Costa Rica Itinerary – How To Spend 10 Days In Costa Rica

 

Are you planning a Costa Rica itinerary, but don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place!

I recently came back from ten days in Costa Rica, and can confidently say it’s one of the most incredible places I have ever visited.

The country has a breathtakingly beautiful landscape and a wealth of unforgettable experiences on offer. When exploring such a diverse country, organisation is key.

A well-prepared Costa Rica itinerary will give you the freedom that you crave to explore the rugged rainforests of the country, without missing out on the main attractions.

If you want to tick off the main cities, explore the natural wonder, go on an adventure and push your comfort zone, then this 10-day Costa Rica itinerary is the perfect plan for you!

Best time to visit Costa Rica

Some travellers look to enjoy the ultimate Costa Rica backpacking route while others prefer to enjoy the luxury of tropical bliss. Either way, your experience will depend largely on the weather.

To make the most of your 10-day trip to Costa Rica, try to plan it during the dry season.

The dry season runs from mid-December to April. This is also the peak tourist season so expect plenty of sunshine and well-established hospitality.

The months of May and November, known as the “green season” will make your trip to Costa Rica more affordable, but you’ll have to prepare for a fair amount of rain.

With this being said, the weather in Costa Rica varies quite a bit depending on the region. The thick forests can get quite humid, while the coastal areas are less so.

Getting around Costa Rica

There are several ways to get around this tropical wonderland. If you’re planning a Costa Rica self-guided tour, then it’s best to be prepared by knowing your options.

Bus

The public bus is the most affordable way to get from one destination to another. Most routes leave from San José, which means that you’ll be spending at least a few moments in the capital city at some point.

It’s recommended that you book your ticket in advance – especially for mid- to long-distance routes.

Keep in mind that the bus schedule changes frequently (even if you’ve pre-booked) so keep checking the Costa Rica bus timetable before your trip.

For a more comfortable bus experience, you can also book a shuttle bus. These cost approximately five times more than the public bus, but makes up for it with comfort and air-conditioning.

Car rental

Driving around Costa Rica makes for quite an experience. If you want to see the beautiful country at your own pace, then renting a car is your best bet. Most of the reputable car rental shops can be found in San José.

I’d definitely recommend that you pay a little bit extra for a 4×4. While the roads are not the worst, there are potholes scattered along various routes and your drive will be significantly more comfortable.

This is especially necessary if visiting during the rainy season, or if you plan to explore more remote areas.

Renting a car is a little bit more of an expensive option, but it gives you freedom and flexibility that money can’t buy.

I was travelling with four friends so renting a car made the most sense for us, both economically and logistically.

Click here to book your Costa Rica car rental!

Alternative transport methods

There are other ways of getting around Costa Rica. One of them is to travel by plane. This is the perfect option if you’re short on time and have a bit of budget.

While flying won’t get you to destinations off-the-beaten-track, it can get you close enough, in a shorter amount of time.

If you’re travelling in a large group, and you prefer private transport, then you may want to look into organising a taxi. There are plenty of taxis that are willing to do long-distance trips.

Finally, if you’ve got experience on a motorbike or scooter and hold a valid licence, then you can travel around on two wheels. Renting a motorbike in Costa Rica can be quite an epic adventure.

Do you need travel insurance for 10 days in Costa Rica?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance.

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with  Heymondo.

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

As a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance!

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

How to spend 10 days in Costa Rica

With so much to discover, I’d recommend a minimum of 10 days in Costa Rica. This will allow you to tick off the main activities without rushing or running on empty.

This Costa Rica 10-day itinerary is based on my own trip, and it should give you some great ideas for your route.

Day 1: Arrive in San José

Chances are that you’ll land in San José, Costa Rica’s vibrant capital. It’s the perfect place to whet your appetite and make you crave more.

Spending time exploring the city after arriving will give you the cultural and historical context to enjoy the mountains, jungles and beach activities that follow.

San José city centre is full of fantastic museums and restaurants. It even introduces a trendy urban mood to the scene. With limited time in the city, there are a few must-do activities to tick off.

The top attractions in the city centre include Costa Rica National Theatre, Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and Costa Rica’s Jade Museum – all of which are located close to one another.

If you have a little bit more time, and energy, at your disposal, then there are several other things to do in San José.

Take the time to pop into a local cafe and try the coffee that has given Costa Rica such a fantastic name, relax in a park and visit one of the many markets.

San José shares great insight into the day-to-day life of urban Costa Rica. You could also join a food and sightseeing combo tour. This is a great way to introduce you to the flavours and attractions of San José.

There’s also a very popular San José City Tour by Night, which allows you to see all the main sights after the sun goes down, and the temperatures cool down a little.

Click here to book your tour to explore San José!

Where to stay in San José

During my 1o days in Costa Rica we stayed in two different hostels in San José (one at the start and one at the end of the trip). I have listed them below, together with some accommodation options for other budgets.

Budget: Fauna Hostel – Slightly further away from the city centre, Fauna Hostel is a comfortable and beautiful place to stay for your night in San José. It also has the perks of great views and friendly staff.

Click here to book your stay at Fauna Hostel!

Budget: Finca Escalante – If you prefer to be centrally located, with access to great restaurants and bars, then this is the spot to be. The old building conjures a nostalgic mood and makes for a great place to spend the night.

Check out prices and availability at Finca Escalante here!

Mid-range: Hotel Sura – This quaint boutique hotel is perfect if you want something nice, without breaking the bank.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Sura in San José!

Luxury: Grand Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton – With its sleek design and modern furnishing, this hotel is the perfect place to rest after a long travel day to Costa Rica.

Click here to see prices and availability at Grand Hotel Costa Rica!

Day 2: Explore Orosi Valley

Less than 50 kilometres from the hustle and bustle of San José is the tranquil Orosi Valley. Orosi is set along the Reventazón River, surrounded by rolling hills and lush vegetation.

As you drive from San Jose to Orosi you will drive past a sign that says “Mirador de Orosi”. Make sure to do a stop here, as the views are simply incredible!

It’s a free park with plenty of benches, picnic tables and water fountains. We were visiting on a cloudy day, but even then we could appreciate just how stunning the landscape in front of us was.

One of the best ways to experience the area is on horseback, of which you’ll find many opportunities. Especially if you book to stay at a “finca” (a farm stay). 

Another unforgettable activity to enjoy in Orosi Valley is to visit Hacienda Orosi hot springs. Treat yourself to the $45 USD that it costs to enter, and make sure to soak up the incredible views.

The service is also fantastic and you’ll leave feeling relaxed, with a smile on your face.

If you don’t want to sleep in Orosi and change hotels just for one night, and prefer to do a faster pace experience, then you can have a look at doing a combo tour from San José.

For example this Irazu Volcano, Cartago City & Orosi Valley Tour, which, besides Orosi Valley, will take you to explore also the lovely city of Cartago, and the unique crater of Irazu Volcano.

Click here to book your Irazu Volcano & Orosi Valley tour!

Where to stay in Orosi Valley

While you can explore Orosi on a day trip from San José, I definitely recommend staying overnight, as you can experience a true local “finca”.

We stayed at Finca Agropecuaria Queveri and loved it. If you want to enjoy a truly local experience, then this is a fantastic choice. The road getting there is a bit of a rough ride, especially if you don’t have a 4×4.

But the building is beautiful, the views over the valley are incredible and the hosts are both hospitable and great cooks. The hosts even organised horse riding with them for $25 USD for a 2 – 3 hour tour.

Click here to book your stay at Finca Agropecuaria Queveri in Orosi!

Day 3: Travel to Tortuguero

Once you’ve enjoyed the lush beauty of Orosi Valley, you can hop on a ferry and venture off to Tortuguero. The one-hour ferry ride itself is quite an experience.

Expect to see lots of wildlife on the ride, and don’t be surprised if you come across a few iguanas and crocodiles languishing in the shallows.

I’d recommend booking an early morning ferry ride so that you can enjoy the whole afternoon in Tortuguero (that means setting off from Orosi super early, as it’s a 3 hour drive from Orosi to La Pavona harbour).

Prepare to have your mind blown after arriving in Tortuguero National Park. Depending on your interests, there are a wide variety of awesome tours to pick and choose from.

In Tortuguero National Park you can go zip-lining across the treetops, you can go on a night forest walking tour to spot unique animals, on a sunrise canoe safari and you can even see turtles!

Basically, as long as you like being outdoors and in nature, there’s something to do for everyone! We arrived around lunch time, and kicked off our first day in Tortuguero with a zipline and canopy tour.

Zipping amongst the treetops, looking at the lush nature and rainforest surrounding you, is a pretty unique experience. I’d been zip-lining before, but had never done anything like it.

You’re guaranteed an afternoon of fun, which will also allow you to see the incredible natural landscape of this tropical rainforest up close.

Click here to book your zip-line and canopy tour in Tortuguero National Park!

After our zip-line experience we went back to our hotel, showered, enjoyed a local dinner in town, and got ready for a jungle night walk!

