10 Days in Costa Rica - 5 great ideas

Given that multiple US airlines operate non-stop flights to Costa Rica from multiple US cities, there’s never been a better time to visit this land of pura vida living. One of the most biodiverse countries on earth, Costa Rica also boasts tons of beautiful beaches and opportunities for adventure. Like the sound of that? Read on to find out about five thrilling 10-day Costa Rica itineraries.

Itinerary 1: Costa Rica Express - Animals & Beaches

This itinerary gives you ten days to cover the best of Costa Rica's beaches and animal encounters.  You’ll start at Arenal Volcano, enjoying its waterfalls and hot springs. Then, cross Lake Arenal to Monteverde's cloud forest for some thrilling ziplining and wildlife spotting. Wrap up your trip on the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio.

Itinerary overview

Kicking off in dramatic style, this 10-day Costa Rica  itinerary begins near Arenal Volcano — an area that’s celebrated for its waterfalls and hot springs.   

After crossing Arenal lake, the magic of Monteverde’s cloud forest awaits — along with stacks of wildlife and ziplining adventures — before you head to Manuel Antonio’s beautiful beaches for the last leg. Read on for more inspirational detail.

On the first day of your trip, your driver will meet you at the airport and take you to La Fortuna — gateway to the wonders of Arenal Volcano National Park. 

On day two, you’ll have the chance to explore the national park and soak in its rejuvenating hot springs, with day three heralding immersion in the natural wonders of La Fortuna — one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica, no less.

You’ll also have time to dig deeper into Arenal Volcano National Park, exploring volcanic terrain on incredible trails, and watching out for wildlife.

On day four, you’ll board a boat to cross Lake Arenal — the first stage of your journey to Monteverde, with day five devoted to a day of adventure in Monteverde, including a forest canopy tour.

More forest magic is in store on day six when you’ll experience the nocturnal wonders of the Monteverde Reserve on a night-time nature tour, before transferring to Manuel Antonio on day seven.

Days eight and nine are dedicated to exploring Manuel Antonio National Park, when a naturalist guide unveils the diverse wildlife of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coastline. 

You’ll also get to enjoy a sunset catamaran excursion before returning to San Jose to depart on day ten.

Want insider intel on planning a trip to Costa Rica? Based on his own trips to Costa Rica, our Content Manager has written a personal guide to exactly that. 

Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of this 10-day itinerary in Costa Rica:

Day 1

• Arrive in San Jose and transfer to La Fortuna
• Overnight in La Fortuna

Day 2

• Visit La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano National Park
• Overnight in La Fortuna

Day 3

• Take a tour of the hanging bridges and hot springs
• Overnight in La Fortuna

Day 4

• Boat transfer from La Fortuna to Monteverde 
• Overnight in Monteverde

Day 5

• Canopy, coffee and cocoa adventure day in Monteverde
• Overnight in Monteverde

Day 6

• Night tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest 
• Overnight in Monteverde

Day 7

• Transfer from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio

Day 8

• Nature walk in Manuel Antonio
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio

Day 9

• Afternoon Catamaran trip
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio

Day 10

• Transfer to San Jose Airport ready to depart

Fancy experiencing this Costa Rica itinerary for 10 days? Book this trip now.

Itinerary 2: From Cloud Forest to Beaches

On this amazing tailor-made 10-day trip, you’ll explore Irazú Volcanoes National Park and discover the rural life of Dota through a community visit before uncovering wonders on land and sea in dazzling Drake Bay.

If that wasn’t enough, you’ll also spend time exploring the incredible Corcovado National Park, and the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio.

Itinerary overview

On arriving in San José on day one, your driver will transfer you to your hotel, with day two devoted to exploring the city at your leisure.

Next, a trip to Irazú Volcanoes National Park — one of the best in Costa Rica — on the morning of day three before transferring to San Gerardo de Dota.

This lovely village is a great base for bird-watchers — the surrounding area offer opportunities to see the resplendent quetzal.

On day four, you’ll enjoy an immersive cultural experience with a community in Providencia. Alongside learning about traditional sugar production and taking a cooking class, you’ll explore the Salitre waterfall.

Drake’s Bay beckons day five when you’ll transfer to the Pacific Coast, with day six inviting you to discover the underwater wonders around Caño Island on a snorkeling trip.

On day seven, you’ll take a wildlife tour of Corcovado National Park on the incredibly biodiverse Osa Peninsula before transferring to Drake Bay on day eight.

