Travogram

2 Weeks in Costa Rica

780

crave.traveling

Cahuita image
Cabinas Surf Side image
Cabinas Surf Side image
Cabinas Surf Side image
Parque National Cahuita image
Parque National Cahuita image
Parque National Cahuita image
Parque National Cahuita image
Parque National Cahuita image
Parque National Cahuita image
Parque National Cahuita image
Parque National Cahuita image
Playa Negra, Cahuita image
Hakuna Matata Hostel image
Terminal Cahuita image
San José image
TripOn Open House Hostel image
TripOn Open House Hostel image
San José image
San José image
San José image
San José image
San José Central Market image
San José Central Market image
TripOn Open House Hostel image
Terminal 7-10 image
Terminal de autobuses La Fortuna image
Santa Fe Hostel image
Chato Volcano image
Chato Volcano image
Chato Volcano image
Chato Volcano image
Chato Volcano image
Chato Volcano image
Santa Fe Hostel image
Rainforest Chocolate Tour image
Rainforest Chocolate Tour image
Rainforest Chocolate Tour image
Rainforest Chocolate Tour image
Rainforest Chocolate Tour image
Rainforest Chocolate Tour image
Rainforest Chocolate Tour image
El Salto (Rope Swing) image
El Salto (Rope Swing) image
El Salto (Rope Swing) image
Free Natural Hot Springs River image
Free Natural Hot Springs River image
Santa Fe Hostel image
Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges image
Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges image
Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges image
Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges image
Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges image
Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges image
Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges image
Santa Fe Hostel image
Río Celeste image
Río Celeste image
Río Celeste image
Río Celeste image
Santa Fe Hostel image
La Fortuna image
Ficus La Raiz image
Kinkajou Night Walk image
Kinkajou Night Walk image
Kinkajou Night Walk image
Kinkajou Night Walk image
Kinkajou Night Walk image
Kinkajou Night Walk image
Kinkajou Night Walk image
Cattleya monteverde image
El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde image
El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde image
El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde image
El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde image
El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde image
Cattleya monteverde image
Estación de Bus Monteverde image
Vista Serena Manuel Antonio image
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio image
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio image
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio image
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio image
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio image
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio image
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio image
Vista Serena Manuel Antonio image
Manuel Antonio image
Liberia image
Hospedaje Dodero image
Cahuita
Cabinas Surf Side
Cabinas Surf Side
Cabinas Surf Side
Parque National Cahuita
Parque National Cahuita
Río Celeste60 of 90
60 / 90
crave.traveling

2 Weeks in Costa Rica

crave.traveling

15 Days

11 Cities

Couple

Day 1
Cahuita

10 Nov

Cahuita image
Cahuita

Cahuita03:00 PMActivity

Cahuita image
Cabinas Surf Side

Cahuita04:00 PMLodging

Day 2
Cahuita National Park

11 Nov

Cahuita National Park image
Parque National Cahuita

Cahuita National Park09:00 AMActivity

Day 3
Cahuita Beachday Cahuita

12 Nov

Cahuita Beachday image
Playa Negra, Cahuita

Cahuita Beachday11:00 AMActivity

Cahuita image
Hakuna Matata Hostel

Cahuita06:00 PMLodging

Day 4
Travel Day San José San Pedro

13 Nov

Travel Day image
Terminal Cahuita

Travel Day12:00 PMActivity

San José image
San José

San José05:00 PMActivity

San Pedro image
TripOn Open House Hostel

San Pedro06:00 PMLodging

Day 5
San José San Pedro

14 Nov

San José image
San José

San José10:00 AMActivity

San José image
San José Central Market

San José01:00 PMActivity

San Pedro image
TripOn Open House Hostel

San Pedro06:00 PMLodging

Day 6
San José La Fortuna

15 Nov

San José image
Terminal 7-10

San José10:00 AMActivity

La Fortuna image
Terminal de autobuses La Fortuna

La Fortuna03:00 PMActivity

La Fortuna image
Santa Fe Hostel

La Fortuna06:00 PMLodging

Day 7
La Fortuna

16 Nov

La Fortuna image
Chato Volcano

La Fortuna09:00 AMActivity

La Fortuna image
Santa Fe Hostel

La Fortuna06:00 PMLodging

Day 8
La Fortuna

17 Nov

La Fortuna image
Rainforest Chocolate Tour

La Fortuna10:00 AMActivity

La Fortuna image
El Salto (Rope Swing)

