2-Week Monteverde Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Monteverde itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaMonteverde travel expert at TourRadar
12 Days in Costa Rica & Nicaragua, incl. San José and Granada
The cloud forest unveils its secrets during a 2.5-hour guided hike on accessible trails, offering prime wildlife viewing opportunities throughout a full day in Monteverde.
- Day 1
San José, Costa Rica
Arrive in Costa Rica's capital and head to your hotel. Book an afternoon arrival if you can since morning traffic in San José gets pretty bad. Spend your evening walking through the historic Barrio Amón neighborhood to check out the colonial architecture.
- Day 2
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Take the 4-hour drive to Monteverde early in the day for a 2.5-hour hike through one of Costa Rica's most impressive ecosystems. The cloud forest paths are good but can get slippery. Bring sturdy shoes and pack a light rain jacket just in case. A recent visitor said: "The morning fog creates an otherworldly atmosphere - we spotted three different kinds of hummingbirds before 9 AM."
- Day 3
Crossing to Nicaragua's Ometepe Island
This is a full travel day as you cross the Peñas Blancas border. Bring $12-15 for exit and entry fees. Take the ferry to Ometepe Island but be ready for some choppy water during the 1-hour ride. Consider motion sickness pills if you need them. You'll have time to visit the beautiful Charco Verde lagoon in the evening.
- Days 4-5
Granada & Masaya Volcano
Make Granada your base for exploring Nicaragua's colonial history. Take a morning walking tour through the historic center and relax on a boat trip on Lake Nicaragua. In the evening visit the active Santiago crater at Masaya Volcano National Park. The sulfur fumes are strong so bring a bandana. Stop by the Masaya craft market in the morning when it's not too hot.
- Days 6-7
Arenal Volcano Area
Head back to Costa Rica and visit La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano. You can hike through lava fields and walk across hanging bridges in the rainforest canopy. The thermal springs are less busy after 6 PM. One visitor noted: "The suspended bridges offer incredible volcano views - go early before clouds roll in around 11 AM."
- Days 8-9
Tortuguero National Park
Leave very early (5:30 AM) for the Caribbean coast. Take a boat through jungle canals to get to your lodge. You'll see lots of wildlife both from boats and on walking trails. Bring clothes that dry quickly since the humidity is really high. The early morning canoe tours are best for spotting animals.
- Day 10
Caribbean Coast
Drive south to Puerto Viejo de Limón to experience Costa Rica's Afro-Caribbean culture. You'll pass Limón's busy port along the coastal road. Take the evening to enjoy the relaxed Caribbean atmosphere and try some local food at the beachfront restaurants.
- Day 11
Cahuita National Park to San José
Take a morning walk in Cahuita National Park and look for sloths in the beachside almond trees. The trail runs along the beach but watch out for high tide. Check the tide schedule before you go. It's a 4-5 hour drive back to San José in the afternoon.
- Day 12
Departure
Head to San José International Airport. Book your flight for the afternoon to avoid morning traffic.
11 Day Costa Rica Itinerary, incl. San Jose and Tortuguero
Suspended pathways through the morning mist highlight your two-night cloud forest stay. Afternoon activities complement the morning bridge tour, while evening hours bring chances to spot nocturnal wildlife.
- Day 1
San Jose
Land in Costa Rica's capital. Take time to visit the National Museum and Central Market. Book your airport transfer after 2 PM to avoid peak traffic hours.
- Days 2-3
Tortuguero National Park
Start with a 4-hour drive to the Caribbean coast. Then take a 90-minute boat ride through the canals to Tortuguero. Bring motion sickness pills if needed. Look for howler monkeys and tropical birds during your boat journey. Spend your next day exploring the park's waterways and trails. A guest mentioned: "The boat tour through Tortuguero's canals was incredible - our guide spotted sleeping sloths and baby caimans that we would have missed."
- Days 4-5
Arenal Volcano Area
Travel to La Fortuna (5-6 hours). The ride can get bumpy, so try to sit near the front. Visit local farms to learn about coffee and chocolate production. Fill your free time with waterfall hikes or hot springs visits. Remember to bring good shoes and water for the 500+ steps at La Fortuna Waterfall.
- Days 6-7
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Take a morning drive around Lake Arenal (3-4 hours) to Monteverde for better visibility on the winding roads. Walk the hanging bridges and try ziplines through the misty forest. Consider booking a night walk to find nocturnal animals. One visitor noted: "Bring a light raincoat for Monteverde - sudden showers are common even in dry season."
- Days 8-9
Central Pacific Coast
Travel to the Pacific coast (4 hours) near Manuel Antonio National Park. Take a guided tour to find monkeys, sloths and tropical birds. Get to the park's beach early to avoid crowds, or walk to quieter spots.
- Days 10-11
San Jose & Departure
Head back to San Jose (3 hours). Use your last day to buy coffee and crafts at the Mercado Central. Plan for evening flights since morning traffic can add an extra hour to airport travel.
14 Day Costa Rica Itinerary, incl. Arenal and Monteverde
From Arenal, a scenic Jeep-Boat-Jeep ride takes you to the mystical cloud forest for two nights of suspension bridge walks, wildlife night tours, and optional orchid garden visits, before continuing to Samara Beach.
- Days 1-2
San José to Puerto Viejo
Leave San José and take a 4-hour shuttle to Puerto Viejo. Book your transfer for the morning so you'll arrive before dark. Finding your accommodation can be difficult after sunset on the unlit roads.
- Days 3-4
Puerto Viejo Beach & Culture
Use these days to explore beaches and local culture. Visit Cahuita National Park in the early morning for hiking and snorkeling before it gets too hot. The Bri Bri Indian Reserve offers excellent chocolate-making demonstrations. Remember to bring cash since ATMs are scarce and most local vendors only accept cash.
- Day 5
Sarapiqui Rainforest
The 4-hour trip from Puerto Viejo brings you to Sarapiqui. If you stay at Tirimbina Rainforest Lodge you can use their private reserve trails at no extra cost. Pack good hiking boots as the trails get muddy after typical afternoon rains.
- Days 6-7
Arenal Volcano Area
It's a 2-hour drive from Sarapiqui to La Fortuna/Arenal. Take the 1992 lava field hike early in the morning when the clouds usually clear for the best volcano views. The Balsa River offers great Class 3-4 rafting for beginners with a sense of adventure. Visit the thermal springs in late afternoon when it's cooler and less crowded.
- Days 8-9
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Take the Jeep-Boat-Jeep transfer to Monteverde. It's a bumpy ride but saves significant time compared to driving around Lake Arenal. Visit the suspension bridges before 10 AM to avoid the fog. The night tour at Refugio de Vida Silvestre offers excellent wildlife spotting. The guides work together to help everyone see the nocturnal animals.
- Days 10-12
Samara Beach
The 4-hour shuttle ride to Samara includes some unpaved roads. Bring medication if you get motion sick. This relaxed beach town is perfect for unwinding. If you want to see nesting turtles at Camaronal Reserve plan your visit during a new moon.
- Days 13-14
Return to San José
Set aside a full morning for the 5-6 hour return trip to San José. You'll need to pay a $29 exit tax at the airport. Get to the airport 3 hours before international flights since morning check-in can be slow.
