One Month In Costa Rica Travel Itinerary | 2023
This cuffing season, why not escape the cold altogether and settle down in Costa Rica for an extended stay. Costa Rica has a little bit of everything – with stunning beaches, flowing waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. It’s easy to see why this country welcomed over 2 million visitors in 2022! For an amazing trip without the hassle of planning every detail yourself – we’re your girls. We’ve created this Costa Rica Travel Itinerary based on our own experience, to give you four unforgettable weeks in Costa Rica!
If you can swing one full month here, you absolutely should. During our month-long trip to Costa Rica, we followed this EXACT itinerary! Of course, after traveling this route ourselves we learned a thing or two about visiting Costa Rica – so we’ve updated this guide with our very best travel tips.
Are you ready to Settle Down in Costa Rica?
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Tide Pool In Montezuma, Costa Rica
Speed Date Costa Rica
Let’s cover the basics! You need to get to know Costa Rica – so we’ve set up a little speed date. Below you’ll find all the things you need to know before you go.
- Currency: Colon (CRC)
- Language: Spanish (many people speak English too)
- Plug Type: A & B (same as the U.S.)
- Infrastructure: Moderate (some parts can be difficult to navigate with a vehicle)
- Towns we’ll cover in this guide
- Montezuma – a quiet, beach and jungle paradise on the Nicoya Peninsula
- Santa Teresa – a surf and sun hotspot on the Nicoya Peninsula
- La Fortuna – where all your waterfall and hanging bridge fantasies come true
Santa Teresa Beach, Costa Rica
Santa Teresa Beach, Costa Rica
Ecotourism Is Cool, Okay?
If you didn’t already know, now you do. We’re breaking up with toxic travel in 2023 – in favor of a more planet-friendly approach to exploring. This Costa Rica Travel Itinerary is packed with eco hotels and sustainable travel tips. Ultimately, the small choices we make as travelers add up to have a big impact – and it’s important to remember this when booking accommodation and excursions.
Costa Rica is a dream destination for ecotourism. Local businesses work to educate and inspire tourists to care more deeply about preserving the rich biodiversity that exists here. After all, it’s the untouched nature, diverse species, and idyllic climate that make this country so special in the first place. Below, we’ve listed some of the eco-friendly travel tips we’ll highlight throughout this post. Follow these tips to ensure you give back to the communities you visit during your month in Costa Rica!
- Support small, local businesses
- Walk don’t ride
- Visit less touristy spots
- Book small-scale eco hotels
How Much Time Do You Have?
We know everyone has different relationship goals with Costa Rica. That’s why we’ve created separate Costa Rica Travel Itineraries based on the duration of your trip. If you have approximately a month to explore, this is the post for you – so just keep reading.
On the other hand, if you have only 3-5 days to hit all the best spots in Costa Rica, that’s what we like to call Playing The Field. Or, if you’re somewhere in the middle, with 1-3 weeks to explore, that means you’re ready to Go Steady. If either of these sounds more like you, check out our other 2023 Costa Rica Travel Guide, which covers shorter trips.
How To Get Around
We’ll keep this short and sweet: use shuttles to get around Costa Rica! This One Month Costa Rica Travel Itinerary takes you from Montezuma, to Santa Teresa, to La Fortuna. Each of these three towns is easily reachable by shuttle and you can avoid the extras fees associated with booking a car in Costa Rica.
Tropical Tours Shuttles is the company we used to travel between these 3 towns. Simply put, just text the company via Whatsapp 1-2 days before your planned travel date and let them know where you need to go. Then, a friendly driver will arrive directly to your accommodation at the arranged time, to help load up your luggage and hit the (dirt) road.
Transportation In Costa Rica
Ultimately, we have designed this entire Costa Rica Travel Itinerary to be possible without the use of a vehicle. Car rentals are one of the largest expenses travelers pay for during a trip. Plus, young travelers (like us!) are either not allowed to rent cars at all, or forced to pay high fees for being underage.
As if you needed one more reason to forgo a car, carbon emissions from this particular form of travel leave a negative footprint and contribute to the climate crisis.
Infrastructure In Costa Rica
Lastly, the infrastructure in Costa Rica makes travel by car difficult for travelers. During the rainy season, floods often cut off entire roads and inexperienced drivers are known to have difficulty navigating the many dirt roads with poor service and limited guidance from Google Maps. Given all of this, we decided to skip the expense and pay for shuttles anytime we wanted to explore an area that wasn’t within walking distance.
