Costa Rica is a country blessed with truly spectacular nature. Its tropical rainforests are brimming with wildlife and will make you feel like you’ve woken up in a National Geographic documentary. The beauty of its waterfalls and volcanoes will leave you speechless, and the endless palm tree-lined beaches will make you want to pack your bags and move there permanently.
I spent six weeks in this wonderful country, exploring its incredible nature and wildlife, and it ended up being one of my most memorable trips ever. Therefore, I decided to put together a 10 day Costa Rica itinerary that would give you exactly the right balance of hiking in jungles, relaxing on beaches and driving through scenic landscapes. If you’re a nature lover like me, this itinerary will be perfect for you!
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Transportation for 10 days in Costa Rica
Be aware that this 10-day itinerary for Costa Rica includes some remote destinations where the roads can be in a very poor condition, especially if you’re traveling during the rainy season as we did. Therefore, I recommend renting a 4×4 car as some of the places would otherwise simply be inaccessible for you or would require huge detours.
We rented our 4×4 from Nomad America. Not only did we get to drive the most epic retro-style SUV but also camp in the middle of the stunning Costa Rican nature since the car came with a rooftop tent and all the camping equipment we needed.
I’ve written a detailed post about renting a 4×4 in Costa Rica, where I share tips on safe driving and camping in Costa Rica, explain when it is necessary to rent a 4×4 car and provide a detailed review of Nomad America.
And if camping is not your thing, I’ve also included hotel recommendations for each of the destinations in this itinerary.
Without further ado, let’s dive into our Costa Rica travel itinerary!
10-day Costa Rica itinerary:
Day 1: La Fortuna – Mistico Hanging Bridges Park
The starting point of our Costa Rica trip itinerary is San Jose airport since most international flights arrive here. As soon as you’ve landed, rent a car 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 drive you to their office for free, where a nice 4×4 will be waiting for you.
Since this Costa Rica travel itinerary is meant for nature lovers, we’re not gonna spend any time in San Jose and will head straight for the good stuff. And by that I mean La Fortuna.
Located at the foothills of Arenal Volcano, about 2.5-hour drive from San Jose Airport, La Fortuna is the eco-tourism capital of Costa Rica. The area offers a ton of fun activities so I recommend staying here for the next two nights.
Once you’ve arrived in La Fortuna, head to Mistico Hanging Bridges Park. Although it may sound like a place for wild adventures, it’s actually a rainforest sanctuary where you can take a leisurely walk along paved trails and six hanging bridges.
The park boasts some of the best views of Arenal Volcano, a lovely waterfall and exotic flora and fauna. The entrance fee to the park is 31 USD for adults and the trail is 3.2km (2 mi) long.
During our visit, we spotted beautiful hummingbirds, huge blue morpho butterflies and a large group of coatis just a few meters from us! While you might see some wildlife on your own, you will definitely find a lot more animals if you take a guided tour, such as this 4-hour tour with a naturalist guide.
Throughout our stay in Costa Rica, we took several guided tours in different nature reserves and it was mind-blowing how well the guides were able to spot animals hiding in the thick rainforest canopy!
You can also take a guided horseback riding tour in Mistico Park, which will take you through the tropical forest and pastures with fantastic views of Arenal Volcano.
Tip: In case you’re too tired/jet-lagged or short on time to visit Mistico on day 1, you might be able to squeeze it into day 2 or the morning of day 3.
Accommodation
Selina La Fortuna: Selina is an amazing hospitality brand with locations all over Central and South America. From cozy tepee tents and shared dorms to deluxe private rooms with Selina’s signature boho decor, they offer a variety of options for different budgets. There’s also a pool, an on-site restaurant and daily yoga classes.
Day 2: La Fortuna – Hot springs & Arenal Volcano National Park
Kick off your second day in Costa Rica with a visit to hot springs. After the Arenal Volcano eruption back in 1968, many hot springs were formed in the La Fortuna area. Most of them now belong to expensive spa resorts.
