An Ideal 13-Day Costa Rica Itinerary

A visit here will confirm the most optimistic of expectations—Costa Rica has a stable government and tourism infrastructure, a friendly populace and a tropical landscape teeming with exotic wildlife. (Notable residents include howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, spiny anteaters and sea turtles.) Visit sooner rather than later, as the country is struggling to maintain a responsible pace of development,” writes Andrew Harper

One of the best times of year to visit is between January and April, as the weather is quite pleasant. While it’s possible to enjoy some of Costa Rica’s wonders over a long weekend, a longer itinerary offers ample rewards:

Day 1

Arrive in the capital San José and transfer to Finca Rosa Blanca, a unique hacienda with its own organic coffee plantation.

Day 2

Learn how the experts distinguish and rate gourmet coffee by participating in a “coffee-cupping” session with Finca Rosa Blanca’s expert Coffee Tour Guide. It’s also possible to hike to the scenic lagoons of the nearby Barva Volcano. Spectacular quetzals and bonking bellbirds may be spotted along the trails.

Day 3

Fly by chartered plane from San José to Lapa Rios, an “engaging wilderness refuge dramatically sited above the Golfo Dulce,” according to Mr. Harper. Take the half-mile trail down through the forest to the beach, or simply relax at the open-air bar, ideal for “viewing monkeys and a dazzling array of parrots, toucans and scarlet macaws.”

Days 4 & 5

Spend these days in the unspoiled tropical environment around Lapa Rios. One day, have a private lunch in the middle of the jungle overlooking a waterfall.

In addition to exploring the rainforest, we can arrange a visit to a local school during class. Spend time with the children, learning about their school and daily lives.

Day 6

Fly by chartered plane from Puerto Jimenez to Quepos. Check in to either Arenas del Mar, a hillside resort sloping down to a secluded beach, or Gaia Hotel & Reserve, a more futuristic property on a 12-acre nature reserve.

Days 7 & 8

Enjoy two full days of exploring the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park. Take guided walks with expert naturalists, kayak through the mangroves and zip-line through the forested canopy.

Day 9

Fly by chartered plane from Quepos to Hotel Punta Islita, a colonial-style, coastal hideaway on the crest of a hill. This evening, head to Camaronal Beach to watch sea turtles build nests and lay their eggs (depending on the season).

Days 10 & 11

Spend these two days at Hotel Punta Islita exploring the unique tropical dry forest environment.

For a change of pace, enjoy a private visit of the Islita Contemporary Art Museum. Here, brilliant murals and intriguing sculptures decorate the walls and open spaces of the village in a bold outdoor display of identity. More than 60 people are involved in the community art groups, and their original pieces are proudly displayed and sold at the Casa Museo. Meet some of the artists and purchase a work of art to bring back home.

The last evening, indulge in a private dinner in the beachside gardens or on the restaurant’s viewing deck.

Day 12

Fly back to San José and overnight at the Grano de Oro, a handsomely restored turn-of-the-century mansion a short taxi ride from the best shopping districts. Its restaurant is one of the best in San José.

Day 13

Bid farewell to Costa Rica and board your flight home.