Explore the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica on a two-week itinerary that highlights beaches, national parks and highlights scenic drives. The Pacific Coast is the most popular destination in Costa Rica.

From San Jose to the Osa Peninsula

Summary: A two-week trip that highlights beaches, national parks, wildlife viewing and includes one of Costa Rica's most scenic drives.

This is one of my favorite travel itineraries for travelers looking for an experience that offers a bit of ecotourism, wildlife viewing, and beach time. In addition, you get off-the-beaten path in the Osa Peninsula. For those who need to park a car before heading to the Osa Peninsula, it might seem a bit intimidating. But, it is straight forward, safe and hassle free. The locals in Sierpe are organized and efficient. You will not need to speak Spanish to get this organized.

• Day 1: San Jose. Arrive in San Jose and transfer to a hotel.
• Days 2 - 3: Jaco. Depart in early morning for Jaco and stop at Tarcoles and take a crocodile boat tour. Use Jaco as your base for exploring the Carara National Park where travelers will find Costa Rica's largest populations of scarlet macaws.
• Days 4 - 5: Quepos & Manuel Antonio National Park. Head south to the charming port town of Quepos. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying Quepos. On day 7, start early for Manuel Antonio National Park. This park can get crowded.  Hire a guide for a more great wildlife viewing experience.
• Days 6 - 7: Dominical. On the way to Dominical, stop at the Baru National Wildlife Refuge.
• Days 8 - 11: Uvita & the Peninsula de Osa : Stop in Uvita for money, food and have a look around before heading to the Peninsula de Osa. Take a boat to Drake Bay. Go on a night bug tour. The following morning, head to Isla de Cano Biological Reserve and Corcovado National Park using an outfitter. On day 11, walk the Public trail from Drake to Corcovado.
• Days 12 - 13: Chirripo National Park . Return to Sierpe and return up the highway Dominical. Head inland to San Gerard de Rivas. The drive through this area is spectacular. On day 13, Try hiking the first 10-km (6 mi) of trail at Chirripo National Park. Be sure to soak in the Aguas Termales hot springs along the Rio Bianco, which, incidentally is a great place to bird watch.
• Day 14: San Jose. Return to San Jose and depart.

It is a bit further to Liberia, but it is possible to start and end this itinerary from Liberia. I found Liberia was safe, easy-to-get-around and the people were charming. The airport is small and just outside of town.

San Jose Costa Rica is a relatively large city with some solid tourist attractions. There are some annoyances such as petty theft, but it the traveler is prepared and aware, theft can be avoided.

San Jose has some terrific museums, such as the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and the Fidel Tristan Jade Museum. There's also. the National Monument to the War of 1856. Be sure to check out Barrio Amon (barrio means neighborhood in Spanish).

For more travel highlights and things to do, visit San Jose Costa Rica.