10 day itinerary for Costa Rica

Itinerary

Costa Rica is a stunning destination with so much to offer, and your itinerary sounds fantastic. Let’s dive into a 10-day adventure that starts in Liberia and takes you through Arenal, Monteverde, and Tamarindo. Get ready for a mix of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking nature!

## Day 1: Arrival in Liberia

• Morning: Arrive at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia. Pick up your rental car (if you’re driving) and get settled.
• Afternoon: Explore Liberia! Visit the historic downtown area, check out the local shops, and grab a bite at a local soda (a small restaurant).
• Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional Costa Rican dishes like casado or gallo pinto.

## Day 2: Liberia to Arenal

• Morning: After breakfast, hit the road to Arenal (about a 3-hour drive). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Arenal and check into your hotel. Head to La Fortuna Waterfall for a refreshing swim and some stunning photos.
• Evening: Relax at your hotel or visit one of the hot springs in the area, like Tabacón or Baldi. Soak in the warm waters under the stars!

## Day 3: Arenal Adventures

• Morning: Start your day with a thrilling zip-lining tour through the rainforest canopy. The views of Arenal Volcano are breathtaking!
• Afternoon: After lunch, go for a hike in Arenal Volcano National Park. Explore the trails and enjoy the diverse wildlife.
• Evening: Dinner in La Fortuna. Try a local pizzeria or a restaurant with a view of the volcano.

## Day 4: Arenal to Monteverde

• Morning: After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Monteverde (about 3.5 hours). The road is bumpy but offers beautiful landscapes.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and then visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Take a guided tour to learn about the unique ecosystem.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant in Santa Elena. Don’t forget to try some local coffee!

## Day 5: Monteverde Exploration

• Morning: Go on a hanging bridges tour for a unique perspective of the cloud forest. Keep an eye out for sloths and colorful birds!
• Afternoon: Visit the Monteverde Butterfly Garden or the Serpentario to see some fascinating wildlife.
• Evening: Consider a night walk in the cloud forest to experience the nocturnal wildlife. Dinner at a local eatery afterward.

## Day 6: Monteverde to Tamarindo

• Morning: After breakfast, head to Tamarindo (about a 3.5-hour drive). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Tamarindo and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or exploring the town.
• Evening: Enjoy a beachside dinner. Tamarindo has a vibrant dining scene, so you’ll have plenty of options!

## Day 7: Beach Day in Tamarindo

• Morning: Start your day with a surf lesson! Tamarindo is known for its great waves and surf schools.
• Afternoon: After surfing, relax on the beach or take a stroll through the local shops. You could also try paddleboarding or kayaking.
• Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at a beachfront restaurant. The sunsets in Tamarindo are simply magical!

## Day 8: Day Trip to Rincon de la Vieja

• Morning: Take a day trip to Rincon de la Vieja National Park (about 1.5 hours away). Hike the trails and see volcanic activity, waterfalls, and wildlife.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and continue exploring. Don’t miss the hot springs and mud pots!
• Evening: Return to Tamarindo and have a relaxed dinner. Maybe try some fresh seafood!

## Day 9: Relaxation and Exploration

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then spend the morning at the beach. You could also book a spa treatment for some pampering.
• Afternoon: Explore nearby beaches like Playa Grande or Playa Langosta. You can also go on a sunset catamaran cruise if you’re up for it!
• Evening: Have a farewell dinner in Tamarindo. Celebrate your amazing trip with some local cocktails!

## Day 10: Departure from Liberia

• Morning: Enjoy your last breakfast in Costa Rica. Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for a final beach stroll.
• Afternoon: Drive back to Liberia (about 1 hour) and return your rental car. Head to the airport for your departure.

And there you have it! A perfect 10-day itinerary filled with adventure, relaxation, and the beauty of Costa Rica. Make sure to pack your camera, as you’ll want to capture all the stunning sights along the way. Enjoy your trip! 🌴✨