10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Costa Rica's Natural Wonders

Discover Costa Rica's spectacular outdoor landscapes on this on this exciting 10-day adventure through Arenal, the cloud forest of Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio National Park.

Welcome to Costa Rica! You'll spend day one sightseeing in San José, then transfer to La Fortuna for a nighttime rainforest walk. Look for sloths in the wild, hike around Arenal Volcano, and soak in the Tabacon Hot Springs, then spend some time in Tenorio Volcano National Park, home to the beautiful Rio Celeste.

Travel to Monteverde next, where you'll tour a coffee plant—and taste locally produced coffee—before going for a hike in the cloud forest. Finish up the trip in Manuel Antonio National Park. You’ll go for a sailing adventure along the coastline and have the opportunity to take a surf lesson before the trip is over. Learn more 

Find out more about the country's coffee traditions by reading this article, The Ultimate Guide to Costa Rican Coffee: How to Choose the Best Experience For You.

Itinerary #2: Wildlife Luxury Adventure in Arenal, Monteverde & the Osa Peninsula

Spot monkeys and toucans in the wild—and sleep in luxury hotels and lodges every night—on this thrilling 10-day itinerary around Arenal, Monteverde, and the remote Osa Peninsula.

After a day exploring San José, you’ll take a short flight to Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula. During your stay in the region, you’ll go on a birdwatching hike, discover Corcovado National Park, and snorkel in a protected area rich with marine life. Fly back to San José, then transfer by land to La Fortuna.

You'll venture to La Fortuna Waterfall Reserve on your first excursion in the area. Try waterfall rappelling, also known as canyoning, before sampling Costa Rican coffee and spotting wildlife on a guided hike of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Spend the last day of the trip zip lining at the popular Sky Adventures Park. Learn more

Read more about the Top Nature Experiences in Costa Rica.

Itinerary #3: Family Adventure in Arenal & the Nicoya Peninsula

Travelers of all ages will love this family-oriented 10-day tour that features outdoor adventures including snorkeling, boating, zip-lining, hiking, swimming, and soaking in hot springs.

Spend a day exploring kid-friendly attractions in San José before moving on to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Enjoy a safari-style boat ride and a hike around Arenal Volcano. The whole family will have fun zip-lining and riding gondolas at the Sky Adventures Park, followed by a tour of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest.

Transfer to Sámara on the Nicoya Peninsula, a great place to try kayaking and snorkeling during an excursion around Isla Chora. Finish up the trip with a visit to a scarlet macaw refuge and a boat trip where you and your family might be able to spot bottlenose and spotted dolphins. Learn more

For ideas on where to stay in the Arenal region, read this article on the Best Family Hotels in La Fortuna. 

Itinerary #4: Costa Rica Adventure & Wildlife Tour 

Get acquainted with Costa Rican wildlife, and enjoy plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities along the way, on this outdoorsy 10-day journey around the country's volcanoes, cloud forests, and beaches.

Begin with a guided mountain bike tour of Arenal Volcano National Park. You'll pedal towards the village of El Castillo, stopping for snacks and a swim at Lake Arenal. Then take a naturalist-led night hike and spot nocturnal animals like sloths, bats, and frogs, followed by a day trip to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching.

After a raft trip down the Río Frio (keep your eyes open for monkeys, sloths, and jaguars), you'll head to Monteverde. Take an evening to enjoy the Quaker town of Santa Elena, and end your trip with a few days of exploration in the area's multiple cloud forest reserves. Learn more

Check out these Costa Rica FAQs to learn more about traveling in the country.

Itinerary #5: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests, and the Pacific Coast 

This dynamic 10-day itinerary around Costa Rica combines mountain adventures and wildlife viewing with a relaxing beach holiday on the country's beautiful Pacific coast.

Your first stop is Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where you'll hike the Las Pailas loop through tropical forest and take a swim at the base of the Oropendola Waterfall. Then travel by boat to Monteverde for some aerial fun at Sky Adventures Park—try zip-lining, enjoy the views from a gondola, and take a guided Sky Walk high above the jungle canopy.

From there, head to Guanacaste on Costa Rica's western coast. Take a sunset catamaran cruise in the Gulf de Papagayo and choose from a number of amazing day trips. Embark on a jungle trail tour and relax in thermal pools at Sensoria, or enjoy the rainforest from the water on a two-hour safari float along the Corobicí River. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Caribbean Coast Adventure Tour

On this active 10-day tour around Costa Rica, you'll snorkel around coral reefs, raft the world-class rapids of Río Pacuare, hike along the Caribbean coast, and more. 

This itinerary is ideal for travelers heading to Costa Rica during the "green season" (May through November), as the Caribbean side stays relatively dry during rainy months. You'll have the chance to see turtles nesting in Tortuguero National Park. You'll also visit the Jaguar Rescue Center, a home and rehabilitation facility for injured and orphaned animals.

Then make the short drive south to Cahuita National Park for an easy jungle hike and an overnight stay. End your trip in Braulio Carrillo National Park, where hikers will find uncrowded trails—both short and long, ranging from easy to difficult—and native species such as white-faced monkeys, jaguars, tapir, armadillos, and anteaters. Learn more

More Great Costa Rica Itineraries