Looking for the best 10 day itinerary in Costa Rica?
We lived in Costa Rica for 6 months and have traveled extensively around the country. Our 10 days in Costa Rica take you from coast to coast to see the best of beautiful biodiverse country
We are family travelers so this itinerary is well suited for a family, and we are quick to recommend it to families looking for their first international trip. But this itinerary is also a great way to see Costa Rica solo.
So let’s get to the out very best Costa Rica travel itinerary in 10 days.
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Arriving In Costa Rica: San Jose Airport
Costa Rica has two major airports: Juan Santamaría Airport in San Jose and Guanacaste Aeropuerto in Liberia. Most international travel comes into San Jose so this itinerary is based on that starting point.
If your flight has you landing in Liberia, we recommend flip-flopping the coasts on your ten days in Costa Rica to start your trip in Santa Teresa.
But assuming you come into San Jose, grab a rental car and head to Torteguros.
Renting a car is not our typical mode of transit. In fact, using public transit is one of our most important budget travel strategies, but given how much we are going to pack into this trip, a car is a necessity.
Our itinerary is done by rental car. We have also done parts of this itinerary completely by public transit, like San Jose to Tortuguero National Park, and will give you some details should you choose public transit. However, public transit takes a bit more time.
Given the number of spots we are going to pack into this trip, a rental car is the best way to see Costa Rica in 10 days.
Tortugeros: Days 1-3
Tortuguero National Park, located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, is renowned for its untouched natural beauty. It is our favorite place in all of Costa Rica.
The park is famous for being a haven for ancient tortoises and offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers seeking tranquility and ecological diversity.
But here is the catch on Torteguros, you can only get there by boat. Tortegerous is accessible by public boat from the tiny tony of Pavona or from Moin.
Many hotels like Mwamba Lodge where we stayed will charge a per-person fee to transport you from San Jose airport all the way to their lodge. If you are not traveling on a budget, this is the easiest way to get to Tortegeros.
If you are starting in San Jose as we are recommending, you will save a lot of time by getting to Tortegeros via the town of Pavona. We have all the details below on using Pavona as your base.
However, if you want to explore more of the Caribbean side and see some of our favorite beach towns like Puerto Viejo and Cahuita, then Moin is a better launch point.
If you do decide to grab the public boat in Moin, you can find parking for your rental car at the dock. There is a daily fee of around $5. The public boat only leaves once per day around 10 a.m. from Moin and they take about 3.5 hours.
San Jose to Pavona
If you are budget travelers, you will save money getting to Tortugerous by yourself. You have two options: a rental car or a public bus
Tortegerous by Rental Car
After grabbing your car at San Jose airport, you will drive to the small riverside town of Pavona. The drive takes about 2.5 hours. Pavona is really not much more than a restaurant and a few other small buildings.
The good news is they covered parking for your rental car. The bad news is it costs about $10 a day. The only other downside is your rental car will not be in use while you are in Tortgeros.
You get your ticket for the public boat inside the restaurant. There are several boats that leave around every 1.5 hours Boats start around 7 a.m and the last boat is at 4 p.m.
Tortegeros by Public Bus
On our most recent trip to Tortegoros, we did this exact option. It is very easy and inexpensive, but it does take about 2 hours longer.
To get to Tortegoros by public bus you take a taxi or ride share from the airport to the Gran Carib terminal in downtown San Jose where you take a direct bus to Cariari. The bus to Cariari takes about 2 hours.
In Cariari, you transfer to local bus to La Pavona.
While there are a few steps, we had no trouble navigating our way to Tortegeros. We have some Spanish, but in truth, you are going to find a small group of backpackers also making their way to coast and the Ticos are good about pointing you in the obvious direction.
The local bus also waits for the larger bus from San Jose and the boat waits for the public bus from La Pavona.
The last boat into Tortegoros is at 4:30 so you will arrive in Tortegoros around 6 p.m.
We recommend two nights in Tortegoros to really enjoy this amazing place, but if you have more time than a Costa Rican 10 day tour, then spend it here.
Things to Do in Tortegoros
Kayak the Canals
Tortuguero National Park is unique and fascinating because it is situated on a vast system of interconnected waterways and any trip to Tortuguero should include a kayak or canoe tour.
The park is located on the northeastern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and is known as the “Amazon of Costa Rica” due to its extensive network of rivers, canals, lagoons, and wetlands.
These waterways serve as the lifeblood of the park, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem that is teeming with wildlife.
The best way to see the canals is by tour. While you can go on your own by renting a kayak in town, we promise that you won’t see all the animals without the help of a guide.
We chose the tour and were glad we did.
Our guide taught us about how just 50 years ago, in his lifetime, the entire area was clear cut for logging. He also pointed out caiman that we would have never seen for ourselves.
