The Ultimate Guide for Costa Rica: Itinerary 10 Days

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We recently took an unforgettable family trip to Costa Rica, and it truly lived up to the hype! To make the most of our adventure, we put together a 10-day itinerary that perfectly balanced excitement and relaxation—and I’m thrilled to share it with you.

This guide includes everything you need for a smooth, memorable trip, including our daily itinerary, tips, and alternate options so you can customize your experience. Costa Rica has it all for families: stunning beaches, lush jungles, and relaxing hot springs. We mainly explored the Guanacaste region for its beautiful beaches, giving us time to soak up the culture at a slower pace, which is a huge plus with kids.

Whether you’re seeking jungle adventures, beach time, or serene hot springs, I’ve covered the highlights by region to help you plan your perfect Costa Rican getaway. Let’s dive into the adventure!

Quick Guide of Costa Rica

Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Costa Rica to help plan your epic adventure!

Costa Rica Itinerary 10 Days:

Here are the different Itineraries you can use for your convenience and needs

Costa Rica 10 day family Itinerary for slow travel: Guanacaste South and North

Explore Guanacaste from the South to the North. Guanacaste is one of the busiest areas in Costa Rica, but honestly we like that and also we stayed in hotels that didn’t make it feel super busy at all.

Day 1 in Tamarindo

Arrival from Liberia airport is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

We got a great deal at Occidental Tamarindo arrive late and enjoy the amenities at resort also is close to restaurants and I recommend a late-night stroll to soak up Tamarindo’s lively energy.

Day 2 Surf, Beach and Relaxation

The next day, we visited Langosta Beach, about 1.5 miles south of Tamarindo. You can get there by parking along the road near the Occidental Hotel and following a dirt path to the beach.

For a unique experience, try horseback riding from Tamarindo to Langosta, where you can explore tide pools and enjoy the long stretch of beach. Langosta has great surf, though it’s better suited for experienced surfers. Our son rented a board and loved the surf break here!.

Surf Lessons in Tamarindo

Langosta Beach offers a peaceful, uncrowded escape with beautiful white sands, just a short distance from Tamarindo. It’s quieter here because it lacks the bustling restaurants and tourist facilities of its neighbor. Accessible via Calle Playa Langosta, this beach is great for swimming when currents are calm, and there’s a lifeguard near the Occidental Hotel from 8 am to 5 pm.

When ocean swimming isn’t ideal, you can enjoy a natural lazy river formed by the Las Baulas National Marine Park river flowing into the ocean—perfect for a relaxing float. We spent a leisurely day here swimming, floating in the river, and simply relaxing on the beach. Langosta’s laid-back vibe is worth it!

The area also offers plenty of tide pools to explore and the chance to take a boat safari through Las Baulas National Park.

Tamarindo Estuary Boat Safari

We spend a day not doing much just at the beach, swimming, getting in the lazy river and lay down at the beach. Believe me this lay back area worth it .

At Langosta beach there is plenty of tide pools that we enjoyed exploring

TIP:

While relaxing at the beach we trying the Guaro Sour made with Costa Rica’s sugarcane called Cacique Guaro. The guaro sour, is a very popular cocktail made with Cacique Gauro, lemon and sugar syrup. You should try it!

Day 3 Exploring Town

We opted for another beach day, enjoying the pool and even spotting huge iguanas in a nearby tree—an unexpected nature show the boys loved! The beach was full of birdlife, bringing nature right to us.

In the evening, we took a walk into Tamarindo with the boys to explore the town. In our way there we found a huge family of monkeys that live on the trees around just walking through the electric cable lines. You can see that here. It was quite a show. Tamarindo is about 15 minutes waking and 5 minutes by car from playa Langosta, but if you stay in Tamarindo enjoy it.

Tamarindo Snorkel and Sunset Cruise with Lunch

Tamarindo town lay along the Tamarindo beach in the past it was a quiet fishing village. It is a very alive beach and town with lots of restaurants and nightlife. Great for not just surfers and also for families.

Tamarindo offers snorkeling tours, and the northern end of the beach is perfect for swimming and surf lessons, with bigger waves ideal for beginners. Though busy, Tamarindo’s 1.5-mile stretch has plenty of food options along the way, so you can grab a bite as you explore. Be sure to pick up some souvenirs, and enjoy the lively mix of locals and tourists—it’s all part of the experience!

Snorkeling Experience in Tamarindo

Try the ice cream at Venezia Gelati and caffe located at Calle Tamarindo Diria and stroll around the busy town.

Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo

Day 4: Rincon de la Vieja

After swimming in the morning at the beach by hotel we departed to go to Rincon de la Vieja (1 hour to from Tamarindo area) and stay in Hacienda Guachipelin. Check deal here. We decided to stay there after found out that many attractions are walking distance and the Hacienda has free shuttles to take you to your destinations.

This because we were not renting a car to move around. We wanted to relax and enjoy walking around. We took a taxi to get there and cost around $100 but there are more affordable option.

Check our favorite roller for international trips here

Rincon de la Vieja is a National Park is what locals recommend us to visit and they were right. This is the costal active volcano in Guanacaste and the largest one in the area. this park was decelerate by UNESCO as World Heritage Site of the Guanacaste Conservation Area. If you are not staying there the entrance cost in c 800 pesos.

