2 Week Monteverde Tour Packages
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Monteverde Itineraries for 2 weeks
Compiled by
MelissaMonteverde travel expert at TourRadar
12 Days in Costa Rica & Nicaragua, incl. San José and Granada
The cloud forest unveils its secrets during a 2.5-hour guided hike on accessible trails, offering prime wildlife viewing opportunities throughout a full day in Monteverde.
- Day 1
San José, Costa Rica
Arrive in Costa Rica's capital and head to your hotel. Book an afternoon arrival if you can since morning traffic in San José gets pretty bad. Spend your evening walking through the historic Barrio Amón neighborhood to check out the colonial architecture.
- Day 2
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Take the 4-hour drive to Monteverde early in the day for a 2.5-hour hike through one of Costa Rica's most impressive ecosystems. The cloud forest paths are good but can get slippery. Bring sturdy shoes and pack a light rain jacket just in case. A recent visitor said: "The morning fog creates an otherworldly atmosphere - we spotted three different kinds of hummingbirds before 9 AM."
- Day 3
Crossing to Nicaragua's Ometepe Island
This is a full travel day as you cross the Peñas Blancas border. Bring $12-15 for exit and entry fees. Take the ferry to Ometepe Island but be ready for some choppy water during the 1-hour ride. Consider motion sickness pills if you need them. You'll have time to visit the beautiful Charco Verde lagoon in the evening.
- Days 4-5
Granada & Masaya Volcano
Make Granada your base for exploring Nicaragua's colonial history. Take a morning walking tour through the historic center and relax on a boat trip on Lake Nicaragua. In the evening visit the active Santiago crater at Masaya Volcano National Park. The sulfur fumes are strong so bring a bandana. Stop by the Masaya craft market in the morning when it's not too hot.
- Days 6-7
Arenal Volcano Area
Head back to Costa Rica and visit La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano. You can hike through lava fields and walk across hanging bridges in the rainforest canopy. The thermal springs are less busy after 6 PM. One visitor noted: "The suspended bridges offer incredible volcano views - go early before clouds roll in around 11 AM."
- Days 8-9
Tortuguero National Park
Leave very early (5:30 AM) for the Caribbean coast. Take a boat through jungle canals to get to your lodge. You'll see lots of wildlife both from boats and on walking trails. Bring clothes that dry quickly since the humidity is really high. The early morning canoe tours are best for spotting animals.
- Day 10
Caribbean Coast
Drive south to Puerto Viejo de Limón to experience Costa Rica's Afro-Caribbean culture. You'll pass Limón's busy port along the coastal road. Take the evening to enjoy the relaxed Caribbean atmosphere and try some local food at the beachfront restaurants.
- Day 11
Cahuita National Park to San José
Take a morning walk in Cahuita National Park and look for sloths in the beachside almond trees. The trail runs along the beach but watch out for high tide. Check the tide schedule before you go. It's a 4-5 hour drive back to San José in the afternoon.
- Day 12
Departure
Head to San José International Airport. Book your flight for the afternoon to avoid morning traffic.
11 Day Costa Rica Itinerary, incl. San Jose and Tortuguero
Suspended pathways through the morning mist highlight your two-night cloud forest stay. Afternoon activities complement the morning bridge tour, while evening hours bring chances to spot nocturnal wildlife.
- Day 1
San Jose
Land in Costa Rica's capital. Take time to visit the National Museum and Central Market. Book your airport transfer after 2 PM to avoid peak traffic hours.
- Days 2-3
Tortuguero National Park
Start with a 4-hour drive to the Caribbean coast. Then take a 90-minute boat ride through the canals to Tortuguero. Bring motion sickness pills if needed. Look for howler monkeys and tropical birds during your boat journey. Spend your next day exploring the park's waterways and trails. A guest mentioned: "The boat tour through Tortuguero's canals was incredible - our guide spotted sleeping sloths and baby caimans that we would have missed."
- Days 4-5
Arenal Volcano Area
Travel to La Fortuna (5-6 hours). The ride can get bumpy, so try to sit near the front. Visit local farms to learn about coffee and chocolate production. Fill your free time with waterfall hikes or hot springs visits. Remember to bring good shoes and water for the 500+ steps at La Fortuna Waterfall.
- Days 6-7
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Take a morning drive around Lake Arenal (3-4 hours) to Monteverde for better visibility on the winding roads. Walk the hanging bridges and try ziplines through the misty forest. Consider booking a night walk to find nocturnal animals. One visitor noted: "Bring a light raincoat for Monteverde - sudden showers are common even in dry season."
- Days 8-9
Central Pacific Coast
Travel to the Pacific coast (4 hours) near Manuel Antonio National Park. Take a guided tour to find monkeys, sloths and tropical birds. Get to the park's beach early to avoid crowds, or walk to quieter spots.
- Days 10-11
San Jose & Departure
Head back to San Jose (3 hours). Use your last day to buy coffee and crafts at the Mercado Central. Plan for evening flights since morning traffic can add an extra hour to airport travel.
- Day 1
Liberia & Travel to Monteverde
Plan to land at Liberia International Airport before 3 PM for the 4-hour drive to Monteverde. You'll see beautiful highland scenery and Lake Arenal along the way. The last hour includes steep mountain roads, so bring motion sickness medication if you need it.
- Day 2
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Head out at 7 AM to experience the cloud forest before the crowds arrive. Morning mist creates ideal conditions for wildlife spotting, especially quetzals and hummingbirds. One traveler shared: "The zip-lining through the cloud forest canopy was incredible - you literally soar through the clouds!" End your day with a night safari to spot sleeping sloths and red-eyed tree frogs.
- Day 3
Waterfall Trek & Caribbean Transfer
Start with a morning waterfall hike. You'll need water shoes with good grip since the rocks get slippery. The 6-hour drive east to the Caribbean coast takes you through mountain valleys before reaching sea level. Pick up fresh coconuts and local snacks in small towns along the way.
- Days 4-8
Puerto Viejo Region
Stay in the jungle near Puerto Viejo where howler monkeys will wake you each morning. You'll spend time at a permaculture farm learning sustainable tropical agriculture and visit indigenous communities to learn their farming methods. Use late afternoons to explore Caribbean beaches like Punta Uva or visit the Jaguar Rescue Center. A recent participant noted: "Working alongside locals at the farm while learning about permaculture was eye-opening. The connection to the land and community here is something special."
- Days 9-10
Pacuare River Rafting
Experience world-class rapids on the Pacuare River. Start with Class III rapids on day one before camping in the jungle. Day two brings more challenging Class IV rapids through scenic gorges. The guides know their stuff but you should be reasonably fit. Pack quick-dry clothes and be ready to get wet.
- Day 11
San Jose Departure
The drive from Pacuare to San Jose takes about 3 hours. Book an afternoon flight to avoid morning traffic. Stop at the central market for local coffee and chocolate souvenirs.
