LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
Itinerary: Surf & Turf
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ONE WEEK / SAN JOSÉ TO PLAYAS AVELLANA & NEGRA
This 605km loop could take more than three weeks if you study Spanish or volunteer in Monteverde, make a stop for world-class windsurfing in Laguna de Arenal, celebrate Guanacaste Day in Santa Cruz, or explore the beaches south of Tamarindo.
This popular route takes travelers by bubbling volcanoes, steamy hot springs and tranquil cloud forest before hitting the beach.
From San José head north to La Fortuna on the eastern folds of Cordillera de Tilarán, where you hike through thick forest on the flanks of Volcán Arenal, followed by a good soak in the hot springs. Then hop on the jeep-boat-jeep service across Laguna de Arenal to Monteverde and search for the elusive quetzal at Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde. End your stay with a zip-line canopy tour.
Then, make a beeline to the pretty surf of Playa Tamarindo, where travelers can loll by the beach, or pursue water- and land-based frolics. Nature buffs will not want to miss the nesting leatherback turtles at Playa Grande.
From here, continue south along a dismal dirt road for more sun and surf at Playas Avellana & Negra. Now, sufficiently suntanned and surf-weary, you can head back to San José.
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