A 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary from Rainforest to Beaches
Curated By
Katie Anderson
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Costa Rica
Active Travel
Food & Wine
Beaches
Outdoors
Local Food
Entertainment
Curator’s statement
Costa Rica is the very first country that I have traveled to solo, so it holds a special place in my heart. It was my first brave adventure! As a single solo female, I felt completely safe. There are so many wonderful activities for solo travelers, couples and families. It's easily accessible from many U.S. cities (Liberia or San Jose) and a fabulous option for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. For Costa Rica's dry season, it's best to visit from December to late April.
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Day 1: Arrival and check-in
Make your way from your home airport to Liberia, Costa Rica. From there you will take an airport transfer to your first hotel for a 5-night stay surrounded by tropical forest and volcano views. Recommended hotels include: Nayara Gardens, The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal or Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa.
Day 2: Rainforest adventure
Take a La Fortuna Waterfall and Hanging Bridges & Lunch Tour. This will be a true rainforest experience as you traverse a series of trails and exciting suspension bridges to reach a stunning waterfall (approx. 7 hours). This tour has an intermediate physical activity level, but it is amazing! Each of the recommended accommodations will have their own dining options on the resort property.
Day 3: Volcano trek
Spend the morning doing a Lava Fields Walk tour trekking over the dried lava fields of Arenal Volcano (approx. 3.5 hours). This is an opportunity for you to take a safe trail with a guide with fantastic views of the volcano and Lake Arenal. This also requires an intermediate physical activity level. Spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoying your resort pool.
Day 4: Cano Negro wildlife tour
Take a Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge tour to see wildlife including green iguanas, crocodiles, two or three-toed sloths, howler monkeys, parrots and toucans to name a few. You will take a covered boat with a naturalist guide through the Rio Frio (Cold River). You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. This tour is about seven hours long. This tour is suitable for all ages and all levels of physical activity.
Day 5: Frog watching
Enjoy your final day in the rainforest relaxing at your resort with an optional Frog-Watching Night Walk tour (2.5 hours). You will travel with a naturalist guide to the private reserve of the Rojas Bonilla Family, the habitat for 28 varieties of frog species. This tour is great for all age groups.
Day 6: Beach resort arrival
You will make your way by arranged transfer to your beach resort for a 4-night stay. Recommended hotel options include: Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo or Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica. All of the recommended resorts have an array of dining options on the property.
Day 7: Mega combo adventure
Take a full-day Mega Combo Adventure Tour (ziplining/horseback riding/shopping in Liberia/mud baths and hot springs) with roundtrip transportation from your hotel with included lunch.
Day 8: Customized activities
Choose your own adventure from some of the following options: Off-Roading, Peninsula Monkey Tour, Sensoria (Rainforest Land of Senses Walking and Thermals Tour), Aerial Park, Mountain Biking or Sunrise Sportfishing.
Day 9: Resort relaxation
Enjoy your final day relaxing at your resort and enjoy your resort pools.
Day 10: Departure Day
Take an arranged airport transfer from your hotel back to Liberia International Airport for your flight back to your home airport.
Need to Know
For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Sarah Keim's guide, Packing Luxury and Adventure Into a 4 Day Costa Rica Itinerary.
Travel Advisor
Katie Anderson
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Costa Rica.