The name Rincon de la Vieja means “The Old Woman’s Corner”, or “Old Woman’s Nook”. There is a legend that states that “the princes Curabanda whose lover Mixcoac, was the chief of a neighboring enemy tribe, was thrown into the crater by her father Curabande after he learned about their affair”. “After she refuged on the side of he volcano and fate she gave birth a son she throw him to the volcano so she can be with his father. where she lived the rest of her life and got healing powers.”

The volcano erupted in 2021 and is now active, so close access is restricted. However, nearby hot springs and fumaroles are still accessible. Alongside Rincón de la Vieja, Costa Rica’s other active volcanoes include Poás, Irazú, Miravalles, Arenal, and Turrialba.

After arriving, we took a short 1.5 km hike to the Chorreras waterfall, just a 20-minute walk from Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin. It’s a peaceful spot with a beautiful pool formed by a tropical waterfall. The contrasting blue and dark waters are amazing, and we had the place all to ourselves! Just keep in mind it’s for swimming only, not diving.

Two twin falls cascade into a mineral-rich pool surrounded by a small canyon of volcanic rock, creating a private, tropical oasis perfect for a refreshing dip. The short walk to the falls winds through a dry tropical forest, where we enjoyed birdwatching and spotted a colony of hard-working leaf-cutter ants, much to my son’s excitement. After a relaxing time at the falls, we wrapped up the evening with a meal back at the hotel.

Day 5 in Costa Rica : Rafting at Rio Tenorio

Try Water rafting at Rio Tenorio

The next day, we checked off a family bucket list item: white water rafting on Rio Tenorio. It was our first time, and though I was a bit nervous for the kids, they handled it like pros, even smiling after we flipped twice! We booked with Tenorio Adventure, which included breakfast and transport to the river.

Many companies offer rafting here—just look for one with good reviews. Our guide was knowledgeable, giving us confidence, but remember, rafting with kids has risks, so consider what your kids are ready for.

Tenorio River Class III & IV White Water Rafting

The rafting was a blast! The boys were tired afterward, but my husband and I still had energy to explore more of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. We took a short, windy hike to Poza Roja, just 1.5 km from the hotel, passing archaeological sites and learning about the native people along the way.

Poza Roja is a beautiful, relaxing spot with cool river water and red stones, surrounded by picturesque dry forest. Though we arrived late, it’s definitely worth visiting earlier in the day for the best views before heading back to the conveniently close hotel.

Day 6 – Oropenza Waterfall

We choose to star the day early with the plan to do a short hike and visit the waterfall Oropenza, you can do this and also Hike to volcano path Rincon de la Vieja.

This is on The Las Pailas sector you can find Fumaroles, geysers, bubbling mud pots, and many other attractions give you an experience that you won’t find in any other volcano in Costa Rica. It is a 2.10 miles loop through the tropical dry forest.

The Oropendola Waterfall is a stunning 25-meter cascade into a turquoise pool within the Blanco River canyon. The water’s cold but refreshing! We reached it using the hotel’s shuttle, which dropped us off at 8:30 and picked us up at 11:30, giving us a few hours to explore.

Rincon de la vieja Volcano Hike, Oropenza Waterfall, Hot Springs & Lunch Combo

After a short hike from the entrance and crossing a 200-pound-capacity hanging bridge, we arrived at the waterfall. It has a jump-off spot and isn’t crowded, so we enjoyed the peaceful setting. The boys loved jumping in, and I even made my first jump! If you’re not staying at Hacienda, you can book a similar adventure nearby.

If you are not staying at the hacienda you can book similar adventure here

Then we went to explore the other waterfall that are smaller. We took the shuttle that drop us at Rio Negro Hot springs. After a cold waterfall the hot springs were perfect for relaxing. We spend an hour there enjoying the hot spring and refreshing on the cold river.

Here, we saw a river snake but the hot spring but the people in charge of the park took acre of it. Exciting!!! On the entrance they provide you towel and there are bathrooms and changing rooms

If you are not staying at the hacienda you can book similar adventure here

Just a very close distance you find the Rio negro waterfalls it is a 0.8 miles hike with 4 small waterfalls that takes about 20 minutes to finish. We love this tiny waterfall it was pleasant to swimming there.

We sat of the Botton of one getting there very carefully because it can be slippery and felt the waterfall in our heads it was so relaxing. ire command you not to miss it if you are in this area. The boys wanted to jump but if it is not recommend it to dive and make sure if deep enough to jump there.

Now that we were all relaxed we decided to go to and after having lunch we decided to end the day with a zip lining adventure in the canyon. We made our reservations and went for lunch at hotel.

I know it sound like a lot but we had enough energy. You could do this in 2 days if you want to.

Go ziplining in Hacienda Guachipelin:

This zip lining experience is so unique at Hacienda Guachipelin. We zip ling through the White River Canyon, form by water erosion over million of years, and cross. Not just 1 or 2 zip lines we did 8 ! from treetop to treetop above past grand waterfalls, with rappel and rock climb including swing like Tarzan that stop our hearts.

At Hacienda Guachipelin’s Adventure Center, just a short walk from our hotel, we found an adrenaline-packed canyoning experience for about $200 for our family of four. The canyon was impressive, with hanging bridges and a 20-meter rappel (which we skipped), plus a “Tarzan” swim that was terrifying for me but thrilled my fearless 10-year-old! The tour lasted over an hour, packed with heart-pounding moments.