La Fortuna01:00 PMActivity

La Fortuna image
Free Natural Hot Springs River

La Fortuna04:30 PMActivity

La Fortuna image
Santa Fe Hostel

La Fortuna08:00 PMLodging

Day 9
La Fortuna

18 Nov

La Fortuna image
Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges

La Fortuna10:00 AMActivity

La Fortuna image
Santa Fe Hostel

La Fortuna06:00 PMLodging

Day 10
Guatuso La Fortuna

19 Nov

Guatuso image
Río Celeste

Guatuso09:00 AMActivity

La Fortuna image
Santa Fe Hostel

La Fortuna06:00 PMLodging

Day 11
Travel Day Monteverde

20 Nov

Travel Day image
La Fortuna

Travel Day08:00 AMActivity

Monteverde image
Ficus La Raiz

Monteverde03:00 PMActivity

Monteverde image
Kinkajou Night Walk

Monteverde07:00 PMActivity

Monteverde image
Cattleya monteverde

Monteverde09:00 PMLodging

Day 12
Monteverde Monteverde

21 Nov

Monteverde  image
El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde

Monteverde 09:00 AMActivity

Monteverde image
Cattleya monteverde

Monteverde04:00 PMLodging

Day 13
Travel Day Quepos

22 Nov

Travel Day  image
Estación de Bus Monteverde

Travel Day 08:00 AMActivity

Quepos image
Vista Serena Manuel Antonio

Quepos04:00 PMLodging

Day 14
Quepos

23 Nov

Quepos image
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

Quepos10:00 AMActivity

Quepos image
Vista Serena Manuel Antonio

Quepos04:00 PMLodging

Day 15
Travel Day Liberia

24 Nov

Travel Day  image
Manuel Antonio

Travel Day 08:00 AMActivity

Liberia image
Liberia

Liberia04:00 PMActivity

Liberia image
Hospedaje Dodero

Liberia06:00 PMLodging

Cahuita

10 Nov

Cahuita
03:00 PM

Cahuita image

Good

    

After crossing the border from Panama into Costa Rica, the trip begins in Cahuita, a small quiet town north of Puerto Viejo.

4 mins by Walk

Cabinas Surf Side
04:00 PM

Cabinas Surf Side image
Cabinas Surf Side image
Cabinas Surf Side image
1 / 3

Good

  4 Travogram_google  (84)

Small bungalows with private bathroom and shared kitchen.

Cahuita National Park

11 Nov

Parque National Cahuita
09:00 AM

Parque National Cahuita image
Parque National Cahuita image
Parque National Cahuita image
Parque National Cahuita image
Parque National Cahuita image
Parque National Cahuita image
Parque National Cahuita image
Parque National Cahuita image
1 / 8

Excellent

  4.8 Travogram_google  (8064)

The first excursion takes us to the Cahuita National Park. Here there is a trail about 8km long. It leads us through the park between the jungle and the sea. We could discover iguanas, raccoons, capuchin monkeys and howler monkeys. You can also lie down on the beach at any time and take a break. Entrance is on a donation basis. So you can give as much or as little as it's worth to you.

Cahuita Beachday

12 Nov

Playa Negra, Cahuita
11:00 AM

Playa Negra, Cahuita image

Good

    

Before we dive into the hustle and bustle of the capital of Costa Rica, we spend a relaxing day at the beach.

