Inbox. The biggest town here is Santa Elena where youll find most of the accommodation options and restaurants. Finish your 10 day Costa Rica itinerary by driving back to San Jose a journey that will take roughly 5 hours. The capital city of San Jose is home to cultural institutions and most of the countrys residents, but most visitors come to Costa Rica for the natural environment. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Most of them now belong to expensive spa resorts. Nature lovers could probably spend an entire trip exploring the biodiverse Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. A general rule is that whatever Google Maps tells you, you should add up to 1 hour of traveling time to that. The Arenal area isnt exactly known for nightlife. Duration: 13 days / 12 nights. Were already thinking Costa Rica. There are plenty of trees offering shade and if you get hungry, you can grab a meal from one of the restaurants right by the beach. You can book your ferry tickets in advance here. Bosque del Cabo - Before we ever heard the term glamping(glam camping), there was Bosque del Cabo, truly one of the most fabulous places on earth. Costa Rica extends majestically from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, and its distance is barely 200 miles. For those who prefer natural wildlife over nightlife, inquire about a nighttime tour to Ostional National Wildlife Refuge, locatedjust over an hour from Playa Negra and only 20 minutes' drive from Nosara. At the end of the day, relax with a massage or another dip in the soothing thermal springs. $ 956. view 1 date. Due to the high elevation, the temperature in Santa Elena Cloud Forest is much cooler, the air is fresh, the vegetation is bright green and trees are covered with a thick layer of moss. 1 / 6. From. Good Life Lodge: This small boutique hotel is just 200 meters from Samara Beach and offers spacious, modern and squeaky-clean rooms, each with a large balcony. Named after Christopher Columbus, Costa Rica's official currency is the colon. Stays. As for the men, no board shorts or short shorts in the city. Santa Teresa has an awesome cafe and restaurant scene offering some of the most diverse cuisine in the country. Transport to the hotel is by shuttle, taxi or rental car. It means to calm down or slow down a little bit. Aug 2023. Review past Costa Rica itineraries, book Costa Rica vacation packages online. Vacation Ideas. Here is a high-level view of what this 10-day Costa Rica itinerary will look like. Once youve arrived in La Fortuna, head to Mistico Hanging Bridges Park. Costa Rica Surfari - When it comes to Costa Rica, there are really two main options for a great short surf trip because there are two airports. Web1 to 12 Weeks. Hoping you can return one day to see more of Costa Rica . Where to Stay Near Puerto Jimenez- Iguana Lodge. WebCall Your Travel Advisor or 800.258.7245. You can get this through some credit cards in advance and then they charge a reduced rate of $19/day. The Iguana Lodge is the perfectrustic beach chic hotel it's super comfortable and charming with a secluded feel. Tropical Islands. Subscribe to get our weekly newsletter and new posts by email. You can filter the results by price, property type, guest rating and amenities. In the afternoon, refuel with a casual meal of ceviche and patacones (fried mashed plantains)at Caf Playa Negra, or celebrate in style with a fine dining experience at Villa Deevena. Finish your 10 day Costa Rica itinerary by driving back to San Jose a journey that will take roughly 5 hours. Show Costa Rica Pura Vida Lifestyle Podcast, Ep The Costa Rica Pura Vida Lifestyle Podcast Series: Video / You Deserve a Day at the Spa! While you might see some wildlife on your own, you can be almost 100% sure that youll find more animals if you take a guided tour, such as this 4-hour tour with a naturalist guide. Arenal Observatory is one of the only hotels within the Park area, and is the closest to the volcano. What a gorgeous country-- can't wait to go back! Consider an organised tour. You dont need to rent a car for this itinerary. Travel Adapter Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. 2. How to Get to La Fortuna - Drive or private transport. Even with all the stories we'd heard from online travelers and friends, we could not have imagined how much this amazing place would stay with us for years to come. Were there any? If you have 2 weeks or longer, plan on seeing several regions. Day 10: Drive back to San Jose. Hiking through is a great way to see the forest but if thrills are more your speed, why not try ziplining high above the canopy along a network of supportive wires that stretch out for miles! If youd like to squeeze more activities into your day or youre looking for alternative options, there are lots of fun experiences to choose from in the La Fortuna area, such as the ones below: Advertisements@media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-thesmoothescape_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0-asloaded{max-width:336px!important;max-height:280px!important;}}if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thesmoothescape_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_7',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thesmoothescape_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Spend another night at Selina La Fortuna. We always carry travel insurance to protect us from injury, theft, or a canceled trip. Where to Stay in Drake Bay - La Paloma Lodge. Spend the early hours of your last day swimming in the tide pools or surfing in the clear waters of the Pacific before returning to Liberia for your international flight. The Cahuita National Park is home to some of the most incredible coral reefs on the Caribbean coast. Short Break. 