There is one spot though, where you can access the hot springs for free. You’ll find it right across the road from Tabacon Resort.
At a first glance, the place might not look like anything special. It’s just a river running through a forest after all. But once you lie down in the hot mineral-rich water, 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 are also very popular. We went there as early as 8am and had the place to ourselves so if you want to avoid the crowds I recommend doing the same.
Once you’re done soaking in the hot springs, head to the Arenal Volcano National Park. It’s just a 5km (3 mi) drive and the entrance fee is around 22 USD.
Arenal Volcano is one of the most famous natural landmarks of Costa Rica. It last erupted in 2010 and is now in a resting phase. Nevertheless, it’s prohibited to climb to the top of it due to safety reasons. Instead, you can hike on old lava fields and through the rainforest at the base of the volcano.
There are several trails to choose from, where you can enjoy the views of the volcano and Lake Arenal, admire a 400-year-old ceiba tree and other cool plants. If you’re lucky, you might even see some wildlife like monkeys, coatis, parrots and other species.
The trails are all pretty easy and mostly along flat terrain but it can get a little muddy in the rainforest so bring appropriate shoes.
If you’d like to squeeze more activities into your day or you’re looking for alternative options, there are lots of fun experiences to choose from in the La Fortuna area, such as the ones below:
- A sloth watching tour, where you might also spot toucans and exotic frogs
- An evening frog safari, where you’ll visit a natural sanctuary home to frogs and other nocturnal species
- A rainforest chocolate tour, where you’ll learn about the cacao harvesting and production process and get to eat all the chocolate you want
- A twilight wildlife safari, where you’ll take a boat tour to observe nocturnal animals
Accommodation
Spend another night at Selina La Fortuna.
Day 3: Rio Celeste
It’s time to head north and drive to Tenorio Volcano National Park to see the magical Rio Celeste waterfall. It is often considered one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica and it’s easy to see why!
The drive there takes 1.5-2 hours depending on whether you take the highway or the more scenic (but bumpy) countryside route along the coast of Lake Arenal. The entrance fee to the park is 12 USD.
At the park, there’s a 6km (3.7 mi) hiking trail through a lush rainforest which leads you to the stunning Rio Celeste waterfall and several other viewpoints. This bright blue waterfall is truly breathtaking and definitely one of the highlights of this 10 day Costa Rica itinerary. Photos simply don’t do justice to this place!
We didn’t see any animals in this national park except for small lizards but I’ve read that people have spotted sloths, monkeys, toucans and snakes there. If you want to increase your chances of seeing wildlife, take a guided tour.
It might be tempting to jump into these bright blue waters but swimming in Tenorio National Park is prohibited. Thankfully, there’s a spot outside the national park borders (just a kilometer south along the road from the entrance), where you can swim in that same river. The color of the water is not quite as intense but it’s a lovely place nevertheless and it’s completely free.
You can either spend the night in a hotel near the national park or start driving towards Monteverde – the area you’re going to explore the following day. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive so if you’d like to split it up, you can spend the night in Tilaran.
Accommodation
Finca Amistad Cacao Lodge: Located just a few kilometers from Rio Celeste waterfall, 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 authentic cacao and chocolate-making tours. P.S. You need to have a 4×4 car to get to this lodge.
Day 4: Monteverde – Santa Elena Cloud Forest
Monteverde is a mountainous rural area known for its picturesque landscapes and humid misty cloud forests. There are several forest reserves in the area such as Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve and Children’s Eternal Rainforest.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is by far the most popular one and tends to get overcrowded. Therefore, we chose to visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (‘La Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena’ in Google Maps), which receives fewer visitors, is higher in elevation and tends to have more mist.
