Costa Rica in 11 Days: 4 Recommended 11-day Itineraries to Costa Rica

- Brian Cameron
- From USA
- Brian Cameron
- From USA
- Michael M
- From
- Sarah-Kathryn J
- From
Costa Rica 11-day itinerary options
Traveling to Costa Rica for 11 days? Here are our four 11-day Costa Rica itinerary ideas.
Itinerary #1: San Jose, Monteverde and Tamarindo

Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Arrive in San Jose and meet with your group; in the evening, explore the city for local bites and booze | City sightseeing |
Day 2 | Visit the Poas Volcano before learning about Costa Rican coffee; tortilla-making class, and La Fortuna in the afternoon | Food tour |
Day 3 | Free day to explore La Fortuna | Leisure |
Day 4 | Boat trip across Lake Arenal before ziplining in the Monteverde forest | Adventure tour |
Day 5 | Free time in Monteverde | Leisure |
Day 6 | Hike through Volcán Tenorio National Park before visiting Liberia in the afternoon | Hiking |
Day 7 | Enjoy the waters of Poza Los Coyotes before heading down the Nicoya Peninsula to Nosara | Water adventure |
Day 8 | Beach day on Playa Guiones | Beach day |
Day 9 | Pottery making in Guaitil before hitting the beach and bars in Tamarindo | Cultural activity |
Day 10 | Surfing in Tamarindo and free time in the afternoon | Surfing |
Day 11 | Depart from Tamarindo |
Whether you are inland among the rainforest’s canopies at Monteverde or on the Pacific or Atlantic Coasts for either sunbathing on white sand beaches or hitting the surf in Tamarindo, Costa Rica has plenty to offer for adventure seekers. With this 11-day itinerary you can experience the wild nature of Costa Rica in all its splendor. Take a canopy tour in Arenal, ziplining through the forest for truly unforgettable views and thrills, or, enjoy it from the ground, learning about conversation efforts and the customs of the local people. You can also take a tortilla making lesson in La Fortuna and try your hand at pottery making in Guaitil. See all 11-day Costa Rica tours.
Itinerary #2: Adventure and Exploration


Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Touch down in Liberia before heading to Rincon de la Vieja | |
Day 2 | Go on an adventure in Arenal Volcano (optional canopy tour or kayaking) | Outdoor adventure |
Day 3 | Walking tour of Arenal Volcano National Park | Walking tour |
Day 4 | Visit Sarapiqui and the Braulio Carrillo National Park with optional white water rafting, canopy tour, or a chocolate tour | Outdoor adventure |
Day 5 | Explore Tortuguero National Park and take village tour | National park exploration |
Day 6 | Take a wildlife tour of Tortuguero National Park | Wildlife exploration |
Day 7 | Travel to San Jose and free time | Leisure |
Day 8 | Discover Vara Blanca and the La Paz Waterfall Gardens | Landmark sightseeing |
Day 9 | Relax in Herradura Beach and the Central Pacific Coast | Beach day |
Day 10 | Enjoy activities in Herradura Beach with an optional canopy tour | Leisure |
Day 11 | Depart from Jaco for home or onward travel |
If you are looking for a trip filled with nature, then this 11-day Costa Rica itinerary plan is perfect for you. From the stunning active volcano in Arenal National Park to the rushing Sarapiqui River, explore the vast array of terrain and wild landscapes that the country has to offer. While in Tortuguero National Park, watch the sea turtles in their natural habitat. Take in the stunning vistas at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, enjoy the sands of Herradura Beach, or head above the trees with birds like toucans, quetzals, and macaws on a canopy tour. See all Costa Rica adventure holidays.
Itinerary #3: From the Atlantic to the Pacific

Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Arrival and welcome in San Jose | |
Day 2 | Explore Tortuguero National Park Explore and enjoy a canal tour | National park exploration |
Day 3 | Take a nature tour and free time to relax or explore at your leisure | Nature tour |
Day 4 | Take a boat to Guápiles, then travel onward to Puerto Viejo | Boat tour |
Day 5 | Explore Puerto Viejo at your leisure | Leisure |
Day 6 | Tour Arenal Volcano and visit the scenic town of La Fortuna de San Carlos | Exploration |
Day 7 | Enjoy free time exploring Arenal Volcano National Park | National park exploration |
Day 8 | Relax and unwind at the beautiful Tamarindo Beach on the Pacific coast | Beach day |
Day 9 | Another day of leisure at Tamarindo for sunbathing, surfing, or exploration | Leisure |
Day 10 | Travel back to San Jose with some free time to enjoy the city | City sightseeing |
Day 11 | Departure from San Jose |
In just 11 days, explore Costa Rica from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Begin with a tranquil visit to Tortuguero's lush canals, journey inland to the iconic Arenal Volcano and the natural hot springs of La Fortuna, then cross to the Pacific for relaxation on Tamarindo Beach. From canal tours to volcano hikes and beach lounging, this itinerary offers a balanced blend of adventure and leisure, with time to experience Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes and vibrant ecosystems, finishing your journey in the lively capital, San Jose. See all Costa Rica tours and trips.
Itinerary #4: Costa Rica Five-Star Experience

Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Welcome to San Jose | |
Day 2 | Explore Siquirres, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Guapiles, and white water rafting in Pacuare River | Outdoor adventure |
Day 3 | Free time in Siquirres and the Pacuare area | Exploration |
Day 4 | Enjoy river rafting and Arenal Volcano tour, and afternoon at leisure | Outdoor adventure |
Day 5 | Take a canopy tour in Arenal National Park and soak in Tabacon hot springs | Outdoor adventure |
Day 6 | Enjoy the white sands of Manuel Antonio | Beach day |
Day 7 | Relax in Manuel Antonio Beach and a sunset sailing tour | Beach activities |
Day 8 | Discover the wildlife on the Osa Peninsula | Wildlife spotting |
Day 9 | Free time or enjoy activities at the lodge with optional trip to Corcovado National Park | Leisure |
Day 10 | Travel to San Jose and enjoy free time | City sightseeing |
Day 11 | Depart from San Jose |
If you prefer to travel in luxury, Costa Rica is just the right destination for you. Enjoy the wilderness and powdery beaches of the country in utmost comfort, staying in jungle lodges and resorts with a wide range of facilities to suit your style and budget. But traveling in luxury doesn’t mean that everything will be calm and relaxed. Get your adrenaline fix with white water rafting in Pacuare River, a ziplining canopy tour in Arenal National Park, and a volcano tour. After getting your heart racing, enjoy the soft, white sands of Manuel Antonio Beach and unparalleled views on a sunset tour across the bay.
Planning 11-day Itinerary of Costa Rica
No matter your interests and the time you have to spare, there is a Costa Rica tour for everyone. But an 11-day tour in Costa Rica is the perfect amount of time to sample what this Central American paradise has to offer. Get in touch with our travel experts to create your very own customized trip to Costa Rica. If you are looking for more duration options, check out our guide on "How many days to spend in Costa Rica".
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