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Five in the morning, somewhere between Arenal and Monteverde: the forest is still in shadow when the howler monkeys send their deep call from the canopy. Two weeks in Costa Rica is enough to live those mornings in several regions, without rushing.
Since 2014, our team based in Costa Rica has been preparing itineraries for French-speaking travelers. Here is how we approach a first two-week trip.
Why two weeks?
Fourteen days let you discover three or four regions with very different landscapes (volcano, cloud forest, Pacific beaches, even the Caribbean coast) while staying at least two nights at each stop.
Guidelines: in 10 days, two or three regions (Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio); in 14 to 15 days, four regions, our recommendation for a first trip; in 3 weeks, the Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero and the Caribbean coast can be added without hurrying.
Before building the itinerary
The season
From December to April, the dry season favors the Pacific beaches; it is also the high season, to be booked early. From May to November, the green season brings lush nature, fewer visitors and lower prices, with afternoon showers. The month-by-month detail is in our guide When to go to Costa Rica.
How to get around
- By rental car: the freedom to stop wherever you like; an SUV is enough for most itineraries. This is the formula of our self-drive tours.
- By motorcycle: mountain roads and tracks, with a guide or self-guided; see our motorcycle trips.
- With a French-speaking driver-guide: no driving, a guide who explains and spots wildlife; see our tours with a driver-guide.
- By shared shuttle: hotel to hotel between the main stops; see our car-free formula.
A classic 14-day itinerary
| Days | Stop | Drive from the previous stop |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in San José | — |
| 2 to 4 | La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano | About 3 h |
| 5 and 6 | Monteverde, cloud forest | About 3 h 30 |
| 7 to 9 | Sámara, Nicoya Peninsula | About 3 h 30 |
| 10 to 12 | Manuel Antonio | About 4 h 30 |
| 13 | Back to San José, via Tárcoles and Carara | About 3 h |
| 14 | Departure | — |
Times are approximate and depend on traffic and stops.
Day 1: San José
A first night near the airport, to rest after the flight. If time allows, the National Theater and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum offer a first glimpse of Costa Rican culture.
Days 2 to 4: La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano
La Fortuna waterfall is reached by a staircase through the forest; the hanging bridges let you walk at canopy height, and the hot springs end the day. A day trip to Tenorio Volcano National Park reveals the turquoise waters of the Río Celeste.
Days 5 and 6: Monteverde
At about 1,400 meters above sea level, the cloud forest shelters a great diversity of birds, including the resplendent quetzal. Hanging bridges, a guided night walk and a visit to a coffee or chocolate farm set the pace. Bring a jacket: evenings are cool.
Days 7 to 9: Sámara
A bay sheltered by a reef, gentle waves and a quiet village: Sámara suits a beach break well, for families as for couples. The Nicoya Peninsula is one of the world’s “Blue Zones”, known for the longevity of its inhabitants.
Days 10 to 12: Manuel Antonio
The national park combines forest and beaches. Capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, sloths and iguanas are often seen, especially early in the morning and with a guide. Tickets must be booked online in advance, and the park is closed on Tuesdays: plan the order of your days accordingly.
Day 13: back to San José
On the way, the bridge over the Tárcoles River lets you watch large crocodiles from the walkway, and Carara National Park is home to scarlet macaws.
Other ways to spend two weeks
This itinerary is only an example. Our 14- and 15-day tours offer other balances:
- The Gecko self-drive tour, 14 days from Tortuguero to the Osa Peninsula, via Arenal, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio;
- The Morpho tour, 14 days with a driver-guide, as far as Corcovado and the quetzal of San Gerardo de Dota;
- The Scarlet Macaw self-drive tour and the Green Macaw tour, 15 days from the Caribbean coast to Sámara, via Boca Tapada, Arenal and the Río Celeste.
Wildlife to watch along the way
| Species | Where | When |
|---|---|---|
| Sloth | Manuel Antonio, Cahuita, Arenal | All year |
| Scarlet macaw | Carara, Osa Peninsula | All year |
| Resplendent quetzal | Monteverde, San Gerardo de Dota | Mainly February to May |
| Green turtle | Tortuguero | July to October |
| Humpback whale | Uvita, Drake Bay | July to October, December to March |
Mistakes to avoid
- Too many stops: at least two nights per stop, otherwise the trip is spent on the road.
- Underestimating distances: on mountain roads, 100 kilometers can take three hours.
- Booking too late: in high season, the most sought-after lodges are full several months ahead.
- Driving at night: night falls around 6 p.m. and roads are poorly lit.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need to visit Costa Rica?
Two weeks let you discover four regions without hurrying. Three weeks open up the Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero and the Caribbean coast.
What is the best month to go?
The dry season (December to April) favors the Pacific beaches; September and October suit the Caribbean coast well; July often offers a good compromise.
Do I need a visa?
Not for French, Belgian, Swiss and Canadian citizens, for a tourist stay of up to 90 days, with a valid passport. See our entry requirements guide.
Car or driver-guide?
A car offers freedom; a driver-guide removes the driving and adds a naturalist’s eye. Many families and first-time visitors choose the driver-guide.
What budget should I plan?
It depends mainly on the season, the lodging and the formula. Our tours show a price “from” per person, and our budget guide details the expense items.
Our tours for this trip
Learn more
Let’s talk about your trip
Your dates, your wishes, the pace that suits you: a travel consultant based in Costa Rica will suggest a tailor-made itinerary within 48 business hours.