We <3 Walking
In towns like Montezuma and Santa Teresa, everything we wanted and needed was a short walk away! La Fortuna was the only destination where having a car would have allowed us to do more, but we combatted this by staying at a rainforest eco lodge that had all the amenities and activities we could ask for (see below)!
Picking walkable destinations when you travel supports the planet and helps you save money. It’s a win-win. There are so many benefits to exploring on foot, and you should definitely try it during your one month in Costa Rica! See how long you can go without getting into a vehicle! Embrace a slow traveler’s mindset and be fully present right where you are.
Where To Fly Into
LIR – LIR
There are two major airports in Costa Rica: San Jose International Airport (SJO) and Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR). If you follow this exact itinerary, it will be most ideal to fly in and out of Liberia’s airport. Liberia is much closer to Montezuma and Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula. Once you arrive, it’s just a 2-3 hour shuttle ride to reach these beach towns in Costa Rica. Later, once you’ve made your way to La Fortuna, you’ll be just under 3 hours from the airport for your return home.
LIR – SJO
San Jose’s airport is a bit closer to La Fortuna–about 2 hours–if you want to fly into Liberia and out of San Jose. This option might be a bit more expensive though, as you will have to book two separate flights.
SJO – SJO
Alternatively, you can also fly in and out of San Jose (this is what we did) if flights are considerably cheaper. You’ll just have a longer travel day to reach Montezuma when you begin your trip (about 5 hours).
One Month Costa Rica Travel Itinerary
9 Days In Montezuma
Around here, we don’t save the best for last. Montezuma is the perfect place to start your month-long trip to Costa Rica – and the spot we fell most in love with during our stay.
Why visit Montezuma? There are more than a few things to do in this jungle paradise. This is the place to hike to flowing waterfalls, swim in natural tide pools, and try authentic Costa Rican food. Moreover, Montezuma’s size and quieter atmosphere make it more affordable than some of the bigger beach towns in Costa Rica. The prices of accommodation and food are lower here.
With a full month of travel, this is a great way to start your trip in an affordable spot. Choose free outdoor activities and spend time lounging on the quieter beach here, because the next two destinations are more lively.
Amor De Mar Guest Room
Bathroom In Casa Luna At Amor De Mar
Casa Luna At Amor De Mar
Where To Stay In Montezuma
When it comes to where to stay in Montezuma, Hotel Amor De Mar is the total package. This family-run hotel has a little bit of everything, and a sustainable mission we love more than anything. For everything you need to know about Amor De Mar, check out our full review of the hotel : The Best Hotel In Montezuma, Costa Rica: Amor De Mar Review.
This post includes photos of the hotel grounds, restaurant, and the villa we stayed in–called Casa Luna–during our 9 days in Montezuma. You’ll be able to visualize yourself relaxing in hammocks and watching the sunrise over the waves each morning. There’s hardly a more peaceful spot in all of Costa Rica than right here at Amor De Mar.
Fortunately, Amor De Mar has two villas perfect for families or groups traveling together. These eco-bungalows have full kitchens – which will really help you save money if you’re traveling on a budget. Montezuma’s quaint downtown has one grocery store that you can walk to and pick up fresh produce.
Tide Pools In Montezuma
Breakfast Table At Amor De Mar
Montezuma Waterfall
What To Do In Montezuma
Now that you’ve got your accommodation planned out, you can focus on how to spend your time in Montezuma. Our full Montezuma Travel Guide goes into detail about the best activities and excursions. Since you have more than a week to enjoy this beach town in Costa Rica, you can find a nice balance between planned activities and time to unwind. Of all three places that you’ll visit if you follow this Costa Rica Travel Itinerary, Montezuma is the best for relaxation.
- Visit the Montezuma Waterfalls
- Eat at local restaurants (try Sano Banano & Bar Restaurante Montezuma)
- Explore the Tide Pools at Amor De Mar
- Check out the Butterfly Brewery (10 minute walk from Amor De Mar hotel)
- Lay on the beach
- Rent a surfboard ($10 a day)
@baggagegirls Day 1 | Montezuma is a little rainy and a whole lotta fun so far 🦎🥑🍃 Follow along as we share all that this little town in Costa Rica has to offer! ••• #costarica #montezuma #travelcostarica #ecotravel #baggagegirls
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Ecotourism In Montezuma
During your time in Montezuma, you’ll embrace ecotourism by staying in a small, locally owned eco hotel. Amor De Mar gives back to the community and cares for the planet with its practices. Plus, this is a less touristy spot than other towns in Costa Rica like Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, and Manuel Antonio. As a result, the natural environment in Montezuma is a bit more untouched and beautiful. You might find that you fancy the less touristy destinations more than you do the crowded areas – we certainly do!
