2-Week Costa Rica Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Costa Rica tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar

• 14 Days in Costa Rica, incl. Tortuguero and Arenal

  A vibrant 14-day tour visiting 5 major Costa Rican destinations: Tortuguero National Park (2 nights), Puerto Viejo (3 nights), La Fortuna (2 nights), Monteverde (2 nights), and Santa Teresa (2 nights). Features wildlife viewing, volcano hikes, and beach time.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    San José & Tortuguero

    Start in San José with a visit to the Central Market. Head to Tortuguero the next morning on a 3-hour drive to Guapiles followed by a 2-hour boat ride to your lodge. Try to get a seat on the right side of the boat for better wildlife viewing. Space is limited on the boats so pack light.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Tortuguero National Park

    Take early morning boat trips through the canals when animals are most active. The park entry costs $15 extra but you won't regret it. Join an afternoon rainforest walk but wear quick-dry clothes since the humidity is intense.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Puerto Viejo

    Get ready for Caribbean culture in Puerto Viejo. The 4-hour shuttle ride is rough but you'll be rewarded with beautiful beaches. Go snorkeling at Cahuita National Park (gear rental is $15 in town) and visit the unique black sand at Playa Negra.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Arenal/La Fortuna

    The 5-hour trip to Arenal leads you to La Fortuna with its volcano views and hot springs. Do the hanging bridges tour early before clouds move in. Skip the expensive hot spring resorts and ask locals about free natural pools by the river.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Monteverde

    Take the scenic van-boat-van route across Lake Arenal (3 hours total). The road to Monteverde winds a lot so sit up front if you get motion sickness. Pack warmer clothes as it's usually 10-15°F cooler than the coast. The night hike is great for seeing nocturnal wildlife.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Santa Teresa

    The 6-hour journey to this surf spot needs an early start. Roads are rough but the beaches make it worthwhile. Book morning surf lessons when waves are calmer. Try the beach yoga classes if you're into that.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Return to San José

    Plan 6 hours for the return trip and leave early to avoid traffic. Visit the National Theater on your last morning before heading to the airport. Get there 3 hours before international flights.

    

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• 14 Days in Costa Rica, incl. San Jose and Tortuguero

  Natural wonders fill this 14-day Costa Rican tour visiting 11 destinations from San Jose to Pacific beaches. Highlights include Tortuguero's canals, Monteverde's cloud forests, and Corcovado National Park. Features chocolate-making demonstrations, wildlife spotting, and traditional cooking lessons.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    San Jose & Turrialba

    Begin your journey in San Jose before exploring Cartago and Irazu volcano. "Costa Rica's biodiversity is incredible - 5% of the world's species in one small country." From San Jose, it's a 45-minute drive to Cartago, followed by an hour to Irazu's otherworldly landscape at 3,432m. The volcano walk is easy but pack warm clothes since the altitude can leave you short of breath. Your final stop is Turrialba, a region famous for its coffee, sugar and cheese.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Tortuguero National Park

    A 3-hour drive through banana plantations takes you to Caño Blanco. From there, boat through jungle canals to reach Tortuguero. Morning water safaris offer chances to spot howler monkeys, sloths and countless bird species. If you visit between June and September, you can watch sea turtles nesting at night. Book these visits early as numbers are limited. "Hearing howler monkeys at dawn and seeing turtles lay eggs was unforgettable," one visitor shared.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Sarapiqui & Arenal

    Stop at La Tirimbina for a chocolate-making demonstration on your way to the Arenal region. The dormant volcano creates an impressive backdrop to La Fortuna, where you can enjoy waterfall hikes and hot springs. From May to November, try the exciting Class II-III rafting. "The optional white water rafting was a highlight - perfect for families with teens," according to one traveler.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Monteverde Cloud Forest

    The 4-hour drive to the cloud forest is rough but worth it. Learn to cook local dishes like Arroz con Pollo in a cooking class. Visit Santa Elena Reserve early for the best wildlife spotting, including possible sightings of the rare resplendent quetzal. "The hanging bridges and canopy tours give amazing perspectives," one reviewer noted.

    
  • Days 11-14

    Pacific Coast & Corcovado

    Finish your trip in the Dominical region, combining beach time with wildlife watching. Take a boat to Corcovado National Park. You'll need to wade through waist-deep water to board, so bring water shoes and dry bags. A three-hour guided hike shows off capuchin monkeys, coatis and various birds. One visitor recalled: "The boat trip rewarded us with whale and dolphin sightings before an incredible rainforest walk."

    

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• 14 Day Costa Rica Itinerary, incl. San Jose and La Fortuna

  The 14-day Costa Rican tour showcases 5 major destinations: Puerto Viejo's beaches, La Fortuna's Arenal Volcano, Monteverde's cloud forests, Santa Teresa's Pacific coast, and San Jose. Life Monteverde cooperative and Coope San Juan homestay offer authentic community activities.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    San Jose & Puerto Viejo

    Begin in San Jose before taking a 5-hour bus ride through the mountains to reach the Caribbean coast. "The La California barrio in San Jose has great local bars for meeting fellow travelers." Plan your journey to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in the morning to avoid San Jose's heavy traffic.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

    This relaxed Caribbean town offers plenty to explore. Rent bikes for $9 to visit Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge or go snorkeling for $65. "The Gandoca Manzanillo hike offered incredible wildlife spotting - bring waterproof shoes as trails can get muddy in rainy season."

    
  • Days 5-7

    La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano

    Take a 6-hour drive inland to La Fortuna, the adventure hub of Costa Rica. Try the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge tour ($65) for excellent bird watching. You can also go whitewater rafting ($61-86), canyoning ($99), or relax in the hot springs. "Baldi Hot Springs was perfect after a day of activities - go late afternoon to avoid crowds."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Monteverde Cloud Forest

    Travel 2 hours by van plus a 45-minute boat transfer to Monteverde. Visit Life Monteverde coffee cooperative and explore the cloud forest, home to over 600 bird species. "The guided night walk revealed so many creatures we'd never have spotted ourselves."

    
  • Days 10-12

    Santa Teresa/Southern Nicoya Peninsula

    Spend time on the Pacific coast beaches. Try surfing, yoga, or take a day trip to Isla Tortuga for snorkeling. "The surf lessons in Santa Teresa were perfect for first-timers - go early morning when waves are gentler."

    
  • Days 13-14

    Return to San Jose

    Take the 8-hour bus ride back to San Jose. The journey can be rough, so bring motion sickness medication if needed. The historic Barrio Amon neighborhood makes a good base for your final night.

    

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