Costa Rica in 10 days

Costa Rica Travel Itinerary 10 Days 

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Want to spend 10 days in Costa Rica?

This article is for you.

Costa Rica is a relatively small country that covers just 51,000 square kilometers, however, it’s home to nearly half a million species, equal to about 5% of all species on the planet.

Costa Rica is a nature lovers’ paradise, with nearly a third of the country protected as national parks. So, you will have no lack of places to visit, whether you want to stop at Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, or Vita National Parks, known for their stunning scenery and incredible biodiversity. 

In 10 days, you won’t be able to see all of Costa Rica, but you can visit the highlights and gain an understanding of the country’s culture. You’ll have the opportunity to engage in exciting outdoor adventures, such as hiking volcanoes, snorkeling, and surfing. Additionally, you can observe Costa Rica’s native wildlife in their natural habitats, including sloths, monkeys, and macaws.

Keep on reading to find out how to plan your stay in Costa Rica and what you can do in 10 days in this Central American country. 

Where to begin your Costa Rica itinerary? 

You can begin your itinerary either in San Jose, the country’s capital, which is home to 

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), or Liberia, is the largest city in the Guanacaste Province, which is over 200 miles northwest of San Jose. 

The choice of your starting point depends on the type of itinerary you want to create. In this guide, we will go over how to create a 10-day itinerary from San Jose and a 10-day itinerary from Liberia. 

10 days in Costa Rica without a car

If you don’t have a car, spend less time on the road, because Costa Rican buses can be notoriously slow stick to 2 to 3 places instead. Visit Monteverde National Park and taking a bus to La Fortuna or Jaco after that. You can use both places as a base depending on your interests. Jaco is a great base if you want to surf and visit national parks like Manuel Antonio and Uvita, while La Fortuna is better if you want to hike, see sloths, and enjoy hot springs.

How much do you need for 10 days in Costa Rica?

Budget between $2,500 to $3,000 on average for 10 days in Costa Rica. The amount also depends on the size of your travel group and your travel style.

Costa Rica 10-Day Itinerary 

Day 1

Your first day in Costa Rica will begin at the airport. Depending on where you fly, you can then continue your adventure accordingly. 

San Jose 

If you are starting your 10-day Costa Rica itinerary from San Jose, you will have plenty of ways to plan your adventure,because the city is located smack in the middle of the country offering a good starting point for your adventures. From here, you can go to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, take a trip to Monteverde to see the rainforest or head to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. 

Most travelers use San Jose only as a hopping point to other destinations around the country, but the country’s capital boasts a couple of highlights that are worth your attention. If your flight arrives in San Jose in the evening, it could be a good idea to spend a night in the capital and see the Costa Rica National Theater, shop for souvenirs at Central Market, or walk down Central Avenue, the main Street in San Jose’s downtown.

If you don’t feel confident exploring on your own, take a guided tour of San Jose. 

Liberia

Most travelers who start their Costa Rica trip in Liberia, head to Guanacaste, home to gorgeous surfing beaches and stunning flora and fauna. When traveling to Guanacaste, you can choose from Tamarindo, or choose from one of the small towns along the Gulf of Papagayo like Playa Octal, Playas del Coco, or Playa Panama.

I recommend booking a shuttle from Liberia Airport to your hotel to avoid expensive taxis. 

Day 2 – Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve 

For those travelers, who start their trip in San Jose, I suggest heading to Monteverde Cloud Forest on their second day. Monteverde is one of the most popular places to visit from San Jose, and you can get there by bus, car rental, or private transfer, which you need to book before your trip. 

Famous for its mist-covered trees, rare flora, and fauna, Monteverde is a leading example of sustainable and eco-friendly tourism in Costa Rica, with many environmentally conscious hotels and tours.

Here you can zip-line, walk on hanging bridges, or take wildlife-watching tours through the forest to spot cool animals.

Driving from San Jose to Monteverde takes between 2.5 to 3.5 hours in a car and close to 4 hours in a bus. I recommend renting a car in Costa Rica if you want to maximize your time and see as much as possible during 10 days in Costa Ricabecause public buses can be slow and don’t always run on time. 

Where to stay in Monteverde:

  • Luxury: Senda Monteverde Hotel: A luxury eco-lodge with modern amenities and beautiful views of the cloud forest. Great for nature walks and is close to the Monteverde Reserve.
  • Mid-budget: Monteverde Lodge & Gardens: Known for its beautiful gardens and proximity to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, this lodge offers comfort and access to nature tours.
  • Budget: Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast: This affordable B&B offers clean, simple accommodations with great views. It’s known for its friendly hosts and cozy atmosphere. Free breakfast, great value, and helpful staff for planning tours.

Day 3 – Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve 

Although some travelers spend a day in Monteverde, I recommend 2 full days, especially for first-time visitors. Once you step in Monteverde, you will have plenty to do, so one day might be too short. 