10 day The beach consists of white crushed seashells, which gives it a really unique look. WebCosta Rica birding tours 2022 - 2023: custom planned unique birding trips. The easiest ways to travel around Costa Rica is to drive or take the bus. What an awesome itinerary and so many great tips! As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. From USD*. Or did you go true camping in the bush? Exclusive Summer Offer Super Sales. To Do. Playa Flamingo is perfect for a one-day jaunt! You are welcome MacKenzie! There is one spot though, where you can access the hot springs for free. Heavy rain showers and high humidity from the east dump lots of rain on the country from May to November. WebYou can spend just four days in Costa Rica and experience a lot. Lets start up north. Love the camping idea. Save some time for lunchyou'll have worked up an appetiteand souvenir shopping in Fortuna. Plan 3: I agree, Jaco and Manuel Antonio are also lovely places to visit . Serve in a support role at a camp ministry to host local churches for Christian camps. Bring your camera and park along the road before the bridge and walk halfway down for the best view. Costa Rica is one of the most ecologically diverse places on earth over landscapes of rainforest, lakes, cloudforests, volcanoes, and more, boasting an impressive variety of wildlife. Savoring Costa Rica, Sip By Sip. Ease into your first day with a Costa Rican cooking class or tortilla-making with a local family (easy to arrange as part of a homestay), followed by an evening spent soaking in the mineral-rich hot springs. You'll also drive through the crafts town of Sarchi, where you'll see colorfully painted oxen carts. Look for the famous pre-Columbian spheres near Sierpe and Palmar Sur and see if you can figure out where they may have come from. Whether you go ziplining in Arenal National Park or surfing in Matapalo, youll never be at a loss for amazing sites to see and fun things to do. Costa Rica. Dicha means happiness or bliss, so this phrase translates as fortunately or luckily.. Try HeyMondo for competitive short-term plans. The most heavily touristed place on the Nicoya is Tamarindo, an uber popular beach town. Heading to Costa Rica for the first time and want to know where to go while youre there? After years of being hunted almost to extinction in the area, Tortuguero National Park was established and from the mouth of the Tortuguero River now protects 22 miles of nesting beach. Youre in a jungle, with all the natural, raw beauty that brings. If you're dreaming of a trip to this Central American nation, here are eleven indispensable Costa Rica travel tips to help you plan your holiday. San Jos, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Smara: Best It San Jos, Arenal/La Fortuna & Gulf of Papagayo: Best Itin Arenal/La Fortuna & Tamarindo: Best Itinerary Ideas, How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio, How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Monteverde, How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Tamarindo, How to Get from Liberia to Arenal/La Fortuna, How to Get from Manuel Antonio to Corcovado National Park, How to Get from San Jos Airport (SJO) to the Osa Peninsula, How to Get from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio National Park, How to Get from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa, How to Get from Tortuguero to Arenal/La Fortuna, 3 Days in Costa Rica - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas. As soon as youve landed, rent a car and get ready for an epic road trip! If youre looking to mingle and meet other travelers after the sun sets on your one and only night in Costa Rica, Tamarindo is the place to be. Located in La Places. In north Nicoya is the town of Tamarindo and the region of Guanacaste, one of the more touristed spots on the Nicoya, but thats also relative. They even downloaded my overloaded memory cards to a CD, and our small dinner group ended the evening with guitar playing and great company. Arrange a private transport with a company like Caribe Tours. The trail is very straightforward, easy and mostly flat but in order to reach the waterfall, you need to take quite a lot of steps down and then back up again. For more information on the Pacific Coast and Costa Rica's other main regions, this article