Like most roads in the Monteverde area, the road leading up to Santa Elena Cloud Forest is pretty rough and full of potholes so you’ll be glad to have a 4×4. The entrance fee is 16 USD per person and there are multiple hiking trails with varying lengths – from 0.5km (0.3 mi) to 5km (3 mi).
Due to the high elevation, the temperature in Santa Elena Cloud Forest is much cooler, the air is fresh, the vegetation is bright green and trees are covered with a thick layer of moss. There’s also an observation tower offering awesome views over the forest-covered landscapes, Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal.
Spend the night in the Monteverde area. The biggest town here is Santa Elena where you’ll find most of the accommodation options and restaurants.
Accommodation
Camino Verde B&B Monteverde: Surrounded by mountains and cloud forest, this B&B is located in the heart of Santa Elena town, near all the shops, restaurants and tour operators. Their rooms are simple but tastefully decorated and a delicious breakfast is included in the nightly rate.
Day 5: Playa Flamingo & Playa Conchal
Since you’ve seen a good amount of rainforests now, it’s time to head to the coast and explore some of the gorgeous beaches. Hit the road early because you need to drive 3 hours to get to Playa Flamingo, a small beach town on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
Due to its fine white sand and pristine water, Playa Flamingo is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, so including it in this 10 day Costa Rica travel itinerary was a no-brainer!
The best way to spend your day here is to simply relax on this beautiful crescent-shaped beach, sip some fresh coconuts and enjoy the scenery around you. There are plenty of trees offering shade and if you get hungry, you can grab a meal from one of the restaurants right by the beach. We had a ceviche in Coco Loco and really enjoyed it!
I also recommend that you check out Playa Conchal just a 10-minute drive from Playa Flamingo. The beach consists of white crushed seashells, which gives it a really unique look.
The access to Playa Conchal can be a little confusing since the main road leading to the beach belongs to a resort and unless you’re staying there, you can not use the road. Instead, you can park your car near Brasilito Beach and walk 15 minutes south along the beach until you reach Playa Conchal.
Besides relaxing on the beach, there are plenty of other activities to do near Playa Flamingo and Playa Conchal, such as horseback riding, zip-lining and ATV tours.
Spend the night in Playa Flamingo, Brasilito or Potrero.
Accommodation
Bahia del Sol: This is a beautiful boutique hotel located in front of Potrero Beach. There’s a large swimming pool and immaculate gardens with sunset view. Guest can also enjoy yoga classes and the services of an on-site spa.
Day 6: Tamarindo
Continue your 10 day Costa Rica itinerary by driving to the next beach town – Tamarindo. It’s just a 30-minute drive so you’ll have the full day to explore this lively town. Tamarindo used to be a small fishing village but has now become one of the most popular beach destinations in Costa Rica.
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 beginner-friendly surfing conditions.
Whether you want to discover the local culinary scene, take a yoga class on the beach, go shopping, learn to surf or just chill 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 highly recommend taking at least one class instead of trying to figure it out on your own.
The beach is also known for its spectacular sunsets so make sure to be there at the right time (between 5 and 6 pm depending on the season). Or you can take this sunset sailing tour on a catamaran, which includes an open bar, a meal and a snorkeling stop.
Accommodation
Hotel Pasatiempo: This small boutique hotel is just a short walk from Tamarindo Beach and features a tranquil tropical garden and a pool surrounded by lush vegetation. The rooms are bright, air-conditioned and have a private patio.
Day 7: Samara
On day 7, you’re going to explore yet another Costa Rican beach town. This time, however, a much smaller, quieter and more authentic one called Samara, about a 2-hour drive from Tamarindo.
The main reason for visiting Samara is its gorgeous beach with soft tan sand, rows of palm trees, calm waters and laid-back beach lounges. Sadly, when we were there, it was pouring rain all day long so we didn’t get to properly enjoy it. We did go for a little stroll along the sand and even on a grey and gloomy day the beach looked beautiful! I can only imagine how amazing it must be on a sunny day.
There are several restaurants and bars right on the beach where you can bury your toes in the soft sand and watch the sun go down while sipping a tropical cocktail. If you’re looking for a romantic ambience, head to Locanda restaurant when it’s dark and have dinner under palm trees surrounded by hundreds of fairy lights.
Besides 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 can watch wild sea turtles lay their eggs on a nearby beach.
In case you want to get off the beaten path, head to Belen waterfall where you’ll find multiple rock pools to swim in and a small cascade. We didn’t visit it because it was raining that day but I’ve heard it’s a fun non-touristy place where you can easily spend a couple of hours.
Accommodation
Good Life Lodge: This small boutique hotel is just 200 meters from Samara Beach and offers spacious, modern and squeaky-clean rooms, each with a large balcony. There’s also a relaxing garden that looks like a tropical oasis with exotic plants, fountains and a hot tub.
Day 8: Santa Teresa
The next stop in this Costa Rica trip itinerary is Santa Teresa, a paradise for surfers, yoga enthusiasts, backpackers and beach bums. It’s a 3-4 hour drive from Samara and you can either take the highway or choose the more rough and adventurous countryside 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 lining the main street and join the surfers riding the waves. The boards are usually rented out for a full day and the price is around 10 USD.
If you’re not into surfing, find your zen by taking a yoga class in one of the many studios or hotels with outdoor yoga decks. We took a class in Casa Zen Yoga Centre and loved it!
Santa Teresa has an awesome cafe and restaurant scene offering some of the most diverse cuisine in the country. From dirt-cheap local eateries and authentic cevicherias to cool beach restaurants and trendy vegan cafes serving acai bowls, there are endless options for all budgets and tastes.
Also, don’t miss out on the magnificent sunsets in Santa Teresa. Every evening people gather at the beach to have a few beers and admire the spectacular show of colors as the sun dips behind the horizon.
Accommodation
Canaima Chill House: If you’re dreaming of a peaceful retreat in the jungle where you’re surrounded by howler monkeys and exotic birds, then Canaima Chill House offers exactly that. With their tropical-style suites, an incredible pool, massage services and an outdoor hot tub, this place is like paradise.
Day 9: Montezuma
For your last day of exploring, head to Montezuma! It’s a small town with a bohemian and artsy vibe, just 20km (12 mi) from Santa Teresa.
Montezuma is known for its gorgeous waterfall which is one of the biggest attractions in this part of Costa Rica. The access to the waterfall is free but it requires a 20-minute hike along the river bank and through the forest.
This might be dependent on the season and the water levels but we needed to walk through the river which meant that our shoes got completely soaked! So be prepared for that and choose your footwear accordingly. Many locals just hiked barefoot.
The beach in Montezuma is also pretty amazing and one of my favorite ones in this 10 day Costa Rica itinerary! It’s a fairly undeveloped coastline with a tropical jungle hugging the wild, kilometers long and partially rocky beach.
It’s a great place to spot wildlife as well. We saw a couple of iguanas and curious capuchin monkeys that walked straight up to us hoping to get a piece of our lunch.
We also took a mountain biking tour along the coast which was a great way to do something active and get off the beaten path. Some of the highlights were biking to a ‘cemetery island’, taking a dip in a crystal clear river and seeing a huge strangler fig.
Accommodation
Spend another night at Canaima Chill House in Santa Teresa.
Day 10: Drive back to San Jose
Finish your 10 days in Costa Rica by driving back to San Jose – a journey that will take roughly 5 hours.
First, you need to get to Paquera, a small town on the coast, and then take the ferry to Puntarenas. From there, it’s a 2-hour drive to San Jose Airport.
You can book your ferry tickets in advance here. Apparently, if the website shows that there are no tickets left, this usually doesn’t mean that the ferry is sold out and you’ll most likely still be able to buy tickets at the ferry dock. That’s what the locals told us.
