10 Days Costa Rica Travel Itinerary: 2025 The Ultimate Guide

Costa Rica Travel Itinerary, a land of magnificent beaches, tropical rainforests, and fantastic wildlife, is the dream itinerary of many travelers. Whether you plan a quick weekend away or a more extended trip,

Planning your itinerary for Costa Rica is a must to enjoy your trip to the fullest. This guide is written specifically for USA travelers. It will help you get the most for your money in Costa Rica, with all its natural beauty and vibrant culture.

Why Visit Costa Rica?

Costa Rica Travel Itinerary is a haven for nature lovers, adventure-seekers, and beach bums. From its abundance of biodiversity and friendly locals to its sustainable developments, its all-around experience is unique. Key highlights include:

• Rainforests and National Parks: Explore Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, and Corcovado National Parks
• Beaches: Soak up the sun at the pristine shores of Tamarindo, Playa Conchal, and Manuel Antonio.
• Wildlife: See exotic creatures like sloths, toucans, and sea turtles.
• Adventure: Ziplining, surfing, white-water rafting , and hiking.
• Hot Springs — Soak in naturally heated hot springs near Arenal Volcano.

Cultural Experiences: Explore Costa Rican culture, music, and cuisine at Sarchí and San José destinations.

How to Make a Costa Rica Travel Itinerary

So, you want to know how to plan your daily travels in Costa Rica. The key is knowing how many days you have, what interests you in Costa Rica, and finding the best places to visit. Here is a detailed sample itinerary that you can tailor to your taste.

How Many Days Will Your Costa Rica Trip Last?

A 7—to 10-day itinerary is perfect for experiencing Costa Rica’s highlights and activities. This means you can visit several locations, including the beach, rainforest, and volcanoes while extending the trip to two weeks or more with some relaxation time.

Example of Costa Rica itinerary for 7 days

Day 1: Arrival in San José

• Morning: Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
• Where to Stay: For colonial charm and good service, book Hotel Grano de Oro. For modern style in central San José, choose Hotel Presidente.
• Afternoon: Check in to your hotel and explore the city. Visit the National Museum, the Jade Museum, or Central Market to experience local culture and shop for unique souvenirs.
• Dinner: Dine at Restaurante Tiquicia, a favorite spot for the views and typical Costa Rican food. Taste gallo pinto and ceviche, staples of Costa Rican cuisine.

Day 2: Arenal Volcano + Hot Springs

• In the morning, drive or take a shuttle to La Fortuna (3 hours from San José). En route, stop at the artisan town of Sarchí to inspect colorful ox carts and handcrafted wares.
• Where to Stay: Nayara Gardens is an upscale choice with stunning views of Arenal Volcano. For a budget option, check in at Arenal Hostel Resort.
• Afternoon: Hike Arenal Volcano National Park. Take in incredible views of the volcano and nearby rainforest. Choose a guided tour to discover the area’s unusual flora and fauna.
• Alternatively, spend a relaxing night soaking at the natural hot springs at Tabacón Thermal Resort or Eco Termales. Dinner packages are included at some resorts with hot spring access.

Day 3: La Fortuna Adventures

• Morning: Zipline through the rainforest or take a canopy tour with Sky Adventures to get a thrilling vantage point at Arenal.
• Afternoon: Tour La Fortuna Waterfall. Swim in the cooling pool below the falls or picnic on the riverbank. Or take a chocolate-making workshop to discover Costa Rica’s cacao heritage.
• Evening: Visit Don Rufino, a top-rated restaurant serving gourmet Costa Rican cuisine. Be sure to have arroz con pollo or patacones.

Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest

• Morning: Travel to Monteverde (3-4 hour drive/shuttle ride). Crossing Lake Arenal along the scenic route offers breathtaking views.
• Where to Stay: For an eco-luxury option, Hotel Belmar, a tranquil retreat, Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
• Afternoon: Hike the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Stroll along suspension bridges for stunning scenery. Nearby, visit the hummingbird garden and butterfly sanctuary.
• Evening: Take a night tour to look for nocturnal wildlife like kinkajous, frogs, and bats. This is what Monteverde’s ecosystem sounds like after dark.

Day 5: Beaches in Guanacaste

• Morning: Drive to Guanacaste region (4-5 hrs.) On the way, visit the Rio Celeste waterfall inside Tenorio Volcano National Park for a magical photo op.
• Where to Stay: The Westin Reserva Conchal is an all-inclusive luxury resort; Tamarindo Diria is a beachfront property in Tamarindo.
• Afternoon: Chill out on the white-sand beaches at Playa Conchal or Playa Flamingo. Explore the clear blue waters by trying snorkeling or paddleboarding.
• Dusk: Sunset and seafood at Pangas Beach Club in Tamarindo. Are you Longing for a seafood platter with fresh lobster or mahi-mahi?

Manuel Antonio National Park: Day 6

AM: Transfer to Manuel Antonio (around 5 hours from Guanacaste)

• Where to Stay: Hotel Makanda by the Sea is an adult-only luxury hotel. The Si Como No Resort is popular with families for its kid-friendly amenities.
• Day 2 Morning: Pick up and discover Manuel Antonio National Park. Look for monkeys, sloths, and brightly plumed birds while hiking the trails. You can’t leave without seeing Playa Manuel Antonio, a beautiful beach on the park’s interior.
• Evening: Return to your hotel and relax with a drink and the ocean views. Another option for dinner is El Avion, a unique restaurant built inside an old airplane.

Day 7: Departure

Morning: Fly back to San José to catch your flight home. (If you have time, visit the artisan town of Sarchí for souvenir shopping.) Seek out handmade hammocks, pottery, and wooden crafts.”

