Forget about enjoying all the highlights of Costa Rica on your own. In sharp contrast to other Central American countries, the Ticos (as they are called) have actually organized themselves and are ready for tourists!
Where to start?
Basically there are three regular land entrances into Costa Rica. Penas Blancas is the land border on the western side of Nicaragua. In that case, it might be very wise to travel towards the capital San Jose but leave the road early and go to Monteverder cloud forest.
The second land border is more towards the eastern part of Nicaragua. From Los Chiles we would recommend going to La Fortuna and enjoy the Arenal volcano area. If you come from Panama, the Chirripo mountain range would be one of the few highlights you could start with. And finally, if you come by plane, you have all the options above, and more.
Where should I definitely go?
The three highlights mentioned above are all definitely worth your time. Manuel Antonio national park, am three hour bus drive from the capital, is the most popular natural reserve in the country (but can get very crowded). That one is located on the Pacific coast. Unfortunately enough, the biggest draw is located on the Caribbean coast. Tortuguero is mainly known for its incredible birdlife.
What more options are there?
If you are into hiking, Chirripo (mentioned above) is a relatively accessible option. If you want to go deeper into the jungle, on the southwestern peninsula of Corcovado is another national park. In the San Jose area is volcan Poas, which is served by one bus a day and otherwise can be reached by rental car or taxi. Check in advance though, because it has become active again in recent years and visits are limited.
So what about the capital?
Not the prettiest, but actually quite lively. It is relatively safe, has some good museums and especially on the eastern edge of the center some funky neighborhoods (Los Yoses and San Pedro amongst them). If you are into street art, San Jose will treat you quite nicely.
| Location | 7 day trip | 14 day trip | 28 day trip |
| San Jose | 1 day in the city (museums and walks) | 1 day Museums 1 day walk around 1 day Volcan Poas |
1 day museums 1 day walk around 1 day Valle Orosi |
| Arenal | 1 day hiking 1 day at lake |
1 day hiking 1 day at lake |
2 days hiking 1 day at lake |
| Tortuguero | 2 days sightseeing | 2 days sightseeing | 2 days sightseeing 2 days visit Puerto Viejo |
| Manuel Antonio | 1 daytrip | 1 day park 1 day relax at beach |
1 day park 2 days relax at beach |
| Monteverde | – | 1 day travel 2 days cloud forests 1 day back to SJ |
1 day travel 2 days cloud forests 1 day hike / ziplining 1 day back to SJ |
| Chirripo & Corcovado | – | – | 1 day travel to 3 days trek Chirripo 1 day to Corcovado 3 days trek 1 day back |
| Arrival / departure | 1 | 1 | 1 |
If you need help putting the different ‘building blocks’ together, don’t hesitate to reach out!