Costa Rica 10-Day Trips & Itineraries

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With 10 days to spend, travelers can explore Costa Rica from coast to coast. Excellent shared shuttle services that cover most of the country make it possible to fit 3 or 4 regions into 10 days. First-time travelers to Costa Rica should catch a flight to Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean Coast before heading inland to Arenal Volcano and Monteverde, ending with the jungle-lined beaches of Manuel Antonio. If you'd prefer to see more remote parts of the country, flying to the Osa Peninsula or transferring by car to Turrialba is a great way to experience beaches and rainforests off the beaten path.

See more options below, or read our overview of the Best Itineraries for 10 days in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Travel Insights

Explore the cloud forest in Monteverde
Map of Costa Rica Adventure & Wildlife Tour - 10 Days
Costa Rica Adventure & Wildlife Tour - 10 Days

Spend 10 days getting to know the diverse wildlife of Costa Rica's rainforests, with plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities, too. You'll zip-line through the rainforest, hike to waterfalls, and mountain bike on a volcano, with opportunities for kayaking and relaxing in hot springs.

Manuel Antonio beaches are known for sunset views
Map of Costa Rica Luxury & Nature Tour - 10 Days
Costa Rica Luxury & Nature Tour - 10 Days

This adventurous itinerary checks off four of Costa Rica’s key regions. Raft down some of the world’s best rapids, head to Arenal for hikes and hot springs, and lounge on the Pacific beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. End your journey on the remote Osa Peninsula, where rainforests, wildlife, and a near-empty coastline await.

End the trip with a drive to the Pacific coast for some beach time
Map of Highlights of Costa Rica: Arenal, Monteverde, & Playa Sámara - 10 Days
Highlights of Costa Rica: Arenal, Monteverde, & Playa Sámara - 10 Days

Costa Rica offers an array of adventures, from city to cloud forest to sea. This ten-day itinerary includes hiking near an active volcano, some of the world’s best bird-watching, and snorkeling with sea turtles. Travelers will get to know the culture of local villages as well as that of San José, Costa Rica’s dynamic capital.

Riverbank lined with untouched rainforest in Tortuguero
Map of Wildlife & Beaches in Costa Rica - 10 Days
Wildlife & Beaches in Costa Rica - 10 Days

This 10-day adventure allows you to experience Costa Rica from both coasts. Visit San José, check out Tortuguero National Park, marvel at Arenal Volcano, and lounge on the remote beaches of Guanacaste. Enjoy plenty of activities along the way: watch sea turtles hatch on a Caribbean beach, sample locally produced chocolate, or take a surf lesson in the Pacific.

Take on the Class III and IV rapids on the Río Pacuare
Map of 10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Travelers with more than a week to spend in Costa Rica have time to experience more of what makes the country so exceptional. These unique 10-day itineraries lead you through the best of Costa Rica, whether you're interested in seeing the top natural highlights or focusing on a specific interest, like adventure activities or wildlife spotting. From a family-friendly tour to a coastal adventure featuring snorkeling and whitewater rafting, there's something for everyone.

A beach near Puerto Viejo on Costa Rica's Caribbean side
Map of Caribbean Coast Adventure Tour - 10 Days
Caribbean Coast Adventure Tour - 10 Days

Experience the best of Costa Rica's tropical flora and fauna on this 10-day trip. Spend a fun-filled week hiking in the rainforest, snorkeling in coral reefs, rafting the world-class rapids of Río Pacuare, and more. This itinerary is ideal for travelers heading to Costa Rica during the "green season" (May - November), as the Caribbean coast stays relatively dry during rainy months—and it's also the best time to see turtles nesting in Tortuguero National Park.

Manuel Antonio beaches are known for sunset views
Map of Costa Rica Hiking Adventure - 10 Days
Costa Rica Hiking Adventure - 10 Days

Checking off three key regions in Costa Rica, this 10-day itinerary is perfect for adventurous travelers. The trip starts with a visit to Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano for hiking and natural hot springs before continuing to the Pacific Ocean for some beach time at Manuel Antonio National Park. Finish off in one of the country's most remote areas—Osa Peninsula—for undeveloped rainforests, rare wildlife, and near-empty coastline.