has you covered. Youll get to experience Costa Rican city life, lots of culture, nature and adventure! Our recommendations: For Costa Rica, clothes that dry fast and wick away moisture are the best. Find Your Trip. We were thinking Flamingo Beach, but we also Costa Rica. Browse through this list of the best short-term rentals in Costa Rica for a great time. I did this route in October and Im guessing November would be quite similar. Instead, you can hike on old lava fields and through the rainforest at the base of the volcano. High (Dry) Season: Mid-December April. You cant go wrong with any of these three choices. So glad I found your blog! If you have any questions about this itinerary (or other places in Costa Rica) let me know in the comments. Be aware that this 10 day Costa Rica itinerary includes some remote destinations where the roads can be in a very poor condition (especially if youre traveling during the rainy season as we did). They abolished their Army in 1949. They also have a pool, an on-site restaurant and daily yoga classes. It boasts a wide strip of soft sand, beach clubs, cool bars and restaurants, and beginner-friendly surfing conditions. As such, the landscape offers up a real pick and mix of must-sees ranging from tropical beaches through to soaring volcanoes by way of dense rainforests. Blurry photos from our guide, but you get the idea- It was a blast! Once again, if you want to increase your chances of seeing wildlife, take a guided tour. P.S. There is much to see and experience in this small but diverse country. How to get the most out of a quick trip to Costa Rica! Then, walk back down 500 steps to the basin of the waterfall. Since this Costa Rica itinerary is meant for nature lovers, were not gonna spend any time in San Jose and will head straight for the good stuff. WebVisitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport as well as proof of their intent to exit the country before their visa or entry stamp expires, usually within 90 days. From Daniel Oduber it is only 1-hour and 1-hour more driving to get to the Rincon de la Vieja volcano. Although it was a short trip, I got a taste of the pura vida lifestyle and am eager to go back to explore this beautiful country. Plus, its just 15 minutes from the airport and they can help arrange a transfer. Low (Wet) Season: May November. The staff and owner are helpful and welcome you like old friends. He was very responsive and helped us plan an amazing trip for a very diverse group - we had vegans in the gro", "The trip was seem less as it pertains to the travel arrangements and punctuality of all of the transportation vans that were provided to us. Most likely for no more than 5 days. This country is such a gem for flora and fauna! Plum in the middle of North and South America, Costa Rica acts as a bridge between the two continents. From the beaches to the jungle and all the waterfalls in between. What would take you 4-5 hours driving will take 30 minutes flying! 2 nights Monte Verde (to spend one day on a cloud forest tour and any other activities that fit) 3 nights Manuel Antonio. It might be tempting to jump into these bright blue waters but swimming in this national park is prohibited. Their rooms are simple but tastefully decorated and a delicious breakfast is included in the nightly rate. Its a short walk into the tiny town of Drake Bay and a favorite stay of ours, whether youre planning a family vacation or your honeymoon. Youre welcome! Rent a bike to explore the colorful town. - which will take you to the southern surf towns of Dominical,Uvita, and the growing areas of Palmer Norte and Palmer Sur. All Trips SMALL TEAMS TRIPS. Located on Playa Guiones, one of the best beaches in Costa Rica and the longest surf break on the coast, Harmony Hotel is a 2-minute walk to the beach in a quiet part of town. Rooms and houses are perfect for families or a romantic getaway and the organic, modern design is serene with hardwood furnishings, luxury linens, and sleek wood-burning stoves to keep warm on the coldest nights. Small but mighty, Costa Rica is densely packed with gorgeous landscapes and adventure activities to enjoy. It's a beautiful scenic drive through the Braulio Carrillo National Park and along the coast. Depending on your nationality, you can apply for a tourist visa or a business visa if youre planning a short trip to Costa Rica. At BdC, the wildlife takes center stage, and their naturalist programs,tours and network of integrated hiking trails showcase that in a big way. The property has been completely renovated (2020) and is now fresh, current and beautifully decorated. Luckily, theres a spot outside the national park borders (just a kilometer south along the road from the entrance), where you can swim in that same river. (And if camping is not your thing, Ive also included hotel recommendations for each of the destinations in this itinerary.). If youre looking for a romantic ambience, head to Locanda restaurant when its dark and have dinner under palm trees surrounded by hundreds of fairy lights. The weather