10 days in Costa Rica: hot springs at Arenal, the blue water at Rio Celeste, the Monteverde cloud forest, and Pacific beaches.
M
Mustafa Furniturewala
Travel Itinerary
At a Glance
10 days Best time: Year-round 7 min read
- • Soak in volcanic hot springs at Tabacon and Baldi
- • Hike to the Rio Celeste waterfall
- • Zip line through Monteverde Cloud Forest
- • Relax on Pacific coast beaches in Jaco
- • Day trip to tropical Isla Tortuga
Route: San Jose → La Fortuna → Monteverde · ~112 km
Trip Overview
This 10-day itinerary goes from the volcanic hot springs of La Fortuna to the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, ending with beach relaxation on the Pacific coast. The route is designed for a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Regions Visited: San Jose, La Fortuna/Arenal, Monteverde, Jaco/Pacific Coast
Best Time to Visit: December to April (dry season) offers the best weather, but Costa Rica is a year-round destination. Green season (May-November) has fewer crowds and lush landscapes.
Day 1: Arrival in San Jose
Evening Arrival
Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Most international flights arrive late evening.
Where to Stay: Airport area hotel for easy access - you’ll be driving out early the next morning.
Tips:
- Book a hotel with airport shuttle service
- Get a good night’s sleep - adventure starts tomorrow
- Pick up rental car the next morning (easier than late-night pickup)
Day 2: San Jose → La Fortuna
Morning
- Pick up rental car at the airport
- Drive to La Fortuna (~2.5 hours)
- Stop: La Paz Waterfall Gardens - Multi-waterfall nature park with wildlife exhibits
Afternoon
- Optional stop: Catarata del Toro - A less-visited waterfall
- Arrive La Fortuna and check into hotel
Evening
- Dinner at Don Rufino - Popular local restaurant with Costa Rican cuisine
- Evening soak in hotel hot springs
Where to Stay: A hot springs resort near Arenal Volcano
Driving Distance: ~100 km from San Jose
Day 3: La Fortuna Waterfall & Hot Springs
Morning (Start Early!)
- La Fortuna Waterfall - 70-meter waterfall in the rainforest
- Opens 7am-5pm, $15 entrance
- Go right when it opens to avoid crowds
- 500 steps down (15 min), 40 min back up
- Swimming hole at the base - bring water shoes
Midday
- Return to hotel for lunch and relaxation
Afternoon
- El Salto Rope Swing - Free local swimming spot with rope swing
- Hot springs relaxation at your hotel
Tips:
- Bring waterproof bag for camera at the waterfall
- The hike back up is strenuous - take your time
- Afternoon rains are common - morning activities are best
Day 4: Arenal Volcano & Chocolate Tour
Morning
- Arenal Volcano National Park ($15 entrance, opens 8am)
- Hike the 1968 Arenal Volcano Trail (2.9 miles)
- Walk through old lava fields with volcano views
Afternoon
- Don Olivo Chocolate Tour - Learn about cacao production and make your own chocolate
- Return to hotel for hot springs
Tips:
- The volcano is often shrouded in clouds - morning offers best visibility
- Bring rain gear and good hiking shoes
- Wildlife spotting: look for coatis, toucans, and howler monkeys
Day 5: Rio Celeste Day Trip
Early Morning (Leave by 6:30am)
- Drive to Tenorio Volcano National Park (~1.5 hours)
- Arrive by 8am for the best experience
Morning
- Hike to Rio Celeste Waterfall - Famous for its unreal turquoise blue color
- 2-hour round trip hike through rainforest
- The blue color comes from mineral-rich volcanic water
Midday
- Free swimming spot just outside the park entrance - dip in the blue river
- Lunch at local soda (casual restaurant)
Afternoon
- Return to La Fortuna area by 2pm
- Relax at Baldi Hot Springs
Where to Stay: A hot springs resort near La Fortuna
Tips:
- Swimming is NOT allowed at the main waterfall
- The trail can be muddy - waterproof hiking shoes essential
- This is a must-do highlight of Costa Rica
Day 6: Drive to Monteverde
Morning
- Check out (request late checkout if available)
- Drive to Monteverde (~3 hours via the scenic route around Lake Arenal)
