Ultimate 12-Day Costa Rica Itinerary for Adventure and Relaxation

Costa Rica – a place where emerald green jungles meet wild, misty mountaintops and turquoise waves crash along sun-drenched shores. From dense cloud forests to volcanic hot springs and palm-fringed beaches, this small Central American country is the ultimate vacation destination for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers.

I spent 12 days journeying through Costa Rica. I set out to explore waterfalls, hike through mystical cloud forests – in hopes of seeing the illusive Quetzal, unwind in natural hot springs, and catch picturesque sunsets on the coast. Started and ended in Liberia, I carved a loop through the country’s most lush destinations: La Fortuna, Monteverde, and the Guanacaste (Pacific) coastline. but you can also fly into San Jose, the country’s capital city.

Here’s how to spend 12 unforgettable days in Costa Rica – a perfect balance of adrenaline, relaxation, and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Costa Rica has two international airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia.

SJO is Costa Rica’s busiest airport. It offers a wide array of international flights and is well-connected to the country’s central and southern regions. Its central location makes it a convenient entry point for travelers planning to explore the Central Valley, the Caribbean coast, or the southern Pacific areas.

Whereas LIR serves as a gateway to Costa Rica’s northwestern Pacific coast, including popular destinations like Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, and the Nicoya Peninsula. It’s important to be aware that during the rainy season, the airport may occasionally shut down due to runway issues. We had absolutely no problems with our flights, but it’s always a good idea to stay updated on any possible closures before you travel.

Even though Costa Rica is a relatively small country, the destinations are quite spread out, and I’d highly recommend renting a vehicle to make the most of your trip. Road conditions vary a lot, and in many areas—especially during the rainy season—you’ll need a 4×4 to get around safely and comfortably. By renting a 4×4, you’ll be able to explore off-the-beaten-path spots and really experience everything this beautiful country has to offer.

We rented from Vamos Car Rentals, a local Costa Rican company, to avoid the hidden fees that often come with the big-name rental agencies – which is a very common thing when renting in Costa Rica. While they were a bit more expensive up front, the service was worth it—especially when we had to call roadside assistance. Their customer service was super helpful and responsive!

When it comes to navigating, Google Maps and Waze both work really well throughout the country. Waze is especially popular with locals and often does a better job at redirecting around traffic or road closures. Just be aware that estimated travel times can be off, especially in rural areas or on unpaved roads—so give yourself some buffer time when planning drives.

If you don’t plan on renting a car there are lots of private transfers that can be booked either online or through your hotel – I would just expect to pay quite a bit more. Additionally, most of the bigger cities in Costa Rica have taxi’s for hire. But for flexibility I would definitely rent a car!

Welcome to Costa Rica! As you touch down in Liberia, grab your 4×4 rental, and hit the roadfor La Fortuna – the gateway to the Arenal Volcano and a haven for eco-adventures. The drive takes about 2.5–3 hours through scenic countryside and rolling green hills.

We landed bright and early at Liberia International Airport (LIR) around 7 AM and were eager to kick off our 10-day Costa Rica adventure. After picking up our rental car, we headed into Liberia for a quick local breakfast at The Grill House, followed by a stop at a nearby corner store to stock up on snacks for the road.

With hours to spare before check-in at our Airbnb in La Fortuna, we planned a few scenic and fun stops along the way—one of the best ways to experience Costa Rica’s beauty right from day one.

Our first destination was the Llanos de Cortés Waterfall, just 36 km north of Liberia. This hidden gem is an easy and affordable stop that makes a big impression. We arrived near opening time and had the place mostly to ourselves. The waterfall itself is absolutely stunning—tucked into the jungle, with a wide cascade and a beautiful natural pool perfect for swimming. We spent a couple of relaxing hours here, soaking in the scenery and cooling off in the water.

