10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests, and Beaches
Robin•Feb 06, 2025
Do you have some time off work and want true and memorable vacations? Look no further, plan a 10-day itinerary to Costa Rica with us!
What You Should Know Before Going to Costa Rica
What is the best time to visit Costa Rica for good weather?
As with any country close enough to the Equator, Costa Rica actually has just two seasons: dry and rainy season. If you’re planning a trip we highly suggest you go in the dry season, from mid-December to April. That way you can enjoy beautiful summer weather with lots of sun and nice warm days, perfect for exploring and relaxing at the beach.
While the rainy season has its charm, your plans can get easily disrupted by heavy rains, especially if you travel to remote regions of the country. To learn more about Costa Rica’s weather you can read our article.
Did you know that Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America? It is an excellent destination for travelers seeking both adventure and peace of mind. For more details, be sure to visit this article on the safest countries in Central and South America.
How to get around Costa Rica?
There are several transport options you can consider for your Costa Rica Itinerary, with a range of prices and convenience. You can rent a car, use public transport, or shuttle service, and even book flights for longer distances. Learn more about Costa Rica’s airports in our detailed article.
But for our itinerary, we suggest you rent a 4x4. With this vehicle at your disposal, you’ll be safer on poorly maintained roads and there won’t be anywhere in Costa Rica outside of your reach.
How many days do you need in Costa Rica?
You can spend less than 10 days, sure, but, don’t you want to see as much of Costa Rica as you can? Don’t you want to immerse yourself in the country and its vibrant culture and nature, explore the luscious rainforest, and eat all the delicious food you can?
With an itinerary of 10 full days in Costa Rica, you’ll have the perfect balance of relaxation, exploration, and travel. During said 10 days you can explore diverse regions, and have the time to travel to each one of them without feeling rushed or overexerting yourself.
Photo by César Badilla Miranda on Unsplash
Is Costa Rica expensive for travelers?
Costa Rica is an important ecotourism destination, and because of that, the prices are generally higher than in other Central American countries. Having said that, you can still have a budget-friendly vacation if you account in your itinerary the activities and tours you really want to spend in and keep an eye out for cheaper options for the rest. So you can definitely have a wonderful 10 days in Costa Rica without overspending.
How to stay connected with mobile data in Costa Rica?
Surely you want to relax, but you don’t want to stay disconnected during your itinerary. Staying connected with mobile data during your trip is easier than ever with an eSIM from Yoho Mobile, no physical SIM required, and you’ll have reliable coverage the moment you land.
- Use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!
What to do in Costa Rica for a week?
A week is a good amount of time to visit Costa Rica, but it won’t leave you with enough time to visit every destination and try every attraction. Even then, you can arrive at San Jose, and explore a bit of the city before it’s time to hit the road and start exploring elsewhere.
The Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna Waterfall are great places to start your trip. You can travel to Monteverde Cloud Forest and see the Pacific Coast before returning to San Jose and taking the plane back home.
For a more complete experience, keep reading and discover our 10-day Itinerary to Costa Rica!
Our 10-day Itinerary to Costa Rica
Day 1: Arrival in San José and Journey to La Fortuna
The start of the best 10-day vacation of your life! After you’ve descended the plane and passed the security you can head to pick up your 4x4 car. We recommend you book your car online sometime before your travel, especially if you travel during peak season. You can check your options with rental companies like Adobe Rent a Car, Alamo, or Budget. If the company doesn’t have a counter right at the airport just take the free shuttle they offer and go to their closest office in town.
Drive to La Fortuna
For the drive to La Fortuna, take the Via Route 1 and then Route 702 for the most scenic view. Just be careful since it is curvy in the mountains. It’s not the easiest to drive, but the views are worth it. With dense greenery, coffee plantations, and charming and picturesque small towns along the way. In general, the trip should take you about 3 hours depending on traffic.
Optional stops along the way:
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Zarcero: Visit the topiary garden at the Parque Francisco Alvarado admiring the great collection of shrub sculptures. Afterward, you can enjoy freshly baked goods and local cheese at the bakery.
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Roadside eatery: You’ll probably be hungry after a long flight and a long ride, so stop at a Local Soda and try some authentic Costa Rican dishes. These small, family-run businesses are both affordable and authentic, so try the casado, arroz con pollo (chicken with rice) or gallo pinto.
Photo by Sargent Seal on Unsplash
Check into your accommodation in La Fortuna
Finally, after a long day on the road, you’ll arrive at the place where you’ll spend your first night in Costa Rica. La Fortuna has lots of options, varying greatly in price and charm.
Where to stay in La Fortuna:
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Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs Resort: It offers wonderful views of the Arenal Volcano from the comfort of your own room. For around $ 150 to 250 per night, you can have access to all the amenities of the hotel, even the resort’s natural hot springs!
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Tree Houses Hotel Costa Rica: An eco-friendly resort. You can enjoy the wilderness of the Costa Rican rainforest with modern amenities like air conditioning and warm water in one of these treehouses. The price is around $ 150 to 200 for a couple per night, with extra charges for extra guests, so it’s perfect for families. Just keep in mind that children younger than 4 are not allowed for safety reasons.
La Fortuna’s Nighttime Activities and Local Flavors
It’s too late into the day to enjoy the natural wonders of La Fortuna, but not too late to take a bit of time to unwind and relax before you go to bed.
You can take a stroll through La Fortuna town, and get lost in its beautiful streets. Visit Central Park and peruse the little shops that surround it. Get a feeling of the local culture and maybe stop at a local restaurant for dinner before going back to your hotel.
Try Soda Viquez or Soda La Parada for excellent hearty meals with generous portions of tasty Costa Rican specialties. If you crave something different but that’s still impregnated with the local culture try Kappa Sushi, a fun Costa Rican twist to the original sushi rolls.
The region is rich in hot springs, thanks to the nearby Arenal Volcano, so you can visit tone for greater relaxation. This is a must in your itinerary. There are a lot of resorts and spas with beautifully landscaped pools, multiple options for massages, and even restaurants. Immerse in the rich and warm mineral water you can feel all the preoccupations leave your mind and let you enjoy more your vacation.
Days 2-3: La Fortuna’s Natural Wonders
Coffee and Chocolate Tours
Did you know that Costa Rican coffee and chocolate is ranked in the top ten coffee-producing countries in the world for its quality? Costa Rican producers have been perfecting their practices for centuries and it shows. So you better try one of the coffee and Chocolate Tours in La Fortuna. Is definitely the best way to start your day.
Some of the tours available in La Fortuna:
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North Fields Coffee & Chocolate: One of the best rated and for good reasons. Here you’ll learn a lot about coffee cultivation, roasting, and brewing and you can even try to make your own traditional Costa Rican Hot Chocolate.
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Eden Organic Farm Coffee & Chocolate Tour: If you’re worried about the ecosystem and sustainability of the production you’ll love this farm. There you can learn about eco-friendly practices and you’ll taste 100% organic chocolate.
Aleat88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Arenal Volcano National Park
After a substantial meal and some really good coffee, you’re ready to do some walking and discover the Arenal Volcano National Park. This place will give you an interesting view of the wild side of Costa Rica. There are numerous trails to explore and each one with a different charm.
What hiking trails can you take?
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Las Coladas Lava Flow Trail: On this one you can admire a great part of the Volcano and watch in great detail the lava flow from the eruption of 1992.
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Los Tucanes Trail: Less of the volcano and more of the rainforest, this 5 km trail is great if you’re more interested in the regional fauna. You can see monkeys, sloths, toucans, coatis, and if you’re really lucky even a jaguar or puma.
El Salto Rope Swing
Before you leave the Park and head elsewhere, don’t miss the opportunity to try this attraction. This rope swing is outside the park, and it’s just a sturdy rope tied to a strong tree over a natural river pool. But don’t let its simplicity bother you. Is completely free and totally fun so there’s nothing to lose. Take turns with your friends and family swinging from there and landing on the crystal clear waters of the Rio Fortuna.
La Fortuna Waterfall
If you still feel like swimming, here is another recommended stop on your itinerary through Costa Rica. La Fortuna Waterfall is the perfect place to stay a whole afternoon relaxing and enjoying nature.
Just 5.5 km away from the town you’ll find a stunning waterfall nestled into the rainforest. With 75 meters high is a true wonder to the eyes and a must-see attraction for visitors. The waterfall is so high, that to descend to its base you’ll have to climb down over 500 steps.
Once you arrive at the base you can get into your swimwear and plumb into the cold refreshing waters. If the current near the cascade is too strong for you, try the calmer stream nearby for a calmer and safer swim.
Photo by J. Amill Santiago on Unsplash
Don’t Miss: A Day Trip to Río Celeste’s Enchanting Blue Waters
You can’t leave La Fortuna without visiting one of the most amazing spots in all of Costa Rica. The famous Rio Celeste with its bright blue waters. And when we say the water is blue we mean it. You’ll find it hidden in the middle of the rainforest in the Tenorio Volcano Nationa Park.
The park is only a couple of hours away from La Fortuna so it’s perfect for a day trip.
Hike Through Tenorio Volcano National Park
The best way to see the whole park and its main attractions in just a couple of hours. This trail is only 6 km long and makes a loop around the park leaving you right at the entrance after you finish it.
Río Celeste Waterfall
This is the most famous sight in the whole park. A little less high than La Fortuna, but not less impressive. It has a fall of 30 meters and an intense turquoise-blue color that looks so vibrant against the green vegetation. Descend the 250 steps for the perfect spot for photos and take a few moments to bask in the beauty before continuing with your hike.
