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I’ve been to Costa Rica twice and on my last trip I spent a month exploring this beautiful country. However, two weeks is the perfect amount of time to dive into Costa Rica’s highlights without feeling rushed. This itinerary blends the iconic highlights with some of my favorite off-the-beaten-path spots: the turquoise waterfalls of Bajos del Toro, the adventure-packed days of La Fortuna, the mystical forests of Monteverde, and the beaches and wildlife of Manuel Antonio.
Here’s how to spend two unforgettable weeks in Costa Rica.
Stop 1 of your 14 Days in Costa Rica: San José
Most travelers don’t linger long in Costa Rica’s capital, but it’s always nice to not hit the ground running after you land. Depending on when you land and how far you’ve flown you can choose to spend one night here or get a jump start on your road trip. If you arrive early enough and spend the night here, it’s worth exploring San Jose’s lively markets and food scene. It’s also a quite good party town if you’re looking for a fun night out.
Best Places to Stay in San José
Hotel Presidente ($140 per night)
A colorful boutique hotel in the heart of downtown, walking distance to the main sights.
Gran Hotel, By Hilton ($160 per night)
A historic hotel with modern luxury, right next to the National Theater.
Day 1 – Arrival & First Impressions
Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport and check into your hotel. If you have energy, wander through Mercado Central for your first casado (Costa Rica’s staple meal) or head to Barrio Escalante, the city’s trendiest dining district. Otherwise, rest up because your adventure starts tomorrow. If you’re not too tired you can also choose to do a walking tour of the city like we did.
Stop 2 of your epic 2 Week Adventure in Costa Rica: Bajos del Toro
Bajos del Toro is Costa Rica’s hidden gem and one of my favorite areas in Costa Rica. Located about 2–3 hours north of San José, this small mountain community is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country, including the towering Catarata del Toro and the surreal Blue Falls. It’s the perfect way to ease into Costa Rica’s wild side. For some reason this area isn’t as popular with tourists yet, but I have a feeling that will change pretty soon.
Getting from San José to Bajos del Toro
From San José, it’s a 2–3 hour drive. It’s very tricky to get to and around in Bajos del Toro without a car, so for now that is the only option for this area. If you’re not driving yourself I suggest adding an extra night in La Fortuna and visiting Bajos del Toro as a guided day trip from there, or simply skip it and take a shuttle or bus straight to La Fortuna.
Best Places to Stay in Bajos del Toro
Unlike tourist-heavy towns, there are less options to choose from in Bajos del Toro, but the ones to choose from are absolutely worth a night or two.
Blue Morpho Lodge ($120 per night)
A cozy and more budget friendly eco-lodge in Bajos del Toro surrounded by cloud forest, offering simple cabins, warm hospitality, and stunning mountain views.
Bosque de Paz Reserva Biologica ($350 per night)
A birdwatcher’s paradise with trails, gardens, and great food included. Quiet and immersed in nature.
El Silencio Lodge & Spa ($700 per night)
The most famous eco-lodge in Bajos del Toro. Think luxury cabins, fine dining, spa treatments, and private trails. A splurge-worthy stay.
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Day 2 – Waterfall Adventures
Start early and make your way to Catarata del Toro, a 90-meter waterfall plunging into an extinct volcanic crater. Afterward, hike to the Blue Falls, a network of trails leading to otherworldly turquoise pools. It’s a day of hiking, swimming, and soaking in the tranquility of rural Costa Rica. Spend the evening relaxing at your jungle lodge.
Stop 3 of your 2 Weeks in Costa Rica: La Fortuna
La Fortuna is Costa Rica’s adventure capital and one of those spots where you can fill up weeks because there is so much to do and see. This is where you’ll hike through rainforests, rappel down waterfalls, soak in hot springs, and zip-line over jungle canopies. With four days here, you’ll have time for both adrenaline and relaxation.
Getting from Bajos del Toro to La Fortuna
From Bajos del Toro, it’s about 3–4 hours by car. The road is a bit narrow and windy to begin with, but nothing to worry about.
If you’re not driving and therefor coming straight from San José, you can book this shuttle that will take you directly to La Fortuna.
Best Places to Stay in La Fortuna
There are so many amazing spots to choose from when it comes to where you want to base yourself in La Fortuna. I’ve narrowed it down for you, so below you’ll find my favorites for every budget.
Arenal Poshpacker Hostel ($45 per night)
This is a fun option right in the center of town, with dorms and private rooms that are simple but comfortable, plus a lively common area where travelers swap tips over beers.
Hotel Secreto ($130 per night)
This feels like a small boutique hideaway right in town, with stylish rooms, a welcoming staff, and a relaxed vibe that makes it easy to linger longer than planned.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa ($500 per night)
This is an iconic choice where beautifully landscaped hot spring pools wind through tropical gardens, and guests have exclusive access to private sections of the river.