Next, we visited the Las Pumas Rescue Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating Costa Rican wildlife. It’s home to a variety of native species including jaguars, ocelots, spider monkeys, toucan birds, and more. While visitors don’t interact directly with the animals (for good reason!), it’s a peaceful and educational experience. It was heartening to read these animals stories and see the care and effort that goes into protecting them and their natural habitats.

Our final stop before reaching La Fortuna was at Blue River Brewing Company, a small, local brewery with a laid-back vibe and mountain views. After a few hours on the road, a cold craft beer really hit the spot. If you’re into local brews, this is a great little detour on your way east.

Another optional stop is the La Leona Waterfall hike. This hike looked amazing but we ran out of time by the end of our trip.

We arrived in La Fortuna later in the afternoon and checked into our Airbnb, tucked away in a private, jungle setting. This place was amazing—it came with a private outdoor hot tub, surrounded by thick greenery and the soothing sounds of nature. It was the perfect blend of adventure and luxury.

Get links to my recommended places to stay here!

That evening, our hosts offered to take us on a guided night hike. Exploring the jungle by flashlight gave us a whole new perspective on what really comes to life after dark in Costa Rica. We spotted red-eyed tree frogs (those iconic green-and-red beauties!), yellow glass frogs, masked tree frogs, and even a few shield turtles.

We joined a full-day adventure with Rio Celeste Adventures, which included a 2-hour hike through Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio, 6 zipline runs, and tubing down the Río Celeste. There are so many tour options in Costa Rica, and honestly? You can’t really go wrong. Just pick whatever excites you most!

We got lucky—since no one else booked that day, our group tour became a private tour.

Right at the park entrance, we were greeted by a couple of toucans, and that set the tone for the rest of the hike. We trekked all the way to the Río Celeste Waterfall, and it was absolutely stunning. The color is unreal—this vibrant turquoise blue looks like it’s been edited… but it’s completely natural.

🌊 Why is Río Celeste so blue? The magical colour is the result of a chemical reaction between two rivers (Río Buenavista and Quebrada Agria), where aluminosilicate particles scatter sunlight in a way that makes the water look bright blue.

Our guide Gerald was incredible—he spotted five different snakes, a few basilisks, and six more toucans, all of which we would’ve walked right past on our own. He also gave us tips on how to spot wildlife ourselves for future hikes. Overall, if you decide to do some hiking in Costa Rica I would recommend getting at least one guide, to help you learn what to look for – otherwise all the parks are hikeable on your own.

On our way out of the park, we pulled over to check out the Árbol de la Paz—one of the oldest and largest trees in Costa Rica. It’s tucked just off the side of the road, and it’s worth a quick stop. The sheer size of this tree was jaw-dropping.

This was hands down my favorite part of the day! I expected a lazy river float… but this was an adrenaline ride at some points. There were rapids, and we were flying through it in our tubes. It was thrilling, hilarious, and so much fun.

Bonus: We saw a troop of howler monkeys swinging through the trees above us while we floated along. 10/10 experience.

To be honest, the zipline course itself wasn’t the most exciting, there is definitely better out there, but what made it memorable was the wildlife sightings.

We saw our first sloth, and not only that—it was moving! It was magical. As if that wasn’t enough, we ended up spotting two more sloths—a three-toed and a two-toed, all while zipping through the treetops.

After all the adventure, we ended the day at EcoTermales Hot Springs. It was the perfect way to unwind—soaking in warm, natural pools surrounded by jungle sounds. Highly recommend this place if you’re staying near La Fortuna.

Start your day with a walk through Mistico Hanging Bridges Park. This rainforest reserve is home to six suspended bridges that take you above the treetops, offering jaw-dropping views of Arenal Volcano and an incredible diversity of flora and fauna.

Today was all about nature, views, and waterfalls. We spent the morning exploring the Mistico Hanging Bridges and the afternoon soaking in the beauty of La Fortuna Waterfall—two of the top things to do in the La Fortuna area.

If hiking and wildlife spotting are your thing, this is a must-do in Costa Rica. The Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park features a trail through lush jungle with 22 bridges, including several long, swaying suspension bridges that give you epic views of the canopy and Arenal Volcano.