Photo by Sterling Lanier on Unsplash
Explore the Laguna Azul
After the astounding view of the waterfall, you’ll find the Blue Lagoon. A fairytale pool with serene, crystal-blue waters surrounded by dense forest. It’s a magic place where you can stop for a few minutes and watch occasionally bright birds, butterflies or frogs passing by. If you listen closely you can even hear the monkey howling deep into the vegetation.
Discover Los Borbollones
A great demonstration of the active geothermal life of the volcano. In this spot of the river, you can see the water boiling and bubbling, and you’ll certainly smell the sulfur before getting there. This happens because of the volcanic gases that are constantly escaping from the underground and onto the river waters. Pair with the intense blue color makes for a truly surreal experience.
Visit El Teñidero
Finally, you’ve reached the exact point where the waters start to look that fantastic blue color. In El Teñidero you’ll see the Quebrada Agria and Rio Buenavista merging. If you go with a guide, they’ll explain in detail how the acidic waters and volcanic minerals of the Quebrada mix with the high concentration of aluminum silicate of the Buenavista and result in a suspension that scatters sunlight in such a way that appears bright turquoise to the human eye.
Tips and safety guidelines
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Do not swim there: Is completely prohibited for visitors to swim in the river. This is to protect the delicate ecosystem of the park.
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Essential Items: Aside from your regular gear for hiking, with your sturdy and comfortable shoes, you have to make sure you’ve got water and insect repellent with you. There are no stores inside the park, so please make sure you have the necessary before you enter.
Days 4-6: Explore Monteverde’s Magical Cloud Forests
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
A few hours from La Fortuna, you’ll find this incredible reserve that showcases the best of Costa Rica’s fauna and flora. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has a total extension of 10,500 hectares of lush forest so high over the ground that the clouds seem to touch the trees. The biodiversity is almost overwhelming. There you can find over 2500 different species of plants, 400 birds, 120 mammals, and an astounding total of 1200 amphibians and reptiles.
Recommended trails to follow:
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Sendero del Bosque Nuboso (Cloud Forest Trail): An easy trail to start your day with a good look into the classic cloud forest scenery. It’s rich in beautiful flowers like orchids, and bromeliads and between the dense ferns and the hanging vines, you might see the colorful plumage of the resplendent quetzal.
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Sendero Chomogo: This is only for experienced hikers since it can be quite difficult. It takes you to the highest point in the reserve, at almost 2000 meters over the sea. From up there you can watch the immensity of the cloud forest, as well as both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Ziplining Adventures
If you love the excitement, the adventure, and the feeling of adrenaline pumping through your body, you can’t skip the ziplines during your itinerary in Costa Rica. The best place for this adventure is Monteverde. Between the cloud forest canopy, you’ll find long cables offering you great speeds and incredible views.
Top aip line parks in Monteverde:
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Selvatura Park: It has a total of 15 cables in total. Inside the park, you’ll also find hanging bridges, a butterfly garden, and a hummingbird garden.
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100% Adventure: Best for the wild folk. This park sports the longest zip line in all of Latin America (1590 m) and it even has a Superman-style zip line and a Tarzan swing with a freefall of over 45 meters.
Photo by Angela Erick on Unsplash
Night Wildlife Tours
A unique way to get more acquainted with the fauna of Costa Rica is to visit the forest during the night hours. This way you get to see animals that aren’t active during the day and learn more about the rich biodiversity of the area. Is also a great way to see a new facet of the same forest you got familiar with during the day.
What to see during a night tour:
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Mammals: During the night you might encounter bigger mammals like the two-toed sloth perched on the higher branches, armadillos searching for insects on the forest floor and over 60 species of bats flying around.
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Insects: The true stars of the show, since most of them do not come out during the day. Species like the Costa Rican Tiger Rump Tarantula are quite common and don’t worry, they’re not aggressive. If you carry a UV light with you, try to find a scorpion and see how they glow.
Curi-Cancha Reserve
If you want a more quiet experience while traversing the Costa Rican cloud forest, we suggest you visit this private wildlife refuge. The Curi-Cancha Reserve usually has fewer visitors than other bigger reserves, and thanks to that offers a more personalized experience and a better opportunity to observe the animals.
On the trails, you’ll find a mix of cloud forest and transitional forest, effectively creating a multitude of habitats with their own vegetation and fauna to explore. The reserve is considered a birdwatching paradise, with over 200 species recorded, including resplendent quetzals, hummingbirds, motmots, toucans, and bellbirds.
Photo by Adrián Valverde on Unsplash
While you explore the Curi-Cancha Reserve in Costa Rica, you can stay connected easily with a Yoho Mobile eSIM. You won’t need to buy an expensive local SIM card, and you can get the eSIM before you even arrive in Costa Rica. It allows you to access information, share your experiences, and stay in touch with friends and family without any interruptions, all while enjoying the beautiful cloud forest.