Many animals in the rainforest only come out at night, so this is the best time to spot them. I highly recommend booking a tour online beforehand, as it’s one of the most popular things to do in Tortuguero.

While the walk we did stayed relatively close to the town, it’s still not something I’d recommend doing alone.

Besides being safer, the local guides know where the animals usually hang out, you’re more likely to spot something with them than alone!

Click here to book your night wildlife spotting jungle walk in Tortuguero!

Where to stay in Tortuguero – independently vs organised tour?

Personally, we organised our own adventures in Tortuguero. We book the ferry, hotel, and then chose our excursions once we arrived there. But I can’t deny it was quite a bit of hassle.

If you want to save yourself the trouble of arranging it all, you can join this 3-day Tortuguero National Park Adventure, which includes accommodation, transfers, activities, and a local guide at all times.

It’s a very complete tour, which includes pretty much all the activities I have outlined in this itinerary. Once you book, you won’t have to worry about a thing!

Click here to see prices and availability for an organised Tortuguero 3-day adventure!

If spending three days in the tropical rainforest seems like a bit much, you can also visit on a day trip from San José. Including breakfast and lunch, it packs all the rainforest sights and activities in one day.

It works well if you don’t have long in Costa Rica, but I personally think you’d spend too much time travelling back and forth from San José, and your time in Tortuguero would feel rushed.

Considering you have ten days in Costa Rica, I think it’s better to spend a few nights in Tortuguero, whether you arrange it independently or with a tour, that’s up to you.

Click here to book your day trip to Tortuguero from San José!

If you choose to arrange your own trip to Tortuguero National Park, I have listed below some cool accommodation options for every budget.

Budget: Hospedaje Meryscar – This budget option is where we stayed during our Costa Rica itinerary. The amenities are rather basic, but the location is fantastic.

Check out prices and availability at Hospedaje Meryscar here!

Mid-range: Tortuguero Casa Pelican – If you want somewhere nice where you can relax at the end of the day, without breaking the bank, this mid-range guest house is the perfect place for you.

Click here to book your stay at Tortuguero Casa Pelican!

Luxury: Mawamba Lodge – If you want to treat yourself, this unique lodge is the place to do so. With its pool, stylish design and amazing outdoors chill out area, it’s the perfect place to relax after a long day in the rainforest.

Don’t miss out, book your stay at Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero here!

Day 4: Early morning canoe in Tortuguero Rainforest

Tortuguero National Park is a beautiful, remote eco-tourism destination that brings you face-to-face with Costa Rica’s wildlife.

Perhaps the biggest selling point in visiting this unique area is that you can enjoy it in a variety of ways – including a canoe trip.

The best canoe tours normally start early in the morning so you can see more animals, much like going on a safari. We did a sunrise canoe tour, and it was well worth the early alarm.

If you visit in the right season, you can even do a turtle tour. This typically runs at different times for different species and you’ll be certain to see individual turtles throughout the year.

Click here to book your canoe tour in Tortuguero National Park!

After the early morning wake up for our canoe tour, we had a late brunch, went back to our hotel to chill for a bit, and then ventured out again in the afternoon for a forest walk.

There are several popular walks and viewpoints to choose from, such as the “jaguar trail”, which follows a forest route along the beach. We did part of it and loved the unique combination of forest and sea views.

If you prefer to have a local guide showing you the way and taking you to all the best spots, you can join a Tortuguero National Park day walk tour. That way you know you can’t go wrong!

Click here to book your Tortuguero National Park guided day walk!

Day 5: Travel to Sarapiqui

It will be tough to leave Tortuguero, but arriving in the lush, green inland region of Sarapiqui is worth it. The journey is a fairly long one, so I’d recommend setting off as early in the morning as possible.

Head straight to your accommodation once you arrive in Sarapiqui and settle down.

Pick your spot to stay carefully. Ideally, you’d want to be located in an area near the forest, so that you can enjoy a variety of hiking trails.

If you’re not so keen on hiking, accommodation in the forest is still ideal, as you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty. You can go on walks in the jungle, or simply admire it from your hotel room window.

Where to stay in Sarapiqui

Mirador Prendas – Costa Rica is a rugged haven, and Mirador Prendas is the epitome of top-notch accommodation in the Sarapiqui region.

Located in the middle of the forest, the building appears as a treehouse. It takes a bit of time to get there (estimate approximately 1 hour in a 4×4) but the stay is rather magical.

Day 6: Rafting & Waterfall Chasing

I hope you’re ready for day 6, because it’s going to be a pleasantly packed one! The abundant forests are not the only natural wonder that Sarapiqui is known for.

