Planning a trip to Costa Rica but not sure where to start?
We created this 10-day Costa Rica itinerary to make planning your trip easier, without taking away the freedom to travel your own way.
Over 10 days, this route takes you from San José to La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, then to the beaches of Santa Teresa and finally Manuel Antonio. Along the way, you'll experience volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, tropical beaches, surfing, wildlife, great food and some of the best adventures Costa Rica has to offer.
This isn't an itinerary designed to keep you busy from sunrise to sunset.We personally put this route together to create a good balance between adventure, nature, beach time and relaxation.
On this page, you'll find a short version of our recommendations to help you get started.
But if you want the full experience, we highly recommend downloading our free PDF itinerary.
It's much more visual and practical, with all our favorite recommendations, practical travel tips, things to do, restaurants, places to stay, transportation advice, and direct links to book the tours and transportation we recommend.
The PDF is also designed to be easy to use while you're traveling. Save it on your phone and access it without an internet connection, or print it before your trip and take it with you. Think of it as your practical Costa Rica travel guide that you can keep handy throughout your journey.
We've done the research for you, from free and inexpensive activities to the tours and experiences we think are actually worth paying for, restaurants we'd recommend, hotels for different budgets, and the best ways to get from one destination to the next.
You don't have to follow our itinerary exactly. Use it as a starting point, change the hotels, skip an activity, add a beach day or stay longer somewhere you love. It's completely free and designed to help you build the Costa Rica trip that's right for you.
Want to take the complete itinerary with you?
Download our free PDF and get access to the full version of our 10-day Costa Rica itinerary, including our complete recommendations, practical tips, visual maps and direct booking links for recommended tours and transportation.
Save it to your phone, use it offline while traveling, or print it before you go. It's everything you need to turn this itinerary into a real trip.
Your 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary at a Glance
Here's the route we recommend:
Day 1: San José
Arrival, local food & exploring
Day 1-3: La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano
Volcano, waterfall, hot springs & adventure
Day 4-7: Santa Teresa
Surfing, beaches, sunsets & relaxed beach-town vibes
Day 7-10: Manuel Antonio & Quepos
National park, wildlife, beaches & coastal adventures
The route
San José → La Fortuna → Santa Teresa → Manuel Antonio
This route gives you a little bit of everything without trying to see the entire country in just 10 days.
Costa Rica may look small on a map, but travel times can be longer than expected because of mountains, winding roads and changing road conditions. That's why we prefer an itinerary that focuses on a few destinations rather than trying to check off six or seven places.
For this 10 day itinerary in Costa Rica, we recommend spending enough time in each destination to actually enjoy it.
Day 1 — Arrive in San José
Your Costa Rica adventure starts in San José, the country's capital and the main arrival point for international travelers.
If your flight arrives late in the day, don't try to pack too much into your first day. Pick up your luggage, get settled into your hotel and enjoy your first Costa Rican meal.
If you arrive early enough, you can explore a little of downtown San José.
What to do in San José?
If you have several hours, consider:
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Walking around the historic center
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Visiting the National Theatre
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Exploring the Central Market
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Checking out the National Museum
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Enjoying a coffee at a local café
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Having dinner in Barrio Escalante
San José isn't necessarily the reason most people travel to Costa Rica, but spending one night here can make your trip much easier, especially if you arrive late or don't want to drive immediately after a long international flight.
Have some time to kill in San José? Check our blogs :
Where to stay in San José?
For your first night, choose a hotel based on your arrival time and transportation plans.
If you arrive late, staying relatively close to the airport can be convenient. If you have time to explore, staying closer to central San José or Barrio Escalante gives you more opportunities to experience the city.
For more options, check out our blogs: San Jose, Costa Rica hotels with free airport shuttle : the ultimate guide
Our tip
Don't rent a car just because you're arriving in Costa Rica.
If you're not planning to use it in San José, you can wait until the following morning. Driving in an unfamiliar city after a long flight isn't necessarily the best way to start your vacation.
Days 1–3 — La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano
On day 1 (the same day or the following day depending on your arrival flight), it's time to leave San José and head north toward La Fortuna, one of our favorite destinations in Costa Rica.
This is where your trip really begins to feel like Costa Rica.
The area is dominated by Arenal Volcano, surrounded by rainforest, rivers, waterfalls and natural hot springs.
La Fortuna is one of the easiest destinations in Costa Rica for combining adventure and relaxation, which is why we think it deserves at least two nights on a Costa Rica itinerary 10 days long.
How to get to La Fortuna?
You have several options.
Rental car
A rental car gives you the most flexibility and makes it easy to stop along the way or explore the area independently.