2 mins by Walk

Cahuita

12 Nov

Hakuna Matata Hostel
06:00 PM

Hakuna Matata Hostel image

Good

  4.3 Travogram_google  (219)

If you prefer to stay in a hostel, this might be a good place for you. We didn't stay here, but met some people who were very happy there.

Travel Day

13 Nov

Terminal Cahuita
12:00 PM

Terminal Cahuita image

Good

  3.2 Travogram_google  (18)

Today we continue to the capital of Costa Rica. It's best to arrange the bus at least one day in advance. We had to go back to the hostel because the bus at 10am was already fully booked when we arrived at the terminal to buy our ticket. 4910 Colones (~7€)

3 hours 58 mins by Bus

San José

13 Nov

San José
05:00 PM

San José image

Good

    

After about 4.5 hours you will reach San Jose. From the terminal, it's best to take an Uber to the hostel. This is much cheaper than the taxis that try to recruit you at the bus station.

14 mins by Uber

San Pedro

13 Nov

TripOn Open House Hostel
06:00 PM

TripOn Open House Hostel image
TripOn Open House Hostel image
1 / 2

Good

  4.3 Travogram_google  (380)

A large hostel with several large dormitories. A little outside the centre in a bar district, so still reasonably safe even in the dark. The beds have curtains for more privacy. The included breakfast consists of toast, butter, jam, fruit and coffee.

San José

14 Nov

San José
10:00 AM

San José image
San José image
San José image
San José image
1 / 4

Good

    

What better way to get to know a city than with a walking tour?

9 mins by Walk

San José Central Market
01:00 PM

San José Central Market image
San José Central Market image
1 / 2

Good

  4.4 Travogram_google  (25250)

At lunchtime, you can grab something to eat at one of the hundred sodas in the market hall. You can also buy all kinds of other stuff here.

10 mins by Walk

San Pedro

14 Nov

TripOn Open House Hostel
06:00 PM

TripOn Open House Hostel image

Good

  4.3 Travogram_google  (380)

San José

15 Nov

Terminal 7-10
10:00 AM

Terminal 7-10 image

Good

  3.8 Travogram_google  (321)

We continue north to La Fortuna. This time you get the tickets directly on the bus when boarding. 2850 Colones (~4€)

2 hours 41 mins by Bus

La Fortuna

15 Nov

Terminal de autobuses La Fortuna
03:00 PM

Terminal de autobuses La Fortuna image

Good

  3.8 Travogram_google  (24)

After about 4h we reach the sweet town at the foot of the Arenal Volcano.

2 mins by Walk

Santa Fe Hostel
06:00 PM

Santa Fe Hostel image

Excellent

  4.7 Travogram_google  (61)

Just a few blocks from the bus stop, you'll find the best hostel in Costa Rica. Edgar and his wife Elisabeth welcome you as if you were part of their family. They also give you lots of tips on what to do in and around la Fortuna. Especially what free activities there are.

La Fortuna

16 Nov

Chato Volcano
09:00 AM

Chato Volcano image
Chato Volcano image
Chato Volcano image
Chato Volcano image
Chato Volcano image
Chato Volcano image
1 / 6

Good

  4.3 Travogram_google  (172)

Today we go on a hike to the Cerro Chato volcano. It goes steeply up through the cloud forest. If the weather is good, you will have a wonderful view of the Arenal Volcano and the crater lake, where you can also swim. As the path is very washed out, I recommend this tour only for sure-footed people.

38 mins by Uber

Santa Fe Hostel
06:00 PM

Santa Fe Hostel image

Excellent

  4.7 Travogram_google  (61)

Back home, you can wash off all the mud under a warm shower and clean your shoes.

