.

The cheapest time to visit Costa Rica is from May to November during the wet (green) season when you can avoid the crowds and high prices. The wettest months are September and October.

The best time to visit Costa Rica is usually during the dry season, when the weather is pleasant and rainfall is rare. Although unexpected rain can occur even in the dry season. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance.

The weather on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is generally rainier and more humid. The best months to visit Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast are February, March, April, September, and October.

We did this 14-day Costa Rica Itinerary in April, and the weather was fantastic, only raining a few times (except in Monteverde). To save money, you should avoid the Christmas and Easter period, when prices are even higher.

Keep reading → What to Do in Uvita

Costa Rica Itinerary for 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica

Pura Vida! Welcome to Costa Rica! We hope you had a great flight and are ready to explore this magical country.

San Jose is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, making it the best place to start your Costa Rica Itinerary, as there are many cheap and direct flights to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). Once you arrive in San Jose, you can easily rent a car at the airport or pick up your pre-booked car.

Thinking about renting a car? Be sure to read our guide to renting a car in Costa Rica and driving tips.

Depending on when you arrive in Costa Rica, you can choose to continue your trip to Puerto Viejo immediately or spend a night in San Jose.

Good to know
It always gets dark early in Costa Rica (between 5:30 PM and 6 PM). So we don’t recommend driving at night!

As our flight arrived in the evening from Mexico to San Jose, we decided to spend the night at the airport and pick up our car the next day. If you’re traveling by car, you should download an offline map and get a local SIM card with internet to drive to your destination or hotel without any problems.

Buy an eSIM and data package for Costa Rica.

Best hotels in San Jose

Most people skip Costa Rica’s capital and head straight to other stunning destinations. But if you want to stay in San Jose, these are our recommendations.

• Luxury: Radisson San Jose or Barceló San José
• Mid-Range: Hotel Colonial
• Budget: Socialtel San Jose

How to Get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo

We picked up our car at the San Jose Airport and drove to Puerto Viejo. The journey from San Jose takes about 4.5-5 hours. The roads are well-maintained and easy to drive. No need for a 4×4 car.

If you don’t have a car, the best way is to travel by bus or book a shared minivan to Puerto Viejo (any hotel).

We have a detailed post on how to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo with all the information you need + the cheapest way.

Day 2-5: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Good morning! It’s time to continue your Costa Rica Itinerary. Check out from your accommodation or leave the airport, have breakfast, pick up your car, and drive to Puerto Viejo.

The road conditions are good, but drive carefully! On the way, have lunch at a local restaurant and try delicious Costa Rican food.

As the journey from San Jose is long, we recommend you spend the first day in Puerto Viejo relaxing.

See also → Best Beaches in Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo is one of the best places to experience the famous Pura Vida feeling and discover Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and diverse wildlife.

On Day 3 of your Costa Rica Itinerary, spend the whole day exploring the untouched beaches of Puerto Viejo. Over the next two days, visit Cahuita National Park and Jaguar Rescue Center, explore the town of Puerto Viejo, sample some Caribbean cuisine, and join a Costa Rican chocolate tour.

Puerto Viejo is the best part of every Costa Rica trip, so don’t miss it on your visit.

Recommended post → Things to Do in Puerto Viejo

Where to Stay in Puerto Viejo

For those who like nightlife and want to explore the area without a car, we recommend staying in the town center. However, for those who want a quiet and peaceful atmosphere or are traveling on a budget, nearby Cahuita is a better choice.

Best hotels in Puerto Viejo

• Luxury: Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel
• Mid-Range: Terrazas del Caribe Aparthotel or Umami Hotel (Adults Only)
• Budget: Kalunai Hostel

Recommended post → Best Hotels in Puerto Viejo for All Budgets

Photo credit: Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel

How to Get from Puerto Viejo to La Fortuna

The journey from Puerto Viejo takes around 4.5-5 hours, depending on traffic.

There is no direct bus service between Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and La Fortuna. From Puerto Viejo, take a bus back to San Jose (Terminal Atlantico Norte station). When you arrive, walk to Terminal 7-10 and take a bus to Ciudad Quesada, then transfer to La Fortuna.

Alternatively, you can book a shared minivan to La Fortuna (any hotel).

Day 6-8: La Fortuna – Featured Destination on the Costa Rica Itinerary

It’s time to say goodbye to Puerto Viejo and continue your Costa Rica Itinerary to La Fortuna. Leave as early as possible to get the most out of your day. On the way, you can stop at one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica, Catarata Del Toro, and then visit Rio Agrio Waterfall.

