Costa Rica 10-day itinerary

Costa Rica 10-day itinerary

Costa Rica Simplified: experience the best of the coast and jungle in just 10 days.

Day 1 - San Jose, where it all begins

Most travelers rush past the capital, but after a red-eye flight, it’s honestly better to take it slow. San José is a good place to rest, catch up on sleep, and get used to things. We'd suggest staying somewhere safe and easy to walk around, like Escazú or Barrio Amón. Take it easy today.  You will want your energy at 100% for the early-morning adventure starting tomorrow! 

Day 2 - The World-Class Descent to Pacuare River 

Leave the city behind and head straight into the jungle with a rafting trip on the way to La Fortuna. It really feels like you’re right in the middle of it all. You will spend about three hours on the water, starting with some fun rapids and ending with a calm stretch through a beautiful canyon. Keep an eye out along the way; we spotted sloths and a bunch of tropical birds right from the raft.

Day 3 - The Ultimate La Fortuna Triple-Threat 

To make the most of our time in La Fortuna, we went for a full-day tour that covers the main highlights: Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and the hot springs. There are usually two options you’ll see around town. The first is the quicker, more budget-friendly version, typically from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, which includes a stop at the public river hot springs. The second is a longer, more complete day, usually from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. That one gives you more time hiking on the volcano’s lava fields and finishes at a private hot spring resort with multiple pools. We went with the longer option. It was only about $20 more, and for us, the extra time hiking and relaxing in the private hot springs made it worth it.

Note on Hanging Bridges: We chose to skip the Mistico Hanging Bridges here, as we planned to experience the cloud forest canopies later in Monteverde.

Days 4 & 5 - The Hidden Wonders of Bajos del Toro 

These two days were the undisputed highlight of our trip. To reach this region, we rented a car from Enterprise in La Fortuna. Unlike many budget agencies that hide fees, Enterprise provided a transparent price.

On Day 4, we visited Catarata del Toro and the Blue Falls. We started the morning at the main parking lot, where you can get a combo ticket (around $25) that gives access to both spots. Catarata del Toro is inside an old volcanic crater, and it’s honestly impressive. The hike down and back takes about an hour, with some really nice viewpoints along the way. We even stopped for lunch at the bottom. Once you’re back up, it’s just a two-minute drive to the second parking area for the Blue Falls. From there, follow the signs across the road; there are usually local guides around who point you in the right direction, especially for the river crossings. At the fork, go right first to see Tepezquintle, Las Gemelas, and Poza Azul. Then head back and take the other side to La Celestial, La Turquesa, and La Pintada. All the pools are great for a swim, just be ready, the water is pretty cold. Plan around three hours if you want to see everything.

For Day 5, we’d suggest starting early, around 7:00 AM, to explore the canyons of Quebrada Gata and Río Barroso. This is one of those days where you’ll get completely soaked, so come prepared. For Quebrada Gata, you can find DIY directions online pretty easily. We paired it with Río Barroso, which is a bit harder to figure out on your own. There’s not much clear info out there, so getting a guide is a good idea if you want to reach it safely. It’s a popular spot because it’s so beautiful, but we still managed to get some photos without too many people around.

Weather Alert: Tours are often canceled during heavy rain for safety. Aim for a clear day to ensure the canyon is accessible.

Pro-Tip: Book the Source. To save money, book directly with the local guides at Eco Tours Toro Amarillo 360 (+506 6022 6981) to cut out the middleman.

Day 6 - Sloths, Coffee, and Local Secrets in La Fortuna

After the adventure in Bajos del Toro, Day 6 is a bit more relaxed. It’s a good day to slow down, enjoy the town, and try to spot some of Costa Rica’s most iconic wildlife.

For us, seeing sloths in the wild on our own was pretty much impossible, so we booked a tour with Armando at Arenal Xilopalo (around $35), and it ended up being one of our favorite low-key experiences. The group is small (max 4 people), and he picks you up and drives to a nearby creek. Definitely bring mosquito repellent. Armando is incredible at spotting animals. He pointed out a lizard from really far away and ended up showing us six sloths (some very close), plus iguanas and a couple of toucans. The whole thing takes about an hour and a half, short but really worth it. 

You don't need to be a guest at the hotel to book with him.

In the afternoon, we just wandered around town and checked out a few shops for souvenirs. If you want a nice break, stop by Chocolate Fusión (just north of the central park) for a coffee and their really good chocolate cake.

Day 7 & 8 - The Journey to Monteverde 

Moving from La Fortuna to Monteverde is fun. We recommend the "Bus-Boat-Bus" transfer. With this transfer, there is no need to book a separate tour of Lake Arenal; the boat crossing offers stunning views of the volcano and the water as part of your transit.

Pro-Tip: Don't Overpay for the Ride. We shopped around for prices and found a massive range for this exact service—from $28 all the way up to $65! The Best Value: We booked through Cabinas Las Palmas (+506 2479 9379) for just $28. It’s the same reliable service for a fraction of the price.

