2 Weeks in Costa Rica - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Luxury Costa Rica Highlights: Caribbean to Pacific

Uncover the best of Costa Rica's diverse landscapes on this luxury highlights adventure, crafted for first-time visitors eager to pack in the activities while still enjoying their creature comforts. Between 5-star stays in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio, you'll hike, mountain bike, cruise, snorkel, cook, and relax on pristine beaches. Then, top off your trip with a thrilling night in San José, sampling fine Costa Rican cuisine and top wines. 

Welcome to Costa Rica! Your luxury journey begins with a seamless transfer from San José to the Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Check into the 5-star Aguas Claras and spend the following days lazing on the sands of Playa Chiquita, learning new skills alongside an esteemed chef, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Cahuita National Park. Then, on Day 5, it's time to head inland to La Fortuna. Dedicate your three-day stay to relaxing and thrilling experiences, such as soaking in the Eco Termales Hot Springs, exploring the Arenal Hanging Bridges, and mountain biking around Lake Arenal. 

Midway through your adventure, settle into a bungalow at Koora Hotel tucked in the iconic Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Spend your first evening hiking alongside a guide in Tenorio Volcano National Park, then head to the San Lucas boutique hotel for a unique treetop dining experience. Manuel Antonio is featured next on your itinerary, where you'll join a guide for a private hike in Manuel Antonio National Park and devote a day to sailing and snorkeling in Biesanz Bay. Lastly, transfer to San José to celebrate the end of your grand adventure and catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Off-the-Beaten-Path Luxury in Costa Rica: Puerto Viejo to Jacó

Take the reins with a rental car and discover the luxury side of Costa Rica on this expertly curated road trip. Ideal for those who enjoy keeping on the move and tackling activities that go off the popular tourist track, you'll embark on a canyoning adventure in Turrialba, hike through the cloud forest in San Gerardo de Dota, snorkel in Caño Island Biological Reserve, and take a surf lesson in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Additionally, after full and exciting days, you'll savor serene evenings in lavish 4 and 5-star accommodations, ensuring you wake up refreshed and eager for the next adventure.

After arriving in San José and spending a night indulging in Barrio Escalante neighborhood's finest foods, you'll fly to Limón. Collect your premium rental car and head to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, where you'll check into the 4-star Aguas Claras for four nights. Throughout your stay, tick off exclusive activities like an Afro-Caribeean cooking class, a full-day outing in Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve, a surf lesson on Playa Salsa Brava, and a visit to the Jaguar Animal Rescue Center. Then, continue your road trip inland to Turrialba, the ideal base to visit a local cacao plantation and embark on a canyoning adventure. 

Eager for more excitement, your next stop in San Gerardo de Dota promises to do the trick, with a coffee farm visit, a cloud forest hike, and a spa night on the agenda. Then, it's time to trade the highlands for golden sand beaches. Drive to the seaside town of Uvita for three days of fun water-focused activities, including a horseback ride to the enchanting Nauyaca Waterfalls, a snorkeling trip to Caño Island Biological Reserve, and a hiking and boating tour in Marino Ballena National Park. With your trip winding down, detour to Manuel Antonio National Park before returning to San José. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Luxury Costa Rica Discovery: Forests, National Parks & Beaches

Focusing on the Pacific coast, this luxury discovery trip is perfect for nature and wildlife-loving travelers who enjoy a mix of exploring on their own and guided tours. Featuring Costa Rica's diverse landscapes, paired with accommodations selected for their comfort and incredible locations, you'll hike through Corcovado National Park, surf off Marino Ballena's shores, and zipline in Arenal Volcano National Park. Between, devote evenings to decadent spa treatments, soak in natural hot springs, and relax while boating along the southern coast.

Your two-week luxury trip begins in the bustling city of San José, where you'll delve into its highlights during a privately guided tour. Then, board a flight bound for Drake Bay, located on the Osa Peninsula, and settle in for three days of exploration. Using the lavish SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge as your base, you'll snorkel in Caño Island Biological Reserve, embark on a night hike, and trek in Corcovado National Park. Next, continue to Uvita for a memorable day hiking and boating in Marino Ballena National Park before heading up the coast to Manuel Antonio National Park.

