When planning a trip to Costa Rica, you can stay as long as you want. However, many visitors stay 10 days, which gives them the time needed to really enjoy the flavor of country. If you are eager to experience Costa Rica for yourself, the following represents what a 10-day itinerary might look like.
- Leave the US
- Two days in Playa Flamingo
- One day in Santa Teresa
- Two days in Jaco
- Two days in the Manuel Antonio National Park
- One day in Monteverde
- One day in La Fortuna de San Carlos
- Fly back to the US
Using that itinerary as an example, information is provided below on those key destinations. With this, you can see just how great a trip to Costa Rica would be, regardless of age.
Playa Flamingo
Reaching Playa Flamingo from the United States will take just under 15-hours by air. However, when returning home, you gain an hour back due to the time difference. Depending on the time of year that you travel, temperatures in Playa Flamingo are between 71 and 94 degrees on average.
While there, you definitely want to visit White Beach. This popular beach is gorgeous, with plenty of sand and surf activities. You can also enjoy sightseeing expeditions, followed by a visit to a local wellness center to help you unwind and relax.
Santa Teresa
Getting from Playa Flamingo to Santa Teresa is about a three-and-a-half-hour drive although you can get there with a combination of bus and taxi if preferred. Obviously, everyone is welcomed in Santa Teresa but this has become a hot spot for younger travelers and surfers. Along with a beautiful beach, you will discover several amazing parks, as well as newer developments that dot the surrounding hillside.
Jaco
To reach Jaco, which is approximately an hour and a half from Santa Teresa, you can use both taxi service and ferry. If preferred, you can rent a car and drive. While visiting the seaside resort town of Jaco, you will have the opportunity to spend time at the Palo Seco beach, ride horses by going through Vista Los Suenos Horseback Riding, and even visit an amazing place called Tico Pod Art House & Gifts that has true masterpieces on display.
Manuel Antonio National Park
To reach the Manuel Antonio National Park from Jaco takes about one and a half hours by car, or you can take a ferry. You definitely want to visit this national park, which is ranked among the most beautiful in the world. The landscaping throughout the park is breathtaking. You can also spend time sightseeing, hunting for treasures at the Farmers Fair, taking a snorkeling or scuba diving tour, or visiting a local wellness center for a much-needed massage.
Monteverde
Although it takes about four hours to reach Monteverde from the Manuel Antonio National Park, it is worth the time. Once in Monteverde, you do not want to miss seeing the amazing San Luis Waterfall. If you are adventurous, you will love the various adventure parks and local zip-lining opportunities.
La Fortuna de San Carlos
Driving two hours from Monteverde, you will reach La Fortuna de San Carlos. After spending days touring and sightseeing, be sure to visit the Tabacon Hot Springs. There, you can relax in natural hot springs to soothe your tired muscles. In addition, the Arenal Natura Ecological Park with its colorful creations is a must see. La Fortuna de San Carlos also boasts a number of trails and parks, perfect for spending quality time outdoors.
Heading Home
After a memorable stay in Costa Rica, you will head back home, eager to plan your next trip to this incredible country.