On the whole its not the healthiest, so have a bite here and save room for more meals. Take the amount you know youll be needing for your days trip and maybe a bit extra in case of emergency. You can perfectly stay at the same hotel. 8 days itinerary: Playas del Coco and La Fortuna. They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE. Swapping the underwater jungle for its land equivalent, trek through the foothills of Arenal Volcano, bathe in the hot springsand further discover the region by means of canopy walkways hanging high above the forest floor and raftingtrips along the Sarapiqui River. Carara is flat and its trails short (three are under a mile, the other is 2.5 miles); the .8-mile Universal Access trail is smooth and paved for wheelchair and stroller use. This makes it the most populated city in Costa Rica. The exterior of Tienda ee belies all the cool products within. Check out vacation rentals in Costa Rica for more accommodation inspo! Weatherspark. This will ensure an authentic jungle experience! Sep 17, 2019,02:37pm EDT Listen to article This. You can visit a museum in the morning after breakfast. Day 1 - Arrive in Guanacaste via Liberia International Airport Day 2 - Guanacaste (Optional stop at Rincon De La Vieja National Park) Day 3 - Tenorio Volcano National Park (Optional stop at Monteverde Cloud Forest) Day 4 - Arrive in La Fortuna Day 5 - Spend a day in La Fortuna Day 6 - Arrive in San Jose. A two-week Costa Rica itinerary will guarantee you see everything the country has to offer. Some businesses may temporarily close during September and October due to heavier rains, so always call ahead. No matter what time of year you decide to indulge your senses with a vacation to Costa Rica, youll be in for a treat! This tropical country will have you coming back for more in a flash! Its about a 1 hour guided tour and youll have plenty of time to pack up and get ready to move to your next hotel. Tours, which are included in admission, run daily, every hour from 9am-4pm. Sit back and relax in the bubbling hot springs while enjoying the luscious vegetation that surrounds the springs! Exterior National Theater. You might be lucky enough to spot monkeys and butterflies during your trip down the river. Best Day Trip for nature: Tortuga Island. December 2020. If youre traveling with a group, it may be a good idea to hire a tour bus or tour van that will take care of all your transport needs while in Costa Rica! Extend your 5-day Costa Rica trip to a week-long adventure in the country and you can linger a little longer in a favorite destination. If you have the privilege of spending a weekend in Costa Rica, here are a few things you should add to your itinerary. You can see this in 1-2 hours as well. Backed by rolling green hills and mist-shrouded mountains is the striking Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen. With a guide, youll learn more about the culture and history. With many adventure activities as well as more relaxed tours for nature lovers, theres no lack of entertainment! Unbelievable though it may at first seem, a 5-day Costa Rica tripis enough time to head out to a couple of the countrys finest national parks where thrills, spills, and wildlife encounters are all an everyday occurrence. This Costa Rica 6-day itinerary is perfect for kids and adults alike! September, October and November are quite rainy months so you must come prepared for rain and colder weather. A popular surfing beach. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Another option is the Arenal Volcano day tour. The Diquis Del Sur has a pool open to all the guests and each dwelling has a view of the jungle-like garden that gives it a very Costa Rican feel. There is a great self-drive itinerary for families, too. Itineraries that include a couple of days in Monteverde alongside a couple of days each in Tamarindo and/or the Manuel Antonio . In short, Monteverde is worth the trip and a must-visit location for your Costa Rica itinerary. United States Forums; Europe Forums; Canada Forums; Travel with peace of mind. Both parks have cheerful and knowledgeable naturalist guides available for tours. It's open from Monday to Sunday, between 8 am and 6 pm. read more, 10 days in Costa Rica gives visitors a chance As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. Keep your money in a secure bag with a zipper that you carry with you at all times! San Jose. However, there are plenty of things found at the market worth their price. Liliana Tagini and Yara Mourelo stock the wares of more than 60 Tico designers whose bags, shoes, leather-bound notebooks, toys, jewelry, and clothing fill the shelves. Contact our travel experts for a customized trip to Costa Rica. Although the exterior of this church is rather plain, it houses wood carvings, cherub statues, and stained glass windows and is incredibly beautiful no matter your religious disposition. You can expect to see black turtles and if youre very lucky, a rare glimpse at the elusive leatherback turtle. After visiting the Islands you will stop for lunch at the San Fernando Island where youll eat fresh fish straight from the lake. In the afternoon, we recommend to check out the Central Market and the Municipal Craft Market. From sunning yourself on the alluring Caribbean and Pacific coasts, trekking through the central American jungle in search of exotic native wildlife, or paddling some of the best whitewater in the world, theres a Costa Rica trip for everyone with plenty of exciting things to do in the country. Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images). San Jose is in a central location in the country. This region is also one of the coffee-producing regions. This zipline tour contains 11 platforms, so therell be no shortage of opportunity to show off your Tarzan moves! The main focus of this tour is to give visitors a chance to experience the most unknown parts of the forest. Spot monkeys and toucans in the wildand sleep in luxury hotels and lodges every nighton this thrilling 10-day itinerary around Arenal, Monteverde, and the remote Osa Peninsula. Agree with Hattie, really not worth spending much time in San Jose. Had the, Published by Sofie, Whether youve got just a few days or are lucky enough to have a couple of weeks, the entire year is the best time to visit Costa Rica, with the best itinerary will be sure to fit in the full gamut of experiences! Free open Wi-Fi is not that readily available in the city. Get the best price for the best ride then use those savings to buy the best feed in town! Things to do in San Jose La Fortuna / Arenal. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Travelers interested in Costa Ricas history, arts, culture, and coffee will find plenty to do, see, eat, and drink here. If this is more your pace, its a far more relaxing way to explore the bay. Family Vacations in Costa Rica: Top 12 Destinatio Playa Hermosa: Costa Ricas Beautiful Beach. I responded that I was from Canada and this is something I have never experienced before and would like to just once! Namely: the upper canopy. Alternatively, you could head into the misty mountain tops on a tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest where a phenomenal number of paths scour the jungle habitat, or head toCosta Ricas Caribbean coastline to finish off your Costa Rica itinerary. Note that for some reason the drivers blast the bus with very cold AC so no matter how hot it is outside, you will need a blanket for the bus-ride. We did the one day Rio Pacuare tour with Rios Tropicales. 1. Bird watching expeditions are most successful in the early morning when the birds are first rising. Insider Tip: Tens of thousands of people visit this market every day. Activists plan to march in San Jose, Costa Rica, from 11:30 July 15, over alleged plans to privatize social security. Unfortunately, due to climate change, the cloud that hangs over the forest might not be as thick and misty in the future as it is right now! Camino Verde is a bed and breakfast style experience. As the capital city is close to many natural landmarks, national parks and attractions, you can get a good taste of the country in this 5 day San Jose, Costa Rica itinerary. This condo makes you feel right at home, and safe with 24-hour security. It looks exactly like a normal beltexcept for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash or a passport copy. Tram Ride Over Top Of Rainforest In Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo In Costa Rica. Take a stroll through the tropical gardens that surround your hotel room to embrace the Costa Rican feel of this budget-friendly accommodation! Day. Another option is to walk through the La Sabana Park before or after lunch. You will then be suited up in protective gear that includes a harness and helmet. Humidity can be high, so quick-dry clothing is recommended. Theres no better way to experience the ocean than by getting in and exploring. If your dates work out, we personally like Ram Luna a bit more than Tiquicia. Along the way, youll stop off to enjoy a lunch at Siquirres to fill up and give your arms a break! You can pick up souvenirs at Mercado Central (see where to eat) but, if youre in town on a Saturday or Tuesday, Feria Verde is a must. The rooms are airy and modern, with handsome hardwood floors in white oak or cherry, low-profile beds, and views from the Juliet balconies of the pools or the hotels vivid green lawn. Always pack your rain jacket when youre traveling in the tropics, no matter the season. Travel with a mindset of flexibility and appreciation rather than frustration; after all, its thanks, in part, to the rain that there is so much tropical vegetation and wildlife. Try to catch a show while youre there, but if thats not a possibility, the architecture alone is enough to draw you into this incredible building. A city tour of San Jose is hands down the best way to get to know the city, find your bearings, and get settled into the city overall. This is where youll be taken on the Tamarindo Turtle Tour. Then for the last 2 nights, head to the mountains outside the city to experience something different. Saving Money In Costa Rica Spending Money In Costa Rica Top Questions & Answers Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement here. We'd like to see a few museums, visit the national theater, and maybe do some shopping. