10 Days in Costa Rica: Itinerary for Nature Lovers & First-Time Visitors

Travel Month – December, 2023

Pura Vida Awaits: Why Costa Rica Should Be Your Next Adventure

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to howler monkeys, watching a volcano emerge through the morning mist, or surfing golden Pacific waves before breakfast — Costa Rica is calling your name. In December 2023, our family of three made the leap and spent 10 unforgettable days exploring this incredible Central American gem. From the laid-back surf town of Tamarindo to the misty cloud forests of Monteverde and the wildlife-rich shores of Manuel Antonio, this is everything we did, loved, and wish we’d known before we went.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned eco-traveller, this 10-day Costa Rica itinerary will help you make the most of every moment.

Day 1–3: Tamarindo – Sun, Surf & Slow Living on the Pacific Coast

We landed in Liberia International airport and our first stop was the idyllic Tamarindo a 2-hour drive to the Pacific Coast. This surfers’ paradise welcomed us with golden beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. Our hotel, conveniently located right by the beach, provided easy access to the coastal paradise. Situated just a 10-minute drive from Tamarindo’s bustling city center, we found ourselves surrounded by lots of dining options.

Beach Life & Watersports

For the first two days, my son and I lived on the beach while my husband explored the underwater world — there are dives that can be arranged directly through most hotels. If diving isn’t your thing, snorkelling, paddleboarding, and surf lessons are all easy to organize and very much worth it.

One tip: December sits in Costa Rica’s dry season, so expect scorching daytime heat. The ocean, though, stays wonderfully refreshing — the perfect escape from the sun.

Day Trip to Playa Flamingo

We took a short drive up the coast to Playa Flamingo, and it felt like a completely different world. Where Tamarindo has waves and energy, Flamingo is calm, pristine, and almost impossibly beautiful — white sand, crystal-clear water, quiet lagoons, and lush mangroves lining the shore. If you’re travelling with young kids or just want a peaceful beach day, this is your spot.

Day 4: Arenal Volcano – Fire, Forests & Steaming Hot Springs

After spending a couple of days by the ocean, we took the 4 hour drive to Arenal Volcano National Park, an active volcano located in the North West of the country. The scenic drive treated us to breathtaking views as we traversed through verdant landscapes, passing by the enchanting Nicoya Bay, renowned as one of the Blue Zones where longevity is prevalent among its inhabitants.

The dramatic silhouette of Arenal dominated the horizon as we explored the wonders around. Popular activities include hiking the Arenal Volcano trails, visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, and soaking in the natural hot springs heated by geothermal energy — a surreal and deeply relaxing experience after days of beach and driving. We’d strongly recommend booking the hot springs for the evening, when the setting feels most magical.

Day 5-7: Monteverde Cloud Forest

We drove from Arenal Volcano National park to Monteverde’s Cloud Forests Reserve with unique biodiversity. The road was winding and in some places unpaved. There were lots of breathtaking views of the valley on our way.

Curi Cancha Reserve – Wildlife Without the Crowds

We had arranged an ecotour for Monte Verde cloud forest through our hotel. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is one of the most biodiverse places on earth — home to over 400 bird species, 100 species of mammals, and thousands of plant varieties. The permanent mist that clings to the forest canopy creates an otherworldly atmosphere. However, due to a miscommunication between the guide and hotel staff, all morning tours were completely sold out and the only option left was to take the afternoon tour. So, it is always better to book in advance. As it gets very hot during the day and as animals can be seen mostly in the early morning or evening, we decided to go to Curi Cancha Reserve instead. There, we saw some animals and plants typical in tropical rain forest.

Selvatura Park – Suspension bridges & Zip lines

That afternoon, we headed to Selvatura Park for the highlight of our Monteverde stay: the Treetop Walkway. This 1.9-mile trail weaves through the cloud forest on a series of eight suspension bridges, ranging from 170 feet to an incredible 560 feet in length. Walking above the canopy, peering down into the forest below, is genuinely one of the most peaceful and breathtaking experiences we’ve ever had. Selvatura also offers several zipline options if you want to add a rush of adrenaline to your afternoon.

Day 8-10: Manuel Antonio National Park – Monkeys, Sloths & the Perfect Finish

Our next destination led us southward, a five-hour drive to Manuel Antonio National Park, renowned for its stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, and lush tropical forests. A highlight en route: the famous Crocodile Bridge over the Tarcoles River, about 90 minutes south of Monteverde. Pull over, walk to the railing, and look down — you’ll likely spot dozens of American crocodiles lounging in and around the river directly below. It’s surprisingly unnerving and completely free. Nestled by the beach and a mere ten minutes from the park entrance, our hotel provided the perfect base for exploration.

Morning Wildlife Tour

We booked an early morning guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park and it was the single best decision of our trip. With a knowledgeable local guide pointing the way, we spotted three-toed sloths draped lazily in the trees, white-faced capuchin monkeys darting through the canopy, and a dazzling variety of tropical birds. Without a guide, you’d walk right past most of it. Book ahead, go early, and bring binoculars.The park’s beaches — particularly Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla — are stunning: calm turquoise water framed by forested headlands. Bring snorkel gear; the rocky points shelter reef fish and the occasional turtle.

Day Trip to Uvita & Dominical

On our last full day, the skies opened up with a proper Costa Rican downpour — a reminder that even the dry season has its moments. We drove south to Uvita Beach, home to the famous Whale’s Tail sandbar, a natural formation best seen from above. The rain hid it from view this time, but the drive through the coastal rainforest was beautiful regardless. We also stopped at a striking black sand beach near Dominical, had lunch at a local restaurant, and soaked in the scenery. Our journey back was briefly interrupted by a flat tyre — a two-hour roadside pause that we’ve since decided was just Costa Rica’s way of making us slow down one last time..

As our adventure in Costa Rica came to an end, we said our farewells and began our journey back from Manuel Antonio to Liberia. The essence of “Pura Vida” – the cherished philosophy of embracing the simple joys of life – infused every moment of our trip, imprinting unforgettable memories on our hearts as we reluctantly left behind this extraordinary Central American paradise.

Costa Rica Travel Tips: What You Need to Know Before You Go.

Best time to visit: December to April – Dry season
Visa: Check if you need a visa to enter the country.
Car: Rental car charges are high when you add up the taxes and the insurances. All wheel drive cars are preferred. Some roads are unpaved.
Driving is on the right. Many secondary roads are unpaved and can be rough after rain. Google Maps works well, but download offline maps as a backup.
Cash: Carry some cash, some of the tour guides only take cash.
Tours: Book ahead all your tours. We booked ours through the hotels.
Language: In most tourist places, English is widely spoken.
Costa Rica is one of Central America’s safest countries. Standard precautions apply: don’t leave valuables in rental cars, use hotel safes, and be aware in crowded tourist areas.

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