The area also boasts magnificent waterfalls and opportunities to go whitewater rafting.

You don’t have to be an adventure junkie to enjoy the thrill of a morning rafting experience in Sarapiqui (although it does help if you choose a challenging level).

There are routes available for all levels of difficulty, and all are very fun. We did a level two rafting route.

I was pretty terrified but the rafting company assured me that even little children do that route, and when I saw a group of 70+ year olds in the raft next to ours, I figured I could handle it.

In the moments when the river cruises slowly our rafting instructor pointed out birds, iguanas and other animals that live along the river. It was both a very thrilling and fun experience, which I’m glad I did.

Click here to book your rafting adventure in Sarapiqui!

After rafting it’s time to head to La Fortuna, but with a short detour to see some waterfalls first. Catarata del Toro is the biggest waterfall in Costa Rica, with the Blue Falls of Costa Rica nearby.

Search for “Catarata del Toro waterfall” on Google Maps, and head straight there as it’s the start point also to visit the Blue Falls.

They are separate waterfalls but managed by the same park authority. At the time when we visited we weren’t allowed to see the Blue Falls without a local guide.

We figured we might as well go for the combo tour to both waterfalls. There are options for a 2-hour, 4-hour or full-day waterfall tour.

We did the 4-hour combo tour to Catarata del Toro and the main swimming area of the Blue Falls. This cost us $25 USD each, and was worth a lot more.

All the advice I read online said to visit the waterfalls early in the morning before the crowds, so I was a bit wary of visiting in the afternoon.

However this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it meant we were the only people at both waterfalls.

We spent two hours swimming in the Blue Falls, and then hiked to Catarata del Toro where we could admire the falls without other tourists around. The waterfalls are very different, but both were incredibly beautiful.

Keep in mind that the waterfalls close at 17:00, so make sure that you plan accordingly.

For us it meant hitting the road as soon as rafting ended and having a quick lunch in the car. After your waterfall tours head to La Fortuna for the night.

Where to stay in La Fortuna

In La Fortuna we stayed at Arenal Hostel Resort. This modern and clean hostel has a lovely courtyard with hammocks, as well as a swim-up bar where you can have a few drinks and relax.

Click here to book your stay at Arenal Hostel Resort in La Fortuna!

If hostels aren’t your thing, I have listed below a couple more accommodation options for other budgets.

Mid-range: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa – This lovely hotel is perfect for people who want to treat themselves, without breaking the bank. With its spacious rooms, jungle vibes and pool with view, it has everything you need.

Check out prices and availability at Casa Luna Hotel & Spa here!

Luxury: Volcano Lodge – If budget isn’t an issue, this is the place for you. You have epic views of Arenal Volcano right from poolside, as well as unique and stylish rooms.

Click here to book your stay at Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience!

Day 7: Explore Arenal National Park

Continue your Costa Rica trip itinerary from La Fortuna and explore Arenal National Park. There are so many highlights to see in the area that the toughest part will be deciding how much you can fit in.

The best way to enjoy the northern highland region is to book the ultimate one-day tour, which crams in as many of the key attractions as possible without compromising energy levels.

The beauty of the region lies in the variety of natural spectacle. On one hand, you have volcanos, and on the other, you have majestic waterfalls nestled in lush forests.

This one-day full tour includes highlights such as the lava fields hike around Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, the suspension bridges and the hot springs.

At the hot springs, make sure you don’t put head under the water! It’s one of the Costa Rica travel tips I wish I’d known before visiting, as you can get bacteria in through your nose when underwater.

You couldn’t find a more breathtaking combination if you tried!

Click here to book your Arenal one-day ultimate tour!

Day 8: Travel to Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a charming beach village on the Nicoya Peninsula. Life is simple in Santa Teresa. The locals and travellers enjoy the surf, agriculture and fishing in the area.

What is less simple is the drive there, which can take 5 to 6 hours – so better to leave early in the morning.

You’ll arrive by afternoon and can spend the rest of the day at one of Santa Teresa’s beautiful beaches. The beaches are known for their long stretches of white sand, warm blue water and palm trees that reach the sky.

Make sure you stay on the beach for sunset – the view as the sun paints the sky various shades of orange and pink is unparalleled.

I loved the vibe in Santa Teresa, and especially so at sunset. The beach wasn’t too busy at first, but everyone flocks down to the sea to watch the sunset, and it makes for an even more magical experience.

Where to stay in Santa Teresa

In Santa Teresa we stayed at Lost Boyz Hostel. This hostel mimics the same chilled, laid back social mood that perpetuates across Santa Teresa. They offer both dorms and private rooms to suit your preference.

