What to see in Costa Rica in 10 days

Deciding what to see in Costa Rica in 10 days is no easy feat.
There are so many things to see in the country that, depending on the time you have, you will be forced to make choices, unfortunately.
That’s why we decided to break down the itineraries, not so much by areas, but by main interests.
Since Costa Rica is above all synonymous with Nature, in this itinerary we have favored a nature route that can satisfy most of the Costa Rican peculiarities, from beaches to tropical forests and, of course, taking into account the fauna and flora.
In any case you can take a look at our Itineraries section to find other types of routes.
We thought of structuring the itinerary schematically, as a kind of to-do list and some suggestions on where to eat and stay.
To visit everything you’ll read about in a moment, we recommend that you rent a car, because public transportation may lengthen, and not by a little, all the travel time between destinations.
Shall we get started?
Very well!
Just know that nature has its own times, so you will almost always have to wake up early in the morning!

Day 1: Arrival in San José

• Arrival: After your flight, arrive in San Jose.
  We recommend booking a flight that arrives by mid-day to allow time for acclimatization.
• Accommodation: Hotels in downtown San José, such as theUrban Green Hotel, which offers a central location at reasonable prices.
  Otherwise we recommend Barrio Escalante, a very quaint neighborhood where you can find the Chillout Hostel.
• Free afternoon: Walk in La Sabana Metropolitan Park, ideal for stretching your legs after the trip.
• Dinner: Restaurant“El Novillo Alegre” for a taste of Argentinian cuisine (yes, it’s not Costa Rican but it’s a must try).

Day 2: Poás Volcano and Braulio Carrillo National Park

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• Departure: 6:00 AM for Poás Volcano National Park.
  Early morning is the best time to visit as clouds often cover the crater later in the day.
• Excursion to Poás Volcano: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM you can book your ticket online from the SINAC website, you will need to create an account.
  Bring a waterproof jacket or k-way, as the area is known for variable weather.
  Walk to the crater and view the acid lake, one of the largest in the world.
• Transfer to Braulio Carrillo National Park: 11:00 AM.
  The park is famous for its biodiversity and primary rainforest.
  You can hike the Las Palmas or Ciebo trails, which take about 2-3 hours.
  Admission costs $12 and can be booked online.
• Lunch: Packed lunch or at one of the small “sodas” (local restaurants) along the way to Braulio Carrillo.
• Caution: Bring insect repellent and waterproof hiking shoes.

Day 3: Transfer to Tortuguero

• Early departure: 6:00 AM.
  Combined bus and boat trip to Tortuguero.
  The boat trip will allow you to see the first glimpses of wildlife, such as caimans and waterfowl.
• Arrival in Tortuguero: Around noon.
  Accommodation in an eco-lodge such as Kawe Lodge, located between the lagoon and the ocean.
• Afternoon: Explore the village of Tortuguero or relax.
  You can also visit the Turtle Museum to learn more about the species that nest in the area.
• Evening: Evening walk on the beach with a local guide. July through October is green turtle season, a unique and fascinating experience.

Day 4: Tortuguero National Park

• Wake up at dawn: 5:30 AM.
  Early morning hours are ideal for spotting wildlife, when animals are most active.
• Canoe tour: 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM. Explore the park’s back channels, where you’ll have a better chance of spotting caimans, howler monkeys, sloths and various bird species.
• Breakfast and Trekking: 9:00 AM.
  After breakfast, take a hike along the park trails.
  Bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen.
• Free Afternoon: Relax at the lodge or join a second canoe trip in the afternoon.
• Caution: The park is a wetland, so prepare raincoats and bags to protect electronic equipment.

Day 5: Transfer to La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)

• Departure: 7:00 AM.
  The transfer will take you from the Caribbean coast to the inland mountains.
  It is a long journey, so bring snacks and water with you.
• Arrival in La Fortuna: Around 2:00 PM.
  Accommodation in a hotel with a view of the volcano, such as the Arenal Xilopalo, a more than decent three-star hotel at an inexpensive price.
• Afternoon: Relax in the natural hot springs of Tabacón or Baldi.
  The warm waters are the perfect way to relax after your trip.
• Dinner: Don Rufino Restaurant, offering local g ourmet cuisine.

