Costa Rica Travel Itinerary
Costa Rica is a beautiful country in Central America renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, rich biodiversity, and commitment to sustainability. It is also full of adventure. This country has many stunning places to visit, including stunning waterfalls, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, rich culture, and abundant wildlife. Costa Rica has something to offer every type of traveler, and it is hard not to fall in love with the beautiful country. You need almost a month to uncover its beautiful places completely. I’ve put together this Costa Rica itinerary for 10 days that covers a little bit of everything the country has to offer: you’ll get the chance to visit tropical rainforests, see beautiful volcano views, explore a rare cloud forest, and relax at some of the best beaches in Costa Rica. Effective Costa Rica planning ensures you experience the country’s stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant wildlife without any hassle.
Getting to Costa Rica
Let’s start with San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital. Liberia is about a four-hour drive north of San Jose. It is the better airport to fly into if you want to explore the Guanacaste region, known for its luxury resorts and beautiful beaches. For this 10-day itinerary, we will be flying into San Jose. San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city, is located in the country’s center, making it a great starting point for your Costa Rican getaway!
Day 1-2:
On your first day land at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) leave your luggage at the hotel’s room, refresh yourself, and get ready to explore the tourist attractions in Sanjose. You can rent a car and explore famous places in Sanjose.
National Museum of Costa Rica
Inside the National Museum of Costa Rica, visitors can explore a diverse range of exhibits showcasing the country’s rich history and cultural heritage, from prehistoric times to the modern era. The museum’s pre-Columbian rooms offer a glimpse into the lives of ancient civilizations dating back 12,000 years B.C. until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. Among the remarkable artifacts on display is a 2,500-year-old jade carving in the shape of a seashell, featuring an intricately etched image of a hand grasping a small animal. Additionally, guests can view a collection of ancient adornments and ritual objects, such as arrowheads, necklaces, pendants, and earrings.
The museum features intriguing archaeological finds, such as metates—large, intricately carved grinding stones. Some are comparable in size to a small bed and are thought to have been used in funeral ceremonies.
In the museum’s courtyard, visitors can take in stunning panoramic views of San José while admiring a collection of Costa Rica’s enigmatic stone spheres, whose origins and purpose remain a mystery. To fully appreciate the museum’s extensive collection, it’s recommended to set aside a few hours for exploration. It’s a must-visit place for a Costa Rica itinerary of 10 days.
Museo del Jade
If you’re looking for the perfect Costa Rica travel plan, don’t forget to visit Museo del Jade. The Museo del Jade y de la Cultura Precolombina, located in San José, Costa Rica, is home to the world’s largest collection of American jade. Established in 1977 by Fidel Tristán Castro, the museum moved to its current modern building in 2014, situated in front of Plaza de la Democracia. The museum houses nearly 7,000 artifacts, including intricately crafted jade pieces, ceramics, stone sculptures, and gold artifacts, offering deep insights into the daily lives, social structures, and spiritual traditions of pre-Columbian indigenous cultures.
Spread across five thematic floors, the museum’s exhibitions explore various aspects of jade and ancient civilizations. The Threshold section presents the environmental and historical context of jade societies, while the Jade section focuses on the craft, economy, and trade of jade in Mesoamerica. The Day exhibit showcases everyday life in pre-Columbian times, while The Night explores jade’s role in religion, warfare, and burial traditions. The Memory section celebrates cultural heritage, including music and technological advancements, and The Collection features jade artifacts from regions like Greater Nicoya, the Central Region, and Greater Chiriquí.
The museum is highly interactive, featuring bilingual displays in Spanish and English and hands-on exhibits to engage visitors of all ages. One of the highlights is a large jade stone from the Motagua River in Guatemala, which served as the raw material for many of the artifacts on display. Conveniently located on Central Avenue in San José, the Museo del Jade is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Visitors are encouraged to check the official website for opening hours and admission fees to ensure a smooth experience. San Jose has one of the best Costa Rica 5-star hotels. The most popular is Rosewood Sandhill. You can have a stay in one of these hotels.
Day 3-4
After visiting tourist areas in the city, you want to enjoy nature. You can visit a waterfall or walk through a forest. There are some places in La Fortuna you can visit. La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s most popular travel destinations, known for its breathtaking landscapes, adventure activities, and the iconic Arenal Volcano. Located in the Alajuela province, this charming town offers a mix of natural wonders, outdoor adventures, and relaxation spots, making it a must-visit for travelers. Expert Costa Rica vacation planning ensures you make the most of your time in this tropical paradise
Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most famous attractions, offering breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano, diverse wildlife, and adventurous outdoor activities. Located in the Alajuela province, near La Fortuna, this park covers approximately 121 square kilometers (46.7 square miles) and features lush rainforests, lava fields, hot springs, and diverse ecosystems.
The park has several well-marked hiking trails that offer different views of the volcano, lava fields, and diverse wildlife. Famous trails in the national park include Las Coladas Trail, which leads to old lava from 1992, and Los Miradores, a shorter trail that leads to a scenic viewpoint of Arenal Volcano.
Los Tucanes Trail (2 km) – Passes through rainforest and secondary volcanic formations. This park has over 800 different species of animals. You can see Howler Monkeys, Sloths, Toucans, Parrots, and other animals including Jaguars, Pumas, and Reptiles. The park features solidified lava flows from past eruptions, with Las Coladas Trail offering a chance to walk on black volcanic rock formations. These lava fields provide a stark contrast to the lush green rainforest, making for an incredible photo opportunity.
