How to spend 3 weeks In Costa Rica - 5 itineraries

Choose from our five carefully crafted 3-week Costa Rica itineraries to uncover hidden gems, dive into thrilling activities, and relax amid stunning landscapes. Each itinerary is thoughtfully planned to give you an unforgettable introduction to Costa Rica’s natural beauty and eco-adventures.

Itinerary #1: Rainforest & Coast Expedition

Costa Rica’s natural wonders unfold over this 3-week adventure. Your journey begins in San José. On day 2, fly to Puerto Jiménez and transfer to Lapa Rios Ecolodge, where you’ll spend days 3 through 5 enjoying ecological excursions of your choice.

On Day six, immerse yourself in the culture of Los Bajos del Toro Amarillo, followed by early bird watching on day seven. On day eight, take a scenic horseback ride through the Bajos del Toro countryside.

Day nine marks a journey to your next destination. Day ten brings you to Manuel Antonio National Park. On day eleven, explore hidden coves by sea kayak, and day twelve offers a relaxing catamaran cruise along the coast.

You’ll return to San José on day thirteen. On day fourteen, head to Tortuguero National Park, known for its nesting turtles. Explore its winding canals by boat on day fifteen.

Next, on day sixteen, travel to the Arenal Volcano area. Hike through Arenal Volcano National Park on day seventeen and unwind in natural hot springs on day eighteen.

Days nineteen and twenty take you to the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you’ll discover its incredible biodiversity on guided walks. Return to San José on day twenty one, completing this unforgettable expedition.

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this Costa Rica itinerary for 3 weeks.

Day 1

• Arrival in San Jose.
• Overnight in San Jose.

Day 2

• Transfer to Puerto Jimenez.
• Overnight in Lapa Rios Ecolodge.

Day 3

• Excursions at Lapa Rios Lodge.
• Overnight in Lapa Rios Ecolodge.

Day 4

• Excursions at Lapa Rios Lodge.
• Overnight in Lapa Rios Ecolodge.

Day 5

• Excursions at Lapa Rios Lodge.
• Overnight in Lapa Rios Ecolodge.

Day 6

• The Los Bajos Cultural Experience.
• Overnight in Bajos Del Toro.

Day 7

• Daytime bird watching and horseback riding.
• Overnight in Bajos Del Toro.

Day 8

• Horseback riding.
• Overnight in Bajos Del Toro.

Day 9

• Transfer to Manuel Antonio.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 10

• Manuel Antonio National Park Tour.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 11

• Kayaking Tour.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 12

• Catamaran Cruise.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 13

• Transfer to San Jose.
• Overnight in San Jose.

Day 14

• Transfer to Tortuguero National Park.
• Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 15

• Exploring Tortuguero National Park.
• Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 16

• Transfer to Arenal Volcano National Park.
• Overnight in Arenal.

Day 17

• Hiking tour to Arenal Volcanoes National Park.
• Overnight in Arenal.

Day 18

• A day of relaxation at the Arenal hot springs.
• Overnight in Arenal.

Day 19

• Transfer to Monteverde Cloud Forest.
• Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 20

• Hiking tour of Monteverde National Park.
• Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 21

• Transfer and departure from San Jose.

Looking for a new experience? Book your trip now.

Not everyone has three weeks to spare—that’s why we offer shorter itineraries for Costa Rica too:

• 5 days in Costa Rica
• 7 days in Costa Rica
• 10 days in Costa Rica
• 14 days in Costa Rica

Itinerary #2: Wildlife Discovery & Pacific Retreat

Immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s rich ecosystems on this 3-week journey. Start in San José, then on day two, fly to Tortuguero. On day three, cruise the canals and spot wildlife, from turtles to tropical birds.

Day four brings you to the Arenal Volcano area. On day five, hike through Arenal Volcano National Park and unwind in natural hot springs on day six.

On day seven, head to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, exploring its lush beauty on guided walks on day eight. Day nine marks your transfer to Manuel Antonio National Park.

Spend day ten enjoying the park’s stunning beaches and abundant wildlife. On day eleven, embark on a sea kayaking adventure, and on day twelve, relax on a catamaran cruise along the Pacific coast.

Return to San José on day thirteen. Then, on day fourteen, fly to the Osa Peninsula to explore Corcovado National Park on guided tours. Day fifteen offers snorkeling and marine life exploration around Drake’s Bay.

On day sixteen, transfer to the Nicoya Peninsula. From the seventeenth to the twentieth day, relax on its unspoiled beaches, soaking in the tranquil vibes of the Pacific.

On day twenty, travel back to San José, and on day twenty one, it’s time to head home after an unforgettable adventure.

Rough Guides tip: Our content manager has personally traveled to Costa Rica and offers insights on what to consider when planning your trip. Rely on firsthand experience to make the most of your adventure.

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this Costa Rica itinerary for 3 weeks.

Day 1

• Arrival in San Jose.
• Overnight in San Jose.

