10-day itinerary

10 Days Trip to Costa Rica

Costa Rica

An immersive Costa Rican journey taking in lush botanical orchids, thunderous waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and tranquil rainforest hot springs.

1. Day 1: San José Arrival and Gardens

   Overnight in Alajuela · Driving 28 km, 50 min

   • Arrive to San José

     Arrival 1h

     Arrive to San José and collect your rental car.

   • Botanical Orchid Garden

     Nature 14:30 · 2h

     Walk shaded trails among native orchids at Botanical Orchid Garden.

2. Day 2: Waterfalls and Arenal Arrival

   Overnight in La Fortuna · Driving 125 km, 3h 10 min

   • La Paz Waterfall Gardens

     Nature Reserve 09:00 · 3h

     Walk past five cascades at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

   • Mirador Cinchona

     Scenic Viewpoint 12:30 · 45 min

     View San Fernando waterfall from Mirador Cinchona.

   • La Fortuna Central Park

     Town Walk 16:00 · 1.5h

     Walk through gardens beneath Arenal Volcano at La Fortuna Central Park.

3. Day 3: Arenal Trails and Hanging Bridges

   Overnight in La Fortuna · Driving 42 km, 1h 15 min

   • Arenal Volcano National Park

     Hiking Trails 08:00 · 2.5h

     Hike across 1968 lava fields at Arenal Volcano National Park.

   • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park

     Canopy Walk 11:30 · 2.5h

     Cross suspension bridges through the canopy at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park.

   • Tabacón Hot Springs

     Thermal Springs 15:00 · 3h

     Soak in naturally heated river currents at Tabacón Hot Springs.

4. Day 4: Waterfall and Rural Nature

   Overnight in La Fortuna · Driving 32 km, 1h 10m

   • La Fortuna Waterfall

     Nature & landscapes 08:30 · 2h 30m

     Descend forest steps to swim beneath La Fortuna Waterfall.

   • Bogarin Trail

     Hidden gems 11:30 · 1h 45m

     Look for two-toed sloths and dart frogs on Bogarin Trail.

   • Don Juan Coffee and Chocolate Tour

     Nature & landscapes 15:00 · 2h

     Try sugarcane pressing on Don Juan Coffee and Chocolate Tour.

5. Day 5: Lake Arenal to Cloud Forest

   Overnight in Monteverde · Driving 115 km, 3h 15m

   • Lake Arenal Viewpoints

     Nature & landscapes 09:00 · 1h 30m

     See the lake and volcanic slopes from Lake Arenal Viewpoints.

   • Monteverde Butterfly Gardens

     Nature & landscapes 13:30 · 1h 30m

     Learn about insects in bio-domes at Monteverde Butterfly Gardens.

   • Curi-Cancha Reserve

     Hiking & outdoors 17:30 · 2h

     Find sleeping birds with a naturalist guide at Curi-Cancha Reserve.

6. Day 6: Monteverde Forest and Canopy

   Overnight in Monteverde · Driving 22 km, 45m

   • Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

     Nature & landscapes 08:00 · 3h

     Hike trails lined with orchids at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.

   • Selvatura Park

     Hiking & outdoors 13:30 · 2h 30m

     Cross eight suspension bridges through the cloud forest at Selvatura Park.

   • Santa Elena Village Walk

     Hidden gems 16:30 · 1h 30m

     Browse artisan shops and cheese markets on Santa Elena Village Walk.

7. Day 7: Pacific Coast and Quiet Beach

   Overnight in Quepos · Driving 185 km, 3h 45m

   • Crocodile Bridge Viewpoint

     Sightseeing 10:30 · 30m

     Spot American crocodiles on riverbanks below Crocodile Bridge Viewpoint.

   • Tárcoles River Safari

     Boat Tour 11:30 · 2h

     Board a riverboat through mangroves on the Tárcoles River Safari.

   • Playa Biesanz

     Beach 15:30 · 2h

     Follow the jungle path to swim at Playa Biesanz.

8. Day 8: Manuel Antonio Wildlife and Beach

   Overnight in Quepos · Driving 16 km, 35m

   • Manuel Antonio National Park

     National Park 07:30 · 3h

     Spot sloths with guides on rainforest boardwalks in Manuel Antonio National Park.

   • Playa Manuel Antonio

     Beach 11:00 · 2h

     Relax on white sand inside the park at Playa Manuel Antonio.

   • Playa Espadilla Norte

     Beach 15:30 · 2h

     Surf the breaks at Playa Espadilla Norte.

9. Day 9: Rainforest Walk and Airport Return

   Overnight in Alajuela · Driving 155 km, 3h 00m

   • Carara National Park

     Nature Reserve 08:30 · 2h 30m

     Look for scarlet macaws along universal-access trails at Carara National Park.

   • Plaza Mango Viewpoint

     Viewpoint 12:30 · 45m

     View the Central Valley from Plaza Mango Viewpoint along Route 27.

   • Parque Central de Alajuela

     Town Walk 15:00 · 1h 30m

     Spot sloths in mango trees at Parque Central de Alajuela.

10. Day 10: Heritage Walk and Farewell Departure

    Overnight in San José · Driving 5 km, 15 min

    • Museo Histórico Cultural Juan Santamaría

      Culture 09:30 · 1.5 hours

      Browse national history exhibits at Museo Histórico Cultural Juan Santamaría.

    • Depart from San José

      Departure 13:30 · 3 hours

      Depart from San José after returning your rental car.