If hostels aren’t your thing, here are a few accommodation options for other budgets.

Click here to book your stay at Lost Boyz Hostel!

Mid-range: Lucero Surf Retreats – Our friends who didn’t want to stay in a hostel were staying at Lucero Surf Retreats and they loved it.

Clean and spacious rooms, as well as a pool where you can relax if you don’t fancy swimming with ocean waves.

Click here to book your stay at Lucero Surf Retreats!

Luxury: SELVA RESORT Ocean View Luxury Villas – This resort has private villas with infinity pools that overlook the forest and sea. If you want to treat yourself, Selva Resort is the place to do so.

Click here to book your stay at SELVA RESORT!

Day 9: Surf in Santa Teresa

Costa Rica is known for its world-class surfing waves. I’ve been surfing in Fuerteventura, and other places in the world, and I can vouch that Costa Rica’s reputation is deserved.

Of all the places to surf in Costa Rica, Santa Teresa is one of the best. As a popular surfing village, it is well-supplied with lots of board rentals and lessons.

Renting a board for the small price of $10 USD a day is a great way to spend the day in Santa Teresa.

If the idea of surfing doesn’t appeal to you, then there are other fun water-based activities which will have you making the most of the beautiful Costa Rica coastline.

One great option is to go on a snorkelling trip to Isla Tortuga.

This is a full day trip to a beautiful paradise island. In Isla Tortuga you can expect to see plenty of fish, corals and spend some time relaxing on the beach.

The water is nicer in Isla Tortuga (no ocean surfing waves) but bear in mind there’s a 1 hour speed boat journey to get there.

Santa Teresa is a beautiful beach town and however you decide to spend your hours in the tropical paradise, I know you’ll enjoy every moment.

Day 10: Back To San José

Your 10-day itinerary draws to a close with the journey back to San José. The journey is a long one and so it’s important to prepare accordingly. You can expect about 5 – 6 hours in the car, with a 1.5-hour ferry in between.

The good news is that the route is beautiful and if you have your own car then you can go at your own pace. Obviously, if you plan to fly home the same day, then you need to plan your timing very carefully.

Costa Rica travel tips

Roughly a quarter of the country is made up of protected jungle, and the Costa Rica climate can be quite unpredictable. I’ve put together some Costa Rica travel tips to make your trip planning smoother.

Here are a few details to keep in the front of your mind when organising your trip.

Getting around – The terrain can be quite rough in parts of Costa Rica. The best way to get from point A to point B is by car. If given the choice, a 4×4 is preferable.

Climate – The tropical climate in Costa Rica can change dramatically depending on where you are.

For example, you’ll experience a lot of rain in Tortuguero, feel the chill of the mountains in Orosi and bake in the heat on the beaches in Santa Teresa.

Make sure that you pack appropriately so that you’re comfortable at all times.

Prepare finances – The local currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC). At the time I was visiting (February 2020) $1 USD equated to around 560 CRC.

While most places accept credit cards and USD, I’d suggest having a small amount of CRC on you for emergencies.

What to pack

Comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or muddy. In rainforest destinations such as Tortuguero you will find shops that rent wellies (waterproof plastic boots) but we couldn’t find any in La Fortuna

Rain poncho – for most excursions in Tortuguero they will offer you a rain poncho, but for every other moment of the day when you’re out and about on your own you will get very wet without one

International adapter – Costa Rica has the same plugs as the US. Depending on where you’re coming from you might need an adapter, I personally like my international one as I can use it everywhere I go, instead of needing one per destination

One piece swimsuit – for the ladies planning to surf, get yourself a one piece swimsuit! Trust me, you’ll be much more comfortable.

The sea in Costa Rica is warm enough that you don’t need a wetsuit, but that means with a two piece bikini you will probably lose parts of it at every wave

Final thoughts on my Costa Rica travel itinerary

There you have it, the ultimate Costa Rica 10-day itinerary! Costa Rica really is an incredible destination, one that has found a very special place in my heart.

From the long stretches of sandy beaches to the wild jungles and rugged mountains, the country has so much beauty to offer.

If you plan to explore Costa Rica in 10 days, then this itinerary should start you off in the right direction.

Costa Rica is the perfect destination for outdoors and adventure lovers, as well as people searching for a hot tropical holiday. Whatever it is you’re looking for, Costa Rica has something to offer to every type of traveller.

With this trip plan and the many travel resources available, you can look forward to an unforgettable escape in the rustic beauty of Costa Rica.

Enjoyed reading how to spend 10 days in Costa Rica? Pin it!