10 Days in Costa Rica: Our Recommended Itineraries
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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.
9 days in Costa Rica: Beaches and Outdoor Activities
| 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
| 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
| 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
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.
Travelling to Costa Rica? Chat with a local travel specialist in Costa Rica who can help organize your trip.
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Ellen Zoe Golden Travel Expert in Costa Rica -
Alberto Molina Travel Expert in Costa Rica
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Randall Jiménez Moreno Travel Expert in Costa Rica