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! One of the oldest buildings in San Jose. Get instant access to lower prices. If you like their special blend, order a bag or two and theyll drop it off at your hotel. The buses you'll likely use are traveling along Avenida 2 and 3 or the Cementerio/ Sabana bus from Parque la Sabana to downtown. IN A RUSH? As for shopping, its not a great shoping town but Casa 927 at calle 3 and avenida 9 has a top rate local artisan co-op and nice cafe (http://www.casa927.shutterfly.com). You can go trekking to theIrazu Volcano and its otherworldly crater lake or undertake much longer and more challenging adventures involving hiking, mountain biking, and rafting. 1. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. An 8-day vacation in Costa Rica offers a nice balance between adventure/exploration and beach/relaxation. Costa Rica is a veritable nature wonderland, The museum was founded in 1977 and houses many pre-Columbian artifacts. Like Al Mercat, the team behind Apotecario are committed to buying from local farmers and small producers. For the first 3 nights, you will be staying in the city. It is now reopen as of 2018 and visitors are allowed to be in the park for 40 minutes to see the crater. A birds-eye view of the forest and secret unexplored gardens give you a unique perspective on the forest you may have visited before. Transport is very easily accessible to most places! With a 10-day Costa Rica trip, you wont just have time to visit Arenal Volcano, for instance, but really get to explore the area, with time to go on rafting tours along the rapids of the Pacuare River one of the best whitewater rivers in the world, should you choose. Topics vary widely, so youll be sure to find something that interests you! If youre planning a trip to Costa Rica and need some info then welcome! Many guided tours are offered all around the country! The San Jose Central Market is a bustling hub of entertainment. If you enjoy a bit of peace and quiet, then down season is probably more suitable for you. Here are some other reasons to stay in San Jose: Here is a sample 5 full day San Jose, Costa Rica itinerary. Jaco offers a beautiful beach, adrenaline adventures, vibrant nightlife, and great restaurants. The mechanically operated ballroom floor is something quite spectacular, but count yourself lucky if you get to see it in motion! Twist, turn and spin in the river as you pass by beautiful waterfalls. Mytanfeet is full of local tips, detailed guides, photos, videos and maps to help you plan the perfect trip to Costa Rica. How many days should we spend in San Jose? The color of the water is caused by a chemical reaction of minerals from the Tenorio volcano. This view is nothing short of breathtaking! The rare turquoise blue color of the water is nothing less than Instagram worthy! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Central and South American busses are a backpackers rite of passgage and you will love and loathe them in equal measure. Adventurous types may be interested in a rafting trip through miles of tropical scenery on the Pacuare River, or perhaps an excursion to the lesser-visited Osa Peninsula. I'm glad that TripAdvisor provides a forum for different opinions. From the airport, you have two options. Be sure to make a reservation for dinner at Al Mercat (lunch is easier to get in), a farm-to-table restaurant in Barrio Escalante where chef Jos Gonzlez highlights local, seasonal, and traditional ingredients, some from his own farm, in elevated Costa Rican fare. Consider packing a pair of quick-dry pants for protection while hiking and for comfort for horseback riding, zip-lining, and rappellingharnesses and horsehair can be uncomfortable with shorts. But both are great cultural experiences! This park has an animal sanctuary and 5 beautiful waterfalls on the property. San Jose is an ideal destination if you do not have many days and you are flying into San Jose International Airport. To stay safe in Costa Rica,dont carry a lot of money on you! If youd like to book a package trip or join a group, check out our tours in Costa Rica. Day trips are a great way to fill up your itinerary for your trip to Costa Rica, especially if you plan on spending more than 3 days in Costa Rica. That said, there are still risk in traveling here which we will look at further in this post. We offer different tour types. Maybe one night two daysthe Gold , Jade and Archeological museum are incredible nice My husband and I love San Jose. P.S. If you really want to relax, you could consider staying at a yoga retreat in Costa Rica which comes with beachside yoga and mediation, and then an afternoon free for exploring. And since youre in the city, long pants are the way to go for both men and women. The muddy path that winds its way through the rainforest tends to slow down most hikers. When youre ready for a more heart-pounding adventure, try out the zipline. Convenience is key, especially as a tourist when transport can be tricky! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Dry season here is December to April. If youre into a more upmarket feel, try staying in Escazu, also known as Little America. Youll be sure to bump into a lot of North American expats while staying here! Gold Museum: Learn about Pre-Colombian gold in this museum, they have pieces dating back to 500 AD. The hike tends to take around 4 hours, even although it is a meager 7 km long! It even gives you enough time to take day trips from San Joseand visit coffee plantations and La Paz Waterfall Garden or delve into the deep jungles of the Orosi Valley. Theres no place more relaxing than a beach, watching the waves roll in while your worries roll out! Traveling coast to coast, from the beaches of the Pacific to those of the Caribbean, is also entirely possible with a two-week Costa Rica tour, with plenty of destination stops on the route, ensuring you can still admire the amazing volcanic cone of Arenal, the cloud forest of Monteverde, and the wildlife of Manuel Antonio National Park, before finishing up back in the thriving ambiance of the capital. The boat which holds a maximum of 5 people, excluding the guide, will be your transport for the next 40 minutes. The Cathedral was then rebuilt in 1871. See all our 10-day tours in Costa Rica and feel lucky! A stroll along this boulevard will give you a first-hand experience of the enthusiastic way in which Costa Ricans tackle their day! Jewelry from Esquiva Art and Fun, at Feria Verde. This mile-long pedestrian walkway divides San Jose into North and South and makes for a very interesting cultural experience. These wooden cabins have a treehouse feel to them. Check our. Intersected by languid waterways, this national park features turtles nest on its stretches of sand, while jaguars inhabit its forests and caiman its river banks. The green aerial tram rises from the forest floor to 170 feet off the ground, above the treetops and into the mist. This city is a must-stay while on your visit to Costa Rica as its home to so much of the countrys interesting culture! This well-developed town is located only two hours' drive from San Jose, and it's popular with both locals and international travelers. Note that going during Costa Ricas tourist season doesnt always mean that youre going at the best time! A jazz band performs a few nights weekly to crowds who fill the main dining room and the verdant indoor garden. Costa Rica is one of the most stable countries in its region, making it one of the safer tourist destinations in Latin America! Youll then go on a historical tour through the city streets and learn about the history, culture, and background of the Nicaraguan people. Sticking to the Pacific coast, a one-week Costa Rica itinerary leaves plenty of time to take a trip to Tamarindoand flop down on the sands of one of the countrys finest and most beautiful beaches. Again, thank you! Tamarindo bay has some excellent snorkeling spots because of the many islands, caves, reefs, and rocks that are located along the coastline. Tamarindo Horseback Riding | Massage on the Beach | Surf | Antares Cruise | Snorkel | Tamarindo Turtle Tour. But if you arrive late or time allows it, spending a day or night in San Jose is worth it. The rainy seasons bring daily heavy rains, occasional flooding, and an increase in water and mosquito-borne virus. It will keep your valuables safe no matter where you go. Coastal regions tend to be more humid. Located in downtown San Jose, the Central Market was one of the first landmarks constructed in Costa Rica after independence was gained in 1821. Monteverde Itinerary - Day 1 Monteverde Itinerary - Day 2 Where to Eat in Monteverde Is Monteverde Worth the Trip? Located on Central Avenue Boulevard, this museum educates about everything Jade and has some very interesting artifacts to examine. This region is known for its sun, sand, surf, and wellness activities, so its a favorite amongst beachgoers, surfers, and yogis. Since Costa Rica is a small country, you wont spend a lot of time traveling as many popular destinations are only separated by 34 hours on the road. How To Spend Two Days In San Jos, Costa Rica Sophie Friedman Former Contributor I write about how to make the most of your travel time. Britt Coffee Tour | Central Avenue | Jade Museum | National Theatre | Metropolitan Cathedral | Central Market. A lot of the best hostels in Costa Rica are in San Jose so its a great place to stay and get your bearings. At Barva de Heredia coffee farm youll learn about the process that each bean goes through before landing in your cup. This gorgeous river has Class 3, 4 and 4+ rapids for a full day of fun. The activities and places that Costa Rica has to offer are based mainly around rainforests, beaches, and Costa Rica National Parks, which creates a very tropical experience. Those who do, say that there are 3 reasons living in San Jos itself is great: 1. In case youve never heard of it, Costa Rica is a Central American country that lies somewhere between the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean. The National Theatre is a must see while youre in San Jose! (Photo by: Jon G. Fuller/VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images). Distance from San Jose: 55 km. read more, Although 5 days in Costa Rica may not sound l A one-week Costa Rica vacationlets you explore the