Costa Rica itinerary map
On the interactive map below, I’ve marked the approximate driving route of this itinerary for Costa Rica as well as the points of interest mentioned in this post. Click on the top left corner of the map for more details.
10 day Costa Rica itinerary: Final thoughts
Costa Rica really is a special place and those incredible rainforests, beaches and wildlife encounters will stay in my memories forever. I hope that this itinerary gave you some ideas for planning your 10 days in Costa Rica and that you’ll have an amazing time discovering all the natural beauty this country has to offer!
If you have any questions about this itinerary (or other places in Costa Rica) let me know in the comments.
Planning to explore other countries in Central America as well? Then check out my posts on Guatemala and Panama:
- An unforgettable 10-day Guatemala itinerary
- Things to do in Bocas del Toro
- Things to do in Panama City
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I love that you can cover so much of the country in such a short period of time. Road trips are my favourite – I’ve never considered driving in Central America but Costa Rica looks like a great place to do it 🙂
I’m also a huge fan of road trips 🙂 . It’s definitely the best way to travel around Costa Rica since a lot of the beautiful places are quite remote and it would be difficult or even impossible to reach them by public transport.
This looks like such an amazing itinerary! I‘ve been thinking about traveling Costa Rica next year (hopefully) and I‘ll definitely save this post for that! 😊
That’s so cool! Keeping my fingers crossed that you can make this trip happen. You won’t regret it, that’s for sure! 🙂
I traveled in Costa Rica in 2018 and I loved it! This country is such a gem for flora and fauna! I didn’t have the time to go to the fantastic beaches you shared in the North but I went south to Jaco (great for surfing) and the Parc Manuel Antonio. I also recommend to visit those places!
I agree, Jaco and Manuel Antonio are also lovely places to visit 🙂 . We visited them at the end of our trip, after we had returned our rental car, that’s why I didn’t squeeze them into this 10-day road trip itinerary.
Costa Rica looks absolutely stunning to visit and your 10 day itinerary is a great mixture of different things to see and do.
Thanks Krista! 🙂 My favorite itineraries are the ones that combine a lot of different experiences!
What a great itinerary! I’ve visited Costa Rica but only stayed in one spot near Peninsula Papagayo. It was beautiful but I felt like I didn’t really get to explore the country. Saving this in case I ever make it back!
Oh I didn’t get a chance to visit Papagayo Peninsula but I’ve heard it’s beautiful! Hoping you can return one day to see more of Costa Rica 🙂
What an awesome itinerary and so many great tips! I’ve always wanted to visit Costa Rica and more so now! I would love hiking in the rain forests and seeing all the flora, animals and waterfalls. I’m a scuba diver but I’d like to do a little surfing at these gorgeous beaches!
I’m sure you’d love it! Hiking through jungles and seeing all the animals was my favorite part of my Costa Rica trip 🙂 . If I remember correctly, there are some great scuba diving options on the Pacific coast as well!
People always talk about how beautiful Costa Rica is, but I don’t know that I have ever grasped it before! It’s amazing you were able to spend six weeks here – thank you for paring that down into an adventure-filled journey for us!!
You are welcome MacKenzie! It’s a true paradise for adventure junkies and nature lovers 🙂
I LOVED my time in Costa Rica. I visited many of the places you have here, but I didn’t end up visiting any beaches. Your itinerary really makes me want to plan a trip back!
P.S. love the design of your blog!
Thanks a lot Devin! I just recently changed the design and still getting used to it 🙂 .
Thank you so much for the awesome advice! Wondering if you have any thoughts on traveling this route in early November. Okay w/ a little rain and hoping to avoid the crowds!
You’re welcome! 🙂 I did this route in October and I’m guessing November would be quite similar. You’ll definitely see some rain but in my opinion it wasn’t bad at all. Keep in mind that due to the rain, some roads (especially on Nicoya peninsula) can become very muddy/bumpy and you’ll probably have to do some river crossings but that’s all part of the adventure. 🙂 I hope you’ll have an awesome trip!