La Fortuna

17 Nov

Rainforest Chocolate Tour
10:00 AM

Rainforest Chocolate Tour image
Rainforest Chocolate Tour image
Rainforest Chocolate Tour image
Rainforest Chocolate Tour image
Rainforest Chocolate Tour image
Rainforest Chocolate Tour image
Rainforest Chocolate Tour image
1 / 7

Good

  4.7 Travogram_google  (864)

Cacao grows everywhere in Costa Rica. Accordingly, you should definitely take a closer look at the process from the cocoa bean to the chocolate. On this tour, you will first learn about the history of cacao and chocolate before taking a tour of the farm. Afterwards, every step of the chocolate making process is shown and you can try it yourself. Finally, there is a tasting of the fresh chocolate. Adults: $28 Students: $23

2 mins by Car

El Salto (Rope Swing)
01:00 PM

El Salto (Rope Swing) image
El Salto (Rope Swing) image
El Salto (Rope Swing) image
1 / 3

Good

  4.8 Travogram_google  (950)

About 20 minutes outside of town, you will find a rope with which you can swing into the Rio Fortuna. Be careful not to swim too close to the waterfall and the rock face, as you can be pulled under by a strong whirlpool.

17 mins by Uber

Free Natural Hot Springs River
04:30 PM

Free Natural Hot Springs River image
Free Natural Hot Springs River image
1 / 2

Excellent

  4.6 Travogram_google  (1175)

At the end of the day we have a cosy evening in the free hot springs. Take some snacks, something to drink and candles with you and find a free pool a little upstream or downstream.

16 mins by Uber

Santa Fe Hostel
08:00 PM

Santa Fe Hostel image

Excellent

  4.7 Travogram_google  (61)

La Fortuna

18 Nov

Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges
10:00 AM

Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges image
Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges image
Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges image
Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges image
Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges image
Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges image
Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges image
1 / 7

Good

  4.7 Travogram_google  (6995)

Today we discover the flora and fauna of Costa Rica in the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. There is a circular trail through the jungle with 6 hanging bridges from which you have a view of the Arenal Volcano and down into the jungle. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the smaller animals. Entrance: 26$ + taxes

29 mins by Car

Santa Fe Hostel
06:00 PM

Santa Fe Hostel image

Excellent

  4.7 Travogram_google  (61)

Guatuso

19 Nov

Río Celeste
09:00 AM

Río Celeste image
Río Celeste image
Río Celeste image
Río Celeste image
1 / 4

Excellent

    

Our last excursion from la Fortuna takes us to Rio Celeste. Due to a certain concentration of different minerals, the river turns milky blue. The path leads past a waterfall, always along the blue river, over a bridge across it to the place where 2 normal clear streams flow together and turn blue. As in many national parks in Costa Rica, you are not allowed to take your drone or food with you! Entrance: 12$ + taxes

1 hour 14 mins by Car

La Fortuna

19 Nov

Santa Fe Hostel
06:00 PM

Santa Fe Hostel image

Excellent

  4.7 Travogram_google  (61)

Travel Day

20 Nov

La Fortuna
08:00 AM

La Fortuna image

Good

    

The best way to travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde is by shuttle. The shuttle picks you up at the hostel and takes you to the boat, which takes you across Lake Arenal. On the other side, the next shuttle waits to take you to the next hostel. Cost: 25$

2 hours 50 mins by Car

Monteverde

20 Nov

Ficus La Raiz
03:00 PM

Ficus La Raiz image

Good

  4.6 Travogram_google  (226)

When you arrive in Monteverde, you can walk straight to this natural spectacle. This tree has a fascinating root system, stands in the middle of the city and can be visited free of charge.

8 mins by Car

Kinkajou Night Walk
07:00 PM

Kinkajou Night Walk image
Kinkajou Night Walk image
Kinkajou Night Walk image
Kinkajou Night Walk image
Kinkajou Night Walk image
Kinkajou Night Walk image
Kinkajou Night Walk image
1 / 7

Good

  4.2 Travogram_google  (752)

In the evening we go on a night hike through the rainforest. As more than half of the animals here are nocturnal, you can discover a lot of animals, especially smaller ones. From snakes, frogs and tarantulas to porcupines and other larger mammals, everything is here. Adults: $28 Students: 25$

9 mins by Car

Cattleya monteverde
09:00 PM

Cattleya monteverde image

Excellent

  4.8 Travogram_google  (361)

Another wonderful hostel in Costa Rica. There are dormitories as well as private rooms and a shared kitchen.

