At the beginning of our Central and South America trip, my boyfriend and I traveled through Costa Rica for several weeks, and we were absolutely captivated by the country. In no other place have I been able to immerse myself so deeply in nature and experience such a diverse range of wildlife as a tourist. The mix of lush green landscapes, expansive sandy beaches, and adventurous activities made Costa Rica an unforgettable travel destination for me. And I want to share this experience with you in this 3 week Costa Rica itinerary!
This travel itinerary offers the perfect balance of action, beach, and nature. From the capital, San José, we head to the southern Pacific coast to Uvita, one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Next, we continue up the Pacific coast to Jacó, and then to the Nicoya Peninsula to Santa Teresa, where we’ll catch some waves with our surfboards. In Tamarindo, we’ll witness some of the most beautiful sunsets before heading inland to La Fortuna, Costa Rica’s adventure and wellness hotspot. Finally, the three-week journey concludes on the Caribbean side of the country, where we’ll relax on the beach under palm trees and truly unwind. Does this sound like your kind of vacation? Then let’s go!
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3 Week Costa Rica Itinerary – Overview
San José – 1 Night
If you want to travel to Costa Rica in Central America, your journey will probably start at San José Juan Santamaria Airport. From there, you can reach the center of the Costa Rican capital in around 30 minutes by car. With around 2 million inhabitants, San José is the city with the most inhabitants in the country, but it is less popular with tourists. The city is even known for being one of the most dangerous parts of the country. Apart from a few beautiful churches and old buildings, the offer for tourists is rather limited. During our 3 weeks in Costa Rica, we decided to stay in San José for just one night.
Where to stay in San José?
Mid-range: To make it as easy as possible to continue our journey the next day, we opted for a simple but good hotel in the city center, which is only a 15-minute walk from the Tracopa bus terminal. The Hotel Cultura Plaza offers a fair price, good breakfast and is ideal for a short stay.
What to do in San José?
Uvita – 4 Nights
Uvita de Osa is a small, tranquil town in the southern part of Costa Rica. Situated right on the Pacific coast, it is not only known for its beautiful, expansive beach but also for humpback whale watching (from mid-July to mid-November and from December to April). Fittingly, Uvita is home to the renowned Whale’s Tail Beach (Cola de Ballena) – a beach at the tip of Marino Ballena National Park that forms the shape of a giant whale tail at low tide. This stunning natural spectacle is especially striking in aerial photos and can even be seen on Google Maps.
Despite its small size, Uvita is a wonderful place to spend a few days without getting bored. One of the best things to do in Uvita is visiting Marino Ballena National Park, where you can see not only the Whale’s Tail Beach but also other wildlife and enjoy long walks along the palm-lined shore. Additionally, Uvita is an ideal starting point for excursions in the surrounding area, such as a tour to Manuel Antonio National Park or the Nauyaca Waterfalls. One of the absolute highlights of my 3 Week Costa Rica Itinerary was a day trip to Corcovado National Park – one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.
How to get to Uvita from San José?
If you’re traveling by rental car, you can reach Uvita in 3.5 to 4 hours from San José. If you don’t have your own car, you can use the bus connection from San José to Uvita starting at the bus station Tracopa in San José and departing several times per day. Bus tickets can be bought directly at the bus station and cost around 14$ for a 4–5-hour ride.
Where to stay in Uvita?
Low budget: Bahia Azul Hotel, Flutterby House, Hotel Samsara
Mid-range: Alborado Boutique Stay, La Cusinga Eco Lodge, Cristal Ballena Hotel Boutique Hotel & Spa
Luxury: Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge & Spa, Vista Celestial, Golden Pineapple Villas
What to do in Uvita?
- Marino Ballena National Park
- Whale Watching Tour
- Corcovado National Park
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Nauyaca Waterfalls
- Surf Lessons
- Snorkeling at Cano Island
Jacó – 1 Night
After spending a few days in Uvita, I recommend staying on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast and heading north. The coastal town of Jacó, known for its numerous surf schools and vibrant nightlife, is a perfect stopover on the way to the Nicoya Peninsula. Personally, we found Jacó a bit too noisy and touristy, so we decided to stay for just one night.
How to get to Jacó from Uvita?
