10 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

Set against the backdrop of the imposing Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna de San Carlos offers visitors a chance to explore diverse natural landscapes and sample some delicious local produce.

La Fortuna de San Carlos is known for nature, adventure, parks, trails, and wildlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take in the natural beauty of Tabacon Hot Springs, take in the exciting artwork at Galeria Estudio, get interesting insight from Tours, and let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, read La Fortuna de San Carlos trip app .

Merida, Mexico to La Fortuna de San Carlos is an approximately 13-hour combination of flight and car. Traveling from Merida to La Fortuna de San Carlos, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Monteverde.

Monteverde is all about natural attractions, not surprising for an eco-tourism hotspot known for its cloud forests and rich diversity of animal life.

Start off your visit on the 5th (Thu): tour the pleasant surroundings at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, then stop by Women Artisans Cooperative Santa Elena and Monteverde, and then get to know the resident critters at The Bat Jungle. Here are some ideas for day two: admire the natural beauty at Monteverde Butterfly Garden (Jardin de Mariposas), admire the natural beauty at Monteverde Orchid Garden, and then relax in the rural setting at El Trapiche Tour.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Monteverde trip itinerary builder app .

You can drive from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Monteverde in 3.5 hours. Another option is to take a shuttle. In December, daily temperatures in Monteverde can reach 32°C, while at night they dip to 32°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Manuel Antonio.

The rainforest meets the sea at Manuel Antonio National Park, a small but scenic natural preserve on the west coast of Costa Rica.

On the 7th (Sat), tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa Manuel Antonio, then relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour, and then walk around Parque Nahomi.

To find traveler tips, photos, maps, and tourist information, read our Manuel Antonio driving holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of shuttle and bus; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sat) so you can drive to Vara Blanca.

A vacation in Vara Blanca, located in the heart of Costa Rica, offers excellent access to a number of attractions across the area.

Kick off your visit on the 8th (Sun): get great views at Mirador Huequecura and then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Bosque Caricias los Leones. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 9th (Mon): take in the dramatic scenery at Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz.

For traveler tips and tourist information, read Vara Blanca trip maker tool .

You can drive from Manuel Antonio to Vara Blanca in 4 hours. Another option is to do a combination of bus and taxi. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 9th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel back home.