During your stay in Manuel Antonio, you'll swim at the picturesque Nauyaca Waterfalls, trek in search of wildlife, and kayak through the Damas Island Estuary Reserve. Next, drive inland to Monteverde and check into your luxury hotel, Senda Montverde Boutique. Spend the evening and the following day hiking in search of rare and exotic birds before continuing to La Fortuna. Over your final four days, there's plenty to pack in, including a cruise along the Río Peñas Blancas, a ziplining adventure, and a trek to the famous Arenal Hanging Bridges until a return drive to San José marks the end of your trip. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Luxury Costa Rica Wildlife Tour

Experience the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica on this luxury wildlife and nature-focused tour, featuring stops in Tortuguero, Sarapique, Boca Tapada, and Corcovado National Park. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, your adventure includes tarpon fishing, rainforest night hikes, wildlife-watching excursions, and snorkeling adventures in tropical fish-filled waters. Other notable highlights include a stay in the secluded Tortuga Lodge & Gardens and a boat trip along the Río Sarapiquí, each allowing you an up-close view of Costa Rica's unique wildlife.

Upon landing in San José, take a day to shrug off jet lag while exploring the lively city on foot before transferring by private boat to Tortuguero. Unpack your bags at the secluded Tortuga Lodge & Gardens, which will be your base for three nights as you cruise the canals of Tortuguero National Park, hike Manatus Hotel Trails by flashlight, and test your luck tarpon fishing in Tortuguero Conservation Area. Next, transfer west to Sarapiquí, where you'll discover the secrets of chocolate making, boat down the Río Sarapiquí with a naturalist, and hike through a preserved slice of the rainforest. 

On the morning of Day 7, journey north to Boca Tapada and dedicate three days to exploring this unspoiled paradise. Spend a morning bird-watching in Maquenque, embark on a private kayak safari, and boat along the Río San Carlos. Then, with four days left, continue to Corcovado National Park and check into Copa De Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort. While here, embark on a guided hike to the San Pedrillo Ranger Station, snorkel in Caño Island Biological Reserve, and round off your adventure by trekking and boating around the Sirena Biological Station before catching a flight back to San José. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Luxury Birding Adventure in Costa Rica

Created with birders in mind, this adventure through Costa Rica ensures an up-close view of the country's rare and exotic bird species. Starting with a three-night stay in the renowned Rancho Naturalista, you'll seek out toucans, antbirds, woodcreepers, and more with the help of private guides. Then, test your luck at spotting subbitterns and snow cotingas in Tirimbina, motmots in Arenal, and the iconic scarlet macaw in Carara National Park. There's also plenty of time to relax at idyllic accommodations and book in for a spa treatment or two.

Straight off the plane in San José, you'll collect your rental car, drive to Turrialba, and check into one of the top birding lodges in Central America—Rancho Naturalista. With three days based here, you'll have time to embark on numerous private bird-watching tours, whitewater raft on the Río Pacuare, and explore Aquiares Estate, a historic coffee farm. Your adventure continues to Sarapiquí, where more thrilling bird-watching excursions await, along with a night hike and free time to relax at your ecolodge. Then, after a scenic drive to La Fortuna, check into the 5-star Nayara Springs for a three-night stay.

Spend your days in La Fortuna sng out exotic birds, relaxing in the Eco Termales Hot Springs, and conquering the Hanging Bridges hike. Then, hit the road to Monteverde, wedged in the wild Tilaran Mountain Range, where you'll join an exclusive bat tour in a jungle enclosure, hike on a suspended bridge through Selvatura, and delight in a luxury treetop dining experience. Your final overnight destination is Tárcoles, a small town known for its macaw population and giant crocodiles. Enjoy a two-night stay in the 5-star Hotel Villa Caletas and set aside a day to explore Carara National Park before driving back to San José. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Costa Rica Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these other two-week Costa Rica itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.