780
2 Weeks in Costa Rica
crave.traveling
15 Days
11 Cities
Couple
10 Nov
Cahuita
Cahuita
11 Nov
Cahuita National Park
12 Nov
Cahuita Beachday
Cahuita
13 Nov
Travel Day
San José
San Pedro
14 Nov
San José
San José
San Pedro
15 Nov
San José
La Fortuna
La Fortuna
16 Nov
La Fortuna
La Fortuna
17 Nov
La Fortuna
La Fortuna
La Fortuna
La Fortuna
18 Nov
La Fortuna
La Fortuna
19 Nov
Guatuso
La Fortuna
20 Nov
Travel Day
Monteverde
Monteverde
Monteverde
21 Nov
Monteverde
Monteverde
22 Nov
Travel Day
Quepos
23 Nov
Quepos
Quepos
24 Nov
Travel Day
Liberia
Liberia
10 Nov
Good
After crossing the border from Panama into Costa Rica, the trip begins in Cahuita, a small quiet town north of Puerto Viejo.
Good
Small bungalows with private bathroom and shared kitchen.
11 Nov
Excellent
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.
12 Nov
Good
Before we dive into the hustle and bustle of the capital of Costa Rica, we spend a relaxing day at the beach.
12 Nov
Good
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.
13 Nov
Good
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€)
13 Nov
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.
13 Nov
Good
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.
14 Nov
Good
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.
14 Nov
15 Nov
Good
We continue north to La Fortuna. This time you get the tickets directly on the bus when boarding. 2850 Colones (~4€)
15 Nov
Good
After about 4h we reach the sweet town at the foot of the Arenal Volcano.
Excellent
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.
16 Nov
Good
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.
Excellent
Back home, you can wash off all the mud under a warm shower and clean your shoes.
17 Nov
Good
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: $23
Good
About 20 minutes outside of town, you will find a rope with which you can swing into the Rio Fortuna. Be careful not to swim too close to the waterfall and the rock face, as you can be pulled under by a strong whirlpool.
Excellent
At the end of the day we have a cosy evening in the free hot springs. Take some snacks, something to drink and candles with you and find a free pool a little upstream or downstream.
18 Nov
Good
Today we discover the flora and fauna of Costa Rica in the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. There is a circular trail through the jungle with 6 hanging bridges from which you have a view of the Arenal Volcano and down into the jungle. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the smaller animals. Entrance: 26$ + taxes
19 Nov
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
19 Nov
20 Nov
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$
20 Nov
Good
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.
Good
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: $28 Students: 25$
Excellent
Another wonderful hostel in Costa Rica. There are dormitories as well as private rooms and a shared kitchen.
21 Nov
Excellent
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$
21 Nov
22 Nov
Good
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).
22 Nov
Good
Arriving in Manuel Antonio, we enjoy the sunset from the terrace of our new hostel.
23 Nov
Good
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
Good
With the same bus that we took from Quepos to the hostel, we also reach Manuel Antonio National Park.
24 Nov
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€)
24 Nov
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.
Excellent
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.
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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