10 Days in Costa Rica: Top 3 Recommendations
10 days in Costa Rica gives visitors a chance to really get to grips with this astonishing country. Nestled within the rainforests of Central America, with tropical beaches stretching along two coasts, warm azure seas, and incredible wildlife to boot, there’s no doubt that a world of adventure awaits on a Costa Rica trip.
Ziplining, kayaking, hiking, and scuba diving are just some of the thrills on offer. Check out our suggested Costa Rica tour itineraries below, covering anywhere between nine and eleven days.
- Debra Ryder
- From USA
1. Beaches and Outdoor Activities: 9 days in Costa Rica
| Day 1 | Free time to explore San Jose |
| Day 2 | Paddle the Pacuare River |
| Day 3 | Uncover the wonders of Arenal Volcano National Park |
| Day 4 | Horseriding in Monteverde Cloud Forest |
| Day 5 | Zipline across the canopy in Santa Elena |
| Day 6 | Hit the sands of Samara Beach |
| Day 7 | Bike, kayak, snorkel or surf in Samara Beach |
| Day 8 | Catch what you missed in San Jose |
| Day 9 | Depart from Costa Rica |
This bestselling 9-day Costa Rica tour takes in many of the country’s most popular sights while providing plenty of time for adventure. The thrills begin with rafting along with one of the world’s top whitewater rivers, before hiking the unspoiled landscapes of Arenal Volcano. You’ll then ride through Monteverde Cloud Forest on horseback and zipline over the jungle at Santa Elena before enjoying a couple of days at the beach of Samara, where even more activities await. See tours.
2. Rainforest Lovers' Tour in Costa Rica: 9 days in Costa Rica
| Day 1 | Spend a day exploring San Jose |
| Day 2 | Visit the Turtle Museum of Tortuguero National Park |
| Day 3 | Explore the wilds of Tortuguero National Park |
| Day 4 | Absorb the panoramas around Arenal Volcano National Park |
| Day 5 | Choose from a long list of activities in Arenal Volcano National Park |
| Day 6 | Enjoy the jeep and boat trip to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve |
| Day 7 | Uncover the wonders of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve |
| Day 8 | Free time to discover San Jose |
| Day 9 | Depart from Costa Rica |
Dive straight into the incredible jungles and waterways on a visit to the Tortuguero National Park during this trip. Unreachable by road and only accessible by canals, the beaches of Tortuguero are home to the sea turtles after which the place is named. You may also spot caiman, manatee, and jaguar in this region. You’ll then get to take in the protected forests of Arenal Volcano National Park on foot, by bike, or on a boat before heading to the mountains encompassing the Monteverde Cloud Forest for the chance to explore on horseback. The tour ends with time to explore the Costa Rican urban jungle of San Jose. Describe your ideal 9-day itinerary with our customized trip to Costa Rica.
3. Essential Costa Rica: 10 Day Itinerary in Costa Rica
| Day 1 | Arrive in San Jose |
| Day 2 | Drive from San Jose to Tortoguero |
| Day 3 | Enjoy boat ride in Tortuguero |
| Day 4 | Travel from Tortuguero to Arenal |
| Day 5 | Spend a day in Arenal Volcano National Park |
| Day 6 | Travel from Arenal to Monteverde |
| Day 7 | Explore Monteverde |
| Day 8 | Travel from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio |
| Day 9 | Go hiking in Manuel Antonio |
| Day 10 | Travel from Manuel Antonio to San Jose |
For those wanting to experience the natural side of Costa Rica, this ten-day tour takes you from Costa Rica’s east to west, across the vastly different ecosystems and through a variety of terrain. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of Braulio Carillo National Park on the way to Tortuguero, where you will sail through a jungle before embarking on a hiking adventure in Arenal Volcano National Park. Witness the changeover from rainforest to cloud forest in Monteverde and explore the quaint, little town of Santa Elena. The unique ecosystem and lush vegetation of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve come alive during a hiking trip. Experience a contrasting but equally captivating ecosystem in Manual Antonio National Park. See tours.