The Guanacaste region on the Pacific Coast is known for its arid landscape and beautiful beaches
Map of Relaxed Costa Rica Family Adventure - 10 Days
Relaxed Costa Rica Family Adventure - 10 Days

Costa Rica is a favorite destination for all ages. This 10-day adventure allows your family to experience the highlights of the country from the towering Arenal Volcano, to the spectacular, remote beaches of Guanacaste. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities along the way, from sampling locally produced chocolate, to zip lining through the trees, to surf lessons in the Pacific.

Run and play with the kids on Costa Rica's beaches
Map of 10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

From natural landscapes to wildlife experiences and adventure sports, Costa Rica has much to offer families. Travelers with younger children might opt for a 10-day itinerary with easy guided hikes and visits to wildlife refuges. And those with older kids may choose a trip plan that features zip-lining, whitewater rafting, and surf lessons. Whether you focus your time around Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest, base yourself in the surf town of Tamarindo, or go further off the beaten path on a trip to coastal Sámara, these family-friendly itineraries offer outdoor education and thrills for all ages.

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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Costa Rica
Travel specialist Olman Romero
active 30 mins ago

Olman Romero

I was born in Turrialba, a region rich in history and natural beauty, home to the Guayabo National Monument, the most important pre-Hispanic archaeological site in the country, as well as the...

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Travel specialist Elena Mora
active 2 hours ago

Elena Mora

"I was born in Costa Rica and grew up on my family's sugar and coffee plantation farm in the mountains of Turrialba. From an early age, I learned from my family to deeply cherish and respect our...

read more...
Travel specialist Bryan Leon
active 4 hours ago

Bryan Leon

Growing up in a coffee plantation area near San Jose, Costa Rica's vibrant capital, I was fortunate to have parents who instilled in me a deep love and appreciation for nature. As a certified...

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Travel specialist Yuliana Valverde
active 4 hours ago

Yuliana Valverde

For over a decade, my passion for creating unforgettable trips in Costa Rica shines a deep understanding of the country's diverse attractions and activities, as well as a genuine commitment to...

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Trip Reviews for Costa Rica

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Good experience
Costa Rica | May 2 - May 9, 2026

Ann
Ann G.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on May 14, 2026
We had a great experience with Olman. He provided prompt responses and good advice. Read more

We had a great experience with Olman. He provided prompt responses and good advice.

Activity Reviews
Nocturnal Rainforest Walk
Nocturnal Rainforest Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

We saw a lot of frogs and butterfly’s. Joe shared his great pics with us on What’s App. He was very knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sweetest driver ever!
Transport
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Costa Rica

Our guide was great. I wish I could remember his name! He made sure we saw all the good animals including two snakes and several sloths. He helped us get great pictures of them too!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Volcano National Park by Arenal Lake
Arenal Volcano National Park by Arenal Lake
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our guide Val was great! She was so knowledgeable! Sadly, we didn’t get to see much of the volcano because we got caught in a huge rain storm. But that’s life in Costa Rica!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Peñas Blancas River Floating Safari Adventure by Raft
Peñas Blancas River Floating Safari Adventure by Raft
Arenal/La Fortuna

This was a great tour. We saw lots of animals and it was fun to be on the water. Our guide Lawrence, was great!

Quality of Experience
K
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Olman Romero
Olman
Olman Romero
Local specialist in San Jose, Costa Rica | Replied on May 14, 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊

It was truly a pleasure helping you plan your Costa Rica adventure, and I’m very happy to hear you had a great experience.

Thank you again for trusting me with your vacation, and I hope Costa Rica left you with amazing memories. Pura Vida!

Kimkim put a wonderful family trip together!
Costa Rica | Apr 22 - Apr 30, 2026

H
Helen V.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on May 07, 2026
Kimkim put a wonderful family trip together for us. Costa Rica was amazing and we enjoyed every place we visited, activities in the areas, and our resort stays. This is our second time using kimkim and we plan to use it in the future! Read more

Kimkim put a wonderful family trip together for us. Costa Rica was amazing and we enjoyed every place we visited, activities in the areas, and our resort stays. This is our second time using kimkim and we plan to use it in the future!

