10 Days in Costa Rica: Our Recommendations

This bestselling 9-day tour in Costa Rica takes in many of the country’s most popular sights while providing plenty of time for adventure. The thrills begin with rafting along 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 tour

Dive straight into the incredible jungles and waterways of Tortuguero National Park on this 9-day Costa Rica 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. See tour

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 tour

Experiencing all that Costa Rica has to offer doesn’t have to mean roughing it. Thanks to this tour, you have the opportunity to five-star it all the way without missing out on what makes the country so special! You’ll tackle the class III white water of the Pacuare River before enjoying a relaxed day on the Caribbean at Bajos del Tigre. If you think the first day’s rafting is an adventure of a lifetime, hold on; there’s more to follow. Explore the mesmerizing vistas around Arenal Volcano on foot and via zipline, and then relax by soaking in the hot springs. The Pacific Coast is next — relax on its pristine beaches and delve into the reserves of the Osa Peninsula. See tour

In many ways, 10 days in Costa Rica is perfect to explore all the country has to offer. Ten days in Costa Rica allows you to head from coast to coast without rushing, taking in the vistas, exploring the jungle, and heading out on boat-based adventures.

Planning a 10-day itinerary in Costa Rica? Get in touch with one of our travel experts in Costa Rica to inquire about a customized trip. If you’d like to book a package trip or join a group, check out our packaged tours in Costa Rica. 

Like the idea of Costa Rica but don’t have 10 days to spare? Check out our guide on 5 days or 7 days in Costa Rica. Or, if you’d rather spend even longer in this wonderful country, you can choose one of the itineraries from our 14-day in Costa Rica article too!