Costa Rica 10-Day Tours & Itineraries

Explore 40 trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to Costa Rica.

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 plan a trip including 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 check out 10 Days in Costa Rica: 5 Unique Itineraries.

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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.

La Fortuna waterfall
Map of Volcanoes, Cloud Forests, and the Pacific Coast - 10 Days
Volcanoes, Cloud Forests, and the Pacific Coast - 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary combines mountain adventures with a bit of a beach holiday. Spend two days in Rincón de la Vieja exploring the area around one of the country's most active volcanoes. Then travel deeper inland to cross suspension bridges in the jungle, zip-line over trees, and enjoy guided hikes in La Fortuna and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. You'll end your trip by returning to Guanacaste for relaxation on the beaches of Papagayo.

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.

Catch a wave in the Nicoya Peninsula
Map of Nicoya Peninsula Surf & Yoga Adventure - 10 Days
Nicoya Peninsula Surf & Yoga Adventure - 10 Days

On the northwestern edge of Costa Rica, Nicoya Peninsula features a spectacular beach scene attracting young expats who are spoiled for choice with year-round swells and seaside open-air yoga studios. With 10 days to explore the region by four-wheel drive, you’ll base yourself in three quintessential surf towns: Tamarindo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa.

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.

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 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.

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.

Palm-fringed coastline at Manuel Antonio National Park
Map of Ultimate Costa Rica Honeymoon - 10 Days
Ultimate Costa Rica Honeymoon - 10 Days

This romantic itinerary is ideal for adventurous couples with more than a week to spend. Together, you'll bask in Costa Rica's biodiversity, take a whitewater rafting trip down the Río Pacuare, and go on multiple day hikes. Relax on Pacific beaches, soak in natural hot springs, and check into some of the country's best luxury resorts throughout your memorable stay.

Biesanz Bay in Manuel Antonio National Park
Map of Costa Rica's Natural Wonders - 10 Days
Costa Rica's Natural Wonders - 10 Days

Explore the best of Costa Rica on this exciting 10-day adventure through the country's outdoor landscapes. Get to know the capital city of San José before heading off to Arenal for several days of volcano hikes and soaking in natural hot springs. You'll explore the cloud forest, learn about coffee production in Monteverde, and then continue to Manuel Antonio National Park for boating and snorkeling in aquamarine waters.

Arenal Volcano National Park
Map of Costa Rica: Caribbean Coast & Arenal Volcano - 10 Days
Costa Rica: Caribbean Coast & Arenal Volcano - 10 Days

Perfect for travelers looking to hike and observe wildlife, this 10-day itinerary starts and ends in San José, and includes many of the Caribbean Coast's best destinations—Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo, and the famous Arenal volcano. From nature treks to surfing pristine beaches, this trip plan offers a versatile, outdoor adventure with a laid-back feel.

costa rica
Map of Self-Drive Birding Excursion in Costa Rica - 10 Days
Self-Drive Birding Excursion in Costa Rica - 10 Days

Costa Rica is a prime destination for birders. It's home to 850 different species including rare specimens like green parrots, scarlet macaws, resplendent quetzals, and motmots. This 10-day birding itinerary includes stops at the best locales in which to view Costs Rica's abundance of birds, including national parks, remote mountain ranges, and rivers near the Pacific coast.

Arenal Volcano
Map of Costa Rica: Luxury Wildlife Safari and Multi-Sport Adventure - 10 Days
Costa Rica: Luxury Wildlife Safari and Multi-Sport Adventure - 10 Days

If you're looking for an adventurous holiday without roughing it, then this itinerary is for you. On this 10-day tour of Costa Rica, you'll enjoy all the creature comforts of a luxury vacation while still embarking on wildlife safaris and adventure sports activities. Take to the air on a zip-line tour over the rainforest, hike to exotic waterfalls, and view the most exotic animals in the country—it's an exclusive vacation tailored just for you.