Monteverde

21 Nov

El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde
09:00 AM

El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde image
El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde image
El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde image
El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde image
El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde image
1 / 5

Excellent

  4.9 Travogram_google  (1077)

Today we walk about 8km through the cloud forest. The trail leads over 5 suspension bridges past 4 waterfalls. We were unlucky with the weather, but lucky that we were almost alone in the park. In general, this park is still more of an insider tip. Entrance: 29$

27 mins by Car

Monteverde

21 Nov

Cattleya monteverde
04:00 PM

Cattleya monteverde image

Excellent

  4.8 Travogram_google  (361)

Travel Day

22 Nov

Estación de Bus Monteverde
08:00 AM

Estación de Bus Monteverde image

Good

  4 Travogram_google  (2)

Today we continue to Manuel Antonio. From Monteverde we first have to drive 2h to Puntarenas. Get off at the hospital. The next bus will pass by there and you don't have to wait forever at the port and change terminals. 1700 Colones (~2,40€) From Puntarenas we drive another 2.5 h to Quepos. 2500 Colones (~€3.50) From Quepos we have to take a 3rd bus for the last 15 minutes. This bus takes 15 minutes and costs only 350 Colones (~€0.50).

2 hours 22 mins by Bus

Quepos

22 Nov

Vista Serena Manuel Antonio
04:00 PM

Vista Serena Manuel Antonio image

Good

  4.6 Travogram_google  (329)

Arriving in Manuel Antonio, we enjoy the sunset from the terrace of our new hostel.

Quepos

23 Nov

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
10:00 AM

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio image
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio image
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio image
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio image
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio image
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio image
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio image
1 / 7

Good

  4.6 Travogram_google  (18725)

Today we explore the smallest national park in Costa Rica. But you can discover a lot of plants and animals on only about 8km2. There are also 2 beautiful beaches for a short break. No food and no drones are allowed here either! Entrance fee: $16 + taxes

11 mins by Bus

Vista Serena Manuel Antonio
04:00 PM

Vista Serena Manuel Antonio image

Good

  4.6 Travogram_google  (329)

With the same bus that we took from Quepos to the hostel, we also reach Manuel Antonio National Park.

Travel Day

24 Nov

Manuel Antonio
08:00 AM

Manuel Antonio image

Good

    

If you want to travel on to Nicaragua like we did, we will go to Liberia today. First we have to go back to Puntarenas. Here, too, it is better to get off at the hospital to catch the connecting bus. From Puntarenas we drive another 4 hours to Liberia. 2900 Colones (~4€)

4 hours 13 mins by Bus

Liberia

24 Nov

Liberia
04:00 PM

Liberia image

Good

    

Due to the current situation, we need a PCR test to enter Nicaragua. We will do this at a branch of Laboratorio San Jose at Plaza Santa Rosa. Depending on when we get the result, we will cross the border tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.

2 mins by Walk

Hospedaje Dodero
06:00 PM

Hospedaje Dodero image

Excellent

  4.3 Travogram_google  (316)

Only 2 blocks from the bus stop is the small hostel Dodero. There are private rooms and a dormitory with bathroom, a shared kitchen and a courtyard with hammocks. The owner was kind enough to keep my drone while we travelled around Nicaragua, as drones are strictly forbidden there.

Trip Recap

Country Visited

costa-rica

Month Traveled

November

Traveler Type

Couple

Trip Duration

15 Days

Lodging Cleanliness?

Satisfied

Social-distancing

Mostly

Mask-wearing

Mostly

How crowded it was?

Medium

Did you feel safe?

Mostly

Drinking Water

Tap

Rental Car

Yes

Mode of Payments

CC

Tipping at Restaurants

Yes

English Speaking

Common

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