Day 2

• Transfer to Tortuguero.
• Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 3

• Tortuguero Canal Exploration.
• Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 4

• Transfer to Arenal Volcano National Park.
• Overnight in Arenal.

Day 5

• Hiking in Arenal Volcanoes National Park.
• Overnight in Arenal.

Day 6

• A day of relaxation in the Arenal hot springs.
• Overnight in Arenal.

Day 7

• Transfer to Monteverde Cloud Forest.
• Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 8

• Monteverde Cloud Forest Exploration.
• Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 9

• Transfer to Manuel Antonio.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 10

• A day of rest.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 11

• Kayaking Tour.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 12

• Catamaran Cruise.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 13

• Transfer to San Jose.
• Overnight in San Jose.

Day 14

• Transfer to the Osa Peninsula and explore Corcovado National Park.
• Overnight in Osa

Day 15

• Drake's Bay exploration.
• Overnight in Drake Bay.

Day 16

• Transfer to Nicoya Peninsula.
• Overnight in Nicoya.

Day 17

• A day of rest.
• Overnight in Nicoya.

Day 18

• A day of rest.
• Overnight in Nicoya.

Day 19

• A day of rest.
• Overnight in Nicoya.

Day 20

• Transfer to San Jose.
• Overnight in San Jose.

Day 21

• Transfer and departure from San Jose.

Itinerary #3: Caribbean Bliss

Experience the best of Costa Rica’s mountains and Caribbean coast on this 3-week adventure. Start in San José, then on day two, travel to Tortuguero. Cruise through its lush canals on day three, where you’ll encounter abundant wildlife.

On day four, head to the Arenal Volcano area. Spend days five and six hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park and soaking in the natural hot springs.

On day seven, journey to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you’ll explore its unique flora and fauna on day eight. Day nine brings a transfer to Manuel Antonio National Park.

Relax on the golden beaches of Manuel Antonio on day ten. On day eleven, enjoy a sea kayaking trip through hidden coves, followed by a leisurely catamaran cruise on day twelve.

Return to San José on day thirteen, then dive into Caribbean culture in Puerto Viejo on day fourteen. Spend day fifteen unwinding on its idyllic beaches.

On day sixteen, visit Cahuita National Park, known for its tropical trails and abundant wildlife, which you’ll explore on day seventeen. Day eighteen marks a transfer to Bocas del Toro, Panama, where you’ll spend day nineteen discovering the archipelago’s beauty.

Return to San José on day twenty to prepare for your departure on day twenty one, concluding your tropical journey.

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this Costa Rica itinerary for 3 weeks.

Day 1

• Arrival in San Jose.
• Overnight in San Jose.

Day 2

• Transfer to Tortuguero.
• Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 3

• Tortuguero Canal Exploration.
• Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 4

• Transfer to Arenal Volcano National Park.
• Overnight in Arenal.

Day 5

• Hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park.
• Overnight in Arenal.

Day 6

• A day of relaxation in the Arenal hot springs.
• Overnight in Arenal.

Day 7

• Transfer to Monteverde Cloud Forest.
• Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 8

• Monteverde Cloud Forest Exploration.
• Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 9

• Transfer to Manuel Antonio.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 10

• A day at leisure.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 11

• Kayaking Tour.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 12

• Catamaran Cruise.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 13

• Transfer to San Jose.
• Overnight in San Jose.

Day 14

• Transfer to Puerto Viejo.
• Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

Day 15

• A day at leisure.
• Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

Day 16

• Transfer to Cahuita National Park.
• Overnight in Cahuita.

Day 17

• Cahuita National Park Tour.
• Overnight in Cahuita.

Day 18

• Transfer to Bocas del Toro.
• Overnight in Bocas del Toro.

Day 19

• Bocas del Toro Exploration.
• Overnight in Bocas del Toro.

Day 20

• Transfer to San Jose.
• Overnight in San Jose.

Day 21

• Transfer and Departure from San Jose.

Looking for a new experience? Book your trip now.

Itinerary #4: Volcanoes & Beaches of Costa Rica

Embark on a 3-week adventure through Costa Rica, where volcanoes meet tranquil shores. Your journey begins in San José, followed by a visit to the majestic Arenal Volcano on day two. On day three, explore the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park.

Day four is for unwinding in the natural hot springs, with the volcanic landscape as your backdrop. Then, on days five and six, venture into the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest.

On day seven, head to the coastal paradise of Manuel Antonio National Park. Day eight offers a relaxing day on the sandy beaches, before diving into a sea kayaking adventure on day nine.

On day ten, set sail on a catamaran through the azure waters of the Pacific. After returning to San José on day eleven, you’ll journey to Rincón de la Vieja on day twelve, where volcanic landscapes and geothermal wonders await.

On day fourteen, travel to the stunning Papagayo Peninsula, where day fifteen offers water sports and beach relaxation. The following day, day sixteen, takes you to Tamarindo Beach, a hotspot for surfing and vibrant beach life, which continues into day seventeen.

