10-Day Costa Rica Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Costa Rica tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in Costa Rica, incl. Arenal and Tamarindo

  Five distinct regions showcase Costa Rica's diversity: San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Tamarindo Beach. Nine nights' accommodation and guided excursions span approximately 855km of varied landscapes.

  

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  • Day 1

    San Jose

    Land in Costa Rica's capital by 3 PM to avoid rush hour traffic on your way to the hotel. San Jose sits at 3,800 feet elevation, so take it easy on your first evening while you adjust to the altitude.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Tortuguero National Park

    Plan for a 6-hour journey to Tortuguero: a 4-hour drive and 2-hour boat ride through Braulio Carrillo National Park. "The morning boat tour around Tortuguero National Park was magical!" one traveler shared. Visit between July-September to see nesting sea turtles or September-December for baby turtle hatching. The humidity is high here, so pack quick-dry clothing.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Arenal Volcano Area

    A 5-hour transfer via Guapiles takes you to the Arenal region. The 5,479-foot volcano is best viewed from north-facing rooms. "The Arenal Kioro hotel was outstanding with great views of the majestic mountain and wonderful hot springs on the resort grounds," noted a TourRadar reviewer. Book a guided hike through the national park to spot sloths and howler monkeys.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Monteverde Cloud Forest

    Travel to Monteverde by boat across Lake Arenal (45 minutes) and drive up into the mountains (2.5 hours). At 4,662 feet, the weather changes quickly here. Bring layers and rain gear for cloud forest hikes. Visit the Selvatura Treetop Walkways early to explore eight suspension bridges across 3km before the crowds arrive.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Tamarindo Beach

    Drive 4 hours to reach the Pacific coast. Tamarindo offers excellent surfing and beach relaxation. "The surf town has great local charm but gets busy - book beachfront activities early in the day before the afternoon heat," a traveler recommended. A sunset sailing trip is a great way to spot marine life.

    
  • Day 10

    Return to San Jose

    Allow 4.5 hours for the drive back to San Jose airport. Book flights after 2 PM to account for traffic. "The ride from Tamarindo to San Jose was long with heavy traffic - leave extra early to make your flight," advised one reviewer.

    

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• 10 Days in Costa Rica, incl. Tortuguero and Arenal

  A striking 10-day tour through San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Manuel Antonio. Stays at distinctive properties like Pachira Lodge and Arenal Springs Resort include guided wildlife tours and canopy walks, approx. $180 per day.

  

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  • Day 1

    San Jose

    Fly into Juan Santamaria International Airport. Book an afternoon flight to avoid San Jose's busy morning traffic. You'll stay in the city center, close to local restaurants and markets.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Tortuguero National Park

    The journey starts with a 4-hour drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park, followed by a 2-hour boat ride to your lodge. Most Tortuguero lodges don't have air conditioning because they're eco-friendly. A previous visitor notes: "Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothing - the humidity is intense here." Your second day includes guided canal tours for wildlife spotting. If you're visiting during turtle nesting season (July-September), book the night tour to see sea turtles laying eggs. A traveler shares: "Don't miss the turtle nesting tour - seeing these ancient creatures up close was humbling."

    
  • Days 4-5

    Arenal Volcano Area

    The trip to Arenal takes 5 hours from Tortuguero. Consider booking an evening visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs. It's quieter than other springs nearby. Take the included volcano hike the next morning. Pro tip: "Start the volcano hike early, around 7 AM, before the clouds roll in and block the views."

    
  • Days 6-7

    Monteverde Cloud Forest

    Travel includes a scenic 45-minute boat ride across Lake Arenal and a 2.5-hour drive on mountain roads. Take motion sickness pills if needed. At 1,200 meters elevation, temperatures are cooler so pack a light jacket. The cloud forest hike offers chances to spot the rare Quetzal bird. A traveler suggests: "The Selvatura hanging bridges are worth the extra cost - you get amazing canopy views and better wildlife spotting chances from above."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Manuel Antonio

    It's a 3-hour drive to the Pacific coast. Visit the national park at 7 AM to avoid crowds and heat. Remember: The park closes on Tuesdays and doesn't allow plastic bottles. Good advice from a visitor: "Keep a tight grip on your belongings - the monkeys here are skilled thieves!"

    
  • Day 10

    Return to San Jose

    Leave Manuel Antonio in the morning for the 3-hour drive back to catch your afternoon flight.

    

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• 10 Day Costa Rica Itinerary, incl. San Jose and Santa Teresa

  Rural charm and coastal beauty blend across six destinations from San Jose to Santa Teresa. Local homestays, volcanic hot springs, cloud forest adventures, and beach relaxation create authentic experiences. Nine nights accommodation and activities total around $1,900.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    San Jose & Rural Costa Rica

    Plan to arrive in San Jose by mid-afternoon to avoid traffic. Look for hotels near Paseo Colon where you'll find plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. "The homestay in rural Coope San Juan was incredible - watching the sunset while gathering around a bonfire with locals gave us such an authentic experience of Costa Rican life."

    
  • Days 3-4

    La Fortuna & Arenal

    Take the 3.5-hour drive to La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano. Make time for the volcanic hot springs at Baldi Hot Springs in late afternoon when it's less crowded. Visit El Salto swimming hole before 10AM to beat the crowds. "The natural pools at El Salto were refreshing after a morning of canyoning - just be careful on the rocks as they get slippery."

    
  • Days 5-6

    Monteverde Cloud Forest

    Travel to Monteverde across the scenic lake with views of Arenal Volcano. Book your night safari for your first evening when you're likely to see more wildlife. Fun fact: The zipline course started as a way for scientists to study the forest canopy in the 1970s. "The early morning zipline was incredible - we saw toucans and even a quetzal bird while soaring through the misty forest."

    
  • Days 7-8

    Santa Teresa Beach

    The trip to Santa Teresa is long but the views make up for it. Try to get beachfront accommodation to catch the amazing sunsets. Take a surf lesson your first morning when the waves are gentler. "The sunset yoga class was incredibly peaceful - just remember to bring bug spray as the sand fleas come out at dusk."

    
  • Days 9-10

    Montezuma & Departure

    Take a day trip to the laid-back beach town of Montezuma. Start early to see the waterfalls before it gets too hot. Plan 5 hours for your return shuttle to San Jose or take a domestic flight for about $100. "Book the 11AM shuttle from Santa Teresa - the early one often runs late due to picking up other passengers."

    

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