Planning the perfect Costa Rica 10 days itinerary is the ideal way to explore one of the world's most biodiverse and adventure-filled destinations. From misty cloud forests to golden beaches, this tropical paradise offers something for every traveler. A well-planned Costa Rica 10 days itinerary gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in wildlife, volcanoes, waterfalls, and cultural experiences without feeling rushed.
Costa Rica 10 days itinerary
Whether you're looking for thrilling outdoor activities or a peaceful nature escape, a well-balanced Costa Rica 10 days itinerary ensures you enjoy the country's top attractions. With stunning national parks, charming cities, and eco-friendly adventures, your Costa Rica 10 days itinerary can be tailored for couples, families, and solo adventurers. By following a well-planned Costa Rica 10 days itinerary, you can make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories throughout Costa Rica.
Day 1: La Fortuna – Mistico Hanging Bridges Park
The starting point for our Costa Rica trip is San Jose Airport, as most international flights arrive here. Rent a car as soon as you land and get ready for an epic Costa Rica road trip! If you decide to go with Nomad America, they will pick you up from the airport and take you to their office for free, where a beautiful 4×4 vehicle will be waiting for you.
Since this Costa Rica trip is geared towards nature lovers, we won’t waste any time in San Jose and will go straight to the good stuff. And by that I mean La Fortuna.
About a 2.5 hour drive from San Jose Airport, located at the foot of the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna is the eco-tourism capital of Costa Rica. The area offers plenty of fun activities so I recommend staying here for the next two nights.
After arriving in La Fortuna, head to Mistico Hanging Bridges Park. While it may seem like a place for wild adventures, it’s actually a rainforest sanctuary where you can take a leisurely stroll along paved trails and six hanging bridges.
The park boasts some of the best views of the Arenal Volcano, a beautiful waterfall, and some exotic flora and fauna. The park entrance fee for adults is $31 USD and the trail is 3.2 km (2 miles) long.
During our hike, we saw beautiful hummingbirds, giant blue morpho butterflies, and a large flock of coatis just a few meters away from us! While you can see some of the wildlife on your own, you’ll definitely spot a lot more animals if you take a guided tour, like this 4-hour tour with a naturalist guide.
During our stay in Costa Rica, we took several guided tours to different nature reserves, and it was amazing how well the guides were able to see the animals hiding in the dense rainforest canopy!
You can also take a guided horseback riding tour in Mistico Park, which will take you through tropical forests and meadows with stunning views of the Arenal Volcano.
Selina La Fortuna: Selina is an amazing hospitality brand with locations throughout Central and South America. From cozy tepee tents and shared dorms to luxurious private rooms with Selina’s signature boho decor, they offer a variety of options for a variety of budgets. There’s also a swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and daily yoga classes.
Day 2: La Fortuna – Hot Springs and Arenal Volcano National Park
Start your second day in Costa Rica by visiting the hot springs. After the eruption of the Arenal Volcano in 1968, many hot springs formed in the La Fortuna area. Most of them are now part of expensive spa resorts.
However, there is one place where you can go to the hot springs for free. You’ll find it across the street from the Tabacon Resort.
At first glance, the place might not seem like much. After all, it’s just a river flowing through a forest. But once you lie down in the hot mineral-rich waters, you’ll get what all the fuss is about. I still remember the feeling of relaxing in this crystal-clear steaming river surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature – it was an incredible experience.
Since these hot springs are free, they’re very popular. We went there around 8am and had the place to ourselves, so if you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend doing the same.
After soaking in the hot springs, head to Arenal Volcano National Park. It’s only a 5km (3 mile) drive and the entrance fee is around US$22.
Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most famous natural landmarks. It last erupted in 2010 and is now dormant. However, climbing to its peak is prohibited for safety reasons. Instead, you can hike through old lava fields and the rainforest at the base of the volcano.
There are several trails to choose from, from which you can enjoy views of the volcano and Lake Arenal, admire 400-year-old ceiba trees, and other beautiful plants. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife, such as monkeys, coyotes, parrots, and other species.
The trails are fairly easy and mostly along flat terrain, but it can get a little muddy in the rainforest, so bring appropriate footwear.
Day 3: Rio Celeste
It’s time to head north and drive to Tenorio Volcano National Park and see the magical Rio Celeste Falls. It’s often considered one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica, and it’s easy to see why!
It takes 1.5-2 hours to drive there, depending on whether you take the highway or the more scenic (but rugged) countryside route along the shores of Lake Arenal. Entrance to the park costs $12 USD.
In the park, there’s a 6 km (3.7 mi) hiking trail through a lush rainforest that takes you to the stunning Rio Celeste Falls and several other scenic spots. This bright blue waterfall is truly mesmerizing and is definitely one of the highlights of this 10-day Costa Rica itinerary. Pictures simply don’t do this place justice!
