How to see the best of Costa Rica in 2 weeks

When to visit Costa Rica 

I visited Costa Rica in September, which is known for being a wetter time of year to visit. Despite seeing the odd thunderstorm, the weather conditions had no negative impact on my holiday and the landscape was beautifully green. 

I saw loads of wildlife and, being low season, it was an affordable month to travel with fewer tourists. However, Costa Rica can also be more humid in September than at other times of the year, so that’s something to bear in mind when you’re planning your trip.

Days 1-2: San Jose 

My journey began in the heart of Costa Rica, San Jose. This lively city is a vibrant hub of culture and history. If your flight arrives early enough, you can explore the National Theatre and the Gold Museum on your first day, which showcases the country's rich pre-Colombian heritage. Stroll through busy markets, savour the local cuisine, and experience the warm hospitality of the Ticos, as the locals are affectionately known. 

I spent two nights in San Jose. On the second day, I went white water rafting on the Pacuare River. This was a long day, but it was worth it to experience the Grade 3 and 4 rapids on what is currently ranked among the top five rivers in the world for rafting. There’s also a fantastic craft beer scene in the city, with some great microbreweries. This was a lovely surprise!

Days 3-4: Tortuguero National Park 

From San Jose, I set off on the journey to Tortuguero. Nestled on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, this remote village is a haven for sea turtles. Tortuguero National Park boasts lush rainforests, winding canals, and miles of pristine coastline. Boat tours along the canals offer the chance to spot exotic wildlife like howler monkeys, river otters, sloths, caimans, and even the ever-elusive jaguar. 

During my stay, I was lucky enough to see the awe-inspiring spectacle of sea turtles nesting, and this became a highlight of my whole trip. Turtle nesting season runs from March to October, so be sure to plan your trip at the right time of year.

Days 5-6: La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano 

Next, I headed west to La Fortuna, a must-visit destination that is home to the majestic Arenal Volcano. This active volcano provides a dramatic backdrop for the hot springs and lush rainforests scattered around La Fortuna. Here, you can soak in natural thermal pools and explore the hanging bridges of the Arenal Sky Walk. 

If you’re an adventure seeker, you can try a whole host of activities like zip-lining and waterfall rappelling in the area. I visited the La Fortuna Waterfall, which is easy to get down to, but climbing the 500 steps back up to the car park is another story. The hot springs at Tabacon Thermal Resort are fantastic and provide the perfect place to recover from all the hiking.

Days 7-8: Monteverde Cloud Forest 

A few hours from La Fortuna, Monteverde is a mystical cloud forest packed with flora and fauna. This high-altitude paradise is home to abundant wildlife and rich biodiversity. Don't miss the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, with the thrilling Sky Tram and Sky Trek, for breathtaking views across the canopy. At the reserve, you can also learn about sustainability and find out what Costa Rica is doing to protect its natural environment.

 While I was in the area, I also visited a coffee plantation, cacao and cane sugar plantation, which was an interesting experience. However, my personal highlight at Monteverde was a guided night tour, where I spotted nocturnal creatures including a sleeping toucan and a striped pit viper.

Days 9-10 Manuel Antonio National Park 

Moving towards the Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio National Park offers pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife. The park's trails lead to secluded coves and viewpoints for spotting capuchin monkeys, sloths, and brilliantly coloured birds. If you're lucky, you may see agoutis, white-tailed deer, racoons, and coatis. It is worth having a guide to maximise your chances of seeing wildlife. 

You can also relax on the palm-fringed beaches or enjoy water activities like snorkelling and kayaking. The hiking trails are well signposted and there are changing rooms with outdoor showers scattered across the park.

Days 11-14 Osa Peninsula 

My journey ended in the wild and remote Osa Peninsula, a biodiverse hotspot home to humpback whales from August to October and December to April. Corcovado National Park is the crown jewel of the region, boasting untamed jungles, untouched beaches, and abundant wildlife. You can hike through dense forests to spot jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, and macaws, or unwind on deserted beaches.

In the area, you’ll find eco-lodges located across several national parks. These eco-lodges offer unique opportunities for sustainable travel and immersive local experiences. I visited in September and was lucky to see a pod of humpback whales swimming very close to the shore. I even saw one from my lodge.

My thoughts about Costa Rica 

Whilst my highlights of Costa Rica were easily the wildlife and the scenery, I also really enjoyed the food throughout the trip. It’s a great destination for travellers of all ages, and you can cover a lot of ground in Costa Rica in 2 weeks. 

It can be difficult to squeeze your must-sees into your first visit to a country, however, I feel that I experienced all the key destinations. In just a fortnight, I travelled from the Caribbean to the Pacific Ocean via volcanoes and cloud forests. It was a trip packed with variety.

Ready to plan a trip to Costa Rica? 

We're experts at creating tailor-made holidays in Costa Rica packed with personal touches and local experiences. We'll give you first-hand advice, helping you get the most out of your trip. Whether you're setting off on a family holiday, planning a Costa Rica honeymoon or building a round the world trip, we can help. To get started, give us a call on 1273 320 580 or send us a quote request by email.

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