With 16 days, travelers can experience a wide variety of Costa Rica's landscapes, covering everything from the highlights to the more remote corners of the country. Take a coast to coast tour: head straight to Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean Coast, head inland to Arenal Volcano before continuing on to the Pacific beaches of Manuel Antonio and the Osa Peninsula. Or enjoy a surf-specific vacay along the Nicoya Peninsula, known for its laid-back culture and fantastic waves.
See more options below, or check out 16 Days in Costa Rica: 6 Unique Itineraries.
Explore many of Costa Rica's off-the-beaten-path destinations on this 16-day self-drive tour. You'll travel to all corners of the country, from the surf town of Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast, to Arenal Volcano in the north, and to Pacific beaches and protected areas home to exotic wildlife like scarlet macaws. The final leg of this adventure will be a trip to the far south and the remote and beautiful Osa Peninsula.
Experience the best of Costa Rica's rainforest, volcanoes, and Pacific beaches during this 16-day self-drive adventure. You'll explore the jungle via suspension bridges and zip-lines, and even have a free day to go whitewater rafting or relax in the charming town of La Fortuna. Then, it's time to head westward to the Nicoya Peninsula where you'll adjust to the laid-back vibes of three quintessential surf towns: Tamarindo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa.
This packed 16-day Costa Rica getaway combines the best locales and activities in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. You'll begin in the historic city of San José, continue to Caribbean beaches, and live like a local at indigenous communities and cattle ranches. You'll also visit some of the nation's most stunning national parks including Tortuguero, Arenal, and Rincón de la Vieja.
On this 16-day itinerary, you'll explore the biodiversity of Costa Rica while visiting three distinct regions of the country. First is a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park for some adventure sports, then it's off to remote Bajos del Toro and its three incredible waterfalls. As a grand finale, you'll embark on a guided hike into Corcovado National Park, the most biodiverse region in Costa Rica.
This itinerary is designed for families who want a nature excursion with plenty of adventure mixed in. Your first adventurous destination is the remote Osa Peninsula, where you'll indulge in beaches and rainforest hikes. From here, you'll head inland to pay a visit to Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you'll hike among the treetops via suspension bridges and enjoy even more natural wonders. Finally, make your way to The Gulf of Papagayo to spend three days relaxing on pristine beaches.
Boasting 10% of the world's avian species, Costa Rica is a paradise for bird lovers. On this ornithological trip, you'll visit the top birding destinations in the country. Accompanied by an expert multi-lingual guide, you'll go off the tourist trail, venture down remote jungle paths, and into national parks to ensure you have the best vantage points in which to view these birds in all their glory.
On this active luxury tour of Costa Rica, you'll explore the nation's most distinct locations. First, it's a trip to Arenal National Park, followed by a visit Tenorio, home to the Celeste River, whose ethereal blue waters are the stuff of dreams. Finally, you'll laze on the unspoiled beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula and enjoy snorkeling, kayaking and even horseback riding on the beach.
Over an immersive 16 days, you'll alternate between adventure and leisure in Costa Rica. Some days will be filled with culture in the capital of San José, others you'll spend whitewater rafting, and others will involve zipline excursions over the jungle canopy. If that's not enough, you'll also visit Costa Rica's largest active volcano and even make time for surf lessons.
Costa Rica is a favorite destination for all ages. This 16-day adventure allows your family to experience the country from both coasts and includes a visit to the bustling capital of San José, the lush rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, the towering Arenal Volcano, the cloud forest of Monteverde and the spectacular, white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities along the way, from watching sea turtles hatch on a Caribbean beach to sampling locally produced chocolate to whitewater rafting.
On this 16-day luxury itinerary, you'll go off-the-beaten-path in Costa Rica. First, it's the waterfalls of the Vara Blanca region and enjoying horseback-riding excursions in the Talamanca Mountains. Then it's off to the southern Osa Peninsula, the most biodiverse region in the country, where you'll hike through unspoiled rainforest to secluded beaches while enjoying the local wildlife.
This 16-day itinerary is perfect for birding enthusiasts who also love a bit of tropical adventure. On a self-drive tour of Costa Rica, you'll be able to view many of the nation's 850 species of birds as you drive from the northern plains to the southern and central coasts. It's a wild road trip that features exotic birds by day and tropical eco-lodge accommodations by night.
This 16-day tour of Costa Rica will recharge your batteries through a combination of luxury wellness experiences and thrilling outdoor adventures. On this excursion, you'll travel across the country, from Arenal Volcano to the wild Pacuare River and out to Pacific beaches. Throughout the adventure, you'll replenish your body and soul in some of the most luxurious eco-retreats anywhere in the world.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Costa Rica on this unforgettable 16-day itinerary. Focused on the country's spectacular northwest, you'll hop between three secluded destinations—Rincón de la Vieja, Río Celeste, and Nosara. By day, embark on a series of adventurous excursions like ziplining through cloud forests, horseback riding to hidden waterfalls, and surfing on tropical beaches. In the evenings, you'll relax and unwind at luxury eco-lodges.
Costa Rica is known for its tropical waterfalls and golden beaches, but equally impressive are its towering mountains and wild rivers. The best way to experience all of it is on two feet, two wheels, and a raft. This 16-day adventure takes you from the Pacific and Caribbean coasts to inland mountains and volcanoes for some of the most exciting cycling, rafting, and kayaking in the world.
Experience Costa Rica in style, enjoying excursions with private guides and overnight stays in luxury hotels on this wide-ranging itinerary around the country. Start with birdwatching and snorkeling on the Osa Peninsula, then transfer to Manuel Antonio National Park, where you'll take surf lessons. Go horseback riding in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, hike around Arenal Volcano, and relax in natural hot springs before heading back to San José for one last night out on the town.
Offering an appealing mix of outdoor adventures, relaxation, and cultural experiences, this 16-day itinerary around Costa Rica is a traveler's favorite. Start with volcano hikes and hot springs in Arenal, then explore Monteverde's cloud forest on a canopy tour and an excursion on horseback. Go whitewater rafting down the Río Pacuare, visit a wildlife rehabilitation center in Puerto Viejo, and enjoy a boat tour along the canals of Tortuguero National Park before heading to San José, where the trip ends.