10 Days In Santa Teresa
Next up, you’re headed to a sunny, surfer’s paradise: Santa Teresa. Get ready to spend 10 days lounging on the beach, checking out trendy cafes, and trying your hand at surfing (or catching waves like a pro).
Travel From Montezuma To Santa Teresa
Thankfully, it’s a breeze to travel from Montezuma to Santa Teresa. Simply call ahead a day or two in advance to book a shuttle that will take you directly from your hotel to your next accommodation in Santa Teresa. This should only cost between $10-15 dollars and it’s about a 45 minute ride.
While the ride is a bit bumpy, you’ll arrive in Santa Teresa’s bustling town and feel a world away from the seclusion of Montezuma.
@baggagegirls Are you looking to Go Steady in Santa Teresa? We’re writing all about this popular travel destination in Costa Rica on the blog! 🏄♀️🌴🌊 ••• #travelgirls #santateresacostarica #costaricatravelguide #travelcostarica #travelbloggers #baggagegirls
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Where To Stay In Santa Teresa
With 10 days in Santa Teresa, Airbnb will get you the most bang for your buck. For your convenience, here’s the exact airbnb we booked for our 10 days in Santa Teresa. But if it’s already booked or you have a different sized group (we traveled with 6 people), there are SO many trendy villas and properties in this area.
On the other hand, if you’re a digital nomad working remotely, we also recommend Outsite for longer stays. This is a co-living space where you’ll get your own room and bathroom, but have shared kitchen, office, and living spaces. It’s really like a hotel for remote workers.
Whatever you do, make sure to book accommodation with a kitchen so that you can cook some of your meals in. Santa Teresa gets expensive quickly if you eat out all the time.
Kitchen In Our Santa Teresa Airbnb
Vegan Sandwich At Ani's Bowls
Airbnb With A Pool in Santa Teresa
What To Do In Santa Teresa
After relaxing in Montezuma, Santa Teresa is the place to socialize. This Costa Rica Travel Itinerary is designed to give you different experiences in each destination – so you won’t get bored of any one thing. This beach town in Costa Rica is bustling with fellow travelers, trendy shops, and exciting nightlife. See the shortlist of things to do in Santa Teresa below:
- Surf (rentals are $15 per day, or you can purchase lessons if you want to learn)
- Sit your bum on the beach
- Try as many cute cafes as you can (try Cafca Cafe, Ani’s Bowls, and Somos Restaurant)
- Meet other young travelers (sunset is a great place to do this, or by staying at Outsite)
- Don’t miss a sunset on Santa Teresa Beach
- Enjoy delicious meals at trendy restaurants (try Kooks BBQ, Pronto Italian, and Eat Street)
Surfing On Santa Teresa Beach
House Of Somos Surf Shop
Sunset At Santa Teresa Beach
Ecotourism In Santa Teresa
Okay, so we loved the vibe in Santa Teresa. But to be honest, this destination is at risk of losing more than just its charm to overtourism. Short term property rentals are cropping up everywhere you look, and the town doesn’t have the proper infrastructure to handle the large amount of people flocking to the area.
Furthermore, most of these coastal towns have problems managing solid waste and wastewater. Coastal waters suffer from solid waste flowing in through the rivers, and this problem is only worsening with increasing tourism. Costa Rica does not have the same laws and regulations that other countries do to regulate these issues, so travelers should take it upon themselves to pay attention to their water usage during their stay.
One way to do this is by supporting the Nicoya Peninsula Waterkeeper, and the certified Ocean Friendly Businesses committed to reducing ocean pollution. Check out the full list of Ocean Friendly Businesses here, and see a few of our favorites below:
- Eat Street
- Cafca Cafe
- Somos
- Pronto Italian
- Drift Bar
Waterfall In La Fortuna
Dome Suite At Finca Luna Nueva
Hanging Bridges In La Fortuna
7 Days In La Fortuna
Finally, you’ll trade the beach for volcano views and spend one last week in La Fortuna. While Santa Teresa and Montezuma are charming beach towns, La Fortuna offers jungle hikes, flowing waterfalls, and entirely different ecotourism adventures.
