3-Week Costa Rica Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Costa Rica itineraries

Compiled by

SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar

• 16 Days in Costa Rica, incl. San Jose and Arenal

  Eight distinct destinations unfold over 16 days, from Manuel Antonio's beaches to Monteverde's cloud forests. Comfortable stays at hotels and jungle lodges complement highlights like Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative tour and Tortuguero canal exploration.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    San José to Manuel Antonio

    Leave San José and drive 4 hours to the Pacific coast. Book afternoon departures to skip morning traffic. "The small town of Quepos is perfect for relaxing, while Manuel Antonio National Park offers beautiful white-sand beaches and turquoise water."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Manuel Antonio & Quepos

    Visit Costa Rica's smallest national park with its lush forests and beautiful beaches. "Watching the monkeys swing through the trees while hiking the coastal trails was incredible. Get to the park by 7:30 AM before the crowds and heat build up." You can try kayaking through mangroves ($70) or go sailing at sunset ($75).

    
  • Days 4-5

    Monteverde Cloud Forest

    Take a 6-hour trip to Monteverde. It's cooler up here, so bring warm layers. "The night walk is a must-do activity - we saw sleeping toucans, tarantulas, and the rare olingo. Bring shoes with good grip as trails get slippery."

    
  • Days 6-8

    La Fortuna/Arenal

    A 1.5-hour journey by boat and van takes you to La Fortuna. "Do the waterfall rappelling early morning when it's less crowded. The Arenal hot springs are perfect after a day of adventures - Baldi springs cost around $65." Try whitewater rafting or canyoning while you're here.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Sarapiquí Rainforest

    Stop at a local coffee cooperative on your way to your jungle lodge. "The traditional coffee tour and lunch were highlights - try the fresh tilapia farmed on site." You can enjoy river swimming and learn local cooking techniques.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Tortuguero

    Take a 5.5-hour boat trip through canals to reach Tortuguero. "Even outside turtle nesting season, the wildlife viewing is exceptional. Early morning kayaking offers the best chances to spot river otters and caiman." Internet access is limited here, so plan ahead.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Puerto Viejo

    Travel 6 hours to the Caribbean coast. "The Afro-Caribbean vibe here is totally different from the Pacific side. The included bike ride to the beach was fantastic - rent snorkel gear ($10) to explore the coral reefs." Bring rain gear for afternoon showers.

    
  • Days 15-16

    Return to San José

    Drive 5 hours back to San José. Spend your last evening exploring local markets and restaurants. "Stay in the Barrio Amón area - it's safe, walkable, and has great dining options."

    

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• 15 Day Costa Rica Itinerary, incl. San Jose and Manuel Antonio

  Diverse landscapes color this 15-day route through 8 key destinations from San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park. Accommodations include 7 nights in hotels, 6 in lodges, and 1 homestay in Santa Rosa de Pocosol, showcasing everything from Tortuguero's canals to Monteverde's forests.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    San Jose & Tortuguero

    Visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum in San Jose before traveling to Tortuguero. The journey takes a 3-hour drive to La Pavona port followed by a boat transfer through the canals. One traveler shared: "The boat ride into Tortuguero was magical - we spotted howler monkeys and toucans before even reaching our lodge." Pack light waterproof bags for this portion.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Tortuguero National Park & Santa Rosa

    Early mornings offer the best wildlife viewing along the canals. Plan turtle watching tours if visiting July through October. Travel to Santa Rosa de Pocosol for a local homestay experience. A recent visitor noted: "The cooking class with our host family was a highlight - learning to make traditional corn tortillas from scratch."

    
  • Days 5-6

    Rio Celeste & Tenorio Area

    Visit the bright blue waters of Rio Celeste. The waterfall trail takes about 1.5 hours but can get slippery. Good hiking shoes are essential. You can learn about local culture from the Maleku indigenous community. River tubing is popular but remember the water stays cold all year.

    
  • Days 7-8

    La Fortuna/Arenal

    La Fortuna offers great views of the volcano and relaxing hot springs. Visit La Fortuna waterfall early to avoid crowds. The trail has 500 steps each way and takes about 45 minutes. Book white water rafting trips in advance during peak season.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Monteverde Cloud Forest

    Take the scenic route to Monteverde via boat and bus across Lake Arenal. The trip takes about 3 hours total. Bring warm layers and rain gear for the cool, wet cloud forest. One visitor recommended: "Book the night walk tour - we saw so many nocturnal creatures we'd never have spotted in daylight."

    
  • Days 11-13

    Manuel Antonio

    Enjoy beach time and wildlife on the Pacific coast. Stay in Manuel Antonio instead of Quepos for better restaurants and atmosphere. Take a guided tour of the national park to spot wildlife like sloths and monkeys. Get there when it opens at 7am to avoid crowds.

    
  • Days 14-15

    San Jose

    Take the public bus back to San Jose. The ride takes 4-5 hours. Plan extra time for morning traffic when heading to the airport. Afternoon flights work best to avoid delays.

    

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• 15 Day Costa Rica Itinerary, incl. San Jose and Tortuguero

  The 15-day Costa Rica tour showcases the country's natural wonders across 10 destinations. Marvel at iconic sites like Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, and Savegre Valley. Expert guides reveal incredible biodiversity from distinctive lodges throughout multiple ecosystems.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    San Jose & Tortuguero

    Start in San Jose before traveling northeast to Tortuguero National Park. The 6-hour journey includes a breakfast stop. "Our first views of the waterways and wildlife in Tortuguero were breathtaking - it's like a pocket-sized Amazon." Plan for a 1 hour 15 minute boat ride to reach your jungle lodge.

    
  • Days 3-4

    La Fortuna/Arenal

    Visit the Arenal region to explore its famous volcano. "The hike to La Fortuna waterfall involves 500+ steps - go early around 8:30 AM before tour groups arrive." Plan your hot springs visits for the afternoon since mornings often bring rain. The waterfall's cool water feels great after hiking down all those steps.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Monteverde Cloud Forest

    Travel up to the misty Tilaran Mountains. The final 25 miles run on rough gravel roads. "Bring motion sickness meds if needed, but the cloud forest views are worth it." Start your hanging bridges walk early to see more wildlife. You can also try the zipline tours for an exciting view of the forest canopy.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Manuel Antonio

    Make your way to the Pacific coast. "Book the guided park walk first thing - by 10 AM the trails get crowded and wildlife hides from the heat." Watch for sloths, monkeys and tropical birds. You'll find beautiful beaches inside the park perfect for afternoon swimming.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Piedras Blancas

    Experience Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. "The night walks here were incredible - we saw red-eyed tree frogs, snakes, and so many creatures. Having a good headlamp is essential." You can explore the lodge's trails on your own during the day.

    
  • Days 12-13

    Savegre Valley

    Head to the highlands to look for the resplendent quetzal. "Go early with your guide - we saw both male and female quetzals around 6:30 AM when they're most active." Remember to pack warm clothes for the cool mountain weather.

    
  • Days 14-15

    Return to San Jose

    Visit the Copey Valley to see highland farming and enjoy lunch with a local family before heading back to San Jose. "This cultural experience was a perfect way to end our wildlife-focused journey."

    

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