Backtopbutton
ShareThis sharing button

Itinerary Planner

Start Your Journey Here

Explore the vibrant culture of Alajuela, bask in the sun-soaked beaches of Jacó, and marvel at the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio, where adventure awaits at every turn.

Suggested Locations
1.Alajuela
Hub of Costa Rica's Agriculture
2.Jaco
Costa Rica's Coastal Party Central
3.Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica's Most Cherished Jewel
Columbus
Alajuela
1,550 mi
Plane
3h 26m
Alajuela
- Trip Weather 21 °C - Trip Weather 22 °C - Trip Weather 20 °C
Discover Alajuela
Hub of Costa Rica's Agriculture
Alajuela is the second-largest city in Costa Rica, located in the Alajuela Province. Known for its rich history, beautiful parks and striking architecture, this lively city is ideal to feel the true spirit of the Costa Rican culture. It's the birthplace of the country's national hero, Juan Santamaria and houses his dedicated museum. The local Central Market is an excellent spot for traditional food and crafts.
Alajuela
Jaco
61 mi
Plane
2h 52m
Jaco
- Trip Weather 26 °C - Trip Weather 27 °C - Trip Weather 26 °C
Discover Jaco
Costa Rica's Coastal Party Central
Jacó is a beautiful beach town located in the Puntarenas Province of Costa Rica. It's renowned for its surf beaches and nightlife. It's also a gateway to national parks, with its backdrop of lush rainforests and mountains providing fantastic hiking and wildlife-spotting opportunities. Jacó's small-town charm, excellent dining, and variety of outdoor activities make it a popular tourist destination.
Jaco
Manuel Antonio
44 mi
Plane
1h 18m
Manuel Antonio
- Trip Weather 26 °C - Trip Weather 25 °C - Trip Weather 25 °C
Discover Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica's Most Cherished Jewel
Located on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio is a stunning blend of beautiful beaches and lush tropical rainforest. Known for the Manuel Antonio National Park, this city offers a wide array of outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, surfing and wildlife viewing. It's home to abundant biodiversity including monkeys, iguanas, and rare bird species.
Manuel Antonio
Columbus
1,590 mi
Plane
4h 32m
Videos Costa Rica
TripPilot

Travel Tips

Currency: CRC Time Zone: Central Standard Time (UTC -6) Language: Spanish

Hello, great to hear you're planning a trip to Alajuela, Jacó, and Manuel Antonio. Here are some travel tips.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit these places in Costa Rica is the dry season, from mid-December to April. Good weather conditions will allow you to fully enjoy the beaches, national parks, and outdoor activities.

Route and Accessibility:
You might want to start your trip in Alajuela, which is near Costa Rica's main international airport, Juan Santamaria International. From Alajuela, you can travel to Jacó by bus or rental car, which takes about 2 hours. From Jaco to Manuel Antonio, it's a 1 to 1.5 hours drive.

Accommodation and Booking:
There's a wide range of accommodations in these locations, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during the peak season (December to April).

Clothing and Essentials:
Pack light and casual clothing for the tropical weather. Don't forget your beachwear, sunblock, insect repellent, and a good rain jacket if you're visiting during the rainy season. Waterproof bags for electronics could also come in handy.

Health and Safety:
Stay hydrated, apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn, and use insect repellent to avoid mosquito-borne diseases. Always be careful when swimming or surfing due to strong currents. Stick to the marked trails when visiting natural parks and beware of wild animals.

Local Etiquette and Respect:
Costa Ricans, known as 'Ticos', are known for their hospitality and friendliness. They appreciate polite behavior, so say 'por favor' for 'please,' and 'gracias' for 'thank you.' Respect local laws and customs, and leave no trace when visiting natural sights.