View of Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano.
Map of Best of Costa Rica: Arenal, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio - 10 Days
Best of Costa Rica: Arenal, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio - 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary showcases three of Costa Rica's most popular destinations: Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. In Arenal, you'll paddleboard past the volcano on the lake, traverse tropical forests on suspension bridges, and soak in the region's hot springs. Monteverde offers the chance to spot monkeys, birds, and more of the country's wildlife as you zip-line through the Cloud Forest Reserve, while Manuel Antonio provides downtime at the beach, where days end with spectacular Pacific Coast sunsets.

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.

Pacific Coast Waves
Map of Costa Rica: Nicoya Peninsula Tour - 10 Days
Costa Rica: Nicoya Peninsula Tour - 10 Days

This 10-day vacation includes a self-drive road trip through some of Costa Rica’s most notable beaches. Take in the sites along the Nicoya Peninsula, including plenty of opportunities to snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, and swim your way through each stop. Surfers can catch breaks at several destinations on the list–Tamarindo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa. Take some time to relax, stroll each beach town, and enjoy local Costa Rican fare along the way.

Explore Monteverde's cloud forests from above
Map of Costa Rica Self-Drive Adventure: Monteverde, Tamarindo & Arenal - 10 Days
Costa Rica Self-Drive Adventure: Monteverde, Tamarindo & Arenal - 10 Days

This 10-day self-drive itinerary takes you off the beaten path to discover Costa Rica's highlights at your own pace. After an evening in San José, embark from the capital and drive north to explore the cloud forests of Monteverde by zipline. Journey west to the Pacific coast and the surf village of Tamarindo for sea kayaking and wildlife spotting, then make your way inland to La Fortuna. Here you'll explore the lush landscapes of Arenal Volcano National Park, hike the brilliant blue Río Celeste, and visit a working coffee plantation.

Agua Ardiente Pool Bar (courtesy of Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa)
Map of Wildlife Luxury Adventure in Arenal, Monteverde & the Osa Peninsula - 10 Days
Wildlife Luxury Adventure in Arenal, Monteverde & the Osa Peninsula - 10 Days

Explore Costa Rica's landscapes and wildlife habitats by day—and sleep in luxury hotels at night—on this 10-day itinerary around the country. Travel to the Osa Peninsula to hike around Corcovado National Park and snorkel the Isla del Caño Biological Reserve. Then move onto the Arenal region for waterfall hikes and hot spring relaxation. You'll finish up in Monteverde with a nighttime nature walk and a day of zip-lining through the cloud forest.

costa rica
Map of Cycling Costa Rica: the Pacific, Arenal & Caribbean Coast - 10 Days
Cycling Costa Rica: the Pacific, Arenal & Caribbean Coast - 10 Days

10 days is enough time to travel from one end of Costa Rica to the other and enjoy all the highlights in between. This active itinerary begins with cycling from the Pacific coast through the central highlands, then swapping the bike for a river raft and continuing to Caribbean beaches. In between, you'll enjoy day trips in the Arenal Volcano region, where you'll embark on waterfall hikes and soak in hot springs.

Kids love snorkeling around Costa Rica's friendly (and stunning) beaches
Family Adventure in Arenal & the Nicoya Peninsula - 10 Days

From zip-lining through the jungle canopy to snorkeling with tropical fish, outdoor adventures await you and your family on this thrilling 10-day trip around Costa Rica. You'll start with a few days in the Arenal region, hiking around volcanoes and waterfalls, before heading to the Monteverde Cloud Forest for zip-lining and wildlife spotting. Then finish the adventure with several days on the Nicoya Peninsula, where you'll snorkel, visit a scarlet macaw refuge, and enjoy a family-oriented boat safari.

costa rica
Map of Costa Rica Indigenous Culture & Tortuguero National Park - 10 Days
Costa Rica Indigenous Culture & Tortuguero National Park - 10 Days