Hotel Reviews
Shana by the Beach Resort
Manuel Antonio
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sibū Boutique Hotel
Puntarenas
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arenal Country Inn
La Fortuna
Authenticity & Character
Location
lol
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Crowne Plaza San Jose La Sabana by IHG
San José
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Catamaran Adventure with Snorkeling
Catamaran Adventure with Snorkeling
Manuel Antonio
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Selvatura Park Self-Guided Hanging Bridges & Zip Lining
Selvatura Park Self-Guided Hanging Bridges & Zip Lining
Monteverde
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Excursion at the Wildlife Refuge in Monteverde
Night Excursion at the Wildlife Refuge in Monteverde
Monteverde
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
EcoTermales Hot Springs Experience with Meal
EcoTermales Hot Springs Experience with Meal
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sloth Trail Watching Tour
Sloth Trail Watching Tour
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Yuliana Valverde
Yuliana
Yuliana Valverde
Local specialist in San José, Costa Rica | Replied on May 07, 2026

Hello Helen,
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was truly a pleasure helping you and your family plan your Costa Rica adventure. I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed the destinations, activities, and resort stays, and that Costa Rica created such wonderful memories for your family.

It means a lot to know this was your second trip with Kimkim, and we are incredibly grateful for your trust and support. I would be delighted to assist you again in the future and help you discover even more of the beauty and hidden gems that Costa Rica has to offer.

Pura Vida!
Yuliana

Our First Visit to Costa Rica is Nothing but PURA VIDA
Costa Rica | Apr 21 - Apr 30, 2026

Jonathan
Jonathan S.
Harrison, NJ | Reviewed on May 01, 2026
This was our first trip to Costa Rica and KimKim created an amazing package that gave us a true, great taste of the country. My family and I (group of 6) visited Arenal, Monteverde and Manual Antonio. Each of these places gave a unique vibe and we enjoyed all of them. We experienced the torrential rains in Monteverde, which gave us a true experience of life in the cloud forest. We even experienced a 4.8 magnitude earthquake in Manuel Antonio, which reminded us that Costa Rica is part of the... Read more

This was our first trip to Costa Rica and KimKim created an amazing package that gave us a true, great taste of the country. My family and I (group of 6) visited Arenal, Monteverde and Manual Antonio. Each of these places gave a unique vibe and we enjoyed all of them. We experienced the torrential rains in Monteverde, which gave us a true experience of life in the cloud forest. We even experienced a 4.8 magnitude earthquake in Manuel Antonio, which reminded us that Costa Rica is part of the ring of fire.

The food was great all and all! The excursions were memorable, in particular the zip line over the cloud forest. We ended up seeing about 20 sloths and the elusive Quetzal (a male and a female), all thanks to the trained eyes of our guides.

This is our second time engaging KimKim and we are truly satisfied with the package and services. Special acknowledgments and thanks to Kat, Kate and Adam. They made our first visit to Costa Rica a great experience. Pura Vida!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel La Mariposa
Manuel Antonio

Amazing views. Best pool. Great restaurant. La Mariposa is a great hotel to end our trip.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cloud Forest Lodge
Monteverde

The location of the Cloud Forest Lodge atop the cloud forest is simply spectacular. The view is breathtaking and staff were extremely personable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Dennis, Jose, Fernando, and Benjamin were so personable and each made our stay very memorable.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lomas del Volcán
Fortuna

Lomas provided the closest to a tree bungalow feel. Location at the base of Arenal Volcano is excellent.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Nocturnal Rainforest Walk
Nocturnal Rainforest Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

The nocturnal walk is a must to see some of the Costa Rica animals in their natural habitat. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and had a great eye in spotting the animals. We thoroughly enjoyed the walk.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Adam Gomez
Adam
Adam Gomez
Local specialist in kimkim HQ | Replied on May 01, 2026

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m happy to hear your trip to Costa Rica was such a memorable experience for you and your family. 🙌

It sounds like you truly got a taste of everything—from the unique vibes of Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio to the adventure of zip lining and spotting wildlife, I know you wanted to see sloths and glad you got to see 20!!!! 🦥

I really appreciate your continued trust in kimkim, and I’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to Kate as well.

Pura vida, and we’d love to help you plan your next adventure whenever you’re ready! 🤙

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