8 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

Set against the backdrop of the imposing Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna de San Carlos offers visitors a chance to explore diverse natural landscapes and sample some delicious local produce.

Kick off your visit on the 5th (Thu): look for all kinds of wild species at Ecocentro Danaus, then hike along Arenal Natura Ecological Park, and then take in the natural beauty of Paradise Hot Springs.

To see ratings, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, read La Fortuna de San Carlos trip itinerary builder app.

Birmingham, USA to La Fortuna de San Carlos is an approximately 12.5-hour combination of flight and shuttle. You can also drive. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Manuel Antonio.

The rainforest meets the sea at Manuel Antonio National Park, a small but scenic natural preserve on the west coast of Costa Rica.

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Fri): let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour and then enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Biesanz. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 7th (Sat): stop by Beso Loco Boutique de Playa and then scramble along the landscape with a canyoning and rapelling tour.

To find reviews, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Manuel Antonio online trip itinerary builder.

Traveling by car from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Manuel Antonio takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Uvita.

Ideal for visitors looking to escape Costa Rica's busy beaches, Uvita offers a serene atmosphere and plenty of uncrowded sand for a leisurely vacation.

Start off your visit on the 8th (Sun): enjoy the sand and surf at Uvita Beach, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, then get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, and finally stop by Discount Liquor Wine & Cigars. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: get interesting insight from Tours.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Uvita online travel planner.

Getting from Manuel Antonio to Uvita by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 9th (Mon) to allow time for travel to Santa Teresa.

A coastal getaway popular with surfers and young travelers, Santa Teresa spreads out from the beach and the main coastal road to a ring of newer developments on the surrounding hills.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Tue): find your balance on the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, then soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, and then kick back and relax at Playa Hermosa.

Find out how to plan Santa Teresa trip without stress by asking Inspirock to help create an itinerary.

You can do a combination of ferry and taxi from Uvita to Santa Teresa in 4.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.