Shared shuttle
A shared shuttle is a great alternative if you don't want to drive. You can relax during the journey and let someone else handle the roads.
Private shuttle
For families, couples or small groups, a private shuttle offers more flexibility and door-to-door service.
Our recommendation: choose transportation based on your travel style rather than assuming that renting a car is always the best option.
Things to do in La Fortuna
You have plenty of options here, so don't try to do everything.
1. Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano is the star of the region.
The national park has several trails where you can explore the volcanic landscape and rainforest while learning more about the area's volcanic history.
One of the best things about the park is that you don't need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy it.
Our tip: go early in the day when possible. Weather around the volcano can change quickly, and clouds can hide the volcano later in the day.
2. La Fortuna Waterfall
The La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the area's most iconic attractions.
The trail takes you down a series of stairs through the forest before reaching the spectacular waterfall at the bottom.
Bring:
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Swimsuit
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Water shoes
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Water
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A dry bag or waterproof phone case
The climb back up can be more challenging than the walk down, so take your time.
3. Spend a rainy afternoon or an evening in the hot springs
After hiking or doing an adventure activity, there is probably no better way to finish the day than soaking in naturally heated volcanic waters.
There are hot springs for different budgets, from simple day passes to luxurious resorts.
Some of the well-known options include Tabacón, Baldi and EcoTermales, but there are several others in the area.
You don't need to spend a fortune to experience hot springs in La Fortuna.
If you're traveling on a budget, check the free hot springs river El Choyin or research the different day-pass options and choose one that fits your priorities.
4. Choose one adventure tour
If you're an adventure lover, La Fortuna is the place to splurge on one memorable activity.
Some of our favorite options include:
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Canyoning and waterfall rappelling
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Ziplining and hanging bridges at Sky Adventures
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White-water rafting
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ATV tours
We recommend choosing one major adventure rather than trying to fit everything into two days.
That leaves enough time to enjoy the waterfall, volcano and hot springs without turning your vacation into a race.
On a budget? Check our blog: Top free & cheap things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Where to eat in La Fortuna?
La Fortuna has restaurants for almost every budget.
Look for a mix of traditional Costa Rican food and international restaurants.
Don't leave Costa Rica without trying a casado, a typical plate usually served with rice, beans, salad, plantains and your choice of protein.
Also try:
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Gallo pinto for breakfast
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Fresh tropical fruit
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Patacones
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Ceviche
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Local coffee
One of the advantages of staying in La Fortuna for two nights is that you can experience both a casual local meal and a nicer dinner. For our favorite restaurant options, check our blog: Best restaurants in La Fortuna: where to eat?
Where to stay in La Fortuna?
We recommend choosing your accommodation based on whether you want to be close to town or surrounded by nature.
You can find everything from hostels and small locally owned hotels to beautiful resorts with volcano views and their own hot springs.
Our advice: don't automatically choose the most expensive hotel. You'll probably spend much of your day exploring.
Need help choosing your accomodation? Check out our blog: La Fortuna: Best hotels in La Fortuna, Costa Rica: where to stay?
Days 4–7 — Santa Teresa: Surf, Beaches & Sunset
After the volcanoes and rainforest, it's time to slow down.
Your next stop is Santa Teresa, on the Nicoya Peninsula.
This is one of our favorite places in Costa Rica for travelers who want a combination of surfing, beautiful beaches, great restaurants and a laid-back atmosphere.
Santa Teresa is also where we intentionally give you more free time in this itinerary.
You don't need to book an activity every day.
Sometimes the best Costa Rica experience is simply grabbing a coffee, walking barefoot on the beach and watching the sunset.
How to get to Santa Teresa?
This is one of the longer travel days of the itinerary.
Depending on your transportation choice, you can travel by:
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Rental car
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Shared shuttle
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Private shuttle
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Combination of road and ferry
If you're driving, make sure you check the route and road conditions before leaving.
If you're using a shuttle, booking in advance is particularly useful during busy travel periods.
Don't underestimate this travel day. Give yourself enough time and treat the journey as part of the adventure and don’t book any tour or activities the day you will be traveling.
What to do in Santa Teresa?
Discover Santa Teresa
Once you arrive, keep the afternoon simple.
Check into your accommodation, walk around town and head to the beach for a nice sunset.
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Playa Santa Teresa: This is the main beach and one of the area's best-known surf spots. The beach is long, beautiful and perfect for walking.
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Playa Carmen: A little farther south, Playa Carmen has a relaxed atmosphere and is surrounded by restaurants, cafés and shops.
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Playa Hermosa: If you're looking for a quieter beach and a more relaxed atmosphere, Playa Hermosa is worth exploring.