Love the camping idea. How did you deal with bathroom facilities? Were there any? Or did you go true camping in the bush?
We didn’t do any wild camping and only stayed at campsites, which all had a toilet/bathroom facilities. Don’t expect anything luxurious though! 😀 I’ve written more about our camping experience in Costa Rica here: https://www.thesmoothescape.com/road-trip-costa-rica-4×4-rental/
Thank you for this! Wondering why you left Manuel Antonio out. Is it too touristy?
You’re welcome Rachel! We did visit Manuel Antonio as well during our 6 weeks in Costa Rica and it was lovely. 🙂 But squeezing it into this 10-day itinerary would be a bit tricky, that’s why I left it out. You could definitely also adjust this itinerary and leave e.g. Playa Flamingo and Tamarindo out and instead add Manuel Antonio to the end of the itinerary before returning to San Jose 🙂
Hi,
Love the blog. Would this travel itinerary work for September?
Hi Sara. Glad to hear you love the blog! 🙂 This itinerary definitely works for September – we did it at the end of September. Just be prepared to see some rain since it will be almost the peak of the rainy season. But based on our experience the rain wasn’t too bad. And all the nature will be super lush and green 🙂
So glad I found your blog! We have an 11 day trip planned to Costa Rica in February and I’m in the process of planning our route. Any thoughts on the Caribbean Coast? I was definitely thinking of volcano area and Nicoya but that side also sounded interesting. Stick to Volcanoes and Pacific side or try for eastern side of the country & Caribbean? We have our own wheels and we’re not afraid to use them…Thanks for your thoughts!
Hi Gina. That’s exciting! I did visit the Caribbean side as well and loved it. 🙂 There are some amazing beaches and national parks there, like Cahuita and Tortuguero. However, with only 10 days (or 11 in your case), I’d recommend visiting one coast only. Otherwise you’ll spend a lot of your time in the car. That’s also the reason I didn’t include the Caribbean side in this itinerary.
Wow! You did really enjoy your trip to my lovely country Costa Rica, your photos at the Rio Celeste River are amazing, this is one of my favorite destinations of them all.
Thank you Adriana! I really loved exploring Costa Rica 🙂 . And Rio Celeste is also one of my favorite places in CR!
What an adventurous and immersive 10-day itinerary for exploring Costa Rica! Your article is like a treasure map guiding travelers through a diverse landscape of lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and vibrant cities. It’s truly impressive how you’ve crafted a well-rounded experience that balances relaxation and adventure. From soaking in hot springs to spotting wildlife in national parks, every day seems like a unique adventure waiting to unfold. Your insights and recommendations will surely inspire anyone planning a Costa Rican getaway. Here’s to embracing the “pura vida” spirit and making unforgettable memories in this captivating destination!
Thank you so much for your kind words! 🙂
We did similar itinerary and we visited the Caribbean sea as well in Cahuita and Puerto Viejo, it was an amazing trip to Costa Rica. Hopefully I can visit again!
We also visited the Caribbean side and really enjoyed it. 🙂 But for those who only have 10 days, I think it’s too much to include both of the coasts in the itinerary. That’s the reason I left it out of this one.
My fiance and I are looking into traveling and have only 10 days and this looks amazing. Did you ever feel like you were rushed at all or didn’t feel like you got to see enough of one thing ?
I’m glad to hear you like the itinerary! 🙂 Regarding whether you’d feel rushed, I think it depends on your travel style and what you prefer. We like to be quite active and not stay in one place for too long so for us it was perfect.
Hey,
So glad to have read your blog and recommendations. I am planning my 2nd honeymoon – we are in our 50s now!
Any suggestions for visiting Costa Rica in early February?
Hey Vijaya, that sounds exciting! 🙂 February is dry season in the central part and the Pacific side of Costa Rica so the weather should be excellent!