We didn’t see any animals in this national park other than small lizards, but I’ve read that people have seen sloths, monkeys, toucans, and snakes there. If you want to increase your chances of seeing wildlife, take a guided tour.
It can be tempting to jump into these bright blue waters, but swimming is prohibited in Tenorio National Park. Fortunately, there is a place just outside the national park boundary (just a kilometer south along the road from the entrance) where you can swim in the same river. The color of the water isn’t very intense, but it’s a beautiful place and it’s completely free.
You can either spend the night in a hotel near the national park or drive to Monteverde – the area you’ll be visiting the next day. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive, so if you want to split it up, you can spend the night in Tilarán.
Accommodation
Finca Amistad Cacao Lodge: Located just a few kilometers from the Rio Celeste waterfalls, this eco-lodge is set on a 60-hectare cocoa farm and features rustic bungalows, a restaurant, and a sun terrace with rainforest views. They also offer tours of authentic cacao and chocolate making. PS: You’ll need a 4×4 vehicle to get to this lodge.
Day 4: Monteverde – Santa Elena Cloud Forest
Monteverde is a mountainous rural area known for its scenic landscapes and humid misty cloud forests. The area is home to several forest reserves, such as the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, and the Children’s Eternal Rainforest.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is by far the most popular and often the most crowded. So, we decided to visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve ('La Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena' on Google Maps), which has fewer visitors, higher altitudes, and more fog.
Like most roads in the Monteverde area, the road leading to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest is quite rough and full of potholes, so you'll be glad you have a 4×4. The entrance fee is $16 per person and there are multiple hiking trails of varying lengths - from 0.5 km (0.3 mi) to 5 km (3 mi).
Due to the high altitude, the temperatures in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest are much cooler, the air is fresh, the vegetation is bright green, and the plants are covered in a thick layer of moss. There is also an observation tower that offers incredible views of the forest-covered landscape, Arenal Volcano, and Lake Arenal.
Day 5: Playa Flamingo and Playa Conchal
Now that you’ve seen plenty of rainforest, it’s time to head to the coast and explore some of the beautiful beaches. Get on the road early as you’ll be driving for 3 hours to Playa Flamingo, a small beach town located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
With its fine white sand and crystal clear waters, Playa Flamingo is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, so including it on this 10-day Costa Rica travel itinerary was a no-brainer!
The best way to spend your day here is to relax on this beautiful crescent beach, sip on some fresh coconuts, and enjoy the scenery around you. There are plenty of trees that provide shade and if you get hungry, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants right next to the beach. We had a ceviche at Coco Loco and really enjoyed it!
I recommend you visit Playa Conchal, just a 10-minute drive from Playa Flamingo. The beach is made of white crushed sea shells, which gives it a really unique look.
The access to Playa Conchal can be a little confusing because the main road to the beach belongs to a resort and if you are not staying there, you cannot use the road. Instead, you can park your car near Brasilito Beach and walk south along the beach for 15 minutes until you reach Playa Conchal.
Day 6: Tamarindo
Continue your 10-day Costa Rica itinerary by driving to the next beach town - Tamarindo. Just a 30-minute drive away, you’ll have a full day to explore this vibrant city. Tamarindo used to be a small fishing village but has now become one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach destinations.
Tamarindo Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Central America. It boasts a wide strip of soft sand, beach clubs, cool bars and restaurants, and a surfing environment perfect for beginners.
Whether you want to explore the local culinary scene, take a yoga class on the beach, go shopping, learn to surf, or just relax on the beach, Tamarindo offers something for every type of traveler. If you’ve never surfed before but want to give it a try, I recommend taking at least one class rather than trying to figure it out on your own.
This beach is also known for its incredible sunsets, so make sure to be there at the right time (between 5pm and 6pm, depending on the season). Or you can take this sunset sailing trip on a catamaran, which includes an open bar, food, and a snorkeling stop.
Day 7: Samara
On day seven, you’ll be visiting yet another Costa Rican beach town. This time, however, it’s a much smaller, quieter, and more authentic town called Samara, which is about a 2-hour drive from Tamarindo.
The main reason to visit Samara is for its beautiful beach with soft copper sand, rows of palm trees, calm waters, and comfortable beach lounges. Sadly, it rained all day while we were there, so we didn’t get to enjoy it properly. We took a short walk on the sand and even on a gray and gloomy day, the beach looked beautiful! I can only imagine how amazing it would be on a sunny day.
There are several restaurants and bars on the beach where you can sink your feet into the soft sand and watch the sun set while sipping a tropical cocktail. If you’re looking for a romantic setting, head to the Locanda restaurant after dark and dine under palm trees surrounded by hundreds of fairy lights.
In addition to relaxing on the beach, you can also take this dolphin-watching tour, which includes a snorkeling stop at a coral reef, or this turtle nesting tour, where you’ll see wild sea turtles laying their eggs on a nearby beach.
