10 days in Costa Rica - Rainforests and the Pacific.
The Pacific Ocean or beautiful rainforests… which one is better?
This is a tough one, as both are absolutely awesome!
Luckily 10 days in Costa Rica gives you both experiences.
With this proposed travel itinerary anyway…
Following my recent trip to Costa Rica, I have detailed the travel route which I enjoyed in the Central American country, that includes adventurous activities, relaxing days in nature, and surfing on the Pacific!
Costa Rica is a safe and fun country, but it can be tricky to navigate, so I have also included some personal tips and recommendations for you to use.
This itinerary includes visits to the jungle town of La Fortuna, along with the coastal towns of Tamarindo and Montezuma on the Pacific side of the country.
As with many other international visitors, my trip started in the capital, which is where I flew into.
So let’s start with a day in San Jose!
The iconic Rio Celeste waterfall.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
10 days in Costa Rica - Overview.
My 10 days in Costa Rica were awesome, but they were fast paced, so if you are more of a slow traveller, then this blog might not be for you, however, you can still get some ideas from it to add to your own plans.
It is Pacific heavy, but alternative ideas may include more time in the rainforests at Monteverde, or a trip across to the Caribbean side.
Day 1 - San Jose - Historical landmarks, graffiti art, and quirky restaurants.
Day 2 - Travel to La Fortuna.
Day 2 - La Fortuna - Some awesome free activities in natural beauty spots.
Day 3 - La Fortuna - Hanging Bridges and an iconic waterfall.
Day 4 - Rio Celeste waterfall hike.
Day 5 - Shuttle bus to Tamarindo.
Day 5 - Tamarindo - Beers at sunset on Tamarindo Beach.
Day 6 - Tamarindo - Surfing and the estuary tour.
Day 7 - Tamarindo - Explore the coastal town in a fun and active way.
Day 8 - Move onto Montezuma and explore its quirky town centre.
Day 9 - Montezuma - Waterfall hike and canopy tour.
Day 10 - Enjoy your last chilling in Montezuma before heading back to San Jose.
A unique statue in Tamarindo in Costa Rica.
Day 1 - Explore San Jose.
My first day in the capital felt quite different to the rest of my Costa Rica trip!
San Jose feels more raw, and much less touristy, with a distinct Hispanic vibe, and minimal English spoken.
The Costa Rican capital offers a vibrant cultural scene and a glimpse into the everyday life of its people, which I enjoyed experiencing with a trip to a local Soda restaurant to try the famous Gallo Pinto.
As you explore Costa Rica you will notice how tasty the food is inside the Soda’s, along with the large filling portion sizes and welcoming locals.
San Jose does have a mixed reputation, with international visitors sometimes skipping the city due to safety concerns among other reasons.
As I explored the markets I had a completely different experience, with many locals interacting with me in positive ways, despite tourists not being as common.
I always say give a destination a chance, you may just be surprised!
One thing which I really enjoyed in the capital is the juxtaposition of historical landmarks and contemporary art that gives San Jose a unique and ever-changing aesthetic.
There is colourful buildings throughout the capital.
A fun hostel with a pool and co-working space - Costa Rica Backpackers.
Historic Landmarks.
San Jose doesn’t have the most internationally recognised history as a city, however, its landmarks still tell important stories from its past.
Here are three landmarks which I enjoyed visiting:
National Theatre of Costa Rica (Teatro Nacional).
Through its history spanning over 125 years, the National Theatre of Costa Rica has hosted world class performances in art and culture, with its lavish interior providing the perfect setting.
Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Precolombino).
In dedication to the craftsmanship and spirituality of Costa Rica's indigenous civilisations, this museum boasts thousands of gold artefacts. It is immaculately designed and is located beneath the Plaza de la Cultura.
Jade Museum (Museo del Jade).
Known for its vast collection of jade artifacts, the museum provides a fascinating insight into pre-Columbian cultures.
National Theatre in San Jose.
If you visit all three attractions you will gain real insight into the history of Costa Rica, which I found fascinating!
A private walking tour is your best option, which can be booked here.
A city of statues.
As I walked around San Jose, I kept on noticing quirky statues in parks, and in the middle of certain streets!
It is fascinating as they cover a range of themes from music stars to politics, and some manifestations of the pura vida culture that runs deep through the Central American country.
I recommend heading to visit the Monumento Los Presentes, which is a group of nine statues that pays tribute to the local inhabitants of San José, reflecting the city's community spirit and cultural heritage.
The quirky statues are located in the gardens of the Central Bank building in downtown San José, at the intersection of Avenida Central and Calle 4.
Two other favourites that you should go and visit are:
The ‘New Paradigm sculpture’ depicts three human figures emerging from the ground at different stages, symbolising resilience and renewal.
The ‘National Monument’ commemorates Central America's victory over foreign invaders in 1856. It features a group of statues symbolizing the unity and strength of Central American countries.
I noticed loads of memorials in the city.
City of Colours street art murals.
Seeing the colourful street art was a pleasant surprise as I explored the capital.
I just found the beautifully curated street art by chance as I wandered through the ‘Barrio Amón’ district of the city, and as I observed, I did some research.
I found out that the ‘City of Colors Murals’ is an artistic initiative that began in the early 2000s.
The project aims to transform urban spaces into open-air galleries, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and modern artistic expression of Costa Rica.
I would say that the artists within the city are doing an awesome job of this, as the themes of the art range from politics and nature, to sports and the famous pura vida culture.
A colourful wall in the City of Colours area.
Enjoy dinner and drinks at some quirky spots.
One similarity which San Jose does share with other destinations in the country is quirky architecture!
I noticed that streets of San Jose are filled with colour and character, with colonial-era buildings and modern designs creating an eclectic cityscape.
This explosion of colour and creativity reflects the city's rich cultural heritage and its people's vibrant spirit, which it doesn’t have the reputation of.
This is a prime example of why you should visit a destination before judging it!
A themed cafe in the capital.
Three fun themed establishments.
Here are three fun bars/restaurants that will add some creativity to your San Jose plans:
Costa Rica Beer Factory.
I enjoyed trying the local craft beers, which are brewed inside the premises. The menu is filled with many options also, including American style meals.
The cocktails are professionally presented and very strong.
Daisu Board Game Cafe.
I enjoyed lunch in this unique cafe, with the laid back atmosphere being its biggest selling point.
You have to try one of the fresh smoothies!
Tree House.
Tree House provides a unique dining ambiance reminiscent of a treehouse setting, featuring a leafy indoor canopy, to create a nature style environment.
This restaurant also has great staff who look after you, and a nice selection of food and cocktails.
Some quirky buildings.
Day 2 morning - Travel to La Fortuna.
La Fