Costa Rica in 10 Days: 4 Recommended 10-day Itineraries to Costa Rica

Ready to spend 10 days in Costa Rica? Check out our Costa Rica 10-day itinerary suggestions.

This comprehensive 10-day Costa Rica itinerary plan takes you through the country's incredible ecological diversity. Begin in the vibrant capital of San Jose before venturing to the lush canals of Tortuguero, where you might witness sea turtles nesting on the Caribbean coast. Next, head to La Fortuna, home to the iconic Arenal Volcano, for a mix of relaxation in thermal springs and heart-pumping adventures like white-water rafting and ziplining. Continue to the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, where you'll encounter unique flora and fauna on guided hikes. Conclude your journey in Manuel Antonio, combining pristine beaches with wildlife-rich forests. This itinerary offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation, allowing you to experience Costa Rica's remarkable biodiversity across various ecosystems. See all 10-day Costa Rica tours.

This balanced itinerary of 10 days combines Costa Rica's volcanic wonders with its beautiful Pacific coast. Begin in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where you'll experience otherworldly landscapes of bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles. Enjoy outdoor adventures like horseback riding to hidden waterfalls and hiking through diverse ecosystems. Then, head to the popular beach town of Tamarindo for surfing, snorkeling, and unforgettable sunsets. The journey concludes in Arenal, home to one of Costa Rica's most iconic volcanoes. Here, you'll hike through lava fields, soar through the rainforest on ziplines, and unwind in natural hot springs. 

Customize the above Costa Rica tour as per your preference.

This 10-day Costa Rica itinerary balances adrenaline-pumping activities with opportunities to immerse yourself in natural beauty and rich culture. Kick off your adventure with an exhilarating white-water rafting adventure on the Pacuare River, spending a night in a secluded riverside lodge. In La Fortuna, challenge yourself with canyoning, rappelling down waterfalls, and mountain biking around scenic Lake Arenal. Hike the dormant Cerro Chato volcano for stunning views before moving to Monteverde for canopy tours and horseback riding through the cloud forest. Wind down your trip with surfing lessons on the Pacific coast at Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste. See all Costa Rica adventure holidays.

This nature-focused itinerary takes you deep into Costa Rica's most biodiverse regions in 10 days. Start your journey in the remote Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, often called "the most biologically intense place on Earth." Here, you'll have the chance to spot rare species like jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Caño Island and watch for whales and dolphins in Drake Bay. Continue to Golfo Dulce for kayaking adventures and visits to wildlife sanctuaries, including a scarlet macaw rehabilitation center. Conclude your trip in Carara National Park, a birdwatcher's paradise where you might see toucans, parrots, and the resplendent quetzal. See all Costa Rica tours.

With a 10-day trip to Costa Rica, you can experience the country's incredible diversity, from misty cloud forests to sun-drenched beaches and from active volcanoes to wildlife-rich rainforests. Whether you prefer heart-pumping adventures, wildlife encounters, or a simple joy of being surrounded by nature, Costa Rica has it all. Connect with local experts to craft your dream customized Costa Rica trip. For more idea, check out our guide on "How many days to spend in Costa Rica".

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