If you want to get off the beaten path, head to Belen Falls where you’ll find multiple rock pools and a small cascade to swim in. We didn’t go there because it was raining that day, but I hear it’s a fun, non-touristy place where you can easily spend a few hours
Day 8: Santa Teresa
The next destination on this Costa Rica trip is Santa Teresa, a paradise for surfers, yoga enthusiasts, backpackers, and beach lovers. It’s a 3-4 hour drive from Samara and you can either take the highway or opt for a more rugged and adventurous rural road with multiple river crossings (only possible if you have a 4×4).
Since Santa Teresa is considered one of the best surfing destinations in the country, take a surfing class or rent a board from one of the dozens of surf shops that line the main road and join the surfers in riding the waves. Boards are usually rented for the whole day and cost around $10 USD.
If you’re not interested in surfing, find your zen by taking a yoga class at one of the many studios or hotels with outdoor yoga decks. We took a class at Casa Zen Yoga Center and loved it!
Santa Teresa has a great selection of cafes and restaurants that serve some of the most diverse cuisine in the country. From dirt-cheap local eateries and authentic cevicherias to cool beachside restaurants and trendy vegetarian cafes serving acai bowls, there are endless options for all budgets and tastes.
Also, don’t miss Santa Teresa’s stunning sunsets. Every evening, people gather on the beach to have a few beers and enjoy the incredible display of colors as the sun sinks behind the horizon.
Day 9: Montezuma
For your last day of travel, head to Montezuma! It’s a small town with a bohemian and artistic vibe, just 20 km (12 miles) from Santa Teresa.
Montezuma is known for its incredible waterfalls, which are one of the biggest attractions in this part of Costa Rica. Admission to the waterfall is free, but it requires a 20-minute hike along the riverbank and through the forest.
This can depend on the season and water levels, but we had to walk through the river which left our shoes completely soaked! So be prepared for that and choose your shoes accordingly. Many locals hike barefoot.
A girl watching Montezuma Falls, a place you have to include in your 10-day Costa Rica travel itinerary
Montezuma Falls
Montezuma Beach is also quite amazing and one of my favorites on this 10-day Costa Rica itinerary! It’s a fairly undeveloped coastline with wildlife surrounded by a tropical jungle, miles of long and partly rocky beaches.
It’s also a great place to see wildlife. We saw a few iguanas and curious capuchin monkeys walking straight towards us hoping to get a piece of our lunch.
We also did a mountain biking tour along the coast which was a great way to do something active and get off the beaten track. Some of the highlights were cycling to a ‘graveyard island’, diving in a crystal clear river and seeing a giant strangler fig.
Day 10: Return to San Jose
Finish your 10 days in Costa Rica by driving back to San Jose – a journey that takes around 5 hours.
First, you’ll need to get to the small town of Paquera on the coast and then catch a ferry to Puntarenas. From there, it’s a 2-hour drive to San Jose airport.
You can book your ferry tickets in advance here. Obviously, if the website says there are no tickets left, it usually doesn't mean the ferry is sold out and you can probably buy tickets at the ferry dock. That's what the locals told us.
FAQ: Costa Rica 10 days itinerary
1. Is 10 days enough to explore Costa Rica?
Yes, 10 days is the perfect amount of time to enjoy Costa Rica’s top attractions, including volcanoes, rainforests, wildlife, and beaches. A well-planned itinerary ensures a balanced adventure.
2. When is the best time to follow the Costa Rica 10 days itinerary?
The best time is the dry season — December to April. However, May to July is also great for fewer crowds, greener scenery, and better prices.
3. How much does a 10-day trip to Costa Rica cost?
On average, a 10-day trip costs $1,500–$3,000 per person, depending on hotels, transportation, activities, and travel season.
4. Do I need a car for a 10-day Costa Rica itinerary?
A rental car offers the most flexibility, but shuttle buses, domestic flights, and guided tours are also convenient options.
5. What should I pack for 10 days in Costa Rica?
Light clothing, hiking shoes, rain jacket, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a waterproof bag are essential.
6. Is Costa Rica safe for tourists?
Yes, Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America. Just follow basic travel precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
7. Can families follow a Costa Rica 10-day itinerary?
Absolutely. Costa Rica is family-friendly, with wildlife tours, beaches, easy hiking, and kid-friendly adventure parks.
8. What are the must-see destinations in 10 days?
Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, Tamarindo, and La Fortuna are top choices for most itineraries.
Note: This 10-day Costa Rica itinerary is designed to provide travelers with the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and nature exploration. Depending on your travel style, you can customize destinations, extend beach days, or add additional wildlife excursions. Always check local weather, road conditions, and park entry requirements before traveling. It is recommended to book hotels and activities in advance, especially during peak seasons.