We loved staying at Hacienda Guachipelin—everything was conveniently within walking distance, making it perfect for families with kids. Highly recommended for adventure seekers! If you’re not staying at the Hacienda, you can book this adventure separately.

Other adventure combos are available at Hacienda Guachipelin as well!

Volcano Hike, Waterfall Swim & Hot Springs Combo on Rincon de la Vieja

Guachipelin Adventure Volcano Zipline Horseback River Tubing Comboorseback River Tubing Combo

Hacienda Guachipelin One Day Adventure Pass and you can book it here

Day 7 in Costa Rica Papagayo

After breakfast at Hacienda Guachipelin, we headed to the Gulf of Papagayo, about an hour away. Since our hotel’s beach wasn’t swimmable, we decided to explore Playa Coco, a 20-minute drive.

A taxi cost $25, but we needed cash, as Costa Rica has limited ATMs, and many local restaurants are cash-only. This wasn’t an issue at the hotel but made eating out trickier.

Playa Coco is a popular local spot and sort of big around this area. It has lots of commercial places, restaurants and sort of big town. Here is where you can find the appreciate ATM machines in the area. Although this beach doesn’t have pristine water. It is where lots of locals hang out and there is so much street food, kids playing basketball without shoes. We stroll down and watch the sunset form there.

Although we found a group of kids didn’t mind playing volleyball over us. We got a taste of local life for sure.

We ate at a local restaurant, but the fly problem made hard to eat. Unfortunately we didn’t find any food in Costa Rica amazing. I will say if you like to see local living explore Playa del Coco be ready for discomfort which is what travel for right?

At Paya coco you can book a Catamaran tour like this. It is located 1 hr 24 min from Tamarindo and 30 minutes taxi cost $35

Day 8 Costa Rica 10 Day Itinerary

Go Sport fishing at Papagayo Gulf

My husband wanted to check his bucket list and catch a big fish. You can book a sport finish boat online they pick you up by our hotel. They pick up us in playa Panama (remember Is not swimmable friendly) jump on the boat and go out to Papagayo Golf. We saw many schools of Tunas jumping .

During our trip in the bote we were lucky to fins a huge pack of whale 7 in total. We were lucky to find a pack of whales (7 in total) even the locals fisherman were surprised to see the many. It was just magical.

After the magnificent show we were able to caught a barracuda and we took I to aqua sport restaurant where the cook it for us and spend the rest of the day there. During the sport fishing tour they will make tuna and feed us providing refreshment and they were very helpful. They caught several fishes and was a fun experience for the boys.

Papagayo Gulf Sport Fishing – North Pacific Tours

With your fish you can either go back to the hotel or stop at Playa hermosa to get it cook. We did and hang out at Aqua Sport where they made a ceviche for us and some chicharrones for no additional cost.

Day 9 Costa Rica

On our lat day since we were enchanted by Playa Hermosa, so we decided to come back the taxi cost us $25. It is a short distance but is the cost of taxis in Costa Rica since there are no many as well as ATM Machines!

We played at the beach, got a beach massage per $45 and rented Jet skies and cost $100 per an hour – you dont sign any weaver 🙈

However we didn’t drive the much and the money we save in renting a car we use it for other adventure as sport fishing. A perfect way to end a great trip.

Day 10 Costa Rica Itinerary

A day to get ready and leave to airport. We took our Covid test the day before and results were ready this day.

Notes:

For an extra dose of adventure on your trip, consider adding a few exciting tours to your list. Try a full-day excursion to Rincón de la Vieja with horseback riding and ziplining—it’s a great way to experience the volcano and the surrounding landscapes. If Hacienda Guachipelin at Rincón de la Vieja is fully booked, there are other nearby options.

Another choice is a day trip to Arenal Volcano for a change of scenery. Some people rent a car, but we prefer a slower travel style, staying in one place to fully enjoy the local vibe and support the community. This slower approach is also more eco-friendly, but it all depends on your budget and preferences.

We stayed at Occidental Tamarindo—it was decent for the location, near Playa Papagayo, though pricey during New Year’s when options were limited due to holiday bookings. We chose this spot to keep things easy with the kids, avoiding long hikes in the heat.

Our trip was in late December to early January, so keep peak-season crowds in mind. We avoid cramming in too many places to allow for relaxation and spontaneous exploration. For a 10-day Costa Rica itinerary, activities like ziplining, white water rafting, and canyoning are must-dos and can be found in many areas around the country.

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season from December to April. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect in each season:

December to April (Dry Season)

• Weather: Sunny, warm, and perfect for beaches, with temperatures in the 70s-90s °F (20-30 °C).
• Crowds & Prices: This is the high season, so it’s popular with tourists, meaning higher prices and busier attractions, especially around holidays.
• Highlights: Ideal for exploring Costa Rica’s outdoor activities, from beaches to volcanoes. Wildlife viewing is also great, especially at the beginning of the dry season.

May to November (Green/Rainy Season)

• Weather: Expect daily rain showers, but mornings are often clear. The lush, green landscapes are stunning, though roads can be muddy in more remote areas.
• Crowds & Prices: Fewer tourists and lower prices make this a great time to visit for budget-conscious travelers and those who want a quieter experience.
• Highlights: Perfect for river rafting and waterfalls. The rain transforms the scenery, and you’ll have many spots almost to yourself. September and October see the heaviest rainfall but are still ideal for visiting the Caribbean coast, which remains relatively dry.