The Springs Resort & Spa ($800 per night)
This is a sprawling property that’s practically a destination in itself, with multiple thermal pools, a wildlife rescue center, and so many activities on-site you might find it hard to leave. It’s perfect for honeymooners!
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Day 3 – Arrival & Hot Springs
You can choose to either hike one more waterfall before you leave Bajos del Toro or get an early start on your trip to La Fortuna. Arrive in La Fortuna, check in, and spend your first evening soaking in natural hot springs. Ecotermales and Tabacón are the most popular, but if you’re on a tight budget you can check out the free one called El Choyin.
Day 4 – Volcano & Waterfall Day
Start your day with a hike in Arenal Volcano National Park and later head over to La Fortuna waterfall to see the stunning waterfall and take a swim at the base if the weather permits.
If you want a different view of the national park or waterfall you can choose to either experience it on a guided ATV tour or on horseback.
Arenal Volcano ATV Guided Experience
For those seeking a bit more adventure, this guided ATV tour takes you through a private trail of the jungle
Day 5 – Adventure Time
As I said to begin with, La Fortuna is the adventure capital of Costa Rica and it has so many different activities to choose from. Pick between white water rafting, kitesurfing, kayaking or the famous zipline. For a more budget friendly adventure you can head to the free rope swing and have some fun. In the evening book a guided tour to look for the famous sloths.
Day 6 – Hanging Bridges & Sunset Views
Spend your last day in La Fortuna at Mistico Hanging Bridges Park, where suspended bridges let you walk above the rainforest canopy. Afterwards I recommend ending your stay in La Fortuna with a chocolate workshop. Don Olivo Chocolate Tour is a local favorite, offering an intimate, family-run experience that feels authentic rather than commercial.
Guided tour of Mistico national Park
If you drive yourself, but still want a guide to walk you through the national park and help you spot animals, this is the most popular tour to choose.
Stop 4 of your ultimate 2 week plan for Costa Rica: Monteverde
Monteverde is famous for its misty cloud forest reserves, where hanging moss, orchids, and towering ficus trees create an enchanted world. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise and one of the best places to spot the resplendent quetzal.
I think Monteverde is a nice addition to any trip to Costa Rica, but other than the misty cloud forest, you can do mostly the same here as in La Fortuna, so I want to add that if you prefer to have fewer bases, you can choose to skip Monteverde and instead add the extra nights in La Fortuna for more adventure or Manuel Antonio for more beach time.
Getting to Monteverde from La Fortuna
If you’re driving yourself then set aside about 5 hours to drive from La Fortuna. The road is pretty windy and I regretted not getting an early start because we ended up driving in the dark in the pouring rain, which I don’t recommend. Also make sure to fill up gas in La Fortuna because we didn’t see that many gas stations on the way.
If you're not driving you can book this shuttle which is a combo of Jeep and ferry and you get to see Lake Arenal on the way.
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Best Places to Stay in Monteverde
Monteverde isn’t a town in itself, which can be confusing when looking at accommodations. The best place to base yourself is in the little town called Santa Elena. This is a very good base to explore Monteverde from, especially if you don’t drive yourself. You can also choose to immerse yourself more in the surrounding forest.
Outbox Inn ($65 per night)
A stylish hostel-meets-hotel with modern design, clean dorms and privates, a social vibe, and great location near Santa Elena’s restaurants and shops.
Tityra Lodge ($130 per night)
Cozy wooden cabins with balconies overlooking the forest, offering a quiet, rustic stay just a short walk from Santa Elena town.
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco ($300 per night)
A boutique option right in Santa Elena with a heated pool, spa, and easy walking access to restaurants and shops.
Senda Monteverde Hotel ($800 per night)
An elegant boutique hotel near Santa Elena with sustainable design, chic rooms, and a quiet, upscale atmosphere. This is the best Hotel you’ll find in Monteverde.
Day 7 – Arrival & Night Walk
Spend the day reaching Monteverde and check in at your lodge. In the evening you can choose to either just explore the cute little town or book a guided night walk to explore the jungle at night to spot frogs, sloths, and armadillos. If you decide to do a nightwalk, make sure to book a guided tour like this one inside one of the nature reserves for the best chances of seeing wildlife.
Day 8 – Cloud Forest Exploration
Start the day by exploring either Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve or Santa Elena Reserve. Read my guide to Monteverde to learn more about the differences. Add on a canopy zip-line adventure or a coffee and chocolate farm tour in the evening.
Stop 5 on your epic adventure in Costa Rica: Manuel Antonio
This Pacific coast destination is where jungle meets beach. Manuel Antonio National Park is small but packed with wildlife like sloths, capuchin monkeys, iguanas, and fringed with stunning beaches. It’s the perfect way to end your Costa Rica adventure.
