14 days in Costa Rica: itinerary
A realistic 14-day route through Costa Rica with sensible stop lengths, travel days and costs.
6 min read · Updated 2026-08-01
Classic first trip.
The route
- Days 1–4: La Fortuna
- Days 5–8: Monteverde
- Days 9–12: Manuel Antonio
Why this order works
It keeps transfers short and ends near a major airport. Buses are an affordable way to reach most popular destinations, run by multiple private operators rather than one national service
What it costs
At mid-range pace, an estimated $2,030 per person on the ground, excluding flights.
When to run it
Best months: December, January, February, March, April.
Recommended destinations
Where to go in Costa Rica
San José
Arrival hub with markets and museums.
Explore San José
Guanacaste
Dry-forest Pacific beaches and resorts.
Explore GuanacasteLa Fortuna
Arenal volcano, hot springs, hanging bridges.
Explore La Fortuna
Monteverde
Cloud forest reserves, canopy walks and cool nights.
Explore MonteverdeRelated guides
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