This 10-day adventure allows you to fully experience Costa Rica's less-visited Caribbean coast. You'll do it all, from spending time in surf villages to visiting turtle-nesting sites and even taking a canoe trip to a local indigenous community. You'll also stop in the central mountains and spend time on a local farm near towering volcanoes

bird
Map of Costa Rica Wildlife, Birds, and Jungles - 10 Days
Costa Rica Wildlife, Birds, and Jungles - 10 Days

Costa Rica is one of the smallest countries in Latin America, yet it is also one of the most biodiverse. Consider birds, of which there over 850 species just in this one country. You'll be able to see many of them on a 10-day birding tour as you search for the rarest and most exotic avian varieties in Costa Rica's national parks, rainforests, and mountains.

costa rica
Map of Luxury, Adventure, & Wildlife in Northern Costa Rica - 10 Days
Luxury, Adventure, & Wildlife in Northern Costa Rica - 10 Days

10 days is enough to enjoy Costa Rica's immense natural beauty and exotic wildlife. This combined luxury/adventure itinerary allows you to experience it all, first in Arenal Volcano National Park, and then by visiting the rivers and waterfalls of the Tenorio region. You'll finish on the unspoiled coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula, riding horses at sunset, kayaking through mangrove forests, and snorkeling at coral reefs.

costa rica
Map of Luxury Wellness Getaway in Costa Rica - 10 Days
Luxury Wellness Getaway in Costa Rica - 10 Days

10 days is all you need to enjoy a perfect Costa Rican holiday that mixes equal parts luxury, comfort, and outdoor adventure. On this 10-day jaunt, you will stay in four-star wellness retreats, enjoy exhilarating whitewater rafting excursions, and soak in natural volcanic hot springs. You'll even get a hands-on lesson in preparing the most delicious of Costa Rican exports: chocolate

White water rafting in Costa Rica
Map of Costa Rica Overland Cycling & Rafting Trip  - 10 Days
Costa Rica Overland Cycling & Rafting Trip - 10 Days

Costa Rica is known for its beautiful coastline, rainforests, mountains, volcanoes, and rivers. You'll see all of it on a 10-day excursion that involves traveling from the Pacific coast to the Caribbean by mountain bike, river raft, and kayak. This might be the most physically demanding tour in the entire country, but it's worth all the sweat and toil for the unforgettable experiences you'll have along the way.

Snap pics of the Quespos wildlife during a boat tour in the Damas Island Mangrove forest and water canals
Map of Costa Rica for Families: Outdoor Adventures & Wildlife - 10 Days
Costa Rica for Families: Outdoor Adventures & Wildlife - 10 Days

Discover Costa Rica's rushing waterfalls, colorful rainforests, and vibrant wildlife habitats on this 10-day tour that's perfect for families. After sightseeing in San José, you'll continue to Arenal to spot sloths in the wild and soak in natural hot springs. Then explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest and visit a wildlife rehabilitation center. Finish up the adventure in Manuel Antonio National Park, where you'll hike, snorkel, sail, and at the Damas Island Estuary, explore mangroves on a boat tour.

 Explore the untamed coast of the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado
Map of Off-the-Beaten-Path Luxury on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast - 10 Days
Off-the-Beaten-Path Luxury on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast - 10 Days

Experience Costa Rica's far-flung wonders, traveling in comfort and style as you go. This 10-day luxury excursion kicks off in thrilling style with adventure sports, waterfall hikes, and birding in the hidden gem of Bajos del Toro. Continue to the Pacific coast and enjoy the unspoiled beaches at Esterillos Este, tour the mangroves of Sierpe, and finish with nature hikes on the rugged Osa Peninsula.

costa rica
Map of Costa Rica Luxury and Adventure: Vara Blanca, San Isidro, & the Osa Peninsula - 10 Days
Costa Rica Luxury and Adventure: Vara Blanca, San Isidro, & the Osa Peninsula - 10 Days

In 10 days you can not only embark on wildlife excursions around Costa Rica and immerse yourself in its local culture, but you can do it all while staying in luxury accommodations. This is a packed itinerary that involves horseback riding, visiting a working coffee farm, and plenty of bird-watching and wildlife spotting. Keep your camera ready because you'll be visiting tropical waterfalls, too.