Tours leave early in the morning to avoid the heat.
Hike in the National Park
With any kayak or canoe tour into Tortugeros, you will need to book a ticket for the National Park. You can buy your ticket at the entrance to the park, but it is just as easy to get it online.
Now that you have that ticket, spend the afternoon hiking in Tortuguero National Park. We hiked it on our own and saw lots of animals, including a family of howler monkeys.
But if you want to be sure to see all the best animals, a professional guide is an excellent choice.
Turtles!
Turtles are why you are here, no? Tortuguero is literally named after the turtles who nest on their beaches.
If you are on this Costa Rica itinerary for 10 days with family, your kids are sure to love watching hundreds of tiny little sea turtles make their way to the ocean.
Turtle nesting and hatching season is from July-October. The turtle season is also the high season so if you want to do a turtle tour, which you totally should, book early.
OR Puerto Viejo/Cahuita: Days 1-3
Tortugeros is one of our favorite places to be in Costa Rica. But it definitely an effort to get there. If the work of getting to Tortugeros is killing your Pura Vida vibe then skip it, and head to either Puerto Viejo or Cahuita for some cool Caribbean vibes.
Which Caribbean town is best for you? Puerto Viejo and Cahuita are just 20 minutes apart by car. Whichever town you choose, will probably include a day trip to the other town.
How to choose depends on your vibe. Puerto Viejo is a little more touristy than Cahuita, which means it has slightly more amenities like restaurants and shops.
Cahuita is steps from the National Park and also has great snorkeling. If you are looking for10 days in costa rica on a budget, Cahuita is a better choice than Puerto Viejo.
Things to Do in Either Cahuita or Puerto Viejo
Rent Bikes
Bikes are the best way to get around both of these small beach towns.
In Cahuita, you can rent bikes at Francisco’s Bike Rents, which is located just one block from the entrance to the National Park.
If you are staying outside of town closer to Playa Negra, you can rent bikes from “Uchi’s Place” located next door to the Reggae Bar. Expect to pay around $5 US per bike per day.
If you are hanging around for more than a week you can probably negotiate a cheaper rate still.
In Puerto Viejo, rent from Puerto Viejo Bike Rentals. Their shop is located in the center of town. You can also rent bikes in advance and have them delivered to our doorstep.
Things to Do in Cahuita
Snorkel
If ocean conditions allow, you should definitely arrange a snorkel tour of the magnificent coral reef inside Cahuita National Park.
It is required to have a local guide to snorkel in the National Park. A number of tour operators are available – we find it is best to connect with a tour once you get to Cahuita.
Hike Cahuita National Park
A hike in the park itself is also a great experience. The full trek along a mostly flat trail that winds into the jungle and onto the beach spans 9 km one way; you can get a taxi back to the park entrance or a local bus back to town if you don’t want to do a full 18 km roundtrip trek!
A guide is not required but if you do want one, they are typically waiting at the entrance to the park to connect with you. You’ll definitely increase your chances of seeing wildlife if you connect with a guide.
What to Do In Puerto Viejo
Jaguar Center
The Jaguar Sanctuary is dedicated to conserving and rehabilitating Costa Rica’s sick, injured and orphaned animals.
The name is a bit misleading in that it has jaguars, but it also has monkeys, sloths and lots of other birds and reptiles.
You can book a public or private tour of the sanctuary.
Beach Time
Honestly, one of the best things to do in Puerto Viejo is just hanging at the beach.
Playa Cochles is the local beach closest to town. You literally can not miss it.
If you are looking for great snorkeling, Punta Uva, about 6 miles from town, is perfect. Its protected bay makes it a perfect haven.
Arenal: Days 4-5
Arenal, Costa Rica, is a must-visit destination.
The majestic Arenal Volcano provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures, from hiking to witnessing volcanic activity. The sheer amount of active and adventurous things to do makes it a great place to explore with teens.
Visitors here can relax in hot springs, indulge in thrilling activities like ziplining, see amazing waterfalls, and explore the diverse rainforests.
Things to Do in Arenal
Hike the Volcano
There are several easy-to-access trails in Arenal Volcano National Park, but most people hike a 4 km loop that begins at Sendero Las Coladas. You will need to pay the ranger fee to enter the park.
If you prefer a guide, you can also book a guided hike of Arenal.
Or Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
If you are looking for a shorter hiker, consider hiking to the La Fortuna Waterfall.
Located just 4 miles outside of town, you can drive or take a taxi to the waterfall. There is no public bus.
There is an entrance fee of about $20 per adult and $5 per child. Once you pay the entrance fee, it is about 400 steps down to the waterfall.
The steps are paved and it is trip that takes about 20 minutes.
