Costa Rica Itinerary: 7-10 Days
So, you want to visit the land of Pura Vida. What all can you comfortably fit into a 7-10 day Costa Rica itinerary?
Here is the Costa Rica itinerary I suggest after having visited 3 times and spending over 12 weeks here. With just 7-10 days, this shows the variety this country offers! I did this route when my brother visited me while I was studying abroad. It’s aggressive, but manageable!
Here is my itinerary:
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DAY 1 – The City of San Jose
Since most visitors fly into the SJO airport, this is a good place to start! While this city can provide a somewhat average view of the country as a first impression, it really isn’t so bad. I lived and studied in San Jose, and there are plenty of nice areas to explore.
On day one, you can visit the Teatro Nacional, the many wonderful museums (Museo de Jade is a personal favorite), the tourist market, or grab dinner and a churro from a street vendor. | More ideas of things to do in San Jose! Cost Rica itinerary.
LODGING: See my San Jose Hotel Recommendations!
DAY 2- La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs
Leave San Jose in the morning, and head to this central part of the country. I suggest taking a shuttle from San Jose to La Fortuna, and then checking into a hotel in the town of La Fortuna. You can also take the public bus, but it will take up more time.
Once there, book a guided volcano tour, or visit Arenal Volcano on your own. Then, visit the natural volcanic hot springs for a dip. I’ve been to the thermal spa and resorts at both Baldí and Tabacón, and each were amazing!
Pro Tip: If you aren’t staying there as a guest, get a hotel day pass to enjoy the amenities (here is one for Baldi Hot Springs)
Read my post on more things to do in La Fortuna / Arenal
Tabacon Hot Springs
Tabacon Hot Springs
LODGING: La Fortuna Hotel Ideas
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DAY 3 – Monteverde Cloud Forest: Santa Elena Town
In the morning, take a shuttle from La Fortuna to Monteverde, the coniferous cloud forest. With narrow, one way, mountain roads and cliff-side views the entire way, it can be a little scary, but all part of the experience!
The base of exploration for Monteverde Cloud Forest is the town of Santa Elena. After exploring town, head to the national park entry and spend the day hiking the trails and walking across the iconic suspended bridges above the forest canopy.
We also did a night-hike tour for some extra wildlife sightseeing. If only for the thrill of being in the jungle at night and seeing lots of giant insects and maybe a sloth, it is worth it!
LODGING: Cabinas Vista al Golfo : A rustic place with a gorgeous, sweeping view
DAY 4 – Monteverde: Zip Lining
Since zip-lining or doing a “canopy tour” is a quintessential part of any Costa Rica visit, its best to do it here in Monteverde! The zip-lining here is among the best in the world!
We went with the company Selvatura (I highly recommend!), and did the 3 hour canopy tour. We had SO MUCH FUN even with the rain. The company provides round-trip transport from your hotel too. When we returned to town, we got dinner at a tree-house restaurant.
LODGING: Cabinas Vista al Golfo : A rustic place with a gorgeous view
DAY 5 – Manuel Antonio: Quepos Town
We took a shuttle from Monteverde to Quepos, leaving at 8:30am. We arrived to Quepos (the base point for exploring Manuel Antonio National Park) at 2pm. I would advise a shuttle service as it is another long drive (and on a budget, this is the fastest way to do it)!
Spend the afternoon exploring Quepos town, and visit the public beach for a swim. The national park closes early, so I say save it for the next day so you can get the most out of your entry ticket.
LODGING: Hostel Plinio : A tree-house style hostel with great views and a beautiful pool
DAY 6 – Manuel Antonio National Park
This park is crowded and full of visitors, but for good reason! It is pure jungle, and you are almost guaranteed several wildlife sightings. 🦥
We did not hire a naturalist guide (which you will be hounded by near the entry!), and still saw 3 wild sloths, many Capuchin monkeys (babies too!), and several reptiles while walking the trails.
