21 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

A beach town with just enough development to be comfortable for families accustomed to the trappings of modern life, Playa Samara has the resorts you'd expect to find in such a scenic area, but they don't hinder the relaxing atmosphere.

Kick off your visit on the 25th (Tue): see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour, then surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, and then admire the sheer force of Belen Waterfall. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: stroll through Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary, take in the exciting artwork at MAEL's ABSTRACT ART GALLERY, and then get outside with Outdoor Activities.

For photos, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Playa Samara travel planner.

Montreal, Canada to Playa Samara is an approximately 12.5-hour combination of flight and taxi. You can also drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Montreal to Playa Samara. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Tamarindo.

Surfing remains the main reason to take a trip to Tamarindo, as the beachside town is mostly known for its excellent waves.

Step off the beaten path and head to Off-Road Tours and Potrero Beach. Escape the urban bustle at Adrenaline & Extreme Tours and Scuba & Snorkeling. There's much more to do: see what you can catch with a fishing tour, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, look for gifts at Papaya Con Leche, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Monkey Park.

For reviews, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Tamarindo tour itinerary planner.

Getting from Playa Samara to Tamarindo by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Sun) to allow time to drive to Playas del Coco.

A long-established beach community, Playas del Coco has developed a reputation as a favored spot for young travelers and locals to let loose by the sea.

Kick off your visit on the 31st (Mon): head outdoors with Outdoor Activities and then kick back and relax at Playa Hermosa. Keep things going the next day: relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, look for gifts at Lis Umana Beachwear, and then get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour.

To see maps, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Playas del Coco tour builder.

Traveling by car from Tamarindo to Playas del Coco takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Tue) to allow time to drive to La Fortuna de San Carlos.

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.

Step off the beaten path and head to Butterfly Conservatory - Arenal and Arenal Wilberth Stables. Step out of the city life by going to Safaris and Paradise Hot Springs. And it doesn't end there: explore the fascinating underground world of Venado Caves, take in nature's colorful creations at Natura Eco Park Costa Rica, and take in the natural beauty of Los Lagos Hot Springs.

To find maps, photos, and tourist information, read our La Fortuna de San Carlos vacation maker website.

Getting from Playas del Coco to La Fortuna de San Carlos by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a shuttle; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Fri) so you can go by car to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca offers a wealth of entertainment by the sea, attracting a lively international crowd of revelers while maintaining a bright and breezy coastal charm with a local feel.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Playa Punta Uva and Tree of Life Wildlife Rescue Center and Botanical Gardens. Kids will enjoy Nature Observatorio and Spas. There's more to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Cocles and browse the fresh offerings at La Feria Legendaria de Playa Chiquita.

For ratings, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Puerto Viejo de Talamanca trip itinerary maker tool.

You can drive from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in 5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of taxi and bus; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Mon) 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.

You'll get in some beach time at Uvita Beach and Playa Ventanas. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary and Dolphin & Whale Watching. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Manuel Antonio: Uvita (Uvita Waterfall, Spas & Wellness, &more). And it doesn't end there: glide through the air with a parasailing or paragliding tour, get the lay of the land with Walking tours, walk around Parque Nahomi, and view the masterpieces at The Captain's Booty.

To find reviews, photos, maps, and tourist information, use the Manuel Antonio attractions planning website.

Traveling by car from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to Manuel Antonio takes 7 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. On the 13th (Sun), you'll travel back home.