10-day itinerary
Whether you’re booking your trip independently or through a travel advisor, here are helpful ideas of adventurous experiences in Costa Rica.
day 1
arrive in San llanos de cortés or rincón de la vieja national park
Arrive at Liberia International Airport and explore the Llanos de Cortés waterfall, just a short drive away in the town of Bagaces. Tumbling over moss-covered rocks into a crystal-clear pool. The water is open for dipping your toes and splashing around (water shoes are recommended!) and there is a lovely stretch of sand for relaxing.
Head to Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Embark on a variety of adventures including observing the active Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, hiking past boiling mud pots and sulfur springs, and exploring waterfalls and a freshwater lagoon. Go with a guide to learn about the local wildlife and vegetation that you’ll find in this protected park.
llanos de cortés waterfall
rincón de la vieja national park
days 2-4
playa tamarindo
On the North Pacific coast lies one of the most beautiful and largest beaches in Costa Rica. Tamarindo is ideal for adventure-seeking travelers of every type – families, couples and groups of friends. Dive into the depths of the sea, take on the incredible surf breaks or set out on a leisurely sunset sail. Tamarindo is also a world-class sports fishing destination that draws anglers from all over the world in search of marlin, sailfish and other offshore fish. Nearby is Las Baulas National Marine Park, a protected area that’s a popular sea turtle nesting spot.
surfing at playa tamarindo
sunset sailing in tamarindo bay
sports fishing in tamarindo
las baulas national marine park
days 5-6
monteverde cloud forest reserve
Step into the misty mountains of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve where a world of adventures await. The most exciting (and essential!) experiences take you all through this protected area by zipline, suspension bridges and hiking trails. The cloud forest is also home to an enormous array of wildlife and bird species, including the brightly colored Resplendent Quetzal; a night walk reveals a different side of the forest as nocturnal creatures awaken. Pair these outdoor discoveries with a tour of nearby plantations cultivating coffee, cacao and sugar cane.
zip lining and suspension bridges
hiking in monteverde cloud forest
nocturnal wildlife walk
plantation tour
days 7-8
poás volcano national park
From Monteverde, you can reach Poás National Park — home to an active volcano with one of the largest craters in the world. Here you can also experience a cloud forest and hike through trails that are alight with colorful tropical birds. a Don’t forget to buy local strawberries and cheese, and stop for lunch at one of the roadside restaurants – you will not regret it.
visit to poás volcano center
cloud forest hiking
lunch at roadside restaurants
day 9
braulio carrillo rainforest or la paz waterfall gardens
Explore the less-traveled Braulio Carrillo National Park, which is also one of the largest protected areas in Costa Rica. Here, you can experience both the cloud forest and the rainforest along multiple hiking trails. Quebrada González, located on route 32, has three trails with viewpoints through the rainforest; Volcán Barva has four trails: Cacho Venado, Laguna Barva, Copey and Mirador Vara Blanca.
Or you can spend an exhilarating day at La Paz Waterfall Garden. In this expansive privately owned area, you can catch sight of five spectacular waterfalls, along with miles of cloud forest and rainforest hiking, and a large animal sanctuary. Look for rescued and rehabilitated jungle cats, sloths and monkeys, as well as gardens full of hummingbirds and butterflies.
braulio carrillo rainforest
la paz waterfall gardens
day 10
departure from juan santamaría international airport
departure
