10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary – Beach And Birding
Costa RicaExplore our 10 day Costa Rica itinerary packed with volcano hikes, wildlife encounters, birding, cloud forests, scuba diving, and…
Notable Places
Discover Costa Rica
Use the map to explore Costa Rica and discover iconic destinations. Start with our 10-day itinerary to plan your trip.
Our Costa Rica Itineraries
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Costa Rica Quick Guide
- Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
- Language: Spanish (with at least 5 indigenous languages)
- Emergency Number: 911 (all emergencies), 128 (Red Cross), 118 (fire department), and 117 (police).
- Tipping: Not expected but many restaurants add a 10% service charge. In general, 10% is a good starting point.
- Fun Fact #1: The phrase “pura vida” (pure life) is used for everything—from hello and goodbye to “no worries”—and perfectly sums up the country’s relaxed, happy outlook on life.
- Fun Fact #2: Despite its small size, Costa Rica is home to over 5% of the world’s biodiversity, making it one of the most species-rich countries on Earth.
- Fun Fact #3: Costa Rica has no standing army—it was abolished in 1948, and the money instead goes toward education, healthcare, and conservation.
Where To Stay In Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers a wide range of accommodations, from laid-back beach bungalows and boutique jungle lodges to luxury eco-resorts and all-inclusive stays. San José and the Central Valley feature modern hotels and budget-friendly hostels, while destinations like Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio are known for immersive rainforest lodges. Along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, travelers will find surf towns, beachfront villas, and wellness retreats designed for pure pura vida relaxation.
Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.
How To Get Around Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s compact size makes travel varied and accessible. Domestic flights quickly connect San José with coastal destinations like Liberia, Tamarindo, or Puerto Limón. Long-distance buses are reliable and comfortable, with modern companies offering reclining seats and air conditioning. In cities, taxis are plentiful—agree on the fare in advance or use rideshare apps like Uber or DiDi (available mostly in large cities).
For local travel, colectivos (shared vans) are common between towns, and shuttles are a convenient option for tourists heading to national parks or remote beaches. Roads in mountainous regions like Monteverde can be narrow and steep, so independent driving is best for confident, experienced drivers.
Must-Visit Places In Costa Rica
When looking at the best things to see and do in Costa Rica, these areas are what are best known in the country.
- Arenal & La Fortuna – Dramatic volcanoes, steamy hot springs, waterfalls, and adrenaline-packed adventures.
- Monteverde – Misty cloud forests, hanging bridges, and wildlife that feels straight out of a storybook.
- Manuel Antonio – Pristine beaches, jungle trails, and wildlife encounters just steps from the ocean.
- San José – Bustling capital with lively markets, museums, and a gateway to the Central Valley.
- Tamarindo & Guanacaste Coast – Sun-soaked beaches, world-class surfing, and a vibrant beach town vibe.
- Corcovado National Park – Remote rainforest brimming with jaguars, toucans, and one-of-a-kind wildlife.
- Tortuguero – Serene canals, lush wetlands, and unforgettable sea turtle nesting experiences.
- Puerto Viejo & Cahuita – Caribbean rhythms, snorkeling spots, and chilled-out beach culture.
- Nicoya Peninsula – Hidden beaches, wellness retreats, and a taste of the famed Blue Zone lifestyle.
- Osa Peninsula & Drake Bay – Jungle adventures, epic diving, and some of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
Stay Connected
Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.
🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.
Costa Rican Food To Try
Costa Rica is a comforting, flavor-packed destination with fresh, simple ingredients and traditional recipes:
- Gallo Pinto – The beloved national breakfast of rice and beans, sautéed with onions, peppers, and Lizano sauce.
- Casado – A hearty plate of rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a choice of meat or fish.
- Olla de Carne – Hearty beef and vegetable stew with root vegetables like yuca, taro, and corn.
- Chifrijo – Layered rice, beans, crispy pork, pico de gallo, and tortilla chips, perfect for sharing.
- Ceviche Tico – Fresh fish or shrimp cured in lime juice with cilantro, onion, and peppers.
- Arroz con Pollo – Comforting rice cooked with chicken, vegetables, and traditional spices.
- Patacones – Crispy fried green plantains, perfect as a snack or side dish.
- Tres Leches Cake – Soft sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk, a sweet finish to any meal.
Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip
- Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
- Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
- Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
- Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.
Top Day Tours To Discover Costa Rica
Here are a collection of day tours that you’ll want to consider if you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica.
- North Fields Coffee and Cocoa Tour: A hands-on tour near La Fortuna showcasing how coffee, chocolate, and sugarcane are grown, roasted, and enjoyed, with tastings of Costa Rica’s signature treats.
- Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: A guided half‑day nature walk through Manuel Antonio National Park with a naturalist, where you’ll hike rainforest trails, spot monkeys, sloths, toucans, and other wildlife you might otherwise miss, and enjoy snacks and expert commentary along the way.
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour: A full‑day adventure from San José that packs in scenic coffee‑farm and waterfall stops, rainforest zip‑lining, relaxing hot springs, all‑inclusive transport and meals, and plenty of wildlife viewing along the way.
- Surf Lessons in Tamarindo: A 1.5‑hour surf lesson in Tamarindo where you’ll learn the basics (or fine‑tune your skills) with an experienced instructor, enjoy included board and rash guard, and catch waves on one of Costa Rica’s best beginner‑friendly beaches.
- Balsa River White Water Rafting: A thrilling half‑day rafting adventure on the Balsa River from La Fortuna where you paddle through Class II and III rapids surrounded by lush rainforest, enjoy wildlife views and included lunch, with hotel transfers and safety gear provided.
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10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary – Beach And Birding
Costa RicaExplore our 10 day Costa Rica itinerary packed with volcano hikes, wildlife encounters, birding, cloud forests, scuba diving, and...
