10 Days in Costa Rica: Our Recommended Itineraries

Experience whitewater river rafting on a Costa Rica adventure tour.

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10 days in Costa Rica gives visitors the 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.

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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. Have less or more time than a 10-day Costa Rica itinerary? See our article covering all recommended Costa Rica tour durations.

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Stephanie Wagner From USA

5 - Excellent

“Your website got everything right! Before the trip booking was easy and someone was always avail ... Read More “Your website got everything right! Before the trip booking was easy and someone was always available to answer questions. When we arrived in CR we were immediately met by friendly helpful travel coordinators. Our transportation was there and ready. We receive a call from your local provider every couple of days to check in and make sure we were well. Each hotel was true to the descriptions offered. Our accommodations were lovely and this turned out to be a hassle free amazing trip! I will always use and recommend your website. This is my 2nd trip with them they are consistently great!” Read Less

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Deborah M From USA

5 - Excellent

“The entire trip was expertly handled and resulted in an excellent vacation. Your local provider ... Read More “The entire trip was expertly handled and resulted in an excellent vacation. Your local provider contacted us 3 times during the trip to inquire if everything was going smoothly, which was the first time I ever experienced this kind of attentiveness on a booked trip. What a fantastic experience with your website. I assume you also operate under European Destinations which we have used in the past and have only good reviews about our experience in Spain. Our friends have utilized European Destinations based on our recommendations, and we have already told several of our friends about the great experience we had with your webite and the ease with which we were able to book our visit to Costa Rica. You definitely will be a company we utilize for future trips.” Read Less

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Dennis B From USA

5 - Excellent

“My Costa Rica vacation was perfect. Loved each hotel. All tours were fun. Saw so much wildlife i ... Read More “My Costa Rica vacation was perfect. Loved each hotel. All tours were fun. Saw so much wildlife it was unbelievable, and had great, enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides. Every transfer was smooth with the driver either being on time or a bit early. Amazingly, each driver was almost like a tour guide, pointing out unique and interesting facts and even stopping for photos, while driving well and safely. It is refreshing to meet people who have such a love of their country. Planning the trip on your website was fun and easy. Would definitely recommend to anyone. I did run into a couple of parties who also booked through your website and they were having a great experience, too.” Read Less

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9 days in Costa Rica: Beaches and Outdoor Activities

River rafting in Pacuare river in Costa Rica — Pacuare River is popular for rafting in class III and IV rapids.

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 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

9-day National Parks of Costa Rica Trip

Walking through the rainforest in Costa Rica — Explore the rainforests of Tortuguero, Arenal and Monteverde.

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 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

11 days in Costa Rica: A luxurious rainforest experience

A hot spring in Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica — Soak in the hot springs of Arenal Volcano after a day of adventure

Day 1	Enjoy a day in San Jose
Day 2	Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River
Day 3	Relax in the splendor of Bajos del Tigre
Day 4	Pacuare River rafting towards Arenal Volcano
Day 5	Take in Arenal Volcano National Park on foot and by zipline
Day 6	White sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 7	Go dolphin spotting on a sunset tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 8	Explore a private nature reserve on the Osa Peninsula
Day 9	Head out wildlife spotting on the Osa Peninsula
Day 10	Free time to enjoy San Jose
Day 11	Depart from Costa Rica

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

An overview map showing routes for 10 day Costa Rica itineraries

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 5-day itineraries or 7-day itineraries in Costa Rica. Or, if you’d rather spend even longer in this wonderful country, you can choose from our 14-day in Costa Rica itineraries too!

Editor’s note: This travel article was originally published on 29 July, 2019 but has since been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.