Surf & Explore
Santa Teresa is famous for surfing, and you don't need to be an experienced surfer to try it.
If you've never surfed before, we recommend taking a lesson rather than simply renting a board and trying to figure everything out yourself.
A local instructor can help you understand the waves, where to enter the water and how to stay safe.
Not interested in surfing?
No problem.
You could:
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Relax at the beach
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Take a yoga class
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Rent an ATV
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Explore nearby beaches
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Visit Montezuma
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Visit the Montezuma waterfalls
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Enjoy a long lunch
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Spend the afternoon reading by the beach
This is your vacation. You don't need to turn every day into an excursion.
For your last day, stay flexible.
You could spend another morning surfing, explore nearby Mal País, visit Montezuma on an ATV adventure (we really recommand doing this to discover the area) or simply enjoy Santa Teresa.
Our favorite thing to do in Santa Teresa? Do nothing for a few hours.
Costa Rica is famous for its adventure activities, but part of the experience is slowing down.
And Santa Teresa is one of the best places on this itinerary to do exactly that.
Where to eat in Santa Teresa?
Santa Teresa has one of the best food scenes on this itinerary.
You'll find everything from traditional Costa Rican sodas to smoothie bowls, pizza, sushi, burgers, seafood and excellent vegetarian options. For restaurant options, check our blog: Best restaurants in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: where to eat?
Some of our favorite experiences here are simple:
Breakfast → beach → surf → lunch → sunset → dinner.
That's a pretty good Costa Rica day.
Where to stay in Santa Teresa?
Santa Teresa has a wide range of accommodation. You can choose from:
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Hostels
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Boutique hotels
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Villas
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Surf accommodations
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Luxury beach resorts
If you're traveling without a car, staying relatively close to the main beach and restaurants can make your trip much easier
For more options, check out our blogs:
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Days 7–10 — Manuel Antonio & Quepos
Your final destination is Manuel Antonio, one of Costa Rica's most famous areas for combining rainforest, wildlife and beaches (and our home, our family lives here since almost 20 years)
This is a particularly good place to finish a 10 day itinerary in Costa Rica because you can slow down after several travel days and enjoy a mixture of activities and relaxation.
The nearby town of Quepos is also a great base for restaurants, transportation and excursions.
From Santa Teresa to Manuel Antonio
This is another travel day.
Depending on your transportation, the journey can take several hours.
Once you arrive, don't plan a major activity.
Check into your hotel, explore the area and enjoy the beach.
Playa Espadilla
This is the main public beach near Manuel Antonio National Park and one of our favorites.
It's long, beautiful and easy to access.
It's also a great place to watch the sunset.
Catamaran cruise
You can also choose to book a Sunset catamaran tour, it’s one of our favorite ways to experience the Manuel Antonio coastline.
Depending on the tour, you may have opportunities for:
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Snorkeling
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Wildlife spotting
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Dolphin sightings
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Swimming
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Sunset views
Some trips include food and drinks.
You can also choose to book a Sunset catamaran tour.
What to do in Manuel Antonio?
Manuel Antonio National Park
This is one of the activities we consider unmissable on this itinerary.
Manuel Antonio National Park combines rainforest, wildlife and beautiful beaches in one relatively compact area.
With a good guide, you have a much better chance of spotting wildlife that you might otherwise walk straight past.
You could see:
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Sloths
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White-faced capuchin monkeys
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Howler monkeys
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Squirrel monkeys
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Iguanas
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Agoutis
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Tropical birds
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Reptiles
Should you take a guided tour? Yes, we strongly recommend it.
You can visit the park independently, but a knowledgeable guide can help you find animals, explain their behavior and point out things you probably wouldn't notice yourself.
This is one of the experiences where we think spending the money is worth it.
Our tip: Plan ahead. Park rules, opening days, entrance procedures and availability can change, so always check the current official information before your visit.
Ocean Adventure or Beach Day
After your national park visit, you have options.
Option 1: Day trip top Nauyaca Waterfalls
Discover one of the most magical waterfalls of Costa Rica
Option 2: Mangrove tour
For something completely different, consider a kayak or boat tour through the mangroves around Isla Damas.
This is an excellent option for travelers interested in wildlife and ecosystems.
Option 3: Beach day
Or simply go back to the beach.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with choosing option three.
Where to stay in Manuel Antonio?
Manuel Antonio and nearby Quepos offer a great range of places to stay, from simple locally owned hotels to boutique properties and beautiful accommodations surrounded by rainforest.
For this itinerary, we recommend staying 2–3 nights in Manuel Antonio so you have enough time to enjoy the national park, beaches, and activities without rushing.