We chose to do this experience self-guided, which was perfect for taking our time. We booked tickets in advance and picked the earliest time slot available at 10:00 AM (pro tip: go earlier if you want it even quieter and cooler!).

This place was a haven for wildlife—we spotted:

The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, making it a great activity for families and photographers.

After grabbing some lunch in town, we headed to the famous La Fortuna Waterfall. We had pre-purchased tickets online, which I highly recommend, especially during high season.

There’s plenty of parking, and once you pass through the gates, you’ll find lockers and showers/bathrooms available before starting the hike down.

Get ready to descend about 500 stairs to reach the base of the waterfall—but trust me, it’s worth it. The waterfall is absolutely stunning, and the pool at the bottom is incredibly refreshing.

🌧️ Note: Swimming is allowed only when conditions are safe, so it’s best to avoid rainy days if you’re hoping to take a dip.

👟 Pro Tip: Bring water shoes! The steps can be slippery, and if you want to swim, you’ll need to climb over large rocks to access the water.

The hike back up is a workout, but there are several rest stops with water fountains along the way—just take your time and enjoy the jungle vibes.

After a few packed days of adventuring, we took the evening to unwind back at our Airbnb in La Fortuna, enjoying the peace and quiet of the jungle from our private hot tub. The perfect way to end the day!

From ATV adventures to luxury relaxation, Day 4 was the perfect combo of adrenaline and indulgence. We spent the morning exploring the countryside around Arenal Volcano and wrapped up the day soaking in the natural thermal pools at the famous Tabacón Hot Springs.

We kicked the day off with a treat! While sipping our morning coffee at the Airbnb, we noticed a sloth hanging out in the tree just outside our room. It doesn’t get more “Costa Rica” than that!

As we just finished hiking Volcano Acatenango in Guatemala, we instead chose to do an ATV tour to the Arenal Volcano viewpoint. This was a thrilling and scenic way to explore the area. However, the viewpoint is totally hikeable aswell!

Our tour included:

• A visit to the Maleku Indigenous Village, where we tried a traditional fermented sugarcane drink and learned about the history and culture of the Maleku people—one of Costa Rica’s remaining Indigenous groups.
• An ATV ride through the lush countryside, with stops for photos and even a quick refreshing dip in a riverbed.
• The final stretch took us up to the Monterrey Viewpoint, which offers stunning views of Arenal Volcano. It was a cloudy day, but we got lucky—the clouds parted just enough to catch a glimpse of the volcano’s peak!

🏔️ Tip: This ATV tour is a great option if you’re looking to explore beyond the typical trails and want a more exciting way to see the volcano up close.

This was the ultimate relaxation reward after a few active days. Tabacón is one of the most famous natural hot springs in Costa Rica. We decided to splurge on a day pass for my 30th birthday.

At $99 USD per person, we weren’t sure if it would be worth it—but honestly? It totally was. Here’s why:

• The entire place is immersed in lush jungle, with warm river-fed pools scattered across the property.
• Despite being a top-rated spot, it never felt crowded. There are so many pools and quiet corners that we often felt like we had it to ourselves.
• The cocktails and lunch were pricey, but they were also delicious

💡 Budget tip: If Tabacón is out of your price range, there are plenty of other hot springs in La Fortuna, like EcoTermales, Baldi, and even free natural pools along the road.

For instance, there is a free hot springs across from the Tabacón Resort that we saw a ton of locals headed to while we were parking – it may just take a bit more research

After soaking for hours in the warm, mineral-rich waters, we ended the day completely relaxed. If you’re ever planning a special occasion trip to Costa Rica, Tabacón is a perfect way to celebrate.

Day 5 – Exploring Monteverde

We kicked off Day 5 with an early drive from La Fortuna to Monteverde. The drive takes about 3.5 hours and includes some winding, rough, and occasionally unpaved roads, especially as you get closer to Monteverde. A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended—particularly in the rainy season!