You can swim in the waterfall, but as this is one of the most popular waterfalls in all of Costa Rica, rest assured you won’t be alone.
Day Trip to Rio Celeste
Visiting Rio Celeste is a must for nature enthusiasts seeking enchanting beauty in Costa Rica. The main attraction is the mesmerizing celestial blue river, a sight that seems straight out of a fairytale.
The color is caused by a unique combination of volcanic minerals and natural phenomena. Exploring the surrounding lush rainforest offers opportunities for wildlife sightings and serene hiking experiences.
To make it a day trip from La Fortuna, plan an early start as it takes approximately 2-2.5 hours to reach Tenorio Volcano National Park, where Rio Celeste is located.
Consider joining a guided tour or hiring a driver to ensure a hassle-free journey. Once at the park, follow the well-marked trail, which takes around 3-4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you spend admiring the scenic spots.
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
Mistico Hanging Bridge Park offers suspended pathways offers a unique perspective of the rainforest canopy, allowing you to immerse yourself in its beauty and witness incredible wildlife up close.
The network of trails and bridges meanders through the lush vegetation, providing stunning views of Arenal Volcano and the surrounding landscapes.
As you stroll along the bridges, keep an eye out for monkeys swinging through the trees and colorful birds flitting about.
Whether you opt for a guided tour or explore at your own pace, Hanging Bridges Park provides an unforgettable experience in the heart of Arenal’s natural wonders
Monteverde: Days 6-7
From La Fortuna, we recommend you head up to Monteverde. The drive to Monteverde is about 3.5 hours . The best roads are Route 142 to Tilaran, then Route 145 to 606 and is along a mix of paved and dirt roads. While the road is bumpy, you do not need a 4×4 to traverse it.
However, if you skip La Fortuna, you can drive directly from Puerto Viejo to Monteverde in just over 6 hours. A long day to be sure. However, the one thing Costa Rica has in abundance is beautiful scenery. Even a full day of driving has much to see.
A trip to Costa Rica would be incomplete without including Monteverde in your itinerary. Monteverde is known for protecting one of the world’s most pristine cloud forests in the world.
On your two days in Monteverde, you will have time to walk the pathways of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve taking a leisurely walk on the hanging bridges for breathtaking views.
Monteverde is also a great place for some adventure travel. We definitely recommend a half-day zip line tour.
What to Do in Monteverde
Zipmlining
Does everyone zip line in Monteverde? Yes. And on our first day in Monteverde, we jumped on the bandwagon because sometimes there is a reason why “everyone is doing it.”
Is it populated by tourists? Yes, absolutely. Is it still great? Yep. And was the highlight of the trip
We went with The Original Canopy Tour and can recommend them to you. The tour took about 3 hours through 10 lines and 1 amazing Tarzan swing.
Horseback Riding
On day 2, we joined Equus Farms for their sunset horseback ride. Read the full details of the best horseback ride in Costa Rica, and let us convince you why you should add it on your “must-do” list.
After your 2-ride, the tour ends with a sugar cane demonstration, including a taste of some rum and a delicious snack of banana bread.
Santa Teresa: Days 7-10
Most itineraries are going to have you make a final stop at Manuel Antonio. And we get it.
The Manuel Antonio National Park is a renowned wildlife sanctuary, home to a diverse array of species including monkeys, sloths, toucans, and more. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, relaxing on picturesque beaches, and engaging in thrilling water activities.
But the downside is it is THE place that people think to go to in Costa Rica, which means it is often overtouristed.
The park can get crowded, which may detract from the sense of tranquility and solitude some visitors seek. Additionally, the popularity of the area has led to increased commercialization and development, resulting in some parts feeling more touristy than others.
We much, much prefer Saint Teresa as your home base for the Pacific side of Costa Rica.
Four hours by car from Monteverde is the sleepy, surfer beach of Santa Teresa. On the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa, which the New York Times named the new “Tulum” is far, far away from the lights of San Jose and the tourists of Monteverde.
Getting to Santa Teresa
From Monteverde, you will travel by car to Puntarenas. This journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the road conditions and the mode of transportation you choose.
Once you reach Puntarenas, you’ll board a ferry at the Puntarenas Ferry Terminal to cross the Gulf of Nicoya. The ferry ride takes about 70 minutes and provides picturesque views of the coastline. We recommend booking tickets in advance during the high season (mid-December-April).
Upon reaching the Paquera Ferry Terminal on the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa and the beautiful Santa Teresa Beach is approximately 1.5 hours by car.
Things to Do in Santa Teresa
Surfing
Santa Teresa is THE place in Costa Rica to learn to surf.
Whether you’re looking to catch your first wave or challenge yourself on powerful breaks, Santa Teresa’s combination of surf-friendly conditions, surf community, and natural beauty make it a fantastic destination for surfing enthusiasts.