Either spend day nine resting up on one of the many stunning beaches around these parts, or else discover the national park and its animal residents in the company of a local guide. 

On ten day, you’ll return to San Jose ready to fly back to the US.

Here’s a handy overview of this 10-day itinerary in Costa Rica:

Day 1

• Arrive in San Jose
• Overnight in San Jose

Day 2

• Free Day in San Jose
• Overnight in San Jose

Day 3

• Visit Irazu Volcano National Park
• Overnight in San Gerardo de Dota

Day 4

• Visit Providencia for an authentic community experience
• Overnight in San Gerardo de Dota

Day 5

• Transfer from San Gerardo de Dota to Drake Bay
• Overnight in Corcovado

Day 6

• Day trip to Cano Island with snorkeling
• Overnight in Corcovado

Day 7

• Day trip to Corcovado National Park
• Overnight in Corcovado

Day 8

• Transfer from Drake Bay to Manuel Antonio
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio

Day 9

• Leisure day
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio

Day 10

• Return to San Jose Airport.

Inspired? Don't waste time — book this trip now.

Looking for a short yet fulfilling holiday in Costa Rica? Explore our 4-day itineraries in Costa Rica.

Itinerary 3: Self-drive Caribbean Adventure

If you prefer travelling independently, this Self-drive Caribbean Adventure itinerary around Costa Rica has your name all over it. 

Taking in community life, beaches and wildlife across ten days, it offers opportunities to see jaguars and dolphins, and to discover Tico culture and history in immersive style.

Itinerary overview

On arrival in San Juan on day one, collect your rental car and drive to Sarapiqui, an area that’s known for its lush landscapes, agriculture and nature reserves.

Day two and three will see you discover the canals of Boca Pacuare after a boat transfer to your lodge. You’ll also take dedicated wildlife-watching trips through the canals, and visit a sea turtle conservation project. 

You’ll transfer to Puerto Viejo on the tranquil shores of the southern Caribbean Sea on day four, where you can visit an iguana conservation project lead by the indigenous Bribri.

Outdoor adventures are in store on day five when you'll hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Reserve, with day six dedicated to visiting the Jaguar Rescue Center.

The seventh day takes you to Turrialba, a historic agricultural center, where we recommend seeing the Guayabo National Monument, Costa Rica’s biggest archaeological site. 

Come day eight, you’ll journey through the Marta Reserve on a bird-watching trip that also takes in local history.

Day nine will see you drive back to San José, where you could opt to head to the summit of Irazu Volcano. 

Finally, on day ten you’ll return your rental car to the airport before bidding goodbye to Costa Rica.

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Here’s a summary of this nature-packed 10-day itinerary in Costa Rica.

Day 1

• Arrive and drive to Horquetas
• Overnight in Horquetas

Day 2

• Boat trip on the Costa Rican Amazonia
• Overnight in Barra De Pacuare

Day 3

• Explore Barra De Pacuare
• Overnight in Barra De Pacuare

Day 4

• Head south to Puerto Viejo
• Overnight in Puerto Viejo De Talamanca

Day 5

• Hiking and dolphin watching
• Overnight in Puerto Viejo De Talamanca

Day 6

• Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center
• Overnight in Puerto Viejo De Talamanca

Day 7

• Transfer to Turrialba
• Overnight in Turrialba

Day 8

• Visit the Wild Refuge The Marta.
• Overnight in Turrialba

Day 9

• Transfer to San Jose
• Overnight in San Jose

Day 10

• Drop off your rental car and fly home to the US

Like the sound of this self-drive experience? Book your trip now.

Just starting to plan your trip? Find out how many days are best to spend in Costa Rica depending on your goals.

Itinerary 4: Discover Northern Costa Rica

Another self-drive option, this 10-day Discover Nothern Costa Rica itinerary includes everything from exploring the wonders around La Fortuna — including the active Arenal volcano — to discovering the cloud forest of Monteverde. 

If that wasn’t enough, you’ll also get to soak up the beauty of Guanacaste’s beaches, with options to surf, chill and enjoy yoga.

Itinerary overview

On day one, you’ll collect your rental car and drive to La Fortuna before discovering the delights of Arenal Volcano National Park on day two.

After visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, enjoy a tasty local lunch before hiking Arenal Volcano National Park 

On day three, you'll drive to Monterrey to experience traditional village life en route to Rio Celeste. 

