Costa Rica is the most biodiverse and eco-friendly country in the world. From family adventures to romantic honeymoons, there is a slice of paradise for everyone. Here is a Two Week Costa Rica Itinerary for Your First Time in the country that can be adapted to a variety of travel styles.
Day 1: Santa Teresa, Nicoya Peninsula
Your first stop: hip Santa Teresa in the Nicoya Peninsula. A beach and surfing hub worth the journey! If flying, connect to the Cobano Airport. If driving from Liberia, rent a car (note: book at Cobano too, even if flying. This itinerary requires a car).
Important notes on driving in Costa Rica: Nighttime travel poses challenges – uneven and unpaved roads, potential flooding, and limited street lighting. Watch for pedestrians on the roads, too. Use the Waze App when driving in Costa Rica for the most accurate drive times and directions. Apple Maps, and even Google Maps, can be unreliable once on the ground. Don’t forget to bring your own charger for the car, and have some good playlists ready! If you’ve landed in Liberia with ample time before sundown for the 4.5 hour drive to St. Teresa, start your journey immediately. Otherwise, stay nearby overnight. The drive is smooth for most of the journey until you reach the final stretch – a dirt road leading to the town center.
The vibrant surfing hub has numerous restaurants, a long beach beach with stunning sunsets, and a myriad of activities. Snorkeling, surfing, outdoor yoga, and ATV rides over rugged terrain are the highlights here.
It’s hard to miss the fact that in Santa Teresa, most residents rely on quads/ATVs, or motorcycles for transportation. During the dry season, it can be dusty and people will ride with a bandana over their faces.
When you arrive, drive along the main road, Las Piedras, to get a feel of the town. Most lodging is off this road. Check out the different shops and restaurants. This road runs parallel to the beach, so park and explore the beach on foot at any time. After all your traveling today, settle into your lodging and unpack. Looking for lodging options? Check out the highly anticipated Our Habitas Santa Teresa, set to open in Spring 2024.
Day 2: Pura Vida in Santa Teresa
Use today to slow down to local time. In this two week Costa Rica itinerary, pacing is key to avoid burning out too quickly. Assuming you arrived in Santa Teresa the day before, start with breakfast at The Bakery. This bakeshop has a deep case of baked goods, fresh roasted coffee, and a la cart breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Window shop and take your time exploring Las Piedras. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at Eat Street – an open-air collection of food stalls where everyone can choose whatever they’re in the mood for that day.
In the late afternoon, relax in a spot along the beach or poolside until dinner time. There are numerous delicious options, like El Facon Grill & Bar. The outdoor steakhouse serves Argentinian steaks and fresh local seafood with live music on the weekends. Try a margarita, the hamburger, and any of their steaks.
Day 3: Beach Day
Here’s where the action starts in your two week Costa Rica itinerary. Embrace the local scene and try surfing! Numerous surf shops rent boards and/or offer lessons for beginners and skilled surfers alike. If surfing isn’t your thing, there are also plenty of kayaking and paddle boarding options available. If you’re a landlubber, try yoga at one of the many studios that welcome all levels. Or be the person that watches everyone’s stuff! (Truly, an invaluable and unappreciated job).
Unwind on the beach after the active morning and listen to the crashing waves. Catch lunch at Soda Tiquicia, a no-frills local joint where you can order fresh fish casados and ceviche.
Dedicate the rest of your day exploring nearby Playa Hermosa, a stunning stretch of pristine sand located just north of Santa Teresa. Sunbathe, swim or simply lounge under the shade of a palm tree with a good book.
For dinner, treat yourself to a delectable sushi feast at Nami Sushi in Santa Teresa; you’ve earned it. This local gem offers a delightful array of fresh and flavorful sushi creations. Or, if you’d prefer something you can sink your teeth into, try Muzza Pizzeria, a local haven for pizza lovers.
