Get ready for a stunning week of scenery, wildlife, and relaxation! You'll spend your time in 3 areas of Northern Costa Rica: the majestic Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, the cloud-kissed forests of Monteverde, and the sun-soaked beaches of Tamarindo.
🧳Trip summary
Day 1 - Travel day
Day 2 - La Fortuna (hiking & swimming)
Day 3 - La Fortuna (wildlife & hotsprings)
Day 4 - La Fortuna + Monteverde (hanging bridges & night hike)
Day 5 - Monteverde (canopy tour & excursion options)
Day 6 - Monteverde (cloud forest)
Day 7 - Tamarindo (excursion options)
Day 8 - Tamarindo (beach day)
Day 9 - Travel day
This itinerary is perfect for a Saturday through following Sunday week-long trip, but could be adapted to any date range. The trip is laid out with stops in three popular Northern cities, but any city could be added or removed to extend or shorten the trip. The itinerary assumes you have rented a car to travel between each destination, but there you can also find plenty of options to take shuttles between each city.
Why this guide?
🎟️ Advance ticket purchase recommendations. Avoid the lines - and disappointment - by booking tickets ahead of time. You'll be guaranteed entrance and will enjoy walking straight in, past any lines for ticket purchases. Special call outs for combo tickets to bundle and save will also be included where available!
🧾 Location-specific packing list. This won't be a comprehensive list (surely you've remembered your socks), but it will cover some key items to toss in your bag for a truly great experience at your destination.
🏆 Honorable mentions. Unless you booked a one way ticket (jealous!), you've only got a limited time to explore. The suggested itinerary includes my opinions of the best choices for first time visitors with general interest. Feel free to swap those out with any of the honorable mentions.
✨ And finally...
If you are looking for a more tailored experience with a unique twist based on your interests, travel dates, and more, a custom itinerary may be best. I look forward to helping bring your vacation vision to life!
