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.
stop for lunch, stretch legs, and take a dip
17 things in this story
- El Salto waterfallSightstop for lunch, stretch legs, and take a dip
- 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
- Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso MonteverdeSightMonteverde, Costa Ricahome to 425 species of birds
- Finca Modelo EcológicaSightMonteverde, Costa Ricaclimb a giant strangler fig
- Café de MonteverdeRestaurantMonteverde, Costa Ricatour a sustainable coffee farm
- 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