Come day four, you’ll explore Tenorio Volcanoes National Park, traversing rainforests, and witnessing the dazzling sapphire waters of the Rio Celeste. 

After driving to Nosara on day five, you can spend the afternoon — and day six — relaxing on the beach, or else enjoying the likes of surfing, horse-riding and yoga. 

Next stop — Monteverde. Depart Nosara early to spend the afternoon of day seven relaxing before going on a thrilling night-time nature walk in the Valle Escondido Reserve.

Meanwhile, day eight is dedicated to the charms of Santa Elena — a small village that’s speckled with craft shops, and offers easy-access to cloud forest walks and canopy tours.

Day nine will see you drive to Alajuela — be sure to stop in Sarchi to shop for souvenirs.

Finally, day ten will see you drop off your car and head back to the US.

 Read more.

Check out this Costa Rica itinerary for 10 days:

Day 1

• Collect rental car
• Drive to La Fortuna

Day 2

• Discover Arenal Volcano National Park
• Visit La Fortuna Waterfall
• Enjoy a tasty local lunch
• Hike in Arenal Volcano National Park

Day 3

• Drive to Monterrey
• Experience traditional village life en route to Rio Celeste

Day 4

• Explore Tenorio Volcanoes National Park
• Traverse rainforests
• Witness the dazzling sapphire waters of Rio Celeste

Day 5

• Drive to Nosara
• Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach

Day 6

• Continue relaxing on the beach
• Enjoy activities like surfing, horse-riding, and yoga

Day 7

• Depart Nosara early
• Spend the afternoon relaxing in Monteverde
• Thrilling night-time nature walk in Valle Escondido Reserve

Day 8

• Dedicate the day to the charms of Santa Elena
• Explore craft shops
• Enjoy easy-access cloud forest walks and canopy tours

Day 9

• Drive to Alajuela
• Stop in Sarchi to shop for souvenirs

Day 10

• Drop off car
• Head back to the US

Doesn't have 10 days? Our 7-day Costa Rica itineraries may be more suitable for you.

Itinerary 5: Eco Adventures in Costa Rica

Given that Costa Rica has been blazing a sustainable trail for decades, this eco-adventure itinerary is a personal favorite. 

Offering lush jungles, tropical beaches and wildlife-rich national parks as its jaw-dropping backdrop, it reveals the country in all its biodiverse majesty.

Itinerary overview

After arriving in San Jose on day one, you’ll overnight in the city before flying to Puerto Jimenez on day two.

After settling into Lapa Rios Ecolodge, day three offers a choice of excursions, including expert-guided wildlife walks.

On day four, you’ll get to immerse yourself in Los Bajos through visiting orchid gardens, schools and churches.

Nature awaits on day five, courtesy of a bird-watching trip and horseback riding excursion through Bajos del Toro’s stunning landscapes.

On day six you’ll transfer to Manuel Antonio National Park. Known for its beaches and biodiversity, you’ll spend day seven kayaking and snorkeling.

More sea adventures are in store on day eight when a catamaran cruise reveals the gorgeous Manuel Antonio coastline before you return to San Jose on day nine.

Day ten will see your activity-packed Costa Rica vacation end when you depart San Jose, with plenty of magical memories.

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Here’s a quick summary of 10-day Eco Adventure itinerary in Costa Rica:

Day 1

• Arrive in San Jose
• Overnight in San Jose

Day 2

• Fly to Puerto Jimenez
• Overnight in Lapa Rios Ecolodge

Day 3

• Lapa Rios Lodge excursions
• Overnight in Lapa Rios Ecolodge

Day 4

• Los Bajos cultural experience
• Overnight in Bajos Del Toro

Day 5

• Daybreak bird-watching and horse riding
• Overnight in Bajos Del Toro

Day 6

• Transfer to Manuel Antonio; tour Manuel Antonio National Park 
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio

Day 7

• Kayaking and snorkeling trip
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio

Day 8

• Catamaran adventure tour
• Overnight in Manuel Antonio

Day 9

• Return to San Jose.
• Overnight in San Jose

Day 10

• Depart San Jose for the US

Like the sound of this trip? Book it now.

Want more inspiration? Browse our customizable Costa Rica itineraries or contact our local Costa Rica experts.

You might also want to get your hands on The Rough Guide to Costa Rica.