10 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

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 6th (Fri), indulge in some personalized pampering at Monteverde Massage Center and then whizz through the canopy at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks. Here are some ideas for day two: stroll through Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and then stroll through Ranario Monteverde Frog Pond.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Monteverde online trip itinerary planner.

Sacramento, USA to Monteverde is an approximately 11.5-hour flight. You can also drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 2 hours traveling from Sacramento to Monteverde. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to La Fortuna de San Carlos.

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 trip includes some of its best attractions: witness a stunning natural landmark at Tabacon Hot Springs, stroll through La Fortuna Waterfall, let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour, and get impressive views of Arenal Volcano.

To see traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our La Fortuna de San Carlos trip planning tool.

Drive from Monteverde to La Fortuna de San Carlos in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Tue) so you can 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.

Kick off your visit on the 11th (Wed): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Tortuguero National Park.

For other places to visit, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Tortuguero online trip planner.

Getting from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Tortuguero by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a shuttle; or do a combination of bus and taxi. In January, plan for daily highs up to 83°F, and evening lows to 70°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (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.

On the 12th (Thu), tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa Manuel Antonio and then look for all kinds of wild species at Wildlife Areas.

For where to stay, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Manuel Antonio visit app.

You can drive from Tortuguero to Manuel Antonio in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or do a combination of ferry and bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 12th (Thu) so you can catch the flight to Poas Volcano National Park.

A trip to Poas Volcano National Park allows you to see one of the world's largest craters, trek through a lush rainforest, and visit a coffee plantation all on the same day.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Fri): take in the dramatic scenery at Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz and then admire the sheer force of La Paz Waterfall and Peace Lodge Gardens.

To see ratings, photos, maps, and other tourist information, read Poas Volcano National Park road trip site.

You can fly from Manuel Antonio to Poas Volcano National Park in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 14th (Sat) to allow time for travel back home.