How to Spend 2 Weeks in Costa Rica (2025): First-Time Itinerary That Hits Every Highlight

Let me guess—you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, and your browser has about 43 tabs open. You’re trying to figure out where to go, how many days to spend in each spot, what the weather will do (spoiler: it probably involves rain). When I first looked at the map and tried to fit in volcanoes, beaches, jungles, wildlife and every Insta-famous hot spring, my head nearly exploded. That’s why I put together this honest, practical, and fun guide. To help you plan your dream 2-week Costa Rica itinerary, without the stress.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary. It’s built for first-timers who want to see a bit of everything. From sloths and scarlet macaws to surfboards and cloud forests. I’ll break Costa Rica down into manageable regions, highlight what each area is best for, and share what I wish I knew before my trip.

👉 If you prefer to have the freedom of self drive car hire click here

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Costa Rica At a Glance: What Kind of Traveller Are You?

Before diving into regions, ask yourself: what do you want from this trip?

• Chasing waterfalls, wildlife, and cloud forests? → Head inland.
• Beach bum mode: ON → You’ve got two coasts to choose from.
• Adrenaline junkie? → You’ll be zip-lining, white-water rafting, and volcano-hiking in no time.
• Luxury or laid-back eco-lodges? → Costa Rica nails both.

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Costa Rica Weather: When’s the Best Time to Visit?

There’s no such thing as “perfect” weather in Costa Rica. This tropical beauty doesn’t care about your sun-chasing needs. One minute it’s blazing sunshine, the next it’s a dramatic downpour that turns the forest into something out of Jurassic Park. But honestly? That’s part of the charm. Pack a rain jacket, laugh it off, and embrace the wild unpredictability. It’s what makes Costa Rica feel so alive

• Dry season (Dec–April): Best time to visit for sunshine and beach days. Expect higher prices and more crowds.
• Green season (May–Nov): Expect afternoon rain, lush landscapes, and better deals. September and October are wettest on the Pacific coast but great on the Caribbean side.

👉 Tip: May, June, and November are great shoulder months with decent weather and better deals.

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Costa Rica’s Key Regions (And Who They’re Perfect For)

👉To read more about my experience in La Fortuna click here

👉To read more about my memorable experience in Monteverde click here

👉To read about my amazing wildlife experience in Manuel Antonio click here

Uvita & Dominical

• Best for: Chill seekers, surfers, and waterfall chasers
• Top things to do: Whale watching (in season), Nauyaca Waterfalls, surfing
• My take: Less touristy and a good breather mid-trip

Osa Peninsula (Puerto Jiménez or Drake Bay)

• Best for: Off-the-beaten-path adventurers, wildlife lovers
• Top things to do: Explore Corcovado National Park, boat tours, secluded beaches
• My take: Remote and wild—perfect way to end your trip on a high note

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Quick Overview: Where I Spent My 2 Weeks

Here’s a sneak peek of the route I ended up doing on my Costa Rican adventure:

• San José (1 night) – Arrive, shake off the jet lag
• La Fortuna (3 nights) – Arenal Volcano, hot springs, waterfalls
• Monteverde (2 nights) – Cloud forest, wildlife, zip lining
• Manuel Antonio (5 nights) – National park, monkeys, beach days
• Uvita/Dominical (2 nights) – Waterfalls, whales (seasonal), laid-back vibes
• San José (1 night)

You can tweak this based on your interests (more on that below), but this version gives you a mix of adventure, nature, and chill time.

👉Or for something different click here – try a wellness retreat to take a break from life and treat your mind, body and spirit

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Sample Itineraries to Make Planning a Breeze

Now that you’ve got the lay of the land, let’s get into the good stuff. Your actual 2 week Costa Rica itinerary! I’ve put together a few sample 2-week routes based on different travel styles and interests. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie chasing zip lines, a beach bum in search of the perfect sunset, or a wildlife lover hoping to spot a sloth or two, there’s something here for you.

Each itinerary keeps travel time realistic and builds in enough chill time to avoid burnout. Use these as a starting point and tweak them to suit your vibe. Let’s build your dream adventure, without the overwhelm.

Off The Beaten Path Adventure

Family Friendly 2 Week Costa Rica Itinerary

Relax and Recharge 2 Week Costa Rica Itinerary

👉 For inspiration on excursions & activities to try click below:

First-Timer Essentials: Travel Tips That’ll Save You Time (and Stress)

If you’re wondering about the best way to explore Costa Rica, a rental car is a great option. Especially if you’re planning a road trip with several stops like the above two-week itinerary. Google Maps works well, but download offline maps just in case.

While public buses are cheap, they can eat up too much time, and shuttles sometimes don’t reach small towns or off-the-main road destinations. Consider Domestic flights as they can save time if visiting Osa or Nicoya

Be mindful of the rainy season, when a 4×4 may be necessary—especially for reaching places like Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve or the Osa Peninsula.

Don’t miss night tours in Monteverde to see wildlife in its natural habitat, or a scenic boat ride in Tortuguero National Park, where spotting howler monkeys, sea turtles, and marine life is a real possibility.

On your first day, a quick drive from San Jose International Airport will take you to your hotel. For a good night’s rest before your early morning departure the next day.

Ready for your Costa Rica 2 week itinerary? Whether you’re headed to the town of La Fortuna for canopy tours and suspension bridges. Or down to the pristine beaches of Uvita for surf lessons at low tide, give yourself enough time to enjoy full days in each area.

Some activities have a time slot or require entrance tickets, and others like La Paz Waterfall Gardens may come at an extra cost, but they’re worth every penny.

If you’re short on time, consider booking a guided tour or day trip. Some of the best places are only a short drive away.

Pro tip:

Many tour guides work on a small commission, so tipping is appreciated. Whether it’s chasing active volcanoes, hiking the main trail in a national park, or enjoying a lazy late afternoon on a hammock.

Costa Rica really is a perfect place for anyone craving outdoor activities in Central America.

My Personal Tips

• Don’t try to do it all — Distances are longer than they look
• Book shuttles or private transfers early in peak season
• Road safety: Drive defensively—roads can be narrow and windy
• Bring a refillable bottle for water
• Wi-Fi is decent, but some remote areas have limited signal (digital detox anyone?)
• Embrace the wildlife — geckos, monkeys, and sloths will become part of your life. Just don’t feed or touch the animals.
• Mosquitoes: Use repellent, especially near coastlines

Costa Rican Food & Drink Tips

• Try a “casado” — the classic plate with rice, beans, salad, meat, and plantains
• Gallo pinto for breakfast is a must
• Don’t miss local fruits — like guanabana, papaya, and rambutan
• Tap water Drink bottled water or use a filter bottle
• Coffee lovers rejoice — local beans are top-notch

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Final Thoughts

Planning your first trip to Costa Rica might feel like navigating a jungle (because, well, it kind of is). But it’s also one of the most welcoming, vibrant, and jaw-droppingly beautiful places you’ll ever visit.

Whether you’re chasing volcanoes, spotting sloths, zip-lining through clouds, or simply sipping a cold drink on a warm beach. Pura Vida is waiting. I hope this 2-week itinerary gives you a solid starting point and saves you a few hours of Google rabbit holes.

So breathe out, book that flight, and let Costa Rica do the rest.

Still not sure where to start? Send me a message—I’m happy to help you piece together your perfect Costa Rican itinerary.

Costa Rica 2 Week Itinerary: Frequently Asked Questions