Costa Rica in Two Weeks: 5 Recommended 14-day Itineraries to Costa Rica

- Steven S.
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- Steven S.
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- Steven S
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- Bryan M.
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Costa Rica 14-day itinerary options
Here are our four unique 2-week Costa Rica itinerary suggestions below.
Itinerary #1: Coastal retreat


Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Start your trip in San Jose by exploring landmarks such as the Central Market | City sightseeing |
Day 2 | Observe the active crater and unique vegetation of Poas Volcano National Park | Nature landmark sightseeing |
Day 3 | Explore the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, including the butterfly observatory | Nature landmark sightseeing |
Day 4 | Adventure in the Arenal Volcano area and relax in a natural hot spring | Outdoor adventure |
Day 5 | Discover the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge on a boat tour | Boat tour |
Day 6 | Hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park | Hiking |
Day 7 | Explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park accompanied by an expert guide | National park exploration |
Day 8 | Relax on the beach of Tamarindo | Beach day |
Day 9 | Take a boat tour in Palo Verde National Park | Boat tour |
Day 10 | Zipline through the Monteverde Cloud Forest canopy | Outdoor adventure |
Day 11 | Visit Manuel Antonio National Park | National park exploration |
Day 12 | Explore Carara National Park, known for its scarlet macaw population | National park exploration |
Day 13 | Experience the Tárcoles River kayaking adventure | Kayaking |
Day 14 | End your trip in San Jose |
Following this 14-day Costa Rica itinerary plan, you'll experience bustling city life, active volcanoes, lush cloud forests, wildlife-rich wetlands, and pristine beaches. Start in San Jose before heading to Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Venture to Arenal next for adventure, followed by wildlife spotting in Caño Negro. Explore the unique ecosystems of Tenorio and Rincon de la Vieja before hitting the beach in Tamarindo. Continue to Palo Verde's wetlands, then up to misty Monteverde. Finish your trip with the beaches and jungles of Manuel Antonio, the scarlet macaws of Carara, and the famous crocodiles of Tárcoles. This fast-paced journey showcases the incredible variety Costa Rica offers in just two weeks. See all Costa Rica beach tours.
Itinerary #2: Off-the-beaten-path adventure

Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Arrive in San Jose and tour the Jade Museum | City sightseeing |
Day 2 | Explore Braulio Carrillo National Park, taking an aerial tram | National park exploration |
Day 3-4 | Travel to Bajos del Toro and hike to hidden waterfalls | Hiking |
Day 5 | Journey to Tenorio Volcano National Park | National park exploration |
Day 6 | Hike to Rio Celeste waterfall | Hiking |
Day 7 | Travel to Ostional Wildlife Refuge to learn about sea turtle conservation | Widlife spotting |
Day 8-9 | Witness sea turtle nesting or hatching (seasonal) at Ostional | Widlife spotting |
Day 10-11 | Fly to Corcovado National Park for a two-day trek | Hiking |
Day 12-13 | Boat to Drake Bay, enjoying a sunset kayak tour | Kayaking |
Day 14 | Return to San Jose for departure |
This 14-day itinerary takes you off the typical tourist trail to explore some of Costa Rica's hidden gems. Start in San Jose with a visit to the Jade Museum, before immersing yourself in nature at Braulio Carrillo National Park. The journey continues to lesser-known spots like Bajos del Toro and Tenorio Volcano National Park, where you'll discover stunning waterfalls and the ethereal blue waters of Rio Celeste. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the sea turtle conservation efforts at Ostional Wildlife Refuge. The adventure culminates with a challenging trek through Corcovado National Park and relaxing days in Drake Bay. This itinerary offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, wildlife encounters, and outdoor activities for those seeking to explore Costa Rica's less-visited but equally spectacular destinations. See all Costa Rica adventure packages.
Itinerary #3: Wellness and nature retreat


Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Fly down to San Jose, sightsee major attractions, and take a cooking class | City sightseeing |
Day 2-3 | Join a yoga retreat in Atenas | Yoga |
Day 4-5 | Relax in the La Fortuna hot springs | Natural landmark sightseeing |
Day 6-7 | Meditate in Bijagua | Meditate |
Day 8-9 | Practice yoga, then head out for surfing in Nosara | Yoga and surfing |
Day 10-11 | Attend wellness workshops in Santa Teresa | Wellness activities |
Day 12-13 | Embark on a whale-watching adventure in Uvita, then head to Drake Bay to enjoy a sunset kayak tour | Whale watching |
Day 14 | Return to San Jose for departure |
If you want a 14-day wellness-focused trip that is set at a relaxed pace, then this itinerary is for you. It combines relaxation, mindfulness, and nature exploration. Beginning with a cooking class in San Jose, you'll then immerse yourself in a yoga retreat in Atenas. The journey continues with rejuvenating experiences in La Fortuna's hot springs and meditation sessions in Bijagua. For those seeking active relaxation, Nosara offers both yoga and surfing opportunities. The retreat aspect deepens with wellness workshops in Santa Teresa. The trip concludes with a whale-watching adventure in Uvita and a peaceful boat tour in Drake Bay. This itinerary is perfect for travelers looking to rejuvenate their mind, body, and spirit while experiencing Costa Rica's diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. See all Costa Rica 14-day tours.
Itinerary #4: Adrenaline junkie's paradise

Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Arrive in San Jose and take a thrilling city bike tour | Biking |
Day 2 | Hike Irazu Volcano, exploring its lunar-like landscapes and crater lake | Hiking |
Day 3 | Travel to Turrialba for whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River | Rafting |
Day 4 | Continue rafting adventure, navigating class III and IV rapids | Rafting |
Day 5 | Head to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui for jungle ziplining | Zipling |
Day 6 | Experience night hiking and wildlife spotting in Sarapiqui's rainforest | Hiking |
Day 7 | Transfer to Arenal for canyoning and rappelling down waterfalls | Outdoor adventure |
Day 8 | Mountain bike around Arenal Volcano and kayak on Lake Arenal | Outdoor adventure |
Day 9 | Journey to Monteverde for extreme canopy tours and hanging bridges | National park exploration |
Day 10 | Try bungee jumping and explore the cloud forest canopy via sky tram | Outdoor adventure |
Day 11 | Travel to Jaco for ATV tours through rugged jungle trails | Outdoor adventure |
Day 12 | Take surf lessons and try stand-up paddleboarding in Jaco's waters | Water activities |
Day 13 | Fly to Osa Peninsula for scuba diving around Caño Island | Scuba diving |
Day 14 | Farewell in San Jose |
This action-packed 14-day itinerary is designed for thrill-seekers looking to experience Costa Rica's adventurous side. Kicking off with a city bike tour in San Jose and a hike up Irazu Volcano, the excitement quickly ramps up with whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River. Adrenaline junkies will love the jungle ziplining in Sarapiqui, canyoning in Arenal, and extreme canopy tours in Monteverde. The adventure continues with mountain biking, kayaking, bungee jumping, and ATV tours through rugged terrains. The itinerary also includes watersports like surfing and stand-up paddleboarding in Jaco and scuba diving around Caño Island. This trip is perfect for those who crave high-energy activities and want to experience Costa Rica's diverse landscapes from air, land, and sea. See all Costa Rica tours and trips.
Itinerary #5: Costa Rica's Wild and Scenic Adventure


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrival in San Jose and evening welcome meeting | Arrival and tour briefing | San Jose |
Day 2 | Drive to Turrialba with stops at Cartago and Irazu Volcano | Scenic drive | Turrialba |
Day 3 | Free morning for optional activities and afternoon cheese-making tour | Free morning and cheese tour | Turrialba |
Day 4 | Travel through waterways to Tortuguero National Park | Boat tour | Tortuguero |
Day 5 | Full day to exploration of Tortuguero National Park and its wildlife | Wildlife exploration | Tortuguero |
Day 6 | Visit La Tirimbina for a chocolate tour post boat journey | Chocolate tour | Sarapiqui |
Day 7 | Drive to Arenal and explore its volcanic surroundings | Nature walk | Arenal |
Day 8 | Free day with options for rafting and wildlife tours in Arenal | Free day with optional activities | Arenal |
Day 9 | Drive to Monteverde for a cooking lesson and nature reserve visit | Cooking class and walking tour | Monteverde |
Day 10 | Explore Santa Elena Reserve and enjoy optional canopy tours | Canopy tour | Monteverde |
Day 11 | Journey to Dominical on the Pacific Coast, stopping at Carara Reserve | Coastal drive | Dominical |
Day 12 | Relax on the Pacific beaches with optional activities | Beach day with optional activities | Dominical |
Day 13 | Trip to Corcovado National Park to view diverse wildlife | Wildlife tour | Dominical |
Day 14 | Drive back to San Jose for departure | Transfer and departure |
This Costa Rica itinerary of 14 days begins in the vibrant city of San Jose, where you are welcomed in the heart of the nation's coffee industry. From the bustling cityscape, travel to Turrialba for the serenity of its verdant landscapes and the taste of authentic Costa Rican cheese. Experience an enthralling boat ride into Tortuguero National Park, where the lively jungle becomes your classroom for nature's vibrant wildlife lessons. Feel the thrill of Arenal Volcano and relax in its geothermal hot springs amidst picturesque vistas. Experience a unique blend of adventure and tranquility in Monteverde's lush cloud forests, yearning for the flight of the resplendent quetzal. As the journey unfolds, drift to the Pacific Coast's sun-kissed beaches, engaging in thrilling water sports or rejuvenating in their serene beauty. Conclude your expedition with a stunning exploration of Corcovado National Park, home to extraordinary biodiversity, before returning to the hustle and bustle of San Jose for departure. This itinerary is a harmonious blend of culture, nature, and adventure, painting an unforgettable picture of Costa Rican life.
Planning 14-day Itinerary of Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s wealth of attractions makes it a popular destination for a 14-day trip. If you do not have 2 weeks, worry not! You can cover Costa Rica in shorter duration too. Regardless of how long you spend in Costa Rica, if you need help planning any time in the country, get in touch with our travel expert to create a customized Costa Rica trip. For more information, go through our Costa Rica travel guide.
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