16 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Discover the Best of Costa Rica 

Offering a mix of outdoor adventures, relaxation, and cultural experiences, this 16-day itinerary features volcano hikes, hot springs, a canopy tour, an excursion on horseback, whitewater rafting, and a boat tour.

Welcome to Costa Rica! Begin the trip in La Fortuna, where you'll hike around Arenal Volcano, dip in nearby hot springs, and spot sloths in the wild. Then it's off to Monteverde for horseback riding and ziplining in the cloud forest. Continue to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca for a whitewater rafting adventure on the Río Pacuare and a visit to the Jaguar Rescue Center.

You'll spend most of the second week in and around Tortuguero National Park. Hike to the top of Cerro Tortuguero for sweeping views over the surrounding landscapes, go for a boat ride on the park's lush waterways, and learn about indigenous cultures during guided visits to two local villages. You'll head back to San José for an afternoon and evening of sightseeing before the trip ends. Learn more

Check out the Ultimate Guide to Tortuguero National Park.

Itinerary #2: Road Trip to Arenal & the Nicoya Peninsula

Drive yourself to Costa Rica's rainforests, volcanoes, and Pacific beaches on this self-guided 16-day adventure that includes whitewater rafting excursions and time to relax in laid-back surf towns. 

After arrival in Liberia, the first few days of the trip take you to Arenal for a mix of adventure and relaxation. Soak in hot springs, zipline through the jungle, swim in a waterfall, and learn about how chocolate is made during a hands-on tour. On day five, you'll drive to the beach of Playa Tamarindo for a surf lesson and a sunset cruise. Try whitewater rafting on the Tenorio River, then go on a mangrove tour in Nosara.

For the final part of the trip, you'll head to Santa Teresa, known for its pristine beaches and lively surf culture. The area offers a special highlight: an evening bioluminescent tour of the bay that starts with a short sea kayaking excursion from the Curú Wildlife Refuge to Quesera Beach, then a sunset picnic with drinks. Take a surfing lesson at the end of the trip, or go horseback riding or hiking near the beach. Learn more

Read more about the Best Things to Do on the Nicoya Peninsula.

Itinerary #3: Wildlife Luxury Adventure in Arenal, Monteverde & the Osa Peninsula

See Costa Rica in style, enjoying excursions with private guides and overnight stays in luxury hotels on this wide-ranging 16-day trip around the Osa Peninsula, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde, and Arenal Volcano.

After a day exploring San José, travel to Drake Bay for birdwatching, hiking, and snorkeling at Isla del Caño Biological Reserve. You'll have another chance to snorkel at Manuel Antonio National Park, where you'll also go on a sailing trip and learn to surf. Continue to Monteverde for a guided nighttime nature hike and horseback riding in the cloud forest.

The itinerary takes you to La Fortuna next. Hike along the beautiful Rio Celeste and explore Tenorio Volcano National Park, then take the chance to try canyoning—also known as waterfall rappelling—before relaxing in natural hot springs. You'll walk along the famous Hanging Bridges and learn about wildlife conservation at Proyecto Asis before returning to San José for one last night on the town. Learn more

Explore more luxury adventures in Costa Rica here.

Itinerary #4: Explore Culture & Nature in Costa Rica 

Learn about Costa Rica's cultural traditions and natural highlights on this 16-day itinerary that includes visits to indigenous communities and plenty of opportunities to spot sloths in their natural habitat.

Hit the ground running in San José with a city tour. On day three, transfer to the Turrialba Volcano region for a local farm experience, a trip to the volcano, and a coffee tour. Move onto the Caribbean coast on day five and relax during sunset at the beach in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, then transfer to Bambú and take a boat ride to the village of Yorkín, home to the indigenous Bribri people. 

The next day, transfer to Tortuguero National Park for a canoe tour and the chance to spot sloths, howler and capuchin monkeys, and 300 species of birds in the wild. Move onto Arenal Volcano and learn about life on a sustainable farm near the village of Agua Azul. Finish up the trip at Rincón de la Vieja National Park and experience what it's like to live like a cowboy during a full-day excursion to rural Hacienda Guachipelin. Learn more

Discover more adventures in Rincón de la Vieja National Park.

Itinerary #5: Luxury, Wellness & Adventure in Costa Rica 

Treat yourself—and challenge yourself—on this 16-day luxury tour of Costa Rica featuring wellness experiences and thrilling outdoor adventures from Arenal Volcano to the wild Pacuare River to idyllic Pacific beaches.  

When you land in Costa Rica, you'll immediately transfer to The Retreat, a luxury wellness center on the slopes of a mountain just outside Atenas. Practice yoga and get a massage during the retreat's luxurious wellness experience. The next day, check into the high-end Pacuare River Lodge, then go for a naturalist-led tour. Go rafting on day five, followed by a waterfall hike with a private guide in Bajos del Toro on day six.

As the second week of the trip begins, continue onto Arenal to go for a dip in the Tabacón Hot Springs and learn about the chocolate-making process. Head to the Pacific Coast, where you'll stay at Alma del Pacífico Beach Hotel & Spa on the beach at Playa Esterillos. Go canoeing or kayaking with your guide, then move on to San Isidro del General, where you'll be staying at the luxurious Hacienda Altagracia. You'll spend the last night of the itinerary at the five-star Xandari Resort and Spa outside Alajuela. Learn more

Read more here about rafting on the Río Pacuare.

Itinerary #6: Rafting, Rappelling, & Hiking in Costa Rica

Outdoorsy travelers love this action-packed 16-day itinerary that leads you around the beaches, rivers, and rainforests of Costa Rica for whitewater rafting, surfing, hiking, and ziplining over the jungle canopy.

After a day and night in San José, the adventure begins in the wilderness. You'll go rafting on the Río Pacuare river and have a day of hiking in the jungle. On day four, arrive in Arenal Volcano National Park, where you'll hike to Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna waterfall. The following day, try out waterfall rappelling—also known as canyoning, one of the most popular adventure sports in the country—in the national park.

Transfer from Arenal to the Gulf of Papagayo and enjoy a sunset catamaran sail in Guanacaste. The next day, go rafting on the Tenorio River or hike a jungle trail in Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Next up is a stop in Monteverde for a ziplining adventure in the cloud forest. You'll end the trip with sailing, snorkeling, and surfing in Manuel Antonio National Park. Learn more

Read the Ultimate Guide to Manuel Antonio National Park.

More Great Costa Rica Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these other Costa Rica itineraries, explore different ways to spend 16 days in Costa Rica, or discover the best time to visit Costa Rica.