Best Time Overall: December to April for sun-seekers, while May to July offers a quieter, lush experience perfect for nature lovers.

Costa Rica Itineraries Ideas

Costa Rica has so much to offer that you could easily cover four spots in two days—but that’s not our style. If fast-paced travel is your thing, though, I’ve got some options you’ll love. The main tourist hubs are Guanacaste, Arenal, and the Caribbean coast. Up next, I’ll share itinerary ideas for exploring these areas, with tips on distances and highlights—just keep reading to get a feel for each spot!

Costa Rica Itinerary 10 days: Guanacaste and Arenal

Where to Stay in Costa Rica

I wrote a whole blog post about it , you can check it here or go ahead and read this:

Luxury Spa:

Arenal Springs

If you want a bit more luxury feeling Stayed at this is an amazing resort at Rio Guanacaste. Both have activity centers (zipline lines, horseback riding, etc right on property). Lots of natural hot springs of different temperatures, private villa style rooms.

Los Lagos Resort at la Fortuna

Volcano Lodge

with a Hotel and Thermal experience. It has rooms with private thermal pools.

Finca Luna Nueva

has beautiful family bungalows

Unique Airbnb:

Parrot Hill Ranch if you want to get away form expensive resorts and a homestay feeling. located 30 minutes from town. To get to this place you will need a 4X4 or high-clearance rental vehicle to access to this 50-acre location. This is a working ranch’s animals and kids can help with animals; with easy access to horseback riding, hiking, and archery. The house comes with a full kitchen but meals are available.

Things to Consider for a Family Vacation in Costa Rica

Think about your priorities: do you want to hit every tourist attraction or relax and soak in the jungle vibes? In Costa Rica, distances are significant, so plan around your time and interests.

For example, if surfing is your focus, Tamarindo in Guanacaste North offers some of the best waves. However, it’s a 4-hour drive from San Jose airport and 2 hours from Liberia, though Tamarindo has a small domestic airport if you prefer to fly.

If you’re after a true jungle experience, consider dedicating time to the Arenal area in La Fortuna, or heading south in Guanacaste or to the Caribbean side, like Tortuguero, for lush landscapes and wildlife. Each region has something unique—just prioritize what fits your ideal trip!

Frequent Questions about Traveling to Costa Rica

What are the Airports in costa Rica?

San Jose Airport (SJO)

San Jose’s airport is one of Costa Rica’s main international hubs, located in the capital city. It’s about a 3-hour drive to Guanacaste, 3 hours to the La Fortuna/Arenal area, and around 2 hours 40 minutes to Manuel Antonio.

Liberia International Airport (LIR) – Daniel Oduber International Airport

The second major airport in Costa Rica, Liberia’s airport is located in Guanacaste’s capital city. It’s ideal for beach lovers, with top resorts and beaches just an hour away. Key distances include:

• 1 hour to Tamarindo
• 4 hours to La Fortuna
• 4 hours to Manuel Antonio

Arenal Airport

A domestic airport serving La Fortuna, Arenal Airport offers convenient access to the Arenal Volcano area, and it’s just a 1-hour flight from Liberia.

Is Tamarindo Worth a Visit?

Absolutely! We included Tamarindo in our 10-day Costa Rica itinerary because it’s one of the best spots for surfing and soaking up sunshine. Located in northern Guanacaste, it’s a prime destination for surfers and beach lovers alike.

• Distance from Liberia Airport: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Distance from San Jose Airport: Approximately 4 hours

Is Arenal worth Visit?

Absolutely! Even without active eruptions, the Arenal area is breathtaking, filled with vibrant greenery, exotic flowers, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Whether or not you spot the volcano, the surrounding region is packed with adventures and stunning landscapes.

The Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most famous sights, known for its stunning, symmetrical cone shape and the lush Arenal Volcano National Park that surrounds it. Once the country’s most active volcano, it averaged 41 eruptions per day until it entered a resting phase in 2010. While it’s not currently erupting, Arenal still offers incredible adventures, from hiking and hot springs to ziplining and wildlife tours.

Planning Your Visit for the Best Views
To catch a clear view of Arenal, timing is everything. The tropical clouds can often obscure the volcano, so it’s best to visit during Costa Rica’s dry season, from April to October. Many travelers have come hoping to see the volcano, only to be met with cloud cover—so plan accordingly if views are a priority.

Getting There

• From Liberia Airport: 2.5 hours by car
• From San Jose Airport: About 4.5 hours (road conditions can sometimes extend travel time)
• From Beaches Like Coco, Gulf of Papagayo, or Tamarindo: Roughly 4 hours, so plan for a day of driving.

Transportation Costs
A rental car costs around $400 for a 10-day trip—an excellent investment for the flexibility it offers in exploring Arenal and beyond.

Here’s a quick itinerary with fun activities to make the most of your Arenal adventure!

Other ideas: Vernado Cave tour, or day pass to The Springs to river tube.

Is la Fortuna Area worth visit?

Definitely, I always encourage people to thing about what they are looking into their trips, so if your trip is to see the jungle. Definitely this is a great area to to explore the jungle in Costa Rica and try different adventures as zip lining, water rafting. This area is full of lush rainforest greenery.

One great attraction is La Fortuna Waterfall one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, just a 15-minute hike. Another popular place to visit is Arenal Hanging Bridges.