Traveling by car, you will need around 3 hours to reach Jacó. But don’t worry if you don’t have your own car. You can take the Tracopa bus, that transfers several times per day between Uvita and Jacó. Just make sure to tell the driver to drop you off in Jacó. The bus ticket cost around 13$.
Where to stay in Jacó?
Low budget: Paraiso Escondido, Jaco Lodge, Selina Jaco
Mid-range: Hotel Pumilio, Amapola Resort, Hotel Club Del Mar
Luxury: Sky Penthouses at Oceano, Crocs Resort & Casino
What to do in Jacó?
Santa Teresa – 3 Nights
Santa Teresa was one of my favorite places on this 3 Week Costa Rica Itinerary. This small town exudes a completely relaxed vibe and is known worldwide as a trendy surf hotspot for good reason. Here, surf schools, yoga studios, and colorful cafes line the streets. Even though Santa Teresa is small and feels like it has more sand than roads, you can easily spend a considerable amount of time here, soaking in the town’s laid-back atmosphere. Make sure to also head over to my post about the best things to do in Santa Teresa before your stay.
How to get to Santa Teresa from Jacó?
To get from Jacó to the Nicoya Peninsula, you can book speedboat tickets through Zuma Tours and either go to Montezuma or take a shuttle directly to Santa Teresa. The transport from Jacó to Montezuma costs $55, and from Jacó to Santa Teresa, it’s $65. The boat ride from Jacó to Montezuma takes about an hour, and the onward journey from there to Santa Teresa is around 30 minutes. If you’re not traveling by rental car, this route is ideal, as Zuma Tours picks you up directly from your accommodation and drops you off right at the door of your next one.
For those traveling Costa Rica with a rental car, you’ll need to take a small detour via Puntarenas to catch the ferry to the peninsula. The small town of Montezuma, with its famous waterfall and beautiful beach, is definitely worth a short stop between Jacó and Santa Teresa. However, you can also head straight to Santa Teresa and visit Montezuma later on a day trip.
Where to stay in Santa Teresa?
Low budget: Hostel La Posado, Selina Santa Teresa North, Tranquilo Backpackers
Mid-range: Hotel Santa Teresa By The Beach, Banana Beach Hotel, Fuego Lodge
Luxury: Hotel Nantipa, Laloon Luxury Suites, Bohemia Experience
What to do in Santa Teresa?
- Surfing
- Relax at Playa Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen, or Playa Hermosa
- Yoga Class
- Mal Pais Tide Pools
- Horseback Riding at the beach
- Day Trip to Montezuma
Sámara – 2 Nights
After the trendy surf town of Santa Teresa, I recommend heading further north along the coast to Sámara and spending two nights there. Although Sámara, with its population of around 3,500, is slightly larger than Santa Teresa, it is still small and manageable. Sámara definitely offers a good range of options for tourists – from plenty of dining choices and beach spots to tour providers. Despite its touristy vibe, Sámara, in my opinion, has a unique charm.
During your two nights in Sámara, you can spend one day at the beach, swimming in the sea, sipping on a coconut, or taking a surf lesson. In the evening, you can go horseback riding on the beach or watch sea turtles nesting (here you can book a Turtle Nesting Tour, available only from July to October). On the second day, you might enjoy a dolphin-watching tour or visit Playa Carrillo in the neighboring bay.
How to get to Sámara?
There is no direct bus connection from Santa Teresa to Sámara, but you can use the reliable Shuttle service Tropical Shuttle Tours, that departs twice per day and cost around $50 per person. The shuttle service will pick you up at your hotel and bring you directly to your next accommodation. Just write them a Whatsapp message and they will organize everything for you.
Where to stay in Sámara?
Mid-range: Our stay at the small Boutique Hotel Giada made our time in Sámara perfect. Our room had a lovely balcony with a pool view, the breakfast was delicious, and the staff was incredibly friendly. We enjoyed cooling off in the beautiful pool area and dining at the hotel’s restaurant in the evenings.
What to do in Sámara?
- Beginner Surf Lessons
- Playa Carillo
- Turtle Nesting Tour
- Dolphin Watching Tour
Tamarindo – 2 Nights
Coming from the small towns of Santa Teresa and Sámara, Tamarindo can initially feel quite large and overwhelming. This town on the Pacific coast, situated in the bay of the same name, was once a small fishing village but has developed into a popular and frequently visited vacation spot in recent years. Personally, we felt that Tamarindo lacked some of the individual charm we found in other places. However, the town offers a vast array of activities, and we were particularly thrilled with a ziplining tour we chose nearby.