country in even more detail. Spend 12 hours a rocking biking route from San Jose to Laguna dal Hule. Along the way, youll spot plenty of wildlife in the tropical forest! However, staying up to 2 weeks will give you enough time to explore more areas and take rests in between travel days. hike through Arenal Volcano National Park, visiting Rincon de la Vieja National Park, 7 Days in Costa Rica: Our Recommended Itineraries, 10 Days in Costa Rica: Top 3 Recommendations, 5 days in Costa Rica : Our Recommendations, 11 Best Day Trips from San Jose, Costa Rica. I don't think so. Costa Rica 11 Days Itinerary: Rainforest, Volcano, Cloud Forest & Beach December 14, 2022 By Sammi 2 Comments Experience the best of Costa Rica in this 11 day Costa Rica itinerary! Its both a dry and tropical rainforest (though if you come during the rainy months of August-October its wet); its inhabitants include anteaters, sloths, white-faced monkeys, vine snakes and boas, poison-arrow frogs, and 400 species of birds, among them toucans, herons, and scarlet macaws. Youll find out why its such good quality, about the plants and the different kinds of coffee. The atmospheric conditions of these areas allow for constant cloud cover. So, with some preparationexpect rain, always pack your rain gear, schedule outdoor activities for the first half of the day, have a plan Byou can still have a wonderful trip. Antares Sailing Sunset Cruise is an all-inclusive sailing experience! The Scarlet Macaw, Ara macao, is a large, colorful parrot found from Mexico to Brazil. I posted here about our overall itinerary: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g291982-i813-k5036231-Planning_a_trip_through_LatinDestinations_com_advice-Costa_Rica.html. If you plan on going during the busy season, then booking a few weeks ahead is essential! In fact, 64% of all Americans start their day this way (and 101% of Italians). North-west of San Jos and due north of the coastal town of Punta Arenas, Monteverde is ideally located for travelers who want to enjoy the inland mountain experience of Costa Rica with the coastal beach experience in one trip. Kayaking around Isla Chiquita in Costa Rica Day 1: San Jos - La Fortuna. And remember, those green months in the Central Valley and on the Pacific side are actually the months that the Caribbean and Northern Zone receive more sun. Daily high temperatures are around 78F, rarely falling below 74F or exceeding 81F.. Daily low temperatures are around 64F, rarely falling below 62F or exceeding 67F.The lowest daily average low temperature is 64F on June 8.. For reference, on April 8, the hottest day of the year, temperatures in San Jos typically range from 64F to 81F . Stay tuned for inside tips on where to stay, what to do and what to eat! Even during much of the green season, mornings can often be sunny with rains arriving in the afternoon. All rights reserved. This day is the annual pilgrimage day of the patron saint of Costa Rica. Because of all the fantastic nature spots, you need to see on your Costa Rica 2-week itinerary, we recommend only staying in San Jose for a day. Here youll stop for a break and to enjoy the view of the beautiful lake. Its well worth staying a day or two, though, to explore fashionable neighborhoods like Barrio Escalante, get lost in 139-year-old Mercado Central, tour the Neoclassical Teatro Nacional, or visit one of the lush parks close to the city. The Pacuare River is considered to be one of the best rivers to whitewater raft in the world! We recommend this hike for intermediately fit individuals as it can be challenging at times, however, it is definitely worth the extra effort! I've been coming to San Jose annually for over a decade and think there are an interesting couple of days here. After all that riding, your muscles will be a little tense. Youll be amazed at how different it is youre still close to the city but it feels like youre in a completely different country! Never get caught with your pants down again! The original Metropolitan Cathedral was built in 1802 but fell victim to an earthquake soon after. During your sailing trip from Tamarindo bay with Antares Sailing Sunset Cruise youll get the opportunity to snorkel. Over recent years the chances of a Tapir sighting have increased because Tapirs have become habituated. Visit a few museums, check out the Central Market (beware of pickpockets) and that's about it. With such a long list of heavenly attractions, including national parks that take up a quarter of the countrys entire area, sapphire blue seas, gently smoking volcanoes, and tropical beaches, its little wonder that this area of central America was nicknamed the rich coast. For more ideas, check out our recommended tours in our guide for5 days in Costa Rica. Add some excitement to your trip by white water rafting the famous Rio Pacuare! We are from Chicago, and it's interesting to get the feel for a real Costa Rican city environment. The activities listed in this itinerary are a great place to start but you should spend some time exploring each town and city by foot to create the most authentic experience possible! Browse forums; All.
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