Once you settle into Monteverde, arrange a shuttle to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve with your hotel. While many flock to the main Monteverde Reserve, Santa Elena offers a lush, misty experience that feels slightly more "off the beaten path." We found that 2.5 hours was the perfect amount of time to explore the trails and take in the unique atmosphere of the high-altitude forest.

Did you know Monteverde is the birthplace of recreational ziplining? It started in the 1970s when biologist Donald Perry used cable systems to study the rainforest canopy. Today, that history has evolved into high-adrenaline adventure. And this is your day 8. 

We chose Extremo Park because its package includes the "Superman" line and the legendary Tarzan Swing. This park is significantly more intense than others in the area. The highlight was the double zipline, where you fly alongside your partner over a dizzying drop into the valley below. You’ll soar face-down as Superman, for a full kilometer; it’s an incredible perspective of the forest. I’ll be honest. I am very afraid of heights, and the Tarzan Swing was incredibly stressful. I’m glad I did it once, but I won’t be repeating it! Expect a "very long" 30-minute wait in line as you psych yourself up for the jump. 

To calm the nerves after the swing, we headed to Zuccaro for chocolate cake and coffee. The cake was fantastic, and we were served by Angela, who was kind enough to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was the perfect fit. Hopefully, she’s there to offer you the same!

Day 9 & 10 - Coastal Relaxation in Playa Hermosa 

After the adrenaline of the mountains and the mist of the cloud forests, we chose to end our journey at Playa Hermosa. It was exactly the relaxing finish we were looking for.

Playa Hermosa is a small, quiet town with a local feel. It’s significantly less populated than other beach hubs, even during holidays. The town is very quaint, with just a couple of grocery stores and fewer than ten restaurants. The shoreline is lined with trees that offer plenty of natural shade, making it a perfect spot to lounge all day without the need for a rental umbrella.

Know before you go

Cash vs Credit cards

While credit cards are widely accepted across Costa Rica, cash is king for value. We found that many tour operators and local businesses offer substantial discounts (sometimes up to 15-20%) if you pay in cash. It is always worth asking for a "cash price" before you book.

The Reality of Hiking

Many travelers expect to simply pull over and wander into the rainforest for a free hike, but the reality is different. Nearly all accessible trails, forests, and waterfalls are private property. Because of this, almost every hike requires an entrance fee. While this can be a "sticker shock" for first-time visitors, these fees are vital. They fund trail maintenance and provide local communities with a sustainable reason to protect the forest rather than clear it for agriculture. Budget for these fees in advance, and you’ll find the well-maintained paths and preserved biodiversity are well worth the cost.

Places to stay

La Fortuna

Hotel La Vid La Fortuna is very central. Noisy due to being central, but the location is unmissable.  

Arenal Xilopalo, 10 minutes walking from the center. Surrounded by a large garden, a lot of animals and birds can be spotted by simply sipping a coffee or a beer. 

Alternatively, La Fortuna Lodge. We did not stay here, but it seemed like a very nice hotel and not too far away from the center.  

Bajos del Toro

Villa Campos, completely isolated, in a very beautiful property. They also have a Glamping tent. They have a black sheep as a pet! 

Monteverde

Hotel Don Taco, we got a room with a swing inside, with beautiful views of the mountains. There is a steep walk to reach the center, just 5 minutes away. 

Playa Hermosa

Playa Hermosa does not offer too many options for budget-conscious travelers. Aparthotel Hermosa Paradise is a good option. Clean, with a large room and a balcony. Nice pools. But 12 minutes walking to the beach. The grocery store is just around the corner. 

Quick Reference Directory

🛶 Adventure & Tours

• White Water Rafting & Transfers: Exploradores Outdoors

  • The Hack: Email them directly for a 15% discount. They provide seamless San José → River → La Fortuna transfers.

• Arenal Full-Day Tours: Red Lava Tours

  • The Hack: Book in person and pay cash to get the price down to $85.

• Sloth Tours (La Fortuna): Armando at Arenal Xilopalo | $35

  • The Hack: Small groups (max 4). You don't need to stay at the hotel to book.

• Canyoning & Hidden Falls: Eco Tours Toro Amarillo 360 | +506 6022 6981

  • The Hack: Contact the guides directly via WhatsApp to cut out the middleman.

• Ziplining (Monteverde): Monteverde Extremo Park

🚗 Transportation & Logistics

• Car Rental: Enterprise (La Fortuna)

  • Why: Transparent pricing with no hidden insurance surprises.

• La Fortuna ↔ Monteverde (Bus-Boat-Bus): Cabinas Las Palmas | +506 2479 9379

  • The Price: $28 (Compare this to others charging $60+).

• Monteverde ↔ Playa Hermosa (Private Car): Roca Verde | +506 8361 0784

  • The Hack: Ask for "return trip" rates. We paid $90 total for two people.

• Playa Hermosa ↔ Liberia Airport (LIR): Sunset Explorers | +506 7134 8761

  • The Price: $45 for a private ride (40-minute trip).

☕ Coffee & Cake Stops

• La Fortuna: Chocolate Fusión (North of the Central Park).

• Monteverde: Zuccaro (Ask for Angela—and the vanilla ice cream!).

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