Staying in Manuel Antonio
Choose Manuel Antonio if you want to be close to the national park and beaches. Many hotels are tucked into the rainforest, so don't be surprised if monkeys, sloths, or tropical birds make an appearance around your hotel!
The area is especially convenient if you plan to visit Manuel Antonio National Park, spend time at Playa Espadilla, or join activities departing from Manuel Antonio.
Our tip: Look for a hotel with a good location rather than choosing purely based on price. Some properties are built on steep hills, so check the location carefully if you don't have a car.
Staying in Quepos
Quepos is a great alternative if you prefer a more local atmosphere and easier access to restaurants, supermarkets, and transportation.
It's also worth considering if you're looking for better-value accommodation or traveling without a rental car.
Our recommendation: For your first visit, we personally prefer staying in Manuel Antonio for the experience, but Quepos can be an excellent option for travelers on a budget.
We've personally selected a few of our favorite places to stay in the area (including our family hotel Villas Jacquelina,) from budget-friendly options to more comfortable boutique accommodations. Check out our blog: Best hotels in Manuel Antonio & Quepos, Costa Rica: where to stay?
Where to eat in Manuel Antonio & Quepos?
One of the best things about this area is the variety of restaurants. You can enjoy a traditional Costa Rican casado at a local soda, fresh seafood overlooking the Pacific, or international cuisine after a day of exploring.
We recommend trying a mix of local restaurants and some of the area's more creative spots.
Our favorite restaurants
We've included some of our favorite restaurants in our Manuel Antonio recommendations, including options for different budgets and dietary preferences.
Whether you're looking for a casual local meal, a romantic dinner, vegetarian-friendly food, or a place to enjoy the sunset, you'll find plenty of options between Manuel Antonio and Quepos.
Our tip: If you're staying in Manuel Antonio, remember that restaurants can be spread out along the main road and some are located on steep hills. Having transportation—or choosing a hotel within walking distance of restaurants—can make your evenings much easier.
Fore more options, check out our blogs:
Day 10 — Manuel Antonio & Departure to SJO
Depending on your departure time, enjoy one final Costa Rican morning.
You could:
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Have breakfast overlooking the ocean
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Take a final swim
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Walk along Playa Espadilla
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Visit a local café like Emilios Café, Café Milagro, Bon Bonete...
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Explore Quepos
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Buy a few souvenirs
If you're flying out of SJO, make sure you leave plenty of time for the journey.
Costa Rica's roads can be unpredictable, and you don't want your final day to become stressful because you underestimated the travel time to the airport.
Our favorite Free & Low-Cost experiences
One of the things we wanted to do differently with this itinerary was make it realistic for travelers who don't want to spend hundreds of dollars every day.
Costa Rica has plenty of incredible paid tours, but you absolutely don't need to book an excursion every day.
Here are some of the experiences you can enjoy for little or no money:
San José
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Walk around the historic center
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Explore local markets
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Visit public parks
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Discover Barrio Escalante
La Fortuna
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Explore the town
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Visit El Salto swimming hole
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Walk around the surrounding area
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Enjoy the views of Arenal Volcano when conditions allow
Santa Teresa
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Spend the day at the beach
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Watch the sunset
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Walk between the beaches
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Explore local cafés
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Swim or surf depending on conditions
Manuel Antonio
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Enjoy Playa Espadilla
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Walk around Quepos
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Watch the sunset
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Explore local restaurants and markets
Our philosophy is simple: mix free experiences with a few paid activities that are genuinely worth it.
That way, your trip doesn't become unnecessarily expensive.
The experiences we wouldn't miss
La Fortuna
La Fortuna Waterfall + Arenal Volcano + hot springs
You get nature, adventure and relaxation in one destination.
Santa Teresa
A surf lesson
Even if you don't become the next world champion, getting up on a board in Santa Teresa is an unforgettable Costa Rican experience.
Manuel Antonio
A guided national park tour
The wildlife is one of the biggest reasons to visit, and having a knowledgeable guide can completely change the experience
How to get around Costa Rica on this Itinerary?
One of the biggest questions travelers ask us is:
Should I rent a car or use shuttles?
There isn't one correct answer.
A car gives you maximum flexibility.
It's particularly useful if you want to:
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Stop along the way
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Explore independently
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Visit less accessible places
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Change your plans spontaneously
However, driving in Costa Rica can be different from driving at home.
Distances on Google Maps don't always tell the full story.
Short on time? Domestic flights are by far the fastest way to travel between regions of Costa Rica.
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Cuts a 5-6 hour drive down to a 30-45 minute flight
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Small propeller planes offer scenic views over rainforest and coastline
Shared shuttles are a great option for travelers who don't want to drive.