Walk slow, explore, swim in the warm ocean, watch out for thieving raccoons on the beach, 🦝and you’ll have a fantastic time! Costa Rica itinerary
LODGING: Hostel Plinio : A tree-house style hostel with great views and a beautiful pool
DAY 7 – Manuel Antonio National Park
We originally had not scheduled two days here, but we loved it so much we re-arranged our schedule! With this extra day you can explore more of the park, the town, or do various beach activities. There are plenty of companies offering kayaking, surfing lessons, boating, fishing trips, etc. 🏖️
Take a shuttle from Quepos to San Jose late at night (arranged in advance), and you can sleep through the boring drive back without wasting much daylight.
LODGING: Hostel Plinio : A tree-house style hostel with great views and a beautiful pool
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DAY 8 – Tortuguero National Park
Leave your San Jose hotel early in the morning, and jump on a van to the Caribbean province of Limón! Because the area where Tortuguero National Park lies is very remote, I recommend using a tour company. You can go it alone, but with limited time this is the best option.
We went with a company that no longer exists, but there are loads of Tortuguero tour options. The journey there is full of wildlife, and the ride on the tiny boat you take out into the canals towards the park is an unforgettable experience. This is one of my favorite destinations I’ve ever been!
Photo Credit: Matt Curtin (my brother!)
DAY 9 – Tortuguero National Park
Wrap up your hiking, boating, and wildlife sighting and begin the drive back towards the big city. Once back in San Jose, relax, and eat some casado with a side of Imperial beer for the final time.
LODGING: See my San Jose Hotel Recommendations!
DAY 10- Airport – Adios to Costa Rica
Head to the airport, and back home. If you leave on Day 11 – I would recommend extending the trip by taking a cultural day-trip out of the San Jose area, perhaps to visit the impressive nearby Poas Volcano, or spending another day in Tortuguero National Park.
LODGING: See my San Jose Hotel Recommendations!
More helpful links:
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♥ Discover my favorite beach towns in Costa Rica
♥ Why I say Costa Rica is the perfect study abroad destination
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15 Comments
Great tips! I’ve got my trip almost completely planned, and it was very reassuring to see it matches a lot of what you recommend. Thanks!!
Yikes! Very ambitious! We did Manuel Antonio, Monteverde and Arenal in 12 days and felt rushed. I’d recommend 3 days in each area and a day for travel – keeping in mind travel time to get to each is 3-4 hours. Such a great country!
Yes it definitely would have been better if we had more time in each of the destinations! I had already been in Costa Rica for 60 days before my friends came to meet me, so while I had plenty of time I think my friends were a bit rushed- but I just wanted them to get a little taste of all the amazing things it has to offer 🙂
Great suggestions about Costa Rica. Been wanting to go ever since my kid spent two week a decade ago,
You really should go if you get the chance! Very safe place to visit, beautiful nature, friendly people, delicious food, the list goes on 🙂
Hi! I am planning a 10 day Honeymoon in Costa Rica from Nov 26 – Dec 5! I have a similar proposed itinerary… I was wondering if you went to Puerto Viejo? I am thinking of heading there instead of Tortuguero National Park -I would love to hear your experience there and why you may choose one location over another.
Great itinerary! Thinking about going for spring break and this sounds great! How much does this itinerary cost about? (Taking shuttle buses and cheaper priced hotels or hostels)
Hi Sarai- I’ll send you an email! Can you let me know what it is?
Hey Michelle, could you also let me know how much this all cost (trying to do it on more of a budget)
If you could go to Tortuguero or Corcovado National Park (along with Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio) – which would you choose and why?
Hi Sally- It’s hard to say because they are all so great! I have not been to Corcovado, but I know Tortuguero does not disappoint- so much amazing natural baeuty!
Hey Michelle,
very nice tips 🙂 Friends and i also will travel around 10-12 days in Costa Rica and nearly have the same spots like you recommended. We will arrive from Nicaragua and start our journey in Liberia. We are thinking about renting a car for 8-9 days? Would you recommend this or is everything also good accessible by bus? Heard Costa Rica is a lot more expensive than Nicaragua. Car would cost per person around 15 dollar a day.
Thank you very much in advance
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I am planning to go this spring with my 10 yo. the itinerary looks fab.
Do you recommend renting a car? does this speed up the full experience?
thank you
Hi Francesca! I’ve not personally rented a car for Costa Rica, but I do know the roads are overall very nice and it would likely be a fairly stress-free experience to rent a car, and yes I think would allow more time and freedom at the destinations!