Day 4: Waterfalls, hiking, and ATV’s
Today you’re getting out of town to explore what the larger area has to offer. If you haven’t already: rent a 4-wheeler or ATV. You have options: a seated covered cab style (that can fit up to 4) or the traditional four-wheelers where you sit astride (and seat up to 2.) Take your time to practice handling, then grab a coffee, snacks and make way to The Montezumas Waterfalls Trailhead. This is a rugged ride across the tip of the peninsula. Splash through puddles, gawk at the views, and keep you eyes out for monkeys. Use Waze to guide you there – the Trailhead is available as a destination. Once there, you can go as far up the trail and waterfall as you please. You can swim in the water as much as you’d like. Hold on tight to any loose water bottles and sunglasses! All in all, the trip should only take 2-3 hours. Pop into one of the many local Sodas for lunch on your way back to town.
If you’re staying in a vacation villa, elevate your dining experience and hire a personal chef this evening. There are several talented chefs to choose from in the Santa Teresa area, like the talented sisters of D’twins Kitchen. These two chefs were classically trained in the US before returning to Costa Rica. Since there are many private chefs in the area, the rates are reasonable, and makes for a memorable evening.
Day 5: Last Day in Santa Teresa
Today, take a boat ride to Tortuga Island for an impressive snorkeling and scuba adventure. Marine life loves the coral reefs, and the crystal-clear waters are great for hours of snorkeling and relaxing. There are numerous tour options available, ranging from family-friendly group tours to customizable private catamaran rentals. All tours include lunch.
When you return, celebrate your last night in Santa Teresa with a beachside dinner at Manzu restaurant. Order from a selection of fresh and locally sourced plates and extensive drinks. Schedule dinner right before sunset so you can marvel at the pastel sky while enjoying your meal. And take lots of pictures!
Day 6: Monteverde
This is the first big move in your two week Costa Rica itinerary. Today your destination is Monteverde, the renowned Cloud Forest of Costa Rica. The main attraction is the Biological Reserve – a protected area spanning over 26,000 acres with a thick tree canopy and abundance of flora and fauna. See if you can spot the quetzal, toucans, and howler monkeys.
To get to Monteverde from Santa Teresa, you have two options: a ferry, or driving around the bay. Each takes roughly the same amount of time, so decide which route you’d prefer. The ferry gives a nice view of the bay and it’s easy to purchase a ticket (un boleto) – but naturally, there is a fee. Driving around the bay is a longer distance, but there is no toll to use these roads.
Once you arrive in Monteverde, check into your lodging, then enjoy dinner at the San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience. (reservations recommended). The pre-fixe dinner takes place in suspended glass rooms over the canopy of the forest. Take in panoramic views of the clouds sifting through the trees and over the town while you savor your meal. There are pescatarian, vegetarian and vegan options available in addition to the standard menu.
Day 7: Hiking the Cloud Forest
Hiking in Monteverde is a must-do and there are several options that will fit everyone’s preferences. There are a variety of self-guided tours, and fully guided adventure parks. Here are two of the best:
For a guided expereince: Selvatura Park offers numerous ways to explore the 850 acres of nature reserve. There are educational exhibits, a sloth sanctuary, zip lining and canopy tours.
If you choose to explore independently, El Tigre Waterfall offers a moderately challenging hike through the forest with picturesque hanging bridges and numerous waterfalls. Stay for hours and pack a swimsuit to cool off under one of the waterfalls during your hike. Before starting, decide to hike back or take a horseback ride (I recommend the latter, as it’s uphill on the way out). Don’t miss the delicious casado lunch provided by the kitchen.
Retreat to your lodging and take a rest. Afterwards, enjoy an early dinner then head back into the forest. Yes, I’m serious! The majority of wildlife in Costa Rica is nocturnal, so there are several guided night tours offered. Accompanied by an experienced guide, venture into the jungle to see the fascinating creatures that emerge under the cover of night.