Things to keep in Mind when visiting Costa Rica with kids

For a smooth trip with kids in Costa Rica, prioritize your time wisely. The country has countless attractions, but they’re spread out, and rough roads can make travel long. Instead of trying to do it all, choose one area to explore if your time is limited. If you have more time, then go for it!

Costa Rica is perfect for relaxing and adventuring. Think about what your family enjoys—almost every region has exciting options like white water rafting and ziplining. Just be mindful of what your kids can handle based on their age and interests. For example, if they’re too young for rafting, maybe a beach day would be better.

If you’re bringing a little one, pack the right gear! A good carrier or backpack for hikes is essential, and plan outdoor time around naps if your child needs quiet. Some kids sleep on the go; others need more calm.

In the end, Costa Rica is full of adventure. You can’t see it all in one trip, so just enjoy each spot and make the most of where you are!

Driving or not driving and areas to Visit:

When planning a trip with kids in Costa Rica, consider driving times carefully. For instance, if you’re flying into San Jose and plan to visit Manuel Antonio and La Fortuna, the drive between them can take about five hours on sometimes bumpy roads. If you’re only visiting for a week, hopping between these spots may feel rushed. To save time and avoid stress, consider a private transfer, which also gives you a break from navigating the roads yourself.

If renting a car, know that Costa Rica requires you to buy local third-party insurance, which can’t be replaced by credit card insurance. Expedia offers rentals with insurance included (around $17/day), and Adobe Rentals gets great reviews. For long drives, especially with kids prone to car sickness, pack Dramamine or pressure-point bracelets, and use a Noggle (an air vent extender) for cool airflow.

A popular route is to go from San Jose to La Fortuna, then head to Manuel Antonio, saving other areas for a future trip. If you’re staying in one area, like Rincon de la Vieja, where activities are on-site, a car may not be necessary—many tour operators offer pickup. We used a driver between Guanacaste, Rincon de la Vieja, and back to the airport, making the trip smoother and more relaxing.

Few Rental Car Companies:

Odyssey Tours Puntarenas

Costa Rica for drivers. 

Areas in Costa Rica

Caribbean Side and Pacific Side of Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s Pacific side, especially near the airports in Guanacaste, is the most developed and includes popular regions like North and South Guanacaste, the Nicoya Peninsula, Central and South Pacific, and the Osa Peninsula. The farther southwest you go, the more rustic and rural it becomes, but it’s still incredibly beautiful.

On the Caribbean coast, divided into North (Tortuguero) and South (Puerto Viejo), you’ll find pristine, untouched beaches and a laid-back vibe. While it’s harder to access and has fewer luxury resorts, the Caribbean offers a unique experience with bamboo bungalows, fewer crowds, and plenty of wildlife like monkeys and sloths.

Guanacaste

Guanacaste, located in northwest Costa Rica, is the country’s most developed and tourist-friendly Pacific region, but don’t worry—it’s nothing like Cancun. Known for its laid-back vibe and growing appeal, Guanacaste offers amazing surf spots and adventure-friendly landscapes, covering parts of the Nicoya Peninsula and bordering the Puntarenas province.

The region is home to Santa Rosa National Park with rare dry tropical forests and the Cordillera de Guanacaste, featuring volcanoes like Rincón de la Vieja, Tenorio, Miravalles, and Orosi. These volcanoes have unique features like fumaroles, geysers, and cloud forests, with some even supporting geothermal energy production.

Northern Guanacaste  

Northern Guanacaste, close to the Liberia Airport, is particularly popular for its beaches, including Playa del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal, Tamarindo, and the Papagayo Peninsula. With plenty of all-inclusive resorts, this area has a mix of expats and tourists, while other spots like Samara, Nosara, and Santa Teresa offer a more relaxed vibe. One of the reason this area is popular is due to is close to Liberian International airport and you find many resorts.

Despite being the driest coastal area in Costa Rica, It is home of one of the remnant of tropical dry forest left in Central America. I will strongly suggest you to include this area in your Costa Rica Itinerary 10 days.

Main Attractions

Playa Tamarindo: Tamarindo is a lively beach town popular with both locals and tourists, transforming from a quiet fishing village into a bustling area with restaurants, nightlife, and activities for families and surfers alike. The north end of the beach has bigger waves for surfing, while the south side is ideal for swimming.

A standout place to stay is the beachfront Capitan Suizo Hotel, offering spacious rooms and bungalows, a zero-entry pool, and even monkeys overhead—plus, it’s walkable to town spots.

Located just over an hour from the Liberia Airport, taxis to Tamarindo cost around $75–$90.Distance from airport San Jose is 5 hours and 3 hours from Liberian airport

Playa Langosta: As I said this beach white sands is quieter and significantly less crowed that Tamarindo although it is very close. Located by the occidental Tamarindo however there is beach access by Calle Playa Langosta. It is a great place for advance surfer and also for swimming when the currents is right and at the right place. there is a lifeguard from the hotel from 8-5 pm preventing and helping people. When you can swim in the ocean you have the river coming the Las Baulas National Marine Park build an awesome lazy river that people enjoy getting on on.

Distance located 10 minutes walking from Tamarindo or 5 minutes driving. Taxis are $10

Playa Conchal: We didn’t visit this beach but we hear has white sand and clear warm water, Playa Conchal is a popular destination for families and sun lovers. Distance located just North of Tamarindo Only 20 minutes from Tamarindo taxis cost $25 each trip. Here you can rent jets ski click here to see how.

