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1. Coast to Cloud Forest Adventure: 10 Days in Costa Rica

River rafting in Pacuare river in Costa Rica
Pacuare River is popular for rafting in class III and IV rapids.
Day 1 Touch down San Jose and explore the capital's museums and markets
Day 2 Journey to Tortuguero National Park and cruise through canals
Day 3 Observe nesting sea turtles (seasonal) and trek in Tortuguero
Day 4 Fly to La Fortuna and soak in natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano
Day 5 Raft the white-water rapids of the Pacuare River
Day 6 Hike Arenal Volcano and zip through the rainforest canopy
Day 7 Transfer to Monteverde and spot nocturnal wildlife on a night walk
Day 8 Wander the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Day 9 Unwind on the Manuel Antonio beach, then go for a hike
Day 10 End your trip in San Jose

This comprehensive itinerary of 10 days showcases Costa Rica's incredible ecological diversity. Begin in the vibrant capital of San Jose before venturing to the lush canals of Tortuguero, where you might witness sea turtles nesting on the Caribbean coast. Next, head to La Fortuna, home to the iconic Arenal Volcano, for a mix of relaxation in thermal springs and heart-pumping adventures like white-water rafting and ziplining. Continue to the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, where you'll encounter unique flora and fauna on guided hikes. Conclude your journey in Manuel Antonio, combining pristine beaches with wildlife-rich forests. This itinerary offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation, allowing you to experience Costa Rica's remarkable biodiversity across various ecosystems.

2. Wildlife and Nature Immersion: 10-Day Itinerary for Costa Rica

Walking through the rainforest in Costa Rica
Explore the rainforests of Tortuguero, Arenal and Monteverde.
Day 1 Touch down San Jose and explore the capital's museums and markets
Day 2 Journey to Tortuguero National Park and cruise through canals
Day 3 Observe nesting sea turtles (seasonal) and trek in Tortuguero
Day 4 Fly to La Fortuna and soak in natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano
Day 5 Raft the white-water rapids of the Pacuare River
Day 6 Hike Arenal Volcano and zip through the rainforest canopy
Day 7 Transfer to Monteverde and spot nocturnal wildlife on a night walk
Day 8 Wander the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Day 9 Unwind on the Manuel Antonio beach, then go for a hike
Day 10 End your trip in San Jose

This comprehensive itinerary of 10 days showcases Costa Rica's incredible ecological diversity. Begin in the vibrant capital of San Jose before venturing to the lush canals of Tortuguero, where you might witness sea turtles nesting on the Caribbean coast. Next, head to La Fortuna, home to the iconic Arenal Volcano, for a mix of relaxation in thermal springs and heart-pumping adventures like white-water rafting and ziplining. Continue to the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, where you'll encounter unique flora and fauna on guided hikes. Conclude your journey in Manuel Antonio, combining pristine beaches with wildlife-rich forests. This itinerary offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation, allowing you to experience Costa Rica's remarkable biodiversity across various ecosystems.

3. Adrenaline Junkie's Costa Rican Dream: 10-Day Costa Rica Trip

Day trips from San Jose Costa Rica, Jaco beach
Jaco beach is the closest beach you can reach from San Jose.
Costa Rica has many places to go ziplining in Costa Rica
Ziplining through forests in Manuel Antonio is not to be missed.
Day 1 Arrival in San Jose to visit iconic landmarks such as the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
Day 2 Travel to Pacuare River to catch the raft white-water rapids
Day 3 Transfer to La Fortuna
Day 4 Rappel down La Fortuna waterfalls while canyoning
Day 5 Cycle around Lake Arenal on a mountain biking tour
Day 6 Climb Cerro Chato volcano to relax in the hot springs
Day 7 Transfer to Monteverde and traverse hanging bridges on a canopy tour
Day 8 Ride horses in Monteverde, then sample coffee on a plantation tour
Day 9 Hit the waves with surfing lessons in Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste
Day 10 Departure from San Jose

This 10-day Costa Rica itinerary balances adrenaline-pumping activities with opportunities to immerse yourself in natural beauty and rich culture. Kick off your adventure with an exhilarating white-water rafting adventure on the Pacuare River, spending a night in a secluded riverside lodge. In La Fortuna, challenge yourself with canyoning, rappelling down waterfalls, and mountain biking around scenic Lake Arenal. Hike the dormant Cerro Chato volcano for stunning views before moving to Monteverde for canopy tours and horseback riding through the cloud forest. Wind down your trip with surfing lessons on the Pacific coast at Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste.

4. Wildlife and Nature Immersion: 10-Day Itinerary for Costa Rica

Two dolphins swimming in Golfo Dulce of Costa Rica.
Spot dolphins in Golfo Dulce of Costa Rica during their calving seasons run from July to November.
Day 1 Arrive in San Jose and wander through the Butterfly Garden
Day 2 Fly to Corcovado National Park and settle into an eco-lodge
Day 3 Trek on a full-day guided hike in Corcovado, spotting diverse wildlife
Day 4 Snorkel at Cano Island Biological Reserve
Day 5 Sail to Drake Bay for whale and dolphin watching (seasonal)
Day 6 Fly to Puerto Jimenez, visit a wildlife sanctuary near Golfo Dulce
Day 7 Paddle kayaks in Golfo Dulce, searching for marine life
Day 8

Interact with scarlet macaws at a rehabilitation center

Day 9 Drive to Carara National Park, join a birdwatching tour
Day 10 Fly our from San Jose

This nature-focused itinerary takes you deep into Costa Rica's most biodiverse regions in 10 days. Start your journey in the remote Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, often called "the most biologically intense place on Earth." Here, you'll have the chance to spot rare species like jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Caño Island and watch for whales and dolphins in Drake Bay. Continue to Golfo Dulce for kayaking adventures and visits to wildlife sanctuaries, including a scarlet macaw rehabilitation center. Conclude your trip in Carara National Park, a birdwatcher's paradise where you might see toucans, parrots, and the resplendent quetzal.

Costa Rica Tours
Published by Sofie, updated on July 19, 2024
Plan a trip to Costa RicaWe offer different tour types. You can also chat with a local travel specialist if you want a customized tour to Costa Rica.
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