Join a guided horseback riding tour (photo courtesy of Nat Fernández)
Map of Family Adventure in Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & the Ocean - 10 Days
Family Adventure in Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & the Ocean - 10 Days

Featuring thrilling outdoor activities, vibrant wildlife viewing, and hands-on experiences, this 10-day itinerary through Costa Rica is tailor-made for families. Kick off the trip with a hike through a sloth habitat and a visit to a local farm. Then move on to the Monteverde Cloud Forest for jungle hikes, zip-lining adventures, and horseback riding. Finish up in Tamarindo, where kids can learn to surf, witness sea turtles hatching their eggs, snorkel with tropical fish, and cruise down a jungle river.

Teach the little ones to surf in Tamarindo
Map of Family Trip to Costa Rica's Mountains, Volcanoes & the Gulf of Papagayo - 10 Days
Family Trip to Costa Rica's Mountains, Volcanoes & the Gulf of Papagayo - 10 Days

Surf lessons, whitewater rafting, river tubing, and nighttime jungle hikes are on the agenda for this active 10-day trip around Costa Rica. Designed with families in mind, this itinerary features a wide range of exciting outdoor activities to entertain travelers of all ages. Frolic in the mud at the Río Negro Hot Springs, brave the rapids of the Río Balsa, learn to catch a wave in Tamarindo, and cruise around the Gulf of Papagayo at sunset—it's all part of the fun on this family-friendly adventure!

Jump on in!
Multi-Sport Adventure in Costa Rica: Arenal, Monteverde, & Tamarindo - 10 Days

This trip is perfect for those who want to explore Costa Rica's highlights, combined with active tours that get your blood pumping. Start this adventure navigating rapids on the Pacuare River — one of the top 10 rivers in the world for whitewater. Explore Arenal Volcano by bike, then head to the misty cloud forest of Monteverde for nature hikes and a zip line tour. End your trip on Tamarindo Beach, one of Costa Rica's premier beach destinations. Relax on the sand, take a surf lesson, or go snorkeling, then finish things off with a sunset sail on the Pacific.

Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare
Multi-Sport Adventure in Costa Rica: Arenal, Monteverde & Jaco Beach - 10 Days

Costa Rica is a well-known adventure destination, and this 10-day itinerary makes time for all the highlights. You'll go whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River, ride a horse through the misty cloud forest, zip from tree to tree in Monteverde, and stand-up paddle in the Pacific Ocean. This trip makes time for cultural highlights, too: a visit to a traditional coffee plantation, the National Theater, and Jaco's nightlife round out the trip.

Take the kids to splash around the Catalina Islands of Costa Rica
Map of Active Family Adventure in Costa Rica - 10 Days
Active Family Adventure in Costa Rica - 10 Days

Offering an exciting mix of rainforest expeditions, wildlife encounters, and underwater adventures, this active 10-day trip around Costa Rica is popular with families. Explore the volcanoes and waterfalls of Arenal before heading off to the surf town of Tamarindo for a boat trip around an estuary and snorkeling with tropical fish offshore. After spotting sloths, monkeys, and exotic frogs in the wild, you'll learn about wildlife conservation at a scarlet macaw rehabilitation center in Sámara.

Boys trekking in the jungle to waterfalls
Map of Family Trip to Costa Rica's Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Coral Reefs - 10 Days
Family Trip to Costa Rica's Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Coral Reefs - 10 Days

From crocodile spotting to frolicking in volcanic mud, this family-oriented 10-day trip features thrilling adventures for kids and adults alike. Start by hiking to waterfalls and spotting wildlife in Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Then move on to the Gulf of Papagayo, where you and the kids will witness sea turtles nesting, snorkel around a coral reef, and visit a working coffee farm. Get up close with vibrantly colored birds at a scarlet macaw refuge, then finish the trip with a day of hiking in the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve.