Lake Arsenal
Lake Arenal is Costa Rica’s largest lake, located at the base of Arenal Volcano in the Alajuela and Guanacaste provinces. This man-made lake covers approximately 85 square kilometers (33 square miles) and plays a crucial role in hydroelectric power generation, supplying nearly 17% of Costa Rica’s electricity. Beyond its functional purpose, Lake Arenal is a paradise for adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking relaxation.
Enjoy a scenic boat tour with breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano and the lush jungle. Sunset cruises offer a magical experience as the sky turns vibrant shades of orange and pink. Many boat tours include wildlife spotting, with chances to see crocodiles, Costa Rica monkeys, and exotic birds.
Kayaking on the calm waters of Lake Arenal provides a peaceful way to enjoy nature. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is also popular, offering a fun and relaxing experience. Rentals and guided tours are available from La Fortuna and nearby lodges.
The strong winds (December–April) make Lake Arenal one of Central America’s best windsurfing and kitesurfing spots. Lessons and rentals are available for beginners and experienced surfers. The geothermal activity from Arenal Volcano heats natural hot springs around the lake. After a day of adventure, relax in thermal pools surrounded by nature.
La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall is one of Costa Rica’s most stunning natural attractions, located near Arenal Volcano in the Alajuela province. Known for its towering 70-meter (230-foot) drop, this waterfall cascades into a gorgeous emerald pool surrounded by lush rainforest. This Costa Rica Rainforest is very peaceful. You can swim in the pool, the water is cool and refreshing. There are strong currents near the waterfall – swim cautiously. The surrounding jungle is stunning for photos. There are designated picnic spots near the river. No food is sold inside, so bring snacks & water. It’s just 5.5 Km away from La Fortuna Town. It costs around 10-15$ for a one-way taxi. Its entrance fee is USD 18 per person (kids under 8 enter free). Its opening hours are 7 AM to 5 PM. It’s one of the best places in Costa Rica’s travel itinerary.
Day 5-7
It will be a long drive on your fifth day because we will now relax at the beach and see some wildlife.
Manuel Antonio Beach
Manuel Antonio Beach is one of Costa Rica’s most famous and breathtaking coastal destinations, located within Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast. It is renowned for its white sandy shores, turquoise waters, lush jungle backdrop, and rich biodiversity. Its powdery white sand, clear blue waters, and dense rainforest create a postcard-perfect setting. It is home to howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and scarlet macaws. You can enjoy the pristine sand and warm waters. You can spot diverse species, especially in the early morning. Several trails, including the Mirador Trail, lead to panoramic ocean views. The best time to visit is between November 15 and April 15.
Quepos
Quepos is a vibrant coastal town on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, famous for its proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park, world-class sport fishing, and Costa Rica culture. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker, beach lover, or wildlife enthusiast, Quepos has something for you! Quepos is located in Puntarenas Province, about 2.5–3 hours (160 km) from San José by car. It’s the gateway to Manuel Antonio, one of Costa Rica’s most famous national parks. Stroll through downtown Quepos for local markets, souvenir shops, and Costa Rican cuisine. Marina Pez Vela is a luxury marina with top-tier restaurants, bars, and boat tours. Catch sunset views while dining at Gabriella’s Steakhouse or Runaway Grill. The main public beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, and relaxing. Amazing sunset views with a lively beach vibe. Famous restaurants in Gabriella’s Steakhouse & Seafood, El Avión, Falafel Bar, and Soda Sánchez.
Day 8-9
It’s the last destination of our itinerary.
Uvita & Marino Ballena National Park
Uvita, a hidden gem on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and beach enthusiasts. It is best known for Marino Ballena National Park, home to the iconic Whale’s Tail sandbar, where visitors can walk along a stunning natural formation visible at low tide. The park is also one of the world’s best spots for whale watching, with humpback whales migrating here from December to April and July to October. The pristine Playa Uvita offers excellent snorkeling, kayaking, and sunbathing, while nearby Playa Ventanas is a more secluded beach with fascinating sea caves to explore at low tide.
For adventure lovers, Nauyaca Waterfalls, one of Costa Rica’s most spectacular falls, offers an exhilarating hike, horseback ride, or 4×4 tour, leading to a breathtaking swimming hole. Another must-visit is the Uvita Waterfall, where visitors can slide down a smooth rock formation into a refreshing pool. Surf enthusiasts can ride the gentle waves at Playa Uvita or head to Playa Dominical, one of Costa Rica’s most famous surf spots, just 15 minutes away. Additionally, kayaking or paddleboarding through the Térraba-Sierpe Mangroves, the largest wetland ecosystem in Central America, provides an up-close look at Costa Rica’s rich wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and crocodiles.
Uvita also offers fantastic dining options, from fresh seafood and Costa Rican casados at Los Laureles, to wood-fired pizza at La Fogata, and healthy vegan-friendly meals at The Dome. The town has a variety of accommodations, including luxury jungle retreats like Oxygen Jungle Villas, mid-range stays such as Vista Ballena Hotel, and budget-friendly hostels like Flutterby House. Whether visiting during the dry season (December to April) for sunny beach days or the green season (May to November) for lush landscapes and fewer crowds, Uvita promises an unforgettable experience filled with nature, adventure, and relaxation.
Day 10
Gather your things and get ready to head back to San Jose and depart for your flight. For an unforgettable adventure filled with pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and thrilling experiences, a Costa Rica trip planner takes the stress out of planning and ensures every moment of your journey is seamless and unforgettable.
