It would take us at least a few months, maybe even years, to discover every curve of Costa Rica. But, until we win that lottery and buy a one-way ticket to this tropical paradise, we have to settle for a couple of weeks we can spend in the country defined by the Pura Vida lifestyle.
We are sure that even the most experienced travelers can find itinerary-making a daunting and quite dull task. So, to make things as effortless as possible for your upcoming journey, here’s what a 14-day trip to Costa Rica actually looks like. You are in for a ride!
Costa Rica is not one of those places where you can just go and hope for the best. The country is known for spectacular beauty, but the roads to them are paved with…Well, maybe we should say that they are not paved at all from time to time. So, first things first, get the best plane tickets. There are two possible landing points: Juan Santamaría International Airport and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. And after you make your purchase, the real fun starts: deciding where to go and what to see. Costa Rica Horizon will be by your side every step of the way, allowing you to turn all your plans into a breathtaking reality.
Traveling to any country and not visiting its capital would be a true crime. Okay, okay. Not a real crime, we are exaggerating, but you understand what we want to say. Basically, you need to go to San José at least for a night, especially if you are starting your adventure at SJO. You can land, go rest, and then explore the city’s attractions, such as Teatro Nacional, or vibrant neighborhoods like Barrio Escalante. (Additional piece of advice: when coming here, you need to try out the local food; it is finger-licking good)
Not to Do! Many people have a tendency to skip San José completely and head to some other, more popular places, or try to see it in a rush after a flight. This is a big no-no, especially if you have an evening flight. Trust us, you will want to wait until morning before continuing your trip, when the streets aren’t pitch-black. So, have a comfy night at the hotel, have a coffee, see some iconic places, and set off to the next stage.
▸ San José → La Fortuna: 130 km — 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Welcome to the first destination that is about to be one of the highlights of your journey: the legendary La Fortuna. Many travelers describe it as ‘’an adventure capital wrapped in a natural paradise’’. Honestly, we wouldn’t even try to be more creative, because this is exactly how La Fortuna feels: a true haven! Three nights spent here will give you enough time to make the most of it. And, here’s what’s worth doing:
!!!Whether you are having a professional take care of your transportation, or you are about to drive by yourself, there is one thing we need to tell you. When traveling through this area, please take your time. The scenery that surrounds you is like no other, so make sure to soak it all in.
▸ La Fortuna → Monteverde: 120km — 3 to 4 hours drive
Monteverde is a must-visit for everyone who is a fan of immersing themselves in some fun activities. Here, you can become one with nature instantly and simply take full pleasure in the serenity that surrounds you. Whether you decide to go to the world-famous zipline or go for a night walk, one thing is for sure: you will make some memories to cherish forever. For us, this is the best way to spend your time:
▸ Monteverde → Manuel Antonio: 185 km — 4.5 to 5.5 hours
The time has come to explore one of the most wonderful coastal spots: Manuel Antonio. You will have a hard time deciding what is more beautiful: a national park or the beach inside it. Two nights will be enough to savor the beauty of this place and enjoy every moment of it to the maximum. In case you want to travel from A to B without a single worry on your mind, we cannot recommend booking personalized private transfers enough. A skilled driver will take care of driving, while you soak up all the wonders around you.
▸ Manuel Antonio → Uvita: 60 km — 1.5 hours
Ah, the lovely Uvita, a place that looks too good to be true. Here, the pace drops, and you can simply sit by the water, watch the waves, and discover what Costa Rica is all about. Also, no matter what happens, you cannot, we repeat, you cannot miss going whale watching and seeing this powerful animal in person. If you are looking for the utmost privacy, convenience, and efficiency during your adventure, securing a car rental is the way to go. You can choose the most suitable vehicle, stop wherever and whenever you like, and design your journey around your needs.
▸ Uvita → Guanacaste (Tamarindo / Sámara ): 4.5 to 5.5 hours
OK, the time has come to finish your Costa Rica journey with a bang and visit some of the most lovely places in Guanacaste Province. You can go to Tamarindo, Sámara, or Del Coco Beach. Each one of them will take your breath away instantly, so get ready to be astonished. Here, you can enjoy unforgettable sunsets, swimming, and delicious food. Overall, the perfect end of an already perfect journey.
Now, all you have to do is finally take the leap and start organizing the Costa Rica expedition you have always dreamt of. And when you need the help of a professional to help you with unique tours and transportation, Costa Rica Horizon has got you covered from the very first day until the last!