is sultry temperatures hover in the high 80s and 90s and the sun shines daily in the dry season. The Guanacaste region is a favourite during May as well as November with the wet season starting later and the dry season starting earlier. It was beautiful but I felt like I didnt really get to explore the country. Samara Beach is one of the best beaches in Costa Rica for kids because of its sheltered bay and gentle waves. Your itinerary really makes me want to plan a trip back! There are toll roads to and from Jaco, but the frequency and cost is minimal and does not warrant purchasing the fast past the rental car companies will offer. Read More. WebAnswer 11 of 14: Hey, I am going to be in Costa Rica for 3 weeks in July. On day 7, youre going to explore yet another Costa Rican beach town. July 2023 - October 2023. Leatherback, Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Olive Ridley turtles also come here to nest. The roads may look like highways on maps, but they are almost all winding dirt roads with huge pot holes so make sure you account for that if you need to be somewhere at a certain time. I really loved exploring Costa Rica . If you're already an experienced surfer, grab a board and head to nearby Tamarindo, Playa Avellanas, or Little Hawaii to find more challenging waves. Ultimate Costa Rica Itineraries: 5, 7, 10, & 14 Days. Our next stop in this 10 day Costa Rica itinerary is Santa Teresa, a paradise for surfers, yoga enthusiasts, backpackers and beach bums. Plan 2: 1 night near San Jose CR airport, following long flight from SF Bay Area. Report inappropriate content 1-6 of 6 replies Sorted by 1 mlmdaisy Tampa, Florida It last erupted in 2010 and is now in a resting phase. Hi Sara. WebCosta Rica means Rich Coast, and it ranks first on the Happy Planets Index as the "greenest country in the world. We've rented with Solid Car Rental (pronounced SO-lid) before and highly recommend them. This is true in Costa Rica, too. The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. About. Each part of the trip took place without any issues and the itinerary was great. WebIf you are headed to the hot and humid areas of Costa Rica, pack plenty of lightweight clothing. One of the largest dance clubs in Costa Rica and the only one in the areaVolcan Look Discois open Wednesday through Saturday, featuring live music and DJs. 4. This itinerary definitely works for September we did it at the end of September. WebThis adults-only resort is a short drive from Costa Ricas Liberia Airport, and offers a deluxe, all-inclusive experience. Minibus Private minibuses or shuttles provide an easy way to get around the country, or to and from the airport. Included" Destinations. The weather here is drier than the southern Osa peninsula, but they do get their share of rain (and mud) in the green season. WebCheck with your travel company, airline and the Costa Rica tourism board website for any changes at short notice. View EM's full Registration Policy. Suave un toque. This might be dependent on the season and the water levels but we needed to walk through the river which meant that our shoes got completely soaked! March 8, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. 12 Top Costa Rica All-Inclusive Resorts. We recommend planning to visit one or two areas if you have a week or 10 days to travel. The Caribbean region is fairly wet most of the year but offers a dry and sunny period from September to October. Travel to Costa Rica your way. WebFor budget vacations in Costa Rica: The KC Hotel San Jose is a great option when it comes to affordability. How to Get to Manuel Antonio - Drive, private transport, bus. Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase. WebHELP! If I remember correctly, there are some great scuba diving options on the Pacific coast as well! Its a tropical climate with daytime temperatures ranging from 22-28C / 70-85F. Experience top all-inclusive amenities at resorts in lush rainforests or along the beach. The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica has a very different feel than the rest of the country. Start your last day with an adrenaline-filled activity: soar across the treetops on a zip line or join a gravity-defying rappelling excursion. WebShort Costa Rica trip 1 year ago Save I am visiting Costa Rica for three days! For a native Spanish speaker like myself, this phrase sounds so cool. Go Ask a Local has local experts all around the world, who can help you plan the trip you want all through a quick 90-minute Zoom call! If youre lucky, you might even see some wildlife like monkeys, coatis, parrots and other species. Playas del Coco: 44 not required, road to Coco and nearby beaches are on well paved roads. How did you deal with bathroom facilities? You did really enjoy your trip to my lovely country Costa Rica, your photos at the Rio Celeste River are amazing, this is one of my favorite destinations of them all. Im sure youd love it! With their tropical-style suites, an incredible pool, massage services and an outdoor hot tub, this place is like paradise.