El Rincon de la Vieja

As I explained Rican de la Vieja in Guanacaste is a must visit! Find our itinerary on the top of this post. Here you find one of the active volcano in Costa Rica, also Zip Lining adventure, the Oropendola Waterfall and pails Trails, where you can admire the varied terrain and animal watching, also Poza Roja and Chorrreras waterfall loop among other amazing thing.

We love staying in Hacienda Guachipelin because everything was was distance accessible. So convenient when you have kids. I highly recommend this place for adventure seekers. You should considerate this area for an itinerary of 10 days if you visit Costa Rica. Distance This volcano is located 48 minutes from Liberian airport and taxis cost $35-45. Distance from airport San Jose is 4 hours 45 minutes

Visit Cangreja Waterfall: This another beautiful waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja, to get there is a 5.9 mile hike. So, quite a hike we didn’t do it with kids because we had other ones close by. However if you have time and up for the challenge people said it worth it! Also it is great to watch the wild life as monkeys, howler monkeys and spider monkeys, coatis, armadillos, agoutis, iguanas, and birds such as the bobo bird or the emerald tucancillo.

It is a 40 meters waterfall. In despite we spend tree days at hacienda Guachipelin we couldn’t go to this but we would love to visit next time.

Water rafting at Rio Tenorio

The Gulf of Papagayo :Here you find Playa Papagayo, Playa Coco, and Playa Hermosa among others. It is a great area for sport fishing and whale watching or just to get a sunset sail and play with jet ski. Distance: It is located 30 minutes from the Liberia International Airport and 1 hour and half to get to the Gulf de Papagayo.

Playa Papagayo :This is a dark sand beach and the foliage reaches almost the shore. It is a tranquil beach for families because its mild waves.

Playa Coco: A popular local beach with main commercial development on the area.

• Distance 1 hr 24 min from Tamarindo and 30 minutes taxi cost $35

• Distance from airport: Liberia is half hour

• Distance from airport: San Jose 4 hours 17 minutes

Playa Hermosa: We love the lay back feeling of Playa Hermosa. It is located next to Playa del Coco, It is hard to find taxi in this place. So plan in advance! Distance Just 26 minutes from Liberia airport and 4 hours 10 minutes from San Jose.

Southern Guanacaste  

The Southern Guanacaste goes down to Samara and Nosara beaches. This part of the country has great beaches and surf areas and is very tourist but not as commercial as other. Here you find Samara, Santa Teresa and Montezuma beaches. Distance 2 hour drive from Liberia International Airport.

Main Attractions:

Explore Nosara area – Visit playa Guiones, playa Pelada, playa Oscipital: Nosara is locate on the Nicoya Peninsula. It’s known for its lay back style however it is actually no the cheapest area since drive many surfers and yoga retreat fans. Distance from Liberia drive 2-2.5 hours. Keep in mind that the roads can be dirt and gravel with huge potholes/holes all over. 

Playa Pelada has a reef just offshore and a tidal blowhole. On this area you can find Sanctuary rescues.

Playa Guiones: is very well know for is surf break and good waves. It is the bigger beach of all the Nosara beaches. It has 4.3 miles of beach and is surfers paradise because it has multiple beach breaks along.  And as I said at this area you find lots of yoga retreats.

Playa del Ostional, located 20 minutes north from Playa Guiones in Nosara. Here you find plenty of wildlife experiences. Why? because is where green sea turtle (olive Ridley, Leatherback and Green Sea) come to lay their eggs from July to December every year. For this reason is a protected zone. You can find programs where people can volunteer and help with their conservations.

There are small motorboat ecotour that can takes you to explore the rivers Nosara and Montana. The plenty of flora and fauna in this region leads to great natural experiences. In short time you can find monkeys, crocodiles, parrots and iguanas.

Also there is opportunities to do zip lining, and visiting animal sanctuaries as the Sibu Wildlife sanctuary.  The town is small and easy to navigate with enough restaurants. In the evenings, everyone would stroll down the dirt roads to the beach to watch the sunset. It is a must do tradition on this area, because they are great.

Visit Samara beach

Next, drive about and hour and a half to get from Nosara area to Samara beach. It is Located in the north side of Guanacaste in Nicola Peninsula. Distance is 2 hours from Liberia Airport and between 3-5 hours from airport San Jose depending on the road and you will beed to drive around the golf Nicoya.

This beach is well known by its beautiful palm that lined by the main beach and its picturesque look. Here you find a town full of life and restaurant, the beach it is very close to all restaurants. Its Calm water and the reef right on the beach make a great place to swim and enjoy water sports. It is one of the reasons is a popular destination for families.

Explore Belen Waterfall: In this area and just 20 minutes from Samara is located this beautiful waterfall. It has different swimming holes and super popular among locals. At this rustic area there are no facilities, the entrance is even unmarked. So make sure to ask the locals if you there.

Visit a Macaw Center: This refuge for mamas is located 50 minutes south of Samara. Here you get the chance to observe this bird on their habitat and learn about their conservations since this parrots are endangered in Costa Rica. So their goal is breed parrots and let them are, however they keep coming back. This area is amazing and should be considerate for a Costa Rica Itinerary of 10 days on its own or just explore some of these areas and include others.

Visit Santa Teresa and Malpaís : Is a popular areas that are growing fast and Nosara is being called the next Tulum. As always In Costa Rica coast there are great areas for surfing, fishing and go scuba diving. Distance is about 4 and half hour ride from Liberia and six hours from San Jose Airport and required to take a ferry.