Despite the bumpy ride, the views were gorgeous—lush hills, misty mountains, and glimpses of the Gulf of Nicoya in the distance.

Once we arrived, we checked into our Airbnb—and honestly, it was amazing. It was located about 20 minutes outside of Santa Elena, perched high up on a hillside overlooking the host’s coffee farm with sweeping views of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Quiet, peaceful, and totally off the beaten path. Below is a picture from our balcony:

Since we had some time before sunset, we headed into Santa Elena to explore. Here’s what we got up to:

This was a quick, inexpensive stop—just $2 USD per person, paid on the honor system. The natural root bridge is formed by a massive strangler fig, and you can walk across it or just snap some great photos in this unique jungle setting. It’s a peaceful, low-key experience that’s worth a short detour.

The Bat Jungle is home to 90 live fruit and nectar bats in a large simulated cave. You’ll learn all about echolocation, their role in pollination, and how misunderstood these little creatures really are. It’s interactive, informative, and run by passionate conservationists – worth the stop!

After some souvenir shopping, we headed to Taco Taco in downtown Santa Elena which had some great tacos and margaritas!

Santa Elena was my favorite place for souvenirs. It had a lot of unique things by local artists if you’re looking for something different!

Monteverde is one of the best places in Costa Rica for guided night hikes, and tonight did not disappoint. With flashlights in hand, some of the coolest things we spotted were:

• scorpions – which glow under UV light!
• Fireflies flickering through the trees
• Three different tarantulas, including one hiding in a burrow!

Day 6 – Rafting Class III & IV Rapids in Costa Rica

If you’re from Western Canada like us, white-water rafting is a must-do experience while visiting Costa Rica. We decided to challenge ourselves on the Tenorio River, which is known for its Class III & IV rapids. We booked our tour through the Tenorio Adventure Company.

Our guides were incredibly knowledgeable and the equipment itself was great – better than some of the other companies we saw on the river. The rapids were exhilarating, and the river’s path took us through some truly stunning landscapes.

🚣‍♂️ Tip: If you’re traveling during the dry season, be prepared for more paddling as the water levels are lower. While it was a bit more challenging in terms of physical effort, it provided a great workout!

What made this rafting experience unique was the small boat size—there were only two of us in the raft, plus our guide. This made it much more personal and gave us a true sense of adventure.

Because we went in the dry season our rafting wasn’t just about the rapids—it’s was about taking in the scenery and spotting wildlife! Along the way, we paused to enjoy the incredible biodiversity surrounding us. We were lucky enough to see:

• An anteater foraging on the riverbanks
• A porcupine sitting above us in the trees
• Monkeys swinging through the canopy
• Several snakes slithering through the bushes

Pro tip for rafting:

• Wear water shoes or something with good grip to keep your feet steady during the rapids – Don’t wear flip flops!
• Be sure to take a GoPro or waterproof camera to capture the moments—it’s a wild ride!

After an exciting day on the river, we headed back to our Airbnb to relax and enjoy the view for the evening. The thrill of the day left us with a mix of adrenaline and awe—Costa Rica is truly an adventure-lover’s paradise!

Day 7 – Monteverde Cloud Forest & Journey to the Pacific Coast

We started our day bright and early, arriving right when the Monteverde Cloud Forest opened. Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth with over 400 bird species, including the Resplendent Quetzal, which is considered sacred in Mayan culture. We hadn’t bought tickets in advance, so we had to wait in line.

Pro tip: book at least a few days early to skip the wait! The park only sells 450 tickets per day and allows only 250 people inside at a time, so getting there early is key. If it’s sold out, some guided tour companies hold extra tickets, so that’s another option.

🅿️ Parking Tip: There are only about 10 spots at the entrance. We parked at the official lot by the ticket booth ($5 USD) and took the free shuttle to the trailhead.

🌫️ Dress Appropriately: The Monteverde Cloud Forest sits at a high altitude and is almost always misty or rainy!
Be prepared for damp conditions by wearing a light rain jacket and comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip. The trails can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain.