Day 8: Arriving in Arenal
Wake up at a leisurely pace. You were up late into the night after all – party animal. Today marks the halfway point in your two week Costa Rica itinerary. Enjoy breakfast and coffee at one of the many cafes in town. Poke around Santa Elena and do some last-minute shopping (sloth memorabilia, anyone?) before topping off your tank and hitting the road. Today your destination is La Fortuna.
Nestled at the base of the magnificent Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna offers a blend of adventure, relaxation and breathtaking landscapes. Even though it’s close (as the bird flies), it will take a couple hours to reach La Fortuna from Monteverde – the roads traverse the mountain ranges and are a series of switchbacks and gravel. Take your time and enjoy the journey.
Check into your lodging and enjoy dinner in town. I recommend La Cascada for a casual, locally-owned dinner. This popular spot has been Tico-owned for years and has views of the volcano.
Day 9: Birding at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
If you’re one of the many people who took up birding in 2020, rise with the sun and visit the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park for a guided birding tour. A specialized guide will show you tropical birds and reptiles. You’ll have a chance to see different kinds of toucans, motmots, hummingbirds, parrots, snakes and more. Over 400 bird species have been sighted here.
The tour should conclude about 9:30 am. Afterwards, spend the remainder of the day soaking at one of the many hot springs located in town. Many resorts have developed hot springs with bars, restaurants and cabanas never too far away. Some offer day passes for outside guests with meals included — Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa is a notable spot. There are also free public hot springs easily found quickly googling “free natural hot springs river.” Bring river shoes and a few colones cash to tip the parking attendants. And never leave any valuables in your car.
You can also indulge in a massage at one of the many top-notch spas in the area. The Nayara Resorts Spa is potentially one of the most romantic. The resort features open-air spa cabanas overlooking the river and a private pool. They offer a variety of packages, including full-body massages, treatments, facials, and nail services.
Day 10: Volcanic adventures
Begin your exploration today with a visit to the iconic Arenal Volcano. Embark on a guided hike through the national park, traversing lava fields, vibrant forests and bubbling hot springs.
For the adventurous at heart, combine your hike with thrilling activities such as ATV rides, zip-lining, whitewater rafting or rappeling down cascading waterfalls.
If you didn’t get the chance yesterday, unwind after your adventures with a massage or hot spring soak.
Day 11: Luxurious wind-down
This part of your two week Costa Rica itinerary is all about relaxation. Enjoy the serene luxury of 5-star resorts that dot the Papagayo Peninsula, just an hour’s drive from Liberia Airport. Resorts offer shuttle services, meaning you can return your rental today or keep until departure.
Two dreamy destinations are The Four Seasons and the Andaz Papagayo, which see visitors return year after year. The Four Seasons just added a beach club and updated its golf course (while reducing water usage). The newly introduced Wellness Shala spa features treatments that use local coconut, cocao, and volcanic clay.
On your return journey to Papagayo from La Fortuna, make a pit stop at Tom’s Pan German Bakery. Order fresh coffee and pastries like mango and guava strudels. The roads between La Fortuna and the Papagayo Peninsula are generally well-paved, particularly near the airport, so you can unwind and enjoy the drive with some good tunes.
Check into your lodging and get ready to flop and relish the last couple of days in your Costa Rican adventure. You’ve done a lot!
Days 12 & 13: Lazy Days by the Beach
Relax and unwind in pure luxury at your resort. Indulge in a soothing massage, take leisurely beach strolls, and enjoy a picturesque beachside picnic. These two days, the world is your oyster! You are on holiday, after all.
Explore the calm waters with a kayak or paddle board excursion, basking in the warm Costa Rican sun. The only appointment you have is sunset cocktail hour.
Day 14: Farewell to Pura Vida
On departure day, bid farewell to the enchanting paradise of Costa Rica. Be proud of accomplishing the dreamy two week Costa Rica itinerary!
If you opted to return your rental car, a convenient transfer service will be arranged to take you to the airport. If you still have your rental, take the leisurely drive to Liberia Airport, reminiscing about the incredible memories you’ve made on your journey. Pura Vida!
