Costa Rica is a dream destination for nature and adventure lovers. With its diversity of landscapes including paradisiacal beaches, tropical rainforests, active volcanoes and impressive biodiversity, this Central American country has something for everyone. If you're planning a 9-day trip to Costa Rica, here's a complete guide of what to see and do to make the most of your stay - get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Day 1: Arrival in San José
Afternoon: Exploration of San José
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
Begin your adventure in San José, the capital of Costa Rica. After arriving and checking into your hotel, visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, which houses an impressive collection of gold artefacts and offers an in-depth insight into Costa Rican history and culture.
Central Market
Head to the Central Market to experience the vibrant local life. Here you can sample local foods, buy handicrafts and immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the city.
Evening: Dinner in a typical restaurant
For dinner, choose a restaurant that serves traditional Costa Rican dishes. Try the famous "casado", a dish that includes rice, beans, fried plantains, salad and a choice of meat.
Day 2: Tortuguero National Park
Morning: Trip to Tortuguero
Transport to Tortuguero
Leave San José early in the morning and take a shuttle to Tortuguero National Park. The trip includes a boat trip through the canals, where you can observe the impressive biodiversity of the region.
Afternoon: Park Exploration
Visit to the Turtle Conservation Centre
Visit the Turtle Conservation Centre to learn about conservation efforts and, if you're lucky, you may see turtles nesting or hatching (depending on the season).
Night: Night Wildlife Tour
Join a night tour to discover the nocturnal wildlife of Tortuguero. See frogs, caimans and other nocturnal animals in their natural habitat.
Day 3: Tortuguero National Park
Tomorrow: Canal Boat Tour
Wildlife Watching
Take an early morning boat tour to maximise your chances of spotting wildlife. You'll see monkeys, exotic birds, caimans and more as you cruise through the canals.
Afternoon: Jungle Walk
Nature Trails
Explore the park's nature trails to immerse yourself in the rainforest. Be sure to bring appropriate clothing and insect repellent.
Night: Relax at the Lodge
After a day full of adventure, relax in your lodge and enjoy the tranquillity of the jungle.
Day 4: Arenal and La Fortuna
Tomorrow: Trip to La Fortuna
Transport to La Fortuna
Leave Tortuguero and travel to La Fortuna, home of the famous Arenal Volcano. The journey will take you through beautiful landscapes and small towns.
Afternoon: Relaxation in Thermal Waters
Tabacón Hot Springs
Spend the afternoon relaxing in the Tabacón hot springs. These natural waters are heated by the geothermal activity of the volcano and offer a perfect environment to relax.
Evening: Dinner with Volcano View
Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants offering views of the Arenal Volcano. The view of the illuminated volcano at night is simply spectacular.
Day 5: Arenal and La Fortuna
Morning: Excursion to Arenal Volcano
Hike in the National Park
Explore Arenal Volcano National Park. Hike the trails that will take you through lava fields and rainforests, offering breathtaking views of the volcano.
Afternoon: La Fortuna Waterfall
Visit to the waterfall
Visit the impressive La Fortuna Waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica. You can swim at the base of the waterfall or just enjoy the scenery.
Night: Night Wildlife Tour
Join another night tour to discover more of the region's wildlife.
Day 6: Monteverde
Morning: Trip to Monteverde
Transport to Monteverde
Travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde, known for its cloud forests and biodiversity.
Afternoon: Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
Cloud Forest Walk
Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Here you can walk the trails and suspension bridges while enjoying the unique flora and fauna of the cloud forest.
Evening: Night Tour
Join a night tour to see creatures that only come out at night, such as kinkajous, frogs and bats.
Day 7: Monteverde
Morning: Adventures in the Cloud Forest
Tyrolean and Hanging Bridges
Enjoy an adrenaline-filled morning with a zipline tour through the cloud forest. You can also walk across the suspension bridges to get a unique perspective of the forest canopy.
Afternoon: Butterfly Garden and Ranarium
Visit to the Butterfly Garden
Visit the Monteverde Butterfly Garden to see a variety of tropical butterflies in beautiful surroundings.
El Ranario
Explore the Ranarium to learn more about Costa Rica's native frogs and toads.
Night: Dinner in Monteverde
Enjoy dinner in one of Monteverde's cosy restaurants, known for their delicious food and relaxed atmosphere.
Day 8: Manuel Antonio
Morning: Trip to Manuel Antonio
Transport to Manuel Antonio
Leave Monteverde and head for Manuel Antonio, famous for its beaches and national park.
Afternoon: Manuel Antonio Beach
Relaxation on the beach
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio. The calm waters and white sand are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Evening: Dinner on the Beach
Enjoy a beachfront dinner at one of the beach restaurants. Try fresh seafood and other local dishes.
Day 9: Manuel Antonio National Park
Morning: Exploration of the Park
Hike in the National Park
Explore Manuel Antonio National Park. Hike the park's trails to see a variety of animals, including monkeys, sloths and iguanas.
Beach inside the Park
Enjoy some time on the beaches inside the park, which are considered some of the most beautiful in Costa Rica.
Afternoon: Water Activities
Snorkelling and Kayaking
Take part in water activities such as snorkelling and kayaking to explore the marine life and stunning coastal scenery.
Evening: Farewell to Costa Rica
For your last night, enjoy a special dinner at one of Manuel Antonio's restaurants overlooking the ocean, reflecting on your incredible Costa Rica adventure.
Conclusion
Costa Rica offers a wealth of unparalleled experiences that will allow you to connect with nature and enjoy adventure. From the vibrant capital of San Jose to the paradisiacal beaches of Manuel Antonio to the biodiversity of Tortuguero and Monteverde, every day of this 9-day itinerary is designed to give you the best of this beautiful country. Follow this guide to make sure you don't miss a thing and take away unforgettable memories of your trip to Costa Rica - pack your bags and get ready for a magical experience in the heart of Central America!