We explored without a guide, which was perfect for a relaxed pace.
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the quetzal, start your hike on the Wilford Guindon Trail, where the nesting area is located. Morning offers the best chances before crowds scare them off and also tends to be less foggy, so you get better visibility. We got extremely lucky and spotted a female fluttering between the trees!

We did a big loop around the north and south end of the park. I’ve highlighted the loop that we took in blue in the map below. This route led us past multiple viewpoints and ended at the waterfall. While the waterfall is pretty, there are better ones elsewhere in Costa Rica, so no need to prioritize if you’re short on time.

After our hike, we grabbed lunch at the park entrance and made the drive toward Costa Rica’s beautiful Pacific coast. The drive to Marbella took around 3.5 hours and the road conditions were mixed. The last stretch included some gravel roads, so a 4×4 is definitely recommended. Along the way, we crossed the Taiwan Friendship Bridge. A striking structure that spans the Tempisque River and connects the Nicoya Peninsula to mainland Costa Rica.

🌉 Fun Fact: The bridge was a gift from Taiwan in 2003 as part of a diplomatic partnership, and it’s become a symbol of connection and modernization in the region.

The last few days are a great time to explore a few of the coastal towns. Each beach town along the Nicoya Peninsula has its own unique vibe, so you can either base yourself in one spot that fits your travel style or take a mini road trip along the coast to experience a bit of everything.

Here’s a quick breakdown of three popular options:

• Tamarindo – A bustling beach town with plenty of nightlife, shopping, and restaurants. Great if you’re looking for surf lessons or a livelier scene with lots of fellow travelers.
• Samara – A laid-back and family-friendly beach town with a charming downtown area and calm waters. Ideal for swimming, beginner surf, and chill beach vibes.
• Marbella – Much quieter and more off the beaten path. This small town offers incredible sunsets, uncrowded beaches, and a handful of great restaurants.

We opted to stay in Marbella because we were craving peace and quiet after a busy few days of adventure. Our Airbnb was nestled just a few minutes from the beach and offered stunning views — the perfect place to unwind.

We checked into our Airbnb in Marbella, a quiet beach town tucked away from the crowds. Our place was perched high in the hills overlooking the ocean with stunning panoramic views. Here’s a view from our room:

We ended our day at Playa Pithaya, just a 5-minute drive from our stay, where we watched the sun dip below the horizon over the crashing waves. It was the perfect way to settle into the coastal vibe.

👉 Fun Fact: Playa Pithaya is a favorite among locals for sunset and surfing — and on some evenings, if you’re lucky, you might even spot bioluminescent plankton glowing in the waves.

✨ Tip: Bioluminescence is best seen on clear, dark nights with little to no moonlight, especially during the dry season when the water tends to be calmer. Look for gentle wave movement or walk along the shore and kick the sand — you might see little sparkles light up around your feet.

If you go to Playa Pitahaya make sure to stop at Pub & Lavacar Pitahaya for some amazing food! They offer great prices offering local casados
and tacos – be sure to try the birria!

Day 8 – Beach Hopping & Coastal Chill

After a full week of non-stop adventure, we dedicated today to relaxing and exploring some of the beautiful beaches along the Pacific coast.

We started our daying by checking out the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge. If you’re lucky enough to visit during turtle nesting season (known as an arribada), this is one of the best spots in the world to witness hundreds (or even thousands!) of olive ridley sea turtles come ashore. This is also a beautiful beach to visit and walk when the nesting is not active. It is closely guarded, and you can only enter by guided reservation when the turtles are nesting or hatching.

🐢Fun Fact: Playa Ostional is one of only a handful of beaches in the world where mass turtle nesting occurs, usually around the new moon. Check their official Facebook page or contact local guides to see if turtles are expected during your visit.