Days eighteen through twenty are at your leisure—perfect for relaxing or further exploring the coastal gems. On day twenty one, return to San José for your departure, concluding this unforgettable journey.

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this Costa Rica itinerary for 3 weeks.

Day 1

• Arrival in San Jose.
• Overnight in San Jose.

Day 2

• Transfer to Arenal Volcano National Park.
• Overnight in Arenal.

Day 3

• Hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park.
• Overnight in Arenal.

Day 4

• A day of relaxation at the Arenal hot springs.
• Overnight in Arenal.

Day 5

• Transfer to Monteverde Cloud Forest.
• Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 6

• Monteverde Cloud Forest Tour.
• Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 7

• Transfer to Manuel Antonio.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 8

• A day of leisure at Manuel Antonio.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 9

• Kayaking Adventure.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 10

• Catamaran Tour.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 11

• Returning to San Jose.
• Overnight in San Jose.

Day 12

• To Rincon de la Vieja.
• Overnight in Rincon de la Vieja.

Day 13

• Rincon de la Vieja Exploration.
• Overnight in Rincon de la Vieja.

Day 14

• Transfer to Papagayo Peninsula.
• Overnight in Papagayo.

Day 15

• A day at leisure on the Papagayo Peninsula.
• Overnight in Papagayo.

Day 16

• Transfer to Tamarindo Beach.
• Overnight in Tamarindo.

Day 17

• A day at leisure.
• Overnight in Tamarindo.

Day 18

• A day at leisure.
• Overnight in Tamarindo.

Day 19

• A day at leisure.
• Overnight in Tamarindo.

Day 20

• A day at leisure.
• Overnight in Tamarindo.

Day 21

• Transfer and departure from San Jose.

Interested? Don't miss the opportunity to book this trip now.

Itinerary #5: Coastal Adventure & Rainforest Retreat

Explore Costa Rica’s stunning coastlines and lush rainforests with this 3-week adventure. Your journey begins in San José, followed by a trip to Manuel Antonio National Park on day two. Day three is a day of relaxation, letting you soak up the park’s natural beauty.

On day four, paddle through the waves on a sea kayaking adventure, and on day five, embark on a scenic catamaran tour. Afterward, return to San José on day six.

On day seven, travel to Tortuguero, where on day eight, you’ll explore its hidden waterways and vibrant wildlife. Day nine takes you to the Arenal Volcano area.

Day ten is all about hiking the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park, followed by a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs on day eleven. On day twelve, head to the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest.

Spend day thirteen discovering the cloud forest’s rich biodiversity, then travel to the Osa Peninsula on day fourteen. Day fifteen is dedicated to exploring the wild beauty of Corcovado National Park.

On day sixteen, transfer to Drake Bay. The following day, day seventeen, brings you to Tamarindo Beach, where day eighteen offers a day of thrills with water sports and beachside fun.

On day nineteen, head to Rincón de la Vieja, where volcanic landscapes await. Day twenty takes you deeper into this volcanic region, revealing Costa Rica’s raw natural beauty. Your journey concludes on day twenty one with a transfer back to San José for your departure.

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this Costa Rica itinerary for 3 weeks.

Day 1

• Arrival in San Jose.
• Overnight in San Jose.

Day 2

• Transfer to Manuel Antonio.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 3

• A day of leisure at Manuel Antonio.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 4

• Kayaking Adventure.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 5

• Catamaran Tour.
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 6

• Returning to San Jose.
• Overnight in San Jose.

Day 7

• Transfer to Tortuguero.
• Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 8

• Tortuguero Canals Exploration.
• Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 9

• Transfer to Arenal.
• Overnight in Arenal.

Day 10

• Arenal Volcano National Park Exploration.
• Overnight in Arenal.

Day 11

• A day of relaxation at the Arenal hot springs.
• Overnight in Arenal.

Day 12

• Transfer to Monteverde Cloud Forest.
• Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 13

• Monteverde Cloud Forest.
• Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 14

• Transfer to the Osa Peninsula.
• Overnight in Osa.

Day 15

• Corcovado National Park Tour.
• Overnight in Osa.

Day 16

• Departure to Drake Bay.
• Overnight in Drake Bay.

Day 17

• Tamarindo Beach Day at leisure.
• Overnight in Drake Bay.

Day 18

• A day at leisure.
• Overnight in Drake Bay.

Day 19

• To Rincon de la Vieja.
• Overnight in Rincon de la Vieja.

Day 20

• Rincon de la Vieja Exploration.
• Overnight in Rincon de la Vieja.

Day 21

• Transfer and departure from San Jose.

Feeling curious? Take a step forward and book this trip now.

Just starting to plan your trip? Find out how many days are best to spend in Costa Rica depending on your goals.

For even more inspiration, check out The Rough Guide to Costa Rica. You can also browse our customized Costa Rica itineraries or chat with our local Costa Rica experts.