Best things to do in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve:

  • Hiking – Several trails run through Monteverde, including Sendero Bosque Nuboso, Sendero La Ventana, and Sendero El Camino. 
  • Wildlife watching – Monteverde is famous for wildlife watching and here you can spot quetzals, toucans, howler monkeys, sloths, and many other animals. Early morning tours offer the best opportunities for sightings.
  • Zip-lining – One of my favorite things to do in Monteverde was zip-lining. The national park is home to some of the longest and highest zip lines in Costa Rica, some over a kilometer in length.
  • Waterfalls – Monteverde is home to several beautiful waterfalls, like San Luis Waterfall, and Catarata La Fortuna, which are within its lush cloud forest or nearby reserves. You can visit them on a guided tour. 
  • Photography – Monteverde is an adventurer’s paradise and if you like nature photography, you should bring your camera on your trip.
  • Coffee – Costa Rica produces some of the best coffee in Central America, and the good news is that there areseveral coffee plantations within that you can visit on a guided tour. 

Day 4 – La Fortuna 

The drive from La Fortuna to Monteverde takes 3 hours by car. Leave Monteverde in the morning, so that you can get to La Fortuna by noon. 

La Fortuna is a small town that’s gateway to La Fortuna National Park, home to 2 volcanoes, Arenal Volcano and Chato Volcano. La Fortuna is an unmissable stop during your 10 days in Costa Rica, and regardless of how you plan your itinerary, you should check it out.

This small town offers a perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and nature. Most travelers spend at least 2 nights in La Fortuna because there’s so much to see here. After you arrive, I recommend cooling off in La Fortuna Waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica, which drops 230 feet amid the lush rainforest, and stop at Tiquicia Restaurant, where you can try authentic Costa Rica food and enjoy the friendly service. 

Once you are done with your food, it’s time to relax and wind down for the day. The best way to do that is by jumping into a hot spring. 

Best hot springs in La Fortuna 

I booked a stay in one of the hotels that provide FREE access to these natural hot springs.

A day pass to a single hot spring could be around $35 per person, while a hotel could cost around $100-120, and include a variety of amenities. This is well worth the price.

If you’re interested in sustainable travel, La Fortuna is home to many eco-friendly lodges and activities that promoteconservation efforts like guided sloth tours, rainforest chocolate tours, or Venado caves underground experience. 

Where to stay in La Fortuna: 

Luxury: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa: A high-end resort that offers access to natural hot springs, luxurious rooms, and a beautiful spa. It’s perfect for relaxation with views of Arenal Volcano.

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa: Located close to Arenal Volcano, this lodge offers panoramic views and a variety of outdoor activities. The property has extensive trails and is great for birdwatching.

Budget: Hotel La Choza Inn: A simple, budget-friendly option that provides free breakfast and is conveniently located near the center of La Fortuna.

Day 5 – La Fortuna – Arenal hiking

Arenal is one of the most famous volcanoes in Costa Rica that reaches 5,358 feet (1,633 meters) and is surrounded by trails and lush jungles. 

The entrance to the park costs $15 per adult, and you can also book tours where a guide will show you the best trails. I visited Arenal without a guide, but if you are looking for a more curated experience, a guided tour is not a bad option. If you decide to visit Arenal without a guide, arrive at the opening time to beat the crowds. 

Mirador El Silencio and Arenal 1968 are popular hikes surrounded by lava flows that offer the best views of the volcano. 

Lunch break

After you spend the first half of the day hiking, you will be hungry. Soda Rodriguez is a small family restaurant in La Fortuna that serves delicious Costa Rican food made in-house from scratch. Another good option is Yellow Bark, a roadside gem where you can enjoy incredible flavors and huge portions at reasonable prices. They have sandwiches, burgers, ceviche and plenty of vegetarian options too. 

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park

After you enjoy your meal, you still have a couple of hours, so I recommend stopping at Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, which is home to 16 interconnected suspension bridges where you can spot wildlife and walk along the lush greenery. 

El Salto Swing 

To wrap up your day, check out El Salto rope swing, where all the locals like to go. Here you can take a dip in the La Fortuna River and enjoy a cool swing.

Explore La Fortuna nightlife

Although Costa Rica isn’t known for its nightlife scene, La Fortuna is one of the most popular places in the country with a good selection of bars and restaurants. One of the most popular spots in town is Voodoo Bar & Cocktails, a popular cocktail spot that’s slightly off the main strip in La Fortuna. They have some of the best drinks in La Fortuna and their bartenders are fun and can make many drinks on request. 

Day 6 – La Fortuna – sloth watching tour

Sloths are cute animals that live high in tree canopies and move very slowly. La Fortuna is one of the best places in Costa Rica to see sloths in their natural habitat because the town is surrounded by the lush jungle, where these animals usually live.