While the beach in Tamarindo is large and expansive, it is also more crowded compared to other places on this 3 Week Costa Rica Itinerary. Unfortunately, you are often approached by vendors here. On the bright side, the sunsets at Tamarindo are stunning and are said to be some of the most beautiful in all of Costa Rica. Another advantage of the high tourist presence is the extensive and diverse selection of restaurants and bars, making it easy to find the perfect vacation souvenir.
Where to stay in Tamarindo?
In The Shade Hotel is the ideal place if you’re looking for a central location yet still crave a peaceful retreat. The rooms are classically and modernly furnished, the staff is extremely helpful, and the pool is perfect for swimming. I particularly recommend this hotel to freelancers or anyone needing to work on their laptop while traveling, thanks to its co-working spaces and reliable internet connection.
What to do in Tamarindo?
- Ziplining Tour
- Beach bars
- Turtle Nesting Tour
- Whitewater Rafting
La Fortuna – 4 Nights
La Fortuna, the action, adventure, and wellness capital of the country, is a must-visit on any three-week Costa Rica itinerary. Here, you can do just about anything that a nature and adventure enthusiast could desire. From waterfalls and rainforest hiking trails to whitewater rafting and ATV tours, as well as hot springs and spectacular hanging bridges, there is something for everyone. I recommend staying at least three to four nights in La Fortuna to partake in various activities and fully immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s natural beauty. Situated right next to the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, La Fortuna provides the perfect setting to experience the country’s eco-tourism.
The town is also very popular among locals, as several Costa Ricans mentioned to us during our trip. If you’re visiting during the rainy season, it’s wise to plan an extra day here, as the rain in the interior can sometimes disrupt your plans. Additionally, I recommend renting a car by the time you reach La Fortuna, as having a vehicle will make it much easier and more flexible to visit the various attractions. Some accommodations, like the Arenal Roca Suites, are quite secluded and more accessible by car.
Where to stay in La Fortuna?
For our time in La Fortuna, we chose two different accommodations. The first two nights, we stayed at the Arenal Roca Suites, where we slept in our own bungalow with a hot tub and a stunning view of the volcano. For the rest of our stay in La Fortuna, we stayed at the Arte Natura Hotel and were very satisfied. Right next to the hotel is Soda El Turnito, where you can eat deliciously and affordably.
What do do in La Fortuna?
- Rio Fortuna Waterfall
- Hot Springs
- Mistico Hanging Bridges Park
- Arenal Volcano Park
- Trip to Rio Celeste
- Kayaking/ Stand-Up Paddleboarding at Lake Arenal
- Sloth Watching Trail
- El Salto Rope Swing
- ATV Guided Tour
- Whitewater Rafting at Balsa River
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca – 4 Nights
The small coastal town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca near the border with Panama is manageable and cozy. There are some nice stores, cafés and restaurants here, as well as small street stalls where you can buy fruit or souvenirs. After the action-packed town of La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo is the perfect place to spend a few relaxing days at the end of your trip. Here you can soak up the last rays of sunshine on your 3-week Costa Rica itinerary and try out the many cafés and bars. If you don’t just want to laze on the beach, you can also take a trip to the Jaguar Resuce Center by bike or tuk-tuk, visit Cahuita National Park or even take a trip to Bocas del Toro in Panama for a night or two. The paradisiacal island archipelago is perfect for snorkeling, diving and swimming.
Where to stay in Puerto Viejo?
If you are looking for a quiet, modern and beautiful boutique hotel in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, I would highly recommend the Olinca Boutique Hotel. Here you can look forward to a delicious breakfast, a pool and large, well-kept rooms. The hotel is also suitable for families.
What to do in Puerto Viejo?
- Playa Negra
- Jaguar Rescue Center
- Trip to Mazanillo
- Cahuita National Park
- Punta Uva Beach
- Playa Cocles
- Trip to Bocas del Toro (Panama)
Don’t forget to save this 3 Week Costa Rica Itinerary for your next trip!