Getting to Manuel Antonio from Monteverde
If you’re driving yourself set aside about 5 hours to reach Manuel Antonio. As soon as you get down from Monteverde and its windy roads, the rest is a pretty nice drive on great roads.
If you’re not driving yourself you can book this shared shuttle that takes you directly from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio.
Best Places to Stay in Manuel Antonio
Where you base yourself in this area depends on whether you want to stay close to the beach, immerse yourself in the jungle or stay a bit more budget friendly in the nearby town Quepos. Below you’ll find some of my favorites options that caters to all your needs.
Wide Mouth Frog Quepos ($90 per night)
A laid-back, eco-friendly hostel with a pool and garden in Quepos.
La Posada Jungle Hotel ($160 per night)
A charming jungle-bungalow retreat that borders Manuel Antonio National Park, just a 3-minute walk from the beach, with lush gardens, a pool, and daily wildlife visits from monkeys, sloths, and birds.
Shana by the Beachfront ($330 per night)
A chic resort perched on lush hills overlooking the Pacific, with modern ocean-or garden-view rooms, two pools (including an adults-only option), a spa, and a private nature trail down to the beautiful Biesanz Beach. 
Parador Nature Resort & Spa ($860 per night)
A sprawling property with ocean-view pools, lush gardens, and elegant rooms.
Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort ($1.000 per night)
A sustainable luxury resort with private beach access, infinity pools, and world-class dining.
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Day 9 – Arrival & Sunset Beach Walk
Spend majority of the day driving from Monteverde and down to Manuel Antonio. When you get there, choose to either take a relaxing evening at the beach and just enjoy the sunset, or spend the evening with a cooking class to learn more about Costa Rican cuisine like gallo pinto, plantains, and ceviche in a hands-on cooking class.
Day 10 – Manuel Antonio National Park
Book a guided tour first thing in the morning and head into the park to see sloths, monkeys, toucans, and iguanas. After the guided tour is over, spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beaches inside the national park or explore more of the hikes there.
Day 11 – Catamaran Cruise
Spend a leisurely day on a catamaran tour along the coast looking for dolphins, snorkeling and just enjoying a day with a slower pace. You can choose between one just for the daytime with more focus on snorkeling or one more relaxed while watching the sunset.
Day 12 – Adventure or Relaxation
Manuel Antonio is the kind of place where you can choose to just spend your days relaxing in the beach or opt for some pretty adventurous activities. So either head to Playa Biesanz for a relaxing day or choose between surf lessons, white-water rafting or zip-lining.
Day 13 – Take a Day Trip
This is your last day exploring, so choose to either relax in Manuel Antonio or take a day trip to the nearby town of Uvita famous for whale watching or the beautiful Nauyaca Waterfalls. If you’re driving yourself you can easily reach both destinations, if not, I recommend the day trips below.
Day 14 – Return to San José
This is sadly the last day of your adventure. If you want to add one last adventure before heading back to San José, you can choose to take a boat or kayak tour through the mangroves of Damas Island spotting monkeys, crocodiles, and tropical birds. I did a boat tour, but can imagine that the kayak tours are even more peaceful.
Then head back to San José for your flight home. If your driving, it will take you about 4 hours to drive back to San Jose. Stop at Tarcoles River on the way to see giant crocodiles basking on the banks.
If you’re not driving, book this shuttle that will take you directly back to San José.
When to Visit Costa Rica
Dry Season (Dec–April)
If you want to maximize your possibility of clear skies and great beach weather, then you need to visit during dry season. This time it’s also more crowded and a bit more expensive, so make sure to book both hotels and tours in advance.
Green Season (May–Nov)
No matter when you visit Costa Rica there will be some rain, it’s green for a reason after all. However, if you visit during the rainy or green seasons you can expect daily afternoon rains which might be quite heavy. On the other side there are less crowds and the landscape and waterfalls are extra stunning.
Best of Both Worlds
The shoulder season in late November and early May are great options if you’re willing to risk a bit of rain, but want to try and avoid the biggest crowds.
Final Thoughts: Two Week Itinerary Costa Rica
This two-week Costa Rica itinerary offers the perfect balance of adventure, wildlife, and relaxation. You’ll hike to turquoise waterfalls, zip-line above a cloud forest, soak in hot springs under a volcano, and spot sloths while walking to the beach.
You can easily spend so much more time in Costa Rica, but I think this itinerary covers the best parts. The itinerary is pretty packed so you can customize it to your liking and do it a bit slower if you prefer.
I hope this helps you plan your vacation to beautiful Costa Rica. If you have any questions about Costa Rica or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don’t hesitate to reach out to me on social media. I would love to connect and help you plan your trips!
-Ingrid
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