Important note
Catarata Del Toro Waterfall is closed on Sundays.

As you will be driving a lot on this day, relax after arrival and enjoy the magical views of the Arenal Volcano with a delicious dinner.

Keep reading → Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica

La Fortuna is the perfect base for enjoying hot springs, trying adventurous activities, watching sloths, visiting waterfalls, and hiking around Arenal Volcano.

On Day 7, visit Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park and hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park. Then, enjoy the natural hot springs. If you want to visit the hot springs, you’ll need to buy a day pass or stay at one of the best La Fortuna hot springs resorts.

We recommend starting your next day by exploring La Fortuna Waterfall and having breakfast at Organico Fortuna. Then, take a walk along the Bogarin Trail or join a sloth-watching tour, visit the El Salto Rope Swing, and go ziplining.

Recommended post → Things to Do in La Fortuna

Where to Stay in La Fortuna

Although La Fortuna is a small town, the accommodation options are available for all budgets. For the best experience, stay in one of the best hot springs resorts.

If you don’t have a car or are looking for budget accommodation, you should stay in the town center. Because you’ll be close to restaurants and can easily book tours or shuttles to attractions.

Best hotels in La Fortuna

• Luxury: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa or Nayara Gardens
• Mid-Range: Los Lagos Spa & Thermal Resort Experience
• Budget: Arenal Xilopalo

Photo credit: Los Lagos Spa & Thermal Resort Experience

How to Get from La Fortuna to Monteverde

If you are driving to Monteverde from La Fortuna, the best roads are Route 142 to Tilaran and then Route 145 to Route 606. You don’t need a 4×4. The journey from La Fortuna takes around 3-3.5 hours, depending on traffic.

There is no direct bus service between La Fortuna and Monteverde. From La Fortuna, take a bus to Tilaran and change to Monteverde.

We have a detailed post on how to get from La Fortuna to Monteverde with all the information you need.

Day 9-10: Monteverde

Good morning! The next destination on the Costa Rica Itinerary is Santa Elena, Monteverde. Travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde and make the most of your trip with a detour to the Tenorio Volcano National Park and see the beautiful Rio Celeste Waterfall. Spend at least 3 hours in the national park, hike the rainforest trails, and explore other beautiful attractions.

Since you will be driving and hiking a lot on this day, after arriving, you should relax and then explore Monteverde the next day.

Keep reading → How to Visit Rio Celeste Waterfall

It is good to know that Monteverde is one of the wettest places in Costa Rica, so unexpected rains can occur even in the dry season. Unfortunately, the weather was not good when we visited Monteverde, and we had to skip some attractions due to heavy rains.

Book your Monteverde Cloud Forest tour HERE.

We recommend starting your next day at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Then, watch the hummingbirds at the Café Colibri and join a coffee tour, or go ziplining and then take a thrilling night walk.

Recommended post → Things to Do in Monteverde

Where to Stay in Monteverde

Santa Elena is the main town of Monteverde and the best base for exploring the area. But for the best experience, stay in the jungle.

If you don’t have a car or are looking for budget accommodation, you should stay in the town center. These are our recommendations.

Best hotels in Monteverde

• Mid-Range: Hotel Belmar or Chira Glamping
• Budget: Socialtel Monteverde

We have a detailed post on the best areas and hotels in Monteverde.

Photo credit: Chira Glamping

How to Get from Monteverde to Uvita

There is no direct bus service between Monteverde and Uvita. From Santa Elena (Monteverde), take a bus to Puntarenas, then transfer to Quepos, then another local bus or taxi to Uvita.

Uvita is easy to reach by car as the roads are well-maintained and paved, so you don’t need a 4×4 car. The journey from Monteverde takes about 4-5 hours. On the way, stop at the famous Crocodile Bridge over the Tarcoles River and visit Jaco.

Alternatively, you can book a shared minivan to Uvita (any hotel).

Day 11-14: Uvita

Good morning! It’s time to head to the last destination on your Costa Rica Itinerary and travel from Monteverde to Uvita.

Once you arrive in Uvita, stroll around the town and relax on Playa Hermosa Beach. Playa Hermosa’s long, untouched beach with dark sand and a backdrop of beautiful palm trees offers fantastic photo opportunities.