- Use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!
Days 7-10: Manuel Antonio’s Beachside Paradise
After a few days of venturing into the forest and trailing volcanoes and mountains, is time to discover the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica.
Where to stay in Manuel Antonio?
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Hotel Costa Verde: A great option if you want to be close the the National Park and the beach. In this hotel, you’ll find the option of staying in an eco-friendly bungalow or a suite perfect for a romantic escapade. The hotel is famous for its restaurant and its infinity pool. The prices can range between $150-250 per night, depending on the season.
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Hotel Playa Espadilla: Right on said beach, it offers comfortable rooms with a great view of the Pacific Ocean. Is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the rest of your stay in Costa Rica. The prices are around $ 100-150 for a standard room.
Photo by Christina Victoria Craft on Unsplash
Explore Manuel Antonio National Park
Before you relax at the beach, why not explore a bit more the beauty of Costa Rica? Manuel Antonio National Park has the perfect blend of jungle trails to explore and wildlife to see. Take the path and go to secluded beaches where iguanas and basilisk lizards sunbathe or climb up the cliffs to admire the breathtaking views of the ocean.
Entrance and hours of the park:
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Hours: Is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 7 am to 4 pm.
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Tickets: You can only purchase them online and in advance in the SINAC website. The price is 18 USD per adult and 5 USD for children.
Relax on Manuel Antonio Beach
If you like the sun, the warmth, and the ocean this is a must-stop during your itinerary on Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio Beach is one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. It’s extremely popular among visitors and for good reason.
There’s so much you can do in the soft white sand as well as in its turquoise waters. Get your favorite novel and lay down in the sand for a perfect tan. Or maybe put on your swimming goggles and plumb into the waves to see the local marine life. Near the rocks is the best place to watch colorful tropical fishes, and even rays and small sea turtles.
Insiders tips for visiting Manuel Antonio Beach:
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Bring your towel: Since it’s a protected area you won’t find beach chairs.
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Keep an eye on your stuff: Monkeys and raccoons are common on the beach and tend to cause a bit of chaos.
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Do not bring food: Just don’t. It’s a protected area with a delicate ecosystem and human food can be dangerous for wildlife.
Take a Sunset Catamaran Cruise
What greater way to explore the Pacific coastline of Costa Rica than joining a Catamaran Cruise? You can even choose if you prefer to see the sunset or the sunrise. Either way, you’ll have a few hours to enjoy the stunning views of the coast and the open bar with fresh food. It’s also a great way to know more about Costa Rica’s marine fauna. Dolphins are common to see year-round, but it’s easier to spot them early in the morning. If you happen to travel between July and October or December and April, you might get to watch humpback whales in the middle of their travels.
Best Catamaran tours operators:
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Ocean King Catamaran: A large boat great for bigger groups. It includes an open bar and even a waterslide!
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Planet Dolphin: Perfect for families. If you like snorkeling, they include a stop and snorkeling gear.
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Trimaran Sunset Sails: Ideal for smaller groups, and definitely the best option if you have a romantic feeling in mind.
Dine on Fresh Seafood
You can’t be right on the beach without enjoying some really good fresh seafood, and we have quite a selection of restaurants you can try and enjoy.
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El Avion: Probably the most unique restaurant in the area. It’s an old cargo plain remade so you can eat inside. Famous not only for its quirky nature but for the delicious seafood and Costa Rican cuisine.
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Emilio’s café: The perfect place to get brunch. It has a beautiful view of the ocean and serves delicious Costa Rican coffee, seafood, and pastries.
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Claro que si: The most romantic place in the area. It’s a romantic spot perfect for a quiet moment with your significant other, with great food and amazing cocktails.
Plan Your Return: Ending Your Trip in San José
But at last, the journey must end and you have to return home. It might be a sad day but rejoice in all the happy memories you’ve made so far.
So, pack your bags and all the souvenirs you’ve collected, get into the car, and make the final trip back to San Jose. Maybe on the plane, you’ll take some time to see all the great pictures of your 10 days in Costa Rica and decide that you want to go back another year.
Is Costa Rica Worth Visiting?
The short answer is yes. A unanimous and vigorous yes. It’s a beautiful country full of a rich culture and the most charming people. To this, you have to add enormous biodiversity, a variety of landscapes and ecosystems and so much care in its conservation. All that in such a compact country that you can travel from coast to coast in a matter of hours. Costa Rica is a country to fall in love with and to visit more than once. After you spend 10 days here, you’ll probably return home wanting for more.
If Costa Rica has sparked your interest, you might also want to explore some of these incredible destinations:
- How to Spend 10 Days in Italy: A Complete Itinerary Guide
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