17 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

A trip to San Jose, the capital, commercial center, and cultural hub of Costa Rica, gives you a chance to experience the lively atmosphere and rich cultural past of this vibrant country.

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Wed): stop by J.LANG Atelier & Showroom. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: shop like a local with Multiplaza, explore the galleries of Galeria Namu, then look for gifts at Tienda eNe, and finally see the interesting displays at Pre-Columbian Gold Museum.

For where to stay, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, read San Jose road trip planner.

Sydney, Australia to San Jose is an approximately 28-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Sydney to San Jose is minus 16 hours. In December, plan for daily highs up to 30°C, and evening lows to 22°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (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.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sat): kick back and relax at Playa Cocles and then stroll through Playa Punta Uva. On your second day here, tour the pleasant surroundings at Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica, admire the natural beauty at Tree of Life Wildlife Rescue Center and Botanical Gardens, and then take in nature's colorful creations at Finca La Isla.

To find reviews, ratings, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Puerto Viejo de Talamanca trip itinerary website.

Traveling by car from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a shuttle. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sun) early enough to go by car to Monteverde.

Monteverde is all about natural attractions, not surprising for an eco-tourism hotspot known for its cloud forests and rich diversity of animal life.

Head to Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery and Women Artisans Cooperative Santa Elena and Monteverdefor some retail therapy. You'll discover tucked-away gems like The Bat Jungle and Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena. Next up on the itinerary: tour the pleasant surroundings at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, get to know the fascinating history of Santa Elena Skywalk, take in nature's colorful creations at Monteverde Butterfly Garden (Jardin de Mariposas), and look for gifts at Souvenir Rosewood-Info Center.

For photos, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Monteverde sightseeing planner.

You can drive from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to Monteverde in 6.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 32°C, and evening lows to 32°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Playa Samara.

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.

On the 27th (Thu), stop by Jenstones Gallery, then take in the exciting artwork at MAEL's ABSTRACT ART GALLERY, and then explore the galleries of Koss Art Gallery. Keep things going the next day: get outside with Outdoor Activities and then enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Garza.

To find ratings, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Playa Samara trip planner.

Drive from Monteverde to Playa Samara in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December in Playa Samara, expect temperatures between 32°C during the day and 32°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Fri) so you can 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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at EK Art Jewelry and Dolores Shop. Head to Papaya Con Leche and Diamante Boutiquefor plenty of shopping. Next up on the itinerary: enjoy the sand and surf at Tamarindo Beach, look for gifts at GirlFish Tamarindo, get a taste of life in the country at Pura Aventura, and get lost in a book at The Bookstore of the Waves.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Tamarindo trip app.

Traveling by car from Playa Samara to Tamarindo takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 32°C, and evening lows to 32°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 31st (Mon) early enough to go by car 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 1st (Tue): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia Catolica de Playas del Coco, then kick back and relax at Playa Hermosa, and then stop by Cata Chocolate. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 2nd (Wed): get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports and then browse the exhibits of Alessandra Cola Art.

To find where to stay and more tourist information, you can read our Playas del Coco trip itinerary tool.

Traveling by car from Tamarindo to Playas del Coco takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Playas del Coco are 32°C, while nighttime lows are 32°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Wed) early enough to catch the flight back home.