They're particularly convenient for popular tourist routes.
You share the vehicle with other travelers, which keeps the price lower than a private transfer.
Private transportation is ideal if:
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You're traveling as a family
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You're traveling with several people
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You have lots of luggage
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You want flexibility
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You simply don't want to drive
At Pura Vida Traveling, transportation is one of the services we help travelers organize throughout Costa Rica.
Where should you stay?
We've intentionally included accommodation recommendations throughout our itineraries rather than telling everyone to stay at the same type of hotel. Costa Rica has an enormous range of accommodations.
Depending on your budget and travel style, you might prefer:
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A locally owned guesthouse
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A hostel
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A boutique hotel
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An eco-lodge
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A resort
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A vacation rental
Our advice: don't spend your entire accommodation budget in one destination.
Sometimes a simple locally owned hotel in a great location is a better choice than an expensive resort where you'll spend very little time.
When choosing your accommodation, look at:
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Location
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Reviews
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Parking, if renting a car
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Air conditioning
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Breakfast
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Cancellation policy
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Distance from your activities
How much does 10 Days in Costa Rica cost?
There isn't one fixed price for a Costa Rica trip.
Your budget will depend heavily on your accommodation, transportation, restaurants and activities.
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As a rough guideline, you can travel on a relatively modest budget by using local restaurants, shared transportation and free activities.
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A mid-range traveler will spend more on comfortable hotels, transportation and several paid tours.
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Luxury travelers can easily spend considerably more on resorts, private transportation and premium experiences.
The good news? You control a lot of your costs.
You don't need to:
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Book a luxury hotel every night
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Take a tour every day
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Eat at expensive restaurants for every meal
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Rent a car for your entire trip
That's one reason we created this itinerary with a mixture of free experiences and paid activities.
What to pack for this 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary?
Because this route combines mountains, rainforest and beaches, pack for different conditions.
We recommend:
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Quick-dry & lightweight clothing
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Swimsuit
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Sandals or water shoes
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Insect repellent
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Hat
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Sunglasses
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Small daypack
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A light layer for cooler evenings
If you're surfing or doing adventure activities, you may also want clothing that you're comfortable getting wet and dirty.
And don't overpack.
You'll be moving between several destinations during these 10 days.
When is the best time to follow this Itinerary?
Costa Rica can be visited year-round, but weather varies significantly by region and season.
Our advice: don't choose your travel dates solely based on whether it's "dry season" or "rainy season."
Costa Rica is beautiful in both.
Dry season
Generally from December through April, the Pacific coast tends to have sunnier and drier conditions.
This is particularly attractive for travelers who want plenty of beach time.
It's also the busiest travel period, so accommodations and activities can book up faster.
Green season
Generally from May through November, you can expect more rain, but you may also find fewer crowds and lower prices.
The landscape is incredibly green during this time.
Keep in mind that weather varies by region, so don't assume that the entire country has the same conditions.
Can you change this Itinerary?
Absolutely.
In fact, we encourage you to.
This is our recommended route, not a rulebook.
You could:
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Spend an extra night in La Fortuna
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Add another beach day in Santa Teresa
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Stay longer in Manuel Antonio
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Skip an activity
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Replace an activity with a free experience
The best itinerary is the one that fits your travel style, budget and priorities.
We created this route because we think it offers an excellent balance of Costa Rica's highlights in 10 days — not because we think every traveler should follow it exactly.
Download our free 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary PDF
Want to save this itinerary for later?
We've created a free downloadable PDF with the route and our recommendations so you can keep it with you while planning your trip.
Inside, you'll find:
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The complete 10-day route
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Recommended destinations
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Our favorite free things to do
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Activities and tours worth considering
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Hotel recommendations
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Restaurant recommendations
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Transportation tips
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Practical Costa Rica travel advice
Enter your email below and we'll send you the PDF for free.
No complicated travel package. No obligation to book anything.
Just the itinerary we've put together to help you plan a better trip to Costa Rica.
Why we created this Itinerary?
There are hundreds of Costa Rica itineraries online.
We wanted to create something different.
At Pura Vida Traveling, we live and travel in Costa Rica, and we know how easy it is to find a list of "20 things to do" without knowing which experiences are actually worth your time and money.
So we built this itinerary around a simple idea:
Give travelers the information we'd want if we were planning our own trip.
That means including free experiences alongside paid tours.
It means recommending restaurants we'd actually send friends to.
It means suggesting hotels at different price points.
And it means being honest when we think you don't need to book an activity.
You can follow this itinerary exactly, use parts of it, or completely change it.
It's yours.