Costa Rica Travel Itinerary Tips for the Perfect Trip

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (December – April): Great for beach and outdoor activities

Rainy Season (May to November): Good for green landscapes & fewer tourists. Remember that roads in remote regions can be tricky this time of year.

Transportation

• Car rental: Renting a car allows you to explore quickly. Make sure you have a GPS or download offline maps.
• Shuttles are cheap if not the fastest, way to get from point A to point B over long distances.
• Need to Travel Domestic? Domestic Flights are a fast and practical travel method ideal for time-restricted travelers. Air travel to popular destinations such as Tamarindo and Puerto Jiménez is with Sansa and Nature Air.

Packing Essentials

• Breathable, lightweight clothing.
• Good hiking shoes and water shoes.
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
• Waterproof jacket and fast-drying towels.
• Guides for native flora, fauna, wildlife, and foraging.

Health and Safety

Costa Rica is very safe, but you never let your guard down.

Use bottled or filtered water.

Get travel insurance that covers adventure sports.

Costa Rica 10 Days: One Month (Extended Costa Rica Travel Itinerary)

For those with a bit more time, here’s a longer itinerary:

Day 8: Explore Tamarindo

Where to Stay: The Cala Luna Boutique Hotel combines luxury and nature.

Activities: Go surfing or take a boat tour through the mangroves for crocodile and monkey spotting. Check out Tamarindo Night Market for food and crafts,

Day 9: Tortuguero National Park

Where to Stay: Fürlund offers eco-friendly accommodations directly on the canal.

Activities: Go on a guided boat tour of the canals to see the fantastic wildlife. Depending on the season, you might also see sea turtles nesting.

Day 10: Relax in Puerto Viejo

Where to Stay: Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel provides chic rooms near the beach.

Activities: Enjoy your last day on the Caribbean coast. Visit Cahuita National Park Or go snorkeling in clear blue waters. Don’t skip the Afro-Caribbean food, like rice and beans cooked with coconut milk.

Where to go in Costa Rica: The highlights

• Things to do in Costa Rica vary widely from:
• Arenal Volcano – Hot springs, hiking, adventure.
• Monteverde Cloud Forest: Renowned for zipline tours, bird watching, and dense biodiversity.
• Manuel Antonio National Park: Beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife.
• Tamarindo: A beach town popular for surfing and nightlife.
• Tortuguero National Park: Famous for turtle nesting and serene waterways.

Places to Visit in Costa Rica to Add to Your Travel Itinerary

Manuel Antonio National Park

A must-visit is this small but diverse park. It has lush rainforests, sparkling beaches, and plenty of wildlife.

Arenal Volcano National Park

It is one of Costa Rica’s most famous places, ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and relaxing when you arrive in the hot springs.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Haven for eco-tourists showcasing unique flora and fauna in a foggy, fairytale environment.

Tamarindo

A vibrant beach town is known for surfing, nightlife, and relaxation.

Tortuguero National Park

Referred to as the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” the park is known for its sea turtle nesting sites and wildlife-rich waterways.

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is famous on the Caribbean coast for its laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and rich culture.

Are you considering putting together a Costa Rica Travel Itinerary for your family?

Traveling with kids? Here are a few family-friendly suggestions:

• Check out La Paz Waterfall Gardens for a mix of waterfalls and animal exhibits.
• Take a tree-to-bar chocolate-making tour in the rainforest.
• Gently drift by boat in Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge.
• Visit a wildlife rescue center like Proyecto Asis.
• Join up with conservation efforts at the Sloth Sanctuary near Cahuita.

More on Your Costa Rica Travel Itinerary

Costa Rica Travel Itinerary is an eco-tourism mecca with eco-lodges and sustainable trips galore. Choose eco-conscious accommodations like Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort or Lapa Rios Lodge. These sustainable resorts offer one-of-a-kind experiences that immerse travelers in nature while treading lightly on the planet.

The Cuisine You Must Try When You Visit

• Costa Rican food is simple but flavorful and often uses fresh, local ingredients. Some must-try dishes include:
• Casado: A filling plate of rice, beans, plantains, and a protein of your choice.
• Olla de carne: A soup made with beef, potatoes, carrots, corn, and plantains.
• Chifrijo: Rice, beans, and pork are popular snacks.
• Dessert: Tres Leches Cake.

Hidden Gems in Costa Rica

While the more popular destinations like Manuel Antonio and Arenal are beautiful, Costa Rica still has plenty of hidden treasures that are ready to be explored if you are willing to stray off the beaten path:

Santa Teresa: A mellow beach town set up for surfers and yogis.

Drake Bay: If you enjoy whale watching and diving, consider staying in this remote area near Corcovado National Park.

San Gerardo de Dota: A quiet mountain village popular for birdwatching, particularly the resplendent quetzal.

Events and Festivals

If you happen to be in Costa Rica during a local festival, it’s an experience you’ll never forget. Some notable events include:

• Fiestas de Palmares (January): A prominent festival of music, fireworks, bullfights, and parades.
• Envision Festival (February): A four-day festival in Uvita centered on music, yoga and sustainability.
• Independencia (September 15): Help celebrate with parades and traditional dances.

Final Thoughts

Costa Rica Travel Itinerary is a bit of everything to everyone. A well-planned Costa Rica travel itinerary will allow you to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, exciting adventures, and friendly culture. You can use this guide to tailor-make your trip to have the most amazing experience right in the center of Central America. A first-time visitor or a return trip to Costa Rica delivers memories that will last a lifetime!