Recommended post → Things to Do in Uvita

On Day 12 of your Costa Rica Itinerary, explore Marino Ballena National Park and see the impressive Whale Tail. The national park is home to a variety of wildlife, and you can spend a whole day relaxing on the beach, sunbathing, and swimming. For the best experience, take a whale watching tour.

The next day, visit Manuel Antonio National Park, just a 1-hour drive from Uvita. This is Costa Rica’s smallest national park, although it is one of the best places to see wildlife (especially sloths).

Important note
Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays!

On your last day, explore the waterfalls or take a day trip to Corcovado National Park. Nauyaca Waterfalls is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica, just a 30-minute drive from Uvita. You can visit two incredible waterfalls, swim in the natural pools at the bottom, or spend a few relaxing hours.

We have a detailed post about Nauyaca Waterfalls with everything you need to know before you visit.

Where to Stay in Uvita

Although it’s a small town, the accommodation options are available for all budgets. We recommend staying near Marino Ballena National Park if you don’t have a car. These are our recommendations.

Best hotels in Uvita

• Luxury: Oxygen Jungle Villas & Spa or Golden Pineapple Villas – Adults Only
• Mid-Range: Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
• Budget: Yuli Hotel

Recommended post → Best Areas & Hotels in Uvita

Photo credit: Oxygen Jungle Villas & Spa

Day 15: Leave Costa Rica

We hope you enjoyed your visit to Costa Rica! But it’s time to leave Uvita and drive back to San Jose. Our Costa Rica Itinerary ends where it began. Go back to Juan Santamaria International Airport and fly home.

You can also take the Tracopa bus to San Jose, which runs several times a day. The bus journey takes around 4.5-5 hours, and the bus ticket costs around 12 USD.

You can easily modify our Costa Rica Itinerary to extend or reduce the days. But we recommend spending at least two weeks in Costa Rica.

How to Get Around Costa Rica on a 14-day Itinerary?

The best way to get around Costa Rica is by car, as you can easily reach the best places and hidden gems or get off the beaten path. You can easily rent a car at San Jose Airport or pick up your pre-booked car.

We did our Costa Rica Itinerary by rental car and enjoyed exploring the sights at our own pace.

Although public transport is cheap, travel time is long, and some places (waterfalls, beaches) are inaccessible by bus. So the costs add up quickly if you have to take a taxi or book a private transfer to get to hard-to-reach places.

If you want to book bus tickets or transfers, use Bookaway.

The driving will make this Costa Rica Itinerary much easier and more flexible. Add extra days if you want to do this route without a car. You don’t need a 4×4, but a car with higher ground clearance is worth booking for your Costa Rica road trip.

TIP
Waze is the best navigation app in Costa Rica. But you’ll also need an offline map if you don’t have an internet connection.

Are you thinking of renting a car? Be sure to read our guide to renting a car in Costa Rica and driving tips.

During the high season (December to April), car rental prices can be extremely high. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you book your car in advance!

Check car rental prices and availability HERE.

FAQ about the Costa Rica Itinerary

Do I need a Visa to Travel to Costa Rica?

Probably not. Citizens of the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Europe don’t need a visa to travel to Costa Rica.

Requirements for entry to Costa Rica: valid passport and return or onward flight ticket within 90 days.

TIP
Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Costa Rica and apply for an e-visa online.

Is it Safe to Travel to Costa Rica?

It is generally safe, but small thefts and pickpockets can occur at the beaches, on public transport, or in parking lots. So take care of your valuables! Always lock your car, and keep your belongings in the car boot or your hotel room when parking.

The roads can become slippery after heavy rain or during the wet season, so always drive carefully and avoid driving at night. We found driving in the country safe and easy, so we highly recommend renting a car in Costa Rica.

Costa Ricans are very friendly. But avoid walking at night and taking taxis alone, especially in San Jose.

Beware of rip currents!

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.

How Much Does it Cost for 2 Weeks in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is not a cheap country! It is also called the “Switzerland of Central America”.

This Costa Rica Itinerary will cost around 80 USD per day for budget travelers. The budget depends on the mode of transport, which accommodation you prefer, and how much you are willing to pay for restaurants.

A 2-week trip to Costa Rica costs between 1000 and 1500 USD per person. This budget includes a standard car rental with full coverage, entrance fees, all accommodation, and restaurants. To save money, you should avoid the Christmas and Easter period, when prices are even higher.

We hope our 14-day Costa Rica Itinerary will help you plan your next trip. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

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