10 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

Set against the backdrop of the imposing Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna de San Carlos offers visitors a chance to explore diverse natural landscapes and sample some delicious local produce.

La Fortuna de San Carlos is known for nature, adventure, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take in the natural beauty of Tabacon Hot Springs, stroll through La Fortuna Waterfall, contemplate the geological forces at Arenal Volcano, and skim along the rocks with a canyoning and rapelling tour.

To find maps, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the La Fortuna de San Carlos trip itinerary maker app.

Buenos Aires, Argentina to La Fortuna de San Carlos is an approximately 17-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Argentina Standard Time to Central Standard Time is minus 3 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Mon) early enough to drive to Tortuguero.

One of Costa Rica's least accessible destinations, Tortuguero sits within an eponymous national park and remains accessible only by plane or boat.

Start off your visit on the 31st (Tue): explore the striking landscape of Tortuguero National Park.

For where to stay, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, read Tortuguero trip builder website.

Drive from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Tortuguero in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or do a combination of bus and taxi. In December in Tortuguero, expect temperatures between 34°C during the day and 25°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Vara Blanca.

A vacation in Vara Blanca, located in the heart of Costa Rica, offers excellent access to a number of attractions across the area.

On the 1st (Wed), take in the dramatic scenery at Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz.

To see where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Vara Blanca trip itinerary planning app.

Traveling by car from Tortuguero to Vara Blanca takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry, bus, and taxi; or do a combination of ferry, bus, and taxi. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Manuel Antonio.

The rainforest meets the sea at Manuel Antonio National Park, a small but scenic natural preserve on the west coast of Costa Rica.

Start off your visit on the 2nd (Thu): tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa Manuel Antonio, then relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour, and then walk around Parque Nahomi.

To find ratings, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, go to the Manuel Antonio online itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Vara Blanca to Manuel Antonio takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Monteverde.

Monteverde is all about natural attractions, not surprising for an eco-tourism hotspot known for its cloud forests and rich diversity of animal life.

On the 3rd (Fri), tour the pleasant surroundings at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Ranario Monteverde Frog Pond.

To find reviews, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Monteverde trip itinerary maker website.

You can drive from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde in 4 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Fri) to allow time to drive to Tamarindo.

Surfing remains the main reason to take a trip to Tamarindo, as the beachside town is mostly known for its excellent waves.

Kick off your visit on the 4th (Sat): find your balance on the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, tour the pleasant surroundings at Tamarindo Beach, and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers.

To find where to stay, photos, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Tamarindo day trip planning tool.

You can drive from Monteverde to Tamarindo in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or take a shuttle. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sun) so you can travel back home.