Lonely PlanetAug 15
4 Classic Itineraries for Costa Rica
These four itineraries tap into all of the big things tiny Costa Rica offers, from water sports to beachside yoga retreats to mountain adventures.
climb a giant strangler fig
17 things in this story
- Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso MonteverdeSighthome to 425 species of birds
- Finca Modelo EcológicaSightclimb a giant strangler fig
- Café de MonteverdeRestauranttour a sustainable coffee farm
- Elsewhere
- Mercado CentralMarketSan José, Costa Ricastart any great day with a traditional breakfast
- Teatro NacionalTheatreSan José, Costa Ricavisit after breakfast at Mercado Central
- La ManchaCaféSan José, Costa Ricastop for a caffeine fix
- Museo del JadeMuseumSan José, Costa Ricalearn about pre-Columbian history
- Barrio EscalanteNeighborhoodSan José, Costa Ricastroll for dinner at a bistro and drinks
- Tortuguero National ParkSightTortuguero, Costa Ricacruise canals in search of sloths, crocs, caimans
- Asociación de Guías de TortugueroPlaceTortuguero, Costa Ricaorganization of certified guides offering tours
- Volcán ArenalSightLa Fortuna, Costa Ricahike, bike, or horseback ride on its slopes
- El Salto waterfallSightTilarán, Costa Ricastop for lunch, stretch legs, and take a dip
- Parque Nacional Manuel AntonioSightManuel Antonio, Costa Ricahike through rainforest to pristine beaches
- Río PacuareTrailPacuare, Costa Ricawild river rafting trip with Class III-IV rapids
- Pacuare LodgeHotelPacuare, Costa Ricafabulous place for an overnight stay
- Parque Nacional CahuitaNature reserveCahuita, Costa Ricamarvel at the vast variety of life
- Playa CoclesSightPuerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Ricabeach for hopping