Travel From Santa Teresa To La Fortuna
Get ready for a travel day. Traveling from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna takes 5-6 hours, and requires you to take a ferry. Thankfully, you can book with the same shuttle company you took from Montezuma to Santa Teresa. Tropical Tours Shuttles will pick you up in Santa Teresa, drop you at the ferry, and collect you again on the other side to finish the drive–with a new driver of course.
The best part about this trip is that you pay one price to the shuttle company, instead of three separate fares. Ultimately, this takes all the hassle out of your travel day and allows you to enjoy the ride. Moreover, the scenery along the way is stunning and you’ll get the chance to see many different elements of the country. The price for this trip ranges depending on the number of travelers, but we paid $67 per person.
Where To Stay In La Fortuna
The final place you stay during your one month in Costa Rica needs to leave a lasting impression. We found the perfect sustainable rainforest ecolodge just outside La Fortuna that checked all our boxes. Finca Luna Nueva Eco Lodge will teach you how to travel in a way that supports the environment – without compromising on resort amenities or adventure.
If you want to experience La Fortuna without the crowds – Finca Luna Nueva is the perfect place to stay. Additionally, this eco resort is super affordable – we paid just $180 per night for a family bungalow that slept all 6 people in our group (that’s $30 per person, per night!). Read our full review of this hotel and check out the photos of its natural pools, yoga pavilion, and cozy villas: A True Eco Hotel In Costa Rica: Finca Luna Nueva Lodge Review.
On the other hand, if you prefer to stay in the center of the action in La Fortuna, book your stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa. This stunning resort property has miles of hiking trails that lead out to multiple waterfalls, volcano viewpoints, and hanging bridges. This was also the spot where we saw some of the most unique bird species and wildlife!
What To Do In La Fortuna
When it comes to activities in La Fortuna, you have options! If you’re traveling on a budget – choose Finca Luna Nueva Eco Lodge and enjoy the free onsite amenities:
- Relax in the saltwater pool
- Sit in the spring-fed jacuzzi late at night (it’s open 24 hrs)
- Take a Chocolate Tour
- Go on a nature hike
- See the Arenal Volcano from the Bamboo Observatory
- Practice yoga in the Bamboo Pavilion
On the other hand, if you choose to stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge and Spa, you can hike the miles of stunning trails right onsite. Here you’ll find many different animal species, and the best view of the Arenal Volcano from a tower observatory. Spend your time exploring the jungle and visit the waterfalls located within the grounds. You might even have the waterfalls to yourself, as this destination is a bit more off the beaten path!
There are many activities near both hotels, ranging from ziplining, to white water rafting, to hiking Arenal Volcano National Park.
Ecotourism In La Fortuna
One of the easiest ways to engage in ecotourism in La Fortuna is to book your stay at Finca Luna Nueva Eco Lodge. This eco lodge prides itself on being both a living classroom and a paradise for travelers.
Most notably, Finca Nueva champions regenerative agriculture, farm to table food, and regeneration of the surrounding forests.
Cost Of The Trip
Finally, let’s cover costs. For a full breakdown of exactly what this One Month Costa Rica Travel Itinerary will cost you, check out our post: Is Costa Rica Expensive? How To Travel Costa Rica On A Budget. In this post, we share the exact price of our month-long trip to Costa Rica.
But if you don’t need the full breakdown, we’ll keep it short and sweet. We spent $2,600 total, per person. Although, $600 of that was flights alone – so if you have flexible dates and find cheap flights, you can do it for even less.
@baggagegirls Is Costa Rica Expensive? 🦎🌺 The full roundup of every single penny we spent during our month long trip to Costa Rica 🏄♀️ 🫶🏼 For hotel recommendations and the full one month travel itinerary — head to our blog 💌 ••• #budgettravel #travelbloggers #travelgirls #baggagegirls #costarica #santateresacostarica #montezumacostatarica #lafortunacostarica #costoftravel
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Wrap It Up
There you have it, we just set you up with three of the best towns in Costa Rica. Hopefully this travel guide comes in handy as you have your own adventure in Costa Rica!
In closing, if you find yourself single this cuffing season, just remember that you can always have a meaningful relationship with a new place. Costa Rica will definitely not let you down.
All our love,
Baggage girls
