Nine to 10 days is a great length for a Costa Rica trip with stops in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Sámara. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as a week or eight days. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favorite itinerary extensions include Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio.

How many days do you need in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Sámara?

  • Most travelers spend 9-10 days in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Sámara combined
  • Visiting San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Sámara in 7 or 8 days is possible, but will feel rushed
  • With 11 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
  • The most common extensions are Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio

How Many Days to Spend in Monteverde
How Many Days to Spend in Arenal

Recommended Itineraries for San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Sámara

Recommended Itinerary for 9 Days

Monteverde Cloud Forest
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in San José San José
Day 2 Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River & Transfer to La Fortuna Arenal/La Fortuna
Day 3 Canyoning, Arenal Nature Walk & Hot Springs Arenal/La Fortuna
Day 4 Transfer to Monteverde, Horseback Riding in the Cloud Forest Monteverde
Day 5 Zipline Fun in the Cloud Forest Monteverde
Day 6 Transfer to Playa Sámara Sámara
Day 7 Ocean Kayaking or Surfing Lessons Sámara
Day 8 Transfer to San José & City Exploration San José
Day 9 Departure From Costa Rica  


Enjoy a few of the best outdoor highlights of Costa Rica on this nine-day adventure. Do some sightseeing in the capital city, then conquer the rapids on a rafting trip down the Río Pacuare before canyoning, heading out on a nature walk, and soaking in the hot springs around Arenal Volcano. Then, explore the cloud forest of Monteverde on horseback and zipline through the canopy. The trip concludes with surfing, snorkeling, and relaxation on Playa Sámara before returning to San José. Read more

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Extended Itineraries

13-Day Itinerary Including Tamarindo

Pacific coastline on the Nicoya Peninsula
Pacific coastline on the Nicoya Peninsula
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in San José, Explore San José
Day 2 Pick Up Rental Car, Drive to Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs Arenal/La Fortuna
Day 3 Waterfall Hike & Cooking Class Arenal/La Fortuna
Day 4 Whitewater Rafting on the Sarapiquí River Arenal/La Fortuna
Day 5 Drive to Monteverde, Nocturnal Nature Walk Monteverde
Day 6 Zipline Fun in the Cloud Forest Monteverde
Day 7 Drive to Playa Sámara  Sámara
Day 8 Explore Isla Chora Sámara
Day 9 Sámara: Barra Honda Cave Spelunking Sámara
Day 10 Sámara to Tamarindo (Self Drive) Tamarindo
Day 11 Free Morning, Afternoon Snorkel & Sunset Catamaran Cruise Tamarindo
Day 12 Drive to Liberia Liberia
Day 13 Depart Liberia  


This self-guided road trip is ideal for those who love nature. You'll visit the country's highlights, from the infamous Arenal volcano to the misty cloud forest to the beautiful beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula. Along the way, you'll sail through trees on ziplines, swim in waterfalls, and also have a chance to spot wildlife (from monkeys to the resplendent quetzel) on naturalist lead walks. Read more

How to travel between San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Sámara

How to get from San José to Monteverde
While the 83 miles (133 km) of Costa Rica between San José and Monteverde may look short, the landscape makes the hilly, scenic trip between them at least three hours long. The best option for transportation is via car—by shuttle specifically. Allowing someone else to drive is the most popular and efficient way to get to Monteverde's remote cloud forest area. Read more

How to get from San José to Arenal/La Fortuna
In about an hour, visitors from San José can be amid the volcanic splendor of Arenal/La Fortuna. The most direct mode of transportation is a domestic flight to Arenal Airport. A few carriers operate these daily flights, so you can fly out of San José International or Tobias Bolanos Airport. Most people come to this area for its famous volcano, but this guide will give you insight into other highlights and activities. Read more

How to get from Monteverde to Playa Sámara
Monteverde is only 88 miles (142 km) from Playa Sámara, but the short distance is deceiving. Both the provinces of Puntarenas and Guanacaste have some rough terrain, which pushes all roads to the area where the Pan-American Highway runs just north of the town of Puntarenas and heads into Guanacaste. Read more

Map

Map of San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Sámara: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Sámara: Best Itinerary Ideas