Day 6: Arenal Volcano National Park

• Departure: 7:00 AM.
  Start the day with a hearty breakfast, as a day of hiking awaits you.
• Arenal National Park hike: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
  Follow the Las Coladas trail, which takes you close to historic lava flows.
  Bring binoculars to spot birds such as the toucan.
  You can book admission from here for about $16.
• Visit to La Fortuna waterfall: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
  The waterfall is 70 meters high and falls into a natural pool where you can take a dip.
  There are about 500 steps down to the waterfall, so be prepared for a strenuous climb.
• Afternoon: Return to the lodge to rest.
  You can also take a short kayak ride on Lake Arenal.
• Tip: The park is rich in wildlife, so keep a quiet profile to increase your chances of spotting animals.

Day 7: Transfer to Monteverde

• Departure: 7:00 AM.
  Take a combined boat and jeep transfer to reach Monteverde across Lake Arenal, a scenic and fascinating journey.
  Or use your own car, if you have rented one.
• Arrival in Monteverde: Around 12:00 PM.
  Accommodation in a house, the same one we rented, in close contact with friendly coati.
• Afternoon: Visit the orchid garden and hummingbird garden, where you can see different species of rare plants and birds.
  There is a hummingbird café right in front of the entrance to the reserve, anyway take a look at the guidebook we wrote about the Monteverde Biological Reserve
• Night walk: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
  A unique experience to observe nocturnal animals, such as kinkajou, tarantulas and frogs.

Day 8: Monteverde Nebular Forest Reserve

• Departure: 7:00 AM. Light breakfast, then get ready for a busy day in the forest.
• Hike in the Nebular Forest Biological Reserve: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Walk along Sendero Bosque Nuboso, one of the most popular trails, and try to spot the shining quetzal, one of the rarest and most beautiful bird species in the world.
• Suspension bridge tours: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Admire the forest from above, walking through the treetops.
• Zip-line or canopy tour: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM. If you like adventures, this is a must to experience the thrill of flying over the forest.
• Warning: The cloud forest is wet and cold, so bring layered clothing and a waterproof jacket.

Day 9: Transfer to Manuel Antonio

• Departure: 7:00 AM. Travel about 4-5 hours to the Pacific coast.
• Arrival in Manuel Antonio: Around 12:00 PM. We advise you not to stay near the main road because it is noisy, Glamping Tomaselli is a convenient choice in a quiet area
• Afternoon: Relax on the beach at Playa Espadilla or explore the village.
• Tip: Pay attention to tides and strong currents along some of the beaches in the area.

Day 10: Manuel Antonio National Park

• Departure: 7:30 AM. Park admission, tickets sell out quickly, so book in advance from here, priced at about $16.
• Excursion in Manuel Antonio National Park: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM. Explore trails such as Sendero Punta Catedral, which offers spectacular views of the coast and forest-we have written a very detailed guidebook about the park.
• Snorkeling or kayaking: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. Rent snorkeling equipment or a kayak to explore hidden bays. The clear waters are perfect for seeing colorful fish and, if you’re lucky, sea turtles.
• Return to San Jose: Depart early afternoon to return to San Jose. The trip takes about 3 hours.
• Dinner and last night: Last night in San Jose, perhaps with dinner at the“Cafe Rojo” restaurant known for its fine and innovative cuisine.

Final thoughts: Costa Rica in 10 days

This itinerary is designed to maximize the nature experience of your Costa Rica trip, with a focus on optimal times to visit, practical advice, and details of activities to do. Each day is designed to balance adventure with moments of relaxation, ensuring a complete and unforgettable experience, even if you have to get up early in the morning almost every day. We know, Costa Rica is so beautiful that it would take 30 days to visit it all….