Afternoon
- Arrive and check into hotel
- Explore the small town of Santa Elena
- Relax after the drive
Where to Stay: Monteverde area, a lodge with forest views
Tips:
- The road to Monteverde is famously bumpy - 4WD recommended
- Take the scenic route around the lake for beautiful views
- Fill up on gas before leaving La Fortuna
Day 7: Monteverde Cloud Forest Adventure
Morning
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve or Santa Elena Cloud Forest
- Guided nature walk to spot wildlife (quetzals, hummingbirds, exotic plants)
Afternoon
- Zip Line Tour - Monteverde is famous for its canopy tours
- Hanging Bridges - Walk through the forest canopy on suspension bridges
Evening
- Night tour option: See nocturnal wildlife
Tips:
- Book zip line and hanging bridges in advance during peak season
- Dress in layers - cloud forest is cool and misty
- A guide significantly increases wildlife sightings
Day 8: Monteverde → Jaco Beach
Morning
- Don Juan Coffee Tour - Learn about Costa Rican coffee production
- Late checkout from hotel
Afternoon
- Drive to Jaco on the Pacific Coast (~3 hours)
- Check into beach hotel
- Relax on the beach
Evening
- Sunset on the beach
- Explore Jaco’s restaurant scene
Where to Stay: Beach hotel in Jaco
Tips:
- Jaco is a lively surf town with great nightlife
- Beaches have strong currents - be cautious swimming
- Great sunset views from the beach
Day 9: Isla Tortuga Day Trip
Full Day
- Isla Tortuga boat tour
- Cruise along the coast to this tropical island
- Snorkeling in clear waters
- Beach time on white sand
- Lunch included on most tours
Tips:
- Book tour in advance through your hotel or local operator
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen
- Tours typically depart from Puntarenas or Montezuma
- Great for snorkeling and relaxation
Day 10: Departure
Morning
- Leave Jaco by 8am
- Drive to San Jose Airport (~2.5 hours)
- Allow extra time for car return
At the Airport
- Arrive by 11am for afternoon flights
- Don’t forget to buy coffee and chocolate souvenirs
Tips:
- Costa Rica has a $29 departure tax (usually included in ticket)
- Fill up rental car gas before returning
- Leave buffer time for unexpected traffic
Trip Summary
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Total Days | 10 days |
| Regions | Central Valley, Arenal, Monteverde, Pacific Coast |
| Rental Car | Essential - 4WD recommended for Monteverde |
| Best For | Nature lovers, adventure seekers, hot springs enthusiasts |
| Pace | Active with relaxation breaks |
Practical Tips
Driving in Costa Rica
- 4WD recommended, especially for Monteverde road
- Roads vary from excellent highways to rough dirt roads
- Waze works well for navigation
- Watch for potholes and one-lane bridges
- Don’t drive at night if possible
Weather
- Dry season: December to April
- Green season: May to November (afternoon rains, lush landscapes, fewer tourists)
- Pack layers for Monteverde (cool and misty)
- Pack light, breathable clothing for beaches
Money
- Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
- US dollars widely accepted at tourist spots
- ATMs available in major towns
- Tip 10% at restaurants (often included as “servicio”)
What to Pack
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Rain jacket (rain is possible year-round)
- Swimsuit and water shoes
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Insect repellent
Wildlife Safety
- Don’t feed wild animals
- Keep distance from monkeys (they can bite)
- Watch for snakes on trails
- Crocodiles present in some rivers (don’t swim in murky water)
Must-Do Highlights
- Rio Celeste Waterfall - The water really is that blue
- Hot Springs at Tabacon or Baldi - Volcanic heated relaxation
- Monteverde Zip Line - Fly through the cloud forest canopy
- La Fortuna Waterfall swim - Refreshing dip at the base
- Coffee & Chocolate Tours - Taste Costa Rica’s famous exports
- Isla Tortuga - Tropical island paradise
- Wildlife spotting - Monkeys, toucans, sloths, and more