You can spot sloths in many places around La Fortuna, but you need to look for them carefully, because they have a very good camouflage, as they blend in with the trees that they use for shelter. 

One of the best places to spot sloths in La Fortuna is the Bogarin trail, a private nature reserve just outside of La Fortuna, the Bogarin Trail offers an easy hike through dense jungle where sloths are often spotted. The well-marked trail makes it a good self-guided or guided option.

Another fantastic place to spot sloths in Costa Rica is Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge, a rustic stay on the outskirts of La Fortuna, which is perfect for those travelers who have a rental car. Here you can see sloths in the trees and hear howler monkeys in the morning. 

A sloth-watching tour is one of the most popular activities in La Fortuna. These elusive animals are easier to spot early morning or at night when they tend to move more. You can book your sloth tour online, so when you get to La Fortuna, you have nothing to worry about. 

Alternative – Coffee tour 

La Fortuna is an excellent place for a coffee tour because of the region’s ideal conditions for coffee growing. A coffee tour offers a blend of education, hands-on activities, and tastings, allowing you to explore the journey of coffee from seed to cup. Depending on the time of year, you may have the opportunity to participate in harvesting coffee cherries by hand, just as the locals do.

Alternatively, you can also book a cooking class with locals where you can learn the secrets of Costa Rican cuisine.

Alternative 2 – Zipline 

Ziplining is one of the most fun things to do in La Fortuna because of the lush canopy surrounding the area. A zipliningtour with views of Arenal volcano was a highlight of my trip to La Fortuna, and there are so many of them, so you wouldn’t have any problem choosing one. 

Day 7 – Rio Celeste & Rincon De La Vieja National Park 

Rio Celeste is one of the highlights of Costa Rica that’s known for its incredible turquoise color. When you enter Rio Celeste, you will hike a 1-mile trail along the Rio Celeste River. As you walk toward the end of the trail, you will come to an overlook of the confluence of two tributaries and will see the exact spot where Rio Celeste gets its amazing turquoise color! 

The trail along the Rio Celeste River is muddy and can be very slippery if it’s raining, so don’t forget to bring a pair of good hiking shoes. 

To enter Rio Celeste, you have to pay $12. The area closes at 2 p.m., so you have to arrive before that time if you want to do the hike. Ideally, you should show up as early as possible to avoid standing in line.

If you get on the road early, consider adding a stop at Rincon De La Vieja National Park (translated as Old Lady’s Nook) to your trip. 

Day 8 – Playas Del Coco 

Although Playas Del Coco is more often visited from Liberia, it makes a perfect finish to your 10-day Costa Rica itinerary from San Jose. Located along the Gulf of Papagayo, this small town boasts a black sand beach and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect to end your trip on a good note. It’s also a 

Day 9 – Playas Del Coco 

It takes about 4 hours to get from Playas Del Coco to San Jose Airport, so it’s a good idea to hit the road in the afternoon,so you don’t have to be on the road when it’s late. 

The town of Coco is tiny, and while it has a very relaxed atmosphere, its major street has stores, bars, and restaurants. Playas Del Coco also has nice calm waters, perfect for snorkeling. There are several scuba diving shops in town and you can hire one of the local boat drivers to go beach hopping around the area. 

Where to stay:

El Mangroove: A boutique luxury resort by the beach with modern amenities, spa services, and fine dining.

Day 10 – Irazu Volcano

On your final day in Costa Rica, you can also do a small tour, depending on when your flight leaves. I visited Irazu National Park by rental car, before my evening flight, because Irazu is located just outside of San Jose, near the former capital of Costa Rica, Cartago. 

Costa Rica itinerary 10 days: FAQ’s 

Is 10 days in Costa Rica enough?

While 10 days is enough to see a couple of highlights of Costa Rica, it’s not enough to know the country. Consider adding a few extra days to your trip to see more of the country.

How many days are enough for Costa Rica?

Plan between 10 and 14 days in Costa Rica if you want to see the most famous areas. 

How much do 10 days in Costa Rica cost?

The cost of your trip to Costa Rica depends on your travel style and preferences. On average, plan to spend between $1,500 and $2,000 on a 10-day trip to Costa Rica. 

What is the best period to visit Costa Rica?

If you are looking for perfect sunny weather, the best time to visit Costa Rica is from December through April, when there’s plenty of sun and very little rain. 

How to spend ten days in Costa Rica?

If you have 10 days in Costa Rica, visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, La Fortuna, Playas Del Coco, and Rio Celeste within Tenorio National Park.

Optionally, you can also head down Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast and visit places like Jaco, Manuel Antonio National Park, Dominical, and Uvita National Park before arriving at Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park within the Osa Peninsula. 

Final word: I hope this guide gave you enough information to plan your 10-day trip to Costa Rica.