Share in a Costa Rica sunset with the kids
Map of  Family Adventure in Costa Rica: Wetlands, Volcanoes & Caribbean Beaches - 10 Days
Family Adventure in Costa Rica: Wetlands, Volcanoes & Caribbean Beaches - 10 Days

On this fun 10-day adventure created for families, you'll swim in waterfall pools, spot sloths in the trees, and sample homemade chocolate while learning how it's made. The itinerary takes you from the bustling streets of San José to the rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, then onward to the beautiful beaches of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and the rivers, volcanoes, and hot springs of Arenal. Highlights include a safari-style boat ride, a nighttime jungle hike, and a visit to a jaguar rescue center.

Spot birds atop the Mountain of Death
Map of Costa Rica Birding & Nature Adventure - 10 Days
Costa Rica Birding & Nature Adventure - 10 Days

This birding and nature adventure through Costa Rica covers five biodiverse areas in 10 days. Enjoy some post-travel relaxation in Heredia, and do your first round of birding at Tapantí National Park. Stay in Turrialba for the next two nights, and enjoy the great outdoors of Rancho Naturalista and Braulio Carrillo National Park. From Sarapiquí, visit the famed La Selva Biological Station, and then spend time in stunning La Fortuna, home to Arenal Volcano. In Tárcoles, board a riverboat tour, then enjoy time spotting species at Carara National Park.

Settle into the 5-star Arenas del Mar Resort for views over Manuel Antonio (photo courtesy of Arenas del Mar)
Map of Luxury Costa Rica Road Trip Highlights - 10 Days
Luxury Costa Rica Road Trip Highlights - 10 Days

Travel from rainforests to volcanoes, cloud forests, and beaches on this luxury 10-day road trip through Costa Rica. The tour is packed with scenic drives and 5-star lodges, as well as exclusive treetop dining experiences and lavish spa sessions. Along the way, you'll spot wildlife, cross dizzying suspension bridges, and peer into volcanic craters during private hikes through lush national parks in Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and Poás.

Go canyoning off cliffs and waterfalls in Turrialba
Map of Pura Vida Luxury Adventure in Costa Rica: Turrialba, Arenal & Tamarindo - 10 Days
Pura Vida Luxury Adventure in Costa Rica: Turrialba, Arenal & Tamarindo - 10 Days

Mix luxury, adventure sports, nature tours, surfing, and more over 10 days in the eco-wonderland of Costa Rica. The thrills start right away with rafting adventures in Turrialba, followed by waterfall visits, zipline rides, and hiking the dried lava fields at the iconic Arenal volcano. Continue north to the Nicoya Peninsula and the surf town of Tamarindo, where you'll catch a few waves, go kayaking, and snorkel in the bay.

End your trip on the Gulf of Papagayo at Casa Chameleon (photo courtesy of Casa Chameleon)
Map of Coast-to-Coast Luxury in Costa Rica: Tortuguero, Arenal & Papagayo - 10 Days
Coast-to-Coast Luxury in Costa Rica: Tortuguero, Arenal & Papagayo - 10 Days

This 10-day journey from one side of Costa Rica to the other delivers highlight tours and off-the-beaten-path adventures without sacrificing luxury. Witness nesting sea turtles in Tortuguero National Park before heading to Arenal for waterfall visits, zipline tours, and hiking around the famous volcano. Then, continue to the dazzling Gulf of Papagayo for Pacific coast adventures, including snorkeling, kayaking, and more.

Spot the great green macaw in the Maquenque Wildlife Refuge on this 10-day luxury tour
Map of Luxury Costa Rica Birding Getaway - 10 Days
Luxury Costa Rica Birding Getaway - 10 Days

Spot Costa Rica's most exotic avians on this luxury, 10-day adventure. The trip is packed with private bird-watching tours, hikes, and boat trips where you'll join naturalists to glimpse everything from toucans to resplendent quetzals and hummingbirds. Stay at the country's best birding lodges, nestled among the rainforests of San Gerardo de Dota, Turrialba, Sarapiquí, and Boca Tapada, where colorful avian species flutter among the treetops.

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