A private car will cost around $230 or shuttles charge $40 per person on shared shuttles.

The Central Pacific Coast area in Costa Rica

Puntarenas: Punta arenas is a beautiful region with lot of city feeling and has many island to explore. Here you find Cabo Blanco Reserve, and Coco island among others attractions that worth visiting. Locals “Ticos” love to explore since is the area where you can take your boat ride to all these island in the Gulf of Nicoya.

Distance it takes just 20 minutes from San Jose airport while from Liberia Airport it can take 2 hours and a half.

Monteverde Cloud forest: It is approximately 3 hr 27 min from Manuel Antonio National Park and 2 hr 55 min  from el Arenal. Distance 2 hours from Liberian airport and similar time from San Jose Airport

Monteverde cloud forest is another well know attraction. It is located in mountains. It has 10,500 hectares and of cloud forest 90% is virgin forest so you can expect lots of animals and natural diversity. The vegetation is tropical and located on the mountainous. Located in The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

It is located in Puntarenas. The entrance is $25 and $5 parking fee. The walkways were originally constructed for scientists seeking to learn more and discover new creatures but now is one of major attractions.

Hotels in Puntarenas Hotel Fonda Vela – large rooms, friendly staff 

Things to do:

1. Hiking in the Monteverde cloud forest
2. Curi-Cancha reserve
3. Skytrek hanging bridges
4. Ziplining
5. Night wildlife tour
6. Horse ride

Restaurants

The Treehouse – great food and the restaurant is built around a huge tree

Manuel Antonio National Park:

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s top tourist spots, known for its beautiful beaches (like Playa Gemela, Playa Manuel Antonio for snorkeling, and Playa Espadilla) and abundant wildlife, including iguanas, agoutis, and three types of monkeys. It’s a well-developed area with plenty of amenities, but it can get crowded; for fewer people, head to the more distant Playa Espadilla.

While it’s a stunning park, you can spot much of this wildlife elsewhere in Costa Rica if Manuel Antonio doesn’t fit into your plans. The park also features a seasonal waterfall, Punta Cathedral and Punta Serrucho viewpoints, and an 18-hectare mangrove parallel to Playa Espadilla Sur with vibrant marine life.

For tips on including Manuel Antonio in a 10-day Costa Rica itinerary, see the suggestions above.

Distance: It is located one hour and a half from the airport of San Jose and around 3 to 4 hours from the airport of Liberia.

Activities at Manual Antonio National Park:

1. Monkey Mangrove boat tour
2. Adventure tour
3. Horseback/waterfall tours
4. Surf lessons
5. White water rafting
6. Paragliding
7. Caving
8. Sloth Tour
9. kayaking
10. Waterfall tours

Hotels:

Los Altos in Manuel Antonio Has a elevator literally opened into our hotel suite. We mostly hung out at the pool and private beach.

Hotel Paradour

Dining

El Avion amazing sunset views!

Casa Capuchin in Manuel Antonio. Here you should expect monkeys come at the house every day and interacted with the kids.

More information here

Jaco beach

Jaco beach is a popular and beautiful beach located at the North of Manuel Antonio National Park. It is a city beach in a beautiful palm tree beach. I said a city beach, because its location and have a party vibe. It is surrounded by big buildings and luxury resorts. So there is plenty of night life and good surfing for beginners.

Things you can do here are also fishing, kayak, snorkeling. Also is a good point to start visit Tortuga Island Cruise, Mangrove & Crocodile.

Carara National Park

Carara is another Costa Rica’s popular National Parks, due to its proximity to San José located on the Northern area where the rain forest turn into tropical dry forest. In this place you can see cruise ship’s passengers arrive for day trips and also is a destination for local field trips. Distance distance from both airports is about 3 hours and a half.

Bijagual Waterfall

The Bijagual waterfall is a impressive 590 feet waterfall. Located near Turrubares, San José and close to Jaco beach. It is 3.7 miles out and back moderate hike.

However, the trail include plenty of climbing rocks so don’t forget to bring the right shoes for this. Another popular way to get there is with guide ride horses because it can get muddy and slippery when wet.

Herradura Beach

Located just 4 kilometers from Jaco Beach, Playa Herradura is a beautiful and tranquil beach with calm water and is perfect for swimmers. Its name come from the shape of the bay. Located in a developed area, with plenty of hotels and resorts, major grocery stores, and night life. Distance 1 hour from San Jose Airport .

Isla Chiquita

From Punta Arenas you could take a ferry to Isla Chiquita a private island located 40 minutes in ferry. Located in the peaceful Gulf of Nicoya. The only island glamping destination in Costa Rica. It blends the fun excitement of camping with traditional comforts and hotel amenities.

From Isla Chiquita, explorers can connect with unique experiences and adventures. From magical bioluminescence expeditions (where seawater glows in the dark) to island-hopping and artisan fishing.

Whale Tail

It is located in the remote and small town of Uvita, is part of Parque Nacional Marino Ballena. It is famous because the hundreds of humpback whales congregate each year to breed and raise their young.

It may not have white sand beaches but still an amazing place to visit. Make sure to catch a sunset here. I mean, you can’t really go wrong with sunset views in Costa Rica, but this place is special. If you want to explore around you will need a 4×4. The restaurant Mirador Don Roger has a great view to watch this unique sunset.

