Photo: Contiki
Hot, exotic, and totally majestic, we’re talking about Costa Rica of course – and if you’re interested in visiting this island paradise then we have the perfect Costa Rica itinerary for you!
9 days filled with jungles, national parks, waterfalls, volcanoes, and beaches – what more could you ask for, honestly? Equipped with a stellar crew of new besties from around the world, you’ll fall in love with the natural beauty and the people.
Day 1 – San Jose to Arenal
Hello and goodbye San Jose, we’re kicking off this Costa Rica adventure strong as we’re heading to Arenal, a volcano national park (!!!!), with a stop off at Sarapiqui. This is our first taste of Costa Rican adventure, and Sarapiqui is perfect – there’s water rafting down rivers, and bridges and paths through thick jungle. Totally stunning.
But the real gem of the day is Arenal, one of the most incredible volcanoes in Costa Rica. Framed by hot springs which have healing properties, and the most lush jungle landscapes, we’d say this is a pretty magical start to your Costa Rica itinerary.
Image source:Rikin Katyal / unsplash
Day 2 – Arenal
Day two starts with more adventure. Spot the syrupy sunrise early in the morning as the sun graces Arenal and its surroundings with light, and get ready to have the most wonderful day ever. Hike to the iconic La Fortuna waterfall where you can get a sexy selfie under the spray or in the turquoise water, and then choose to go canyoneering or take a dip in the natural hot springs for some extra fun.
The day is yours.
Day 3 – Arenal to Playa Tamarindo
We’re leaving the jungle behind for now (don’t worry, we’ll be back), and hitting up the beach instead! Palm trees, crystal water, good food, and fruity drinks, total bliss, right? Playa Tamarindo is the beautiful country’s number one party and surf destination, so expect plenty of good vibes along the golden sand.
If you’re feeling like a pick-me-up, we’ll also be discovering how local Costa Rican chocolate is made, and taste testing some delicious samples.
Image source:Jeffrey Eisen / unsplash
Day 4 – Playa Tamarindo
A beach day for you and your best friends is the next step in your Costa Rica itinerary. Lather that sunscreen on and get yourself on the sand or playing mermaids in the sea. You can take a catamaran cruise and enjoy some drinks in the hot sun, or get active and learn a new skill by taking a surfing class! It’s all up to you, and there are no wrong choices.
Day 5 – Playa Tamarindo to Monteverde
We’re leaving the coast and making our way to the mountains and more national parks. Monteverde is misty and magical – you can spot some incredible wildlife and clear your lungs with fresh air. It’s lush and it’s green, in a way that you’ve never seen anything by lush and green before (that makes sense, you get it). Keep your eyes peeled for iridescent butterflies and colourful birds of paradise, and even little monkeys and other mammals.
Today we’ll also be getting a taste of Costa Rican culture and history by taking the Diria Coffee Tour, visiting coffee plantations and discovering how this local business strives to keep the balance between tourism and the natural environment, and of course provide much-needed caffeinated drinks.
Image source:Dulce Wilson / unsplash
Day 6 – Monteverde
High up in the mountains prepare for more adventure. We’ll visit the area’s iconic Cloud Forest which is just as dreamy as it sounds. And you can even choose to go shooting through it with some zipline fun! Or, just walk normally across the hanging bridges. Peace and relaxation will be yours as we approach the end of our Costa Rica itinerary.
Day 7 – Monteverde to Jaco
We’re saying goodbye to Monteverde today, but before we leave we’re giving you a chance to leave your mark. On this trip’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll be spending some time with SINAC, a local organisation which works to preserve the local forests by planting trees and protecting them. And guess what? You’ll be able to plant your own tree and even name it! Now you’ll have a connection with Costa Rica forever.
After that, we’re heading back to the coasts for some more beach fun in Jaco. Surf, party, drink and enjoy some delicious Costa Rican food. Just make sure to soak it all up.
Image source:Contiki
Day 8 – Jaco
Rise and shine, we’re heading to the nearby Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio which includes one of the most stunning beaches you’ll ever see in your life – truly – as it’s flanked by a sea of palm trees on one side, and the literal sea on the other. White sand, glittering waters, hot sun, and friends all around you. Wow. There’s lots of really interesting biodiversity in the area, so you may learn a thing or two in between beach volleyball matches.
Day 9 – Jaco to San Jose
Sadly it’s the end of the road for now, and our Costa Rica itinerary comes to an end. But fear not, there are always plenty of reasons to come back and visit Costa Rica again (like on our wild Costa Rica National Parks trip – imagine this one, but even more jungles!).
