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

Witnessing the Pacific Ocean when spending 11 days in Costa Rica.
Best of Costa Rica 13 days
  • Brian Cameron
  • From USA
Outstanding trip. Oldemar was our contact person and itinerary organizer. He did a ph...” Read More

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

A white faced capuchin spoted in Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Keep an eye out for exotic species such as the white faced capuchin when in Monteverde Cloud Forest.
  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

A hidden waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
Discover hidden waterfall as you forge your way through Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
Tourists relaxing in the sandy beach of Jaco.
The summer months from January through February are the best months to hit the Jaco beach.
  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

A sailboat on the Pacific with full sails up is silhoutted in front of the
Take a sailboat ride to witness the most spectacular sunset views from 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

Tabacon Hot Springs, a must visit when spending 11 days in Costa Rica.
On your visit to the Arenal Volccano, it is a must to soak in the nearby Tabacon Hot Springs.
  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". 

More information:
5 days in Costa Rica
7 days in Costa Rica
10 days in Costa Rica
12 days in Costa Rica
9 days in Costa Rica
14 days in Costa Rica

Plan a trip to Costa RicaWe offer different tour types. You can also chat with a local travel specialist if you want a customized tour to Costa Rica.
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