Distance it is about 3-4 hours from San Jose airport and 5 hours from Liberia airport

The Nicoya Peninsula 

Nicoya Peninsula is more inaccessible, and for this reason its beautiful beaches are not crowd. It is located between the northern Guanacaste Province and southern Puntarenas Province. The commercial centre in the region is Nicoya, one of the oldest settlements in Costa Rica.

You can access using the ferries that run between the town of Puntarenas (mainland) and the Nicoya Peninsula. Nicoyan is know for its older population and it has the country’s highest calcium content, that credit lower rates and heart disease.

The beaches you find here are: Santa Teresa, Mal País in the south, Montezuma, Paquera, Tambor and Grande, and in Las Baulas National Marine Park, in the north.
This area is the turtle paradise. The Leatherback turtles nest and hatch at Playa Grande. Olive ridley turtles arrive farther south at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge, the second largest beach where the turtles come to nest, at Santa Rosa national park a protected area.

This is about a 4 hour drive from Liberia International Airport and 4-5 hour drive or drive/ferry from San Jose International Airport.

The South Pacific Coast

The Southern Zone of Costa Rica is the most remote of all the areas with a dense forest. No much development here and with tropical weather (hot and humid). Here you find protected areas and dense rainforest. Because the large protected area such of them is uninhabited. It home of 3 National Parks: Corcovado, Piedras Blancas, and La Amistad National Parks.

Once there It is hard to get around, and you will need 4 wheels cars but it is a great ecotourism area where you can find few natural lodges in the Golfo Dulce and along the Osa Peninsula.Distance from airport Liberia is about 7 hours and from airport San Jose is about 8 hours.

The Osa Peninsula 

It is a biologically diverse area in Costa Rica with untouched rainforest and secluded beaches. Remotes and breathtaking views. Located on the Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, and bound on the northwest by Drake Bay, on the west by the Pacific Ocean, and on the east by the Golfo Dulce.

Corcovado National Park is in a part of the country less explore and visited. It important due to its largest lowland rainforest in Central America and is home of the largest population of scarlet macaws in Costa Rica, second by Caracara National Park. Jaguar and pumas are other endanger species that live also at this park but is not easy to spot. A guide at the park is a requirement to visit and usually The lodges in this area offer day tours.

The wildlife here is everywhere, scarlet macaws, toucans, anteaters, the red-eyed maki tree frog, monkeys, snakes, hummingbirds, sloths and even pumas if you lucky enough!

Distance is about an 8 hour drive or 1 hour plane ride from San Jose.  Oso peninsula which you get to in a tiny tiny local plane.

Hotels

El Remanso is located on the remote Osa Peninsula, right next to Corcovado National Park. They have many trails to explore, waterfalls, tide pools, ziplines, hanging bridges, deserted beaches with huge waves, ocean-view pool!

La Paloma lodge

Drake Bay on the Pacific Ocean

After the Osa peninsula to its north is located Drake Bay. This small town is accessible by boat or small airstrip. This area provide the adventures and traveler an authentic experience.

It is easy to get Corcovado National Park and Caño Island Biological Reserve from Drake Bay. Those areas provide pristine wildlife not only snorkeling and scuba diving and waterfalls.

Cano Island Biological Reserve

Cano Island Biological Reserve is located Twelve miles offshore of Drake Bay. The island was once used as a cemetery in Pre-Columbian times and now is popular for diving and snorkeling. Down in the Costa Ballena, it changes completely as this area is still quite rural. The beaches become more spread out, all with dark sand and waters. The South Pacific is a little like the Caribbean in the sense that there aren’t many people and it’s more jungle.

Here you can do here is Snorkel Cano island, nighttime creature/bug tour and remote mangrove kayak tour.

Costa Rica Caribbean Side

Tortuguero

Puerto Viejo is the main tourist town in the South Caribbean.

The Caribbean of Costa Rica is an eco destination and is known as the amazon of Costa Rica due to its geography and untouched pristine jungle. The Caribbean is Known as el tortugero a remote area and accessible by boat and plane.

It is home of one of the most important areas for green turtle to nest; National Park el Tortuguero.When it comes to the vibe and atmosphere, the Caribbean is way more chill and less crowded. It’s largely made up of descendants of locals.

Distance about 5 hours from San Jose airport, bus is around 6.5 and shuttle is around 5-6 hours.

The main beaches on the Caribbean side are Negra, Puerto Viejo, Cocles, Chiquita, Blanca and Vargas , Punta Uva and Grande. You will find here gorgeous beaches and plenty of nature. Although the area is touristic, it is not very developed and maintains a raw charm that people love.

The Caribbean side of Costa Rica instead of resorts and big hotel building has the charm of having villages and bungalows disperse among the jungle and beautiful turquoise water beaches. Cahuita National Park has the longest coral reef so snorkeling and is a must do!

Tortuguero requires more logistical planning by either flying there or getting transportation to the dock for the boat – most tour operators supply all transportation, will pick up at San Jose hotels. So, take that in consideration if you want to ad it to your Costa Rica Itinerary per 10 days.

On your boat to Tortuguero you are viewing wildlife along the rivers and canals. At your lodge you’ll have some boat outings into the national park via different canals and rivers, excellent wildlife spotting particularly during the early morning rides. 

I hope this Costa Rica Itinerary 10 days and all this information helps you to plan an extraordinary trip …Pura vida

Rocio