We went to Playa Frijolar next which is only a 10 minute drive from Marbella. This was my absolute favorite beach of the trip—laid-back vibes, plenty of beach parking, and a great local bar called the Tiki Hut, which also rents out surfboards. The waves were beginner-friendly, and the atmosphere was unbeatable! We spent way longer than we thought playing in the waves and sunbathing. A couple other beach options that we visited:

• Playa Conchal – known for its crushed shell sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters—perfect for swimming and lounging. Its usually less busy as if you’re not staying at one of the resorts you have to park and walk about 20 minutes.
• Samara – Ideal for swimming, beginner surf, and chill beach vibes. Less parking but quite a few places to eat and shop in town.
• San Juanillo – Picturesque fishing village with local restaurants and basic needs. This beach is a peninsula with a cove where the local fisherman keep their boats. Some have day trips for fishing or cruising around.

Day 9 – Tamarindo: Surf, Shops & Sunsets

We spent the day exploring the bustling beach town of Tamarindo. It’s definitely one of the most touristy spots in Costa Rica, so be prepared for crowds and plenty of vendors.

While this wasn’t my personal favorite (lots of people on the beach and locals approaching at restaurants to sell souvenirs), Tamarindo is a great home base if you’re looking to do more tours, as many companies depart from here.

The beach itself is wide and long, great for beginner surfers, with several rental shops and surf schools right on the sand. There are tons of shops and restaurants in town, perfect if you’re in the mood for shopping or dining out.

Tamarindo is ideal for nightlife, socializing, and convenience—but if you’re craving peace and nature, you might prefer a quieter beach town like Marbella or Nosara.If you’re there on Thursdays be sure to check out the Tamarindo Night Market. Live music, food trucks, handmade jewelry, art, local snacks, and more. It runs from late afternoon to evening and has a really fun, community vibe.

Day 10 – Catamaran Cruise on the Pacific

We booked a catamaran tour through Tamarindo Adventures, and it was one of the highlights of our coastal stay.

The tour included snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, open bar, a full meal, and music, all set against the backdrop of the golden Pacific sunset. We had the chance to swim, lounge on deck, and enjoy the beautiful ocean views while sipping cold drinks and soaking up the sunshine.

⛵Pro Tip: Most catamaran tours depart mid-afternoon so you can enjoy the sunset from the water—don’t forget your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a waterproof phone pouch for photos!

Day 11 – Pozas Los Coyotes & Overnight in Liberia

As our vacation came to an end, we began our return journey toward Liberia. We chose to stop at Pozas Los Coyotes—an absolute gem.

This spot felt local and untouched by mass tourism – a feeling we didn’t see most of our trip. The water is an amazing clear turquoise, and you can rent a tube or just float around in the relaxing pools. It’s perfect for a peaceful, refreshing break before heading back to the city.

🛟Tip: Since it’s not touristy they are cash only. They have a small bar which they sell burgers, beer and chips. You’ll love the calm and authentic vibe.

Afterwards, we continued our drive to Liberia, where we spent our final night.

We flew out of Liberia International Airport, filled with incredible memories and already dreaming of our next adventure.

Final Thoughts

Costa Rica is a place that lingers in your soul—not just for its stunning natural beauty, but for its pura vida spirit. Whether you’re hiking through the clouds, soaking in jungle hot springs, or watching the sun melt into the Pacific, this country has a way of slowing you down and filling you up all at once.

Our 12-day Costa Rica adventure was unforgettable—full of wildlife encounters, adrenaline-fueled activities, and moments of total peace. That said, it was definitely one of the more expensive countries we’ve visited in Central America. We balanced the budget by staying in some beautiful Airbnbs, cooking our own breakfasts and a few dinners, and choosing a mix of splurge and low-cost experiences.

This itinerary only scratches the surface of what this magical country has to offer, but it’s a well-rounded blend of mountains, jungle, and sea. If you’re looking for a trip that mixes adventure with slow travel, this might be just the one.

Thanks for following along on our journey—writing it all out made me fall in love with Costa Rica all over again.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve been to Costa Rica or are planning a trip—I’d love to hear what’s on your itinerary!