The town offers consistent and reliable waves that cater to surfers of all levels, from beginners to advanced.
And the warm waters and tropical climate create ideal conditions for year-round surfing.
We decided on Santa Teresa not for the surfing–although we did that as well–but for the bioluminescence kayak tour in Punta Cuchillo for our second night.
Bioluminescence Tour
The bioluminescence kayak tour in Punta Cuchillo offers a unique experience to witness nature’s mesmerizing light show.
Paddling through the tranquil waters under the night sky, you’ll be captivated by the glowing bioluminescent organisms that illuminate the water around you. This rare and awe-inspiring phenomenon creates a surreal ambiance.
The tour is about 1.5 hours from Santa Teresa. Still with the drive. We can not recommend it enough.
Day 10: Return to San Jose
As they say, “all good things must come to an end.” So reluctantly on day 10 of our Costa Rica for 10 days we recommend heading back to San Jose.
If you have some extra time in San Jose, here is what to see.
What to See in San Jose
Plaza Cultura
Plaza Cultura is a great central square to people watch and have a snack. The Plaza is on top of two museums: The Museo del Oro Precolombino (Museum of Pre-Columbian Gold), and the Museo de Moneda (Coin Museum).
If you have limited time in the city, we recommend the Museum of Pre-Colombian Gold over the Coin Museum.
With over 3,500 artifacts this Gold Museum is definitely worth the stop. It has an interactive display to teach you more about pre-Colombian culture, which was a big hit with O.
Teatro Nacional
On the south side of the Plaza is the Teatro Nacional (National Theater). The theater is the finest historic building in the city. Built in 1871 by an Italian engineer, the neo-classical building is dripping in gold and ornate carvings.
Tickets are under $10 USD and free for children up to 12. The theater is a great quick stop to be immediately transported to Europe.
Traveling with Kid in San Jose
Until O was 13, every single new city we visited that had a zoo warranted a stop from us. We understand why zoos are controversial.
However, in 2019, the Simon Bolivar National Zoo was the first zoo in Central America to earn certification through the global American Humane Conservation program for the welfare and humane treatment of the animals under their care.
You can walk less than 10-minutes from the Plaza de la Cultura to the Simon Bolivar National Zoo and Botanical Garden. The Zoo is pretty small and is great for families with smaller children. At 11 years old, O made pretty short work of it.
So after a quick lunch, we headed to Spirogyra Butterfly Garden. The garden is a 14-minute walk from the zoo, albeit a bit uphill. But older kids can make it no problem.
Between the zoo and the butterfly garden, we actually spent more time in the garden. If you are short on time and your kids haven’t had the experience of having a butterfly dance by and land on your little one’s arm, then choose this experience.
I will say the garden is tucked into a neighborhood a bit so if you arrive and aren’t a 100% sure you are in the right place. You probably are.
FAQ: 10 Day Itinerary in Costa Rica
Is Costa Rica Cheap or Expensive?
Costa Rica is more expensive than much of Central or South America. While the cost of living in Costa Rica is still 30% more than in the US, if you are traveling in Costa Rica expect to pay more than its neighbors of Panama and Nicaragua.
What month should I go to Costa Rica?
Most people go to Costa Rica during the dry season of mid-December-April, because the weather is nicest. However, traveling during this high season means more crowds and higher prices.
We think the shoulder seasons of May and November are the perfect times because the weather is still really good and the crowds are much quieter.
What is the best place to Costa Rica for the first time?
If you are new to the country, you can stay in the capital city of San Jose and take day trips to favorite spots like Monteverde and Arenal.
However, if you looking for a beach, Puerto Viejo is the ideal first time stop in Costa Rica. For wildlife, definitely Tortuguero National Park.
How many days is ideal for Costa Rica?
Two weeks or 14 days is really the ideal amount of time to truly explore this country. If you have less time, you should consider focusing on the central valley and selecting one coast to explore. We prefer the Caribbean side, but Manuel Antonio on the Pacific is a popular tourist spot because of the amazing wildlife.
Conclusion: Costa Rica 10 day Itinerary
Our 10-day Costa Rica itinerary offers an incredible adventure from coast to coast. It is a great country to explore for families, couples, and solo trips. If you have teenager who is about to graduate, we think Costa Rica is a great senior trip.
This flexible plan covers the country’s top destinations and showcases its remarkable biodiversity. Our itinerary is well-suited for families and solo travelers alike, allowing you to immerse yourself in the “pura vida” lifestyle.
From the Caribbean to the Pacific Coast, Costa Rica’s natural beauty and vibrant culture await you.
Get ready to create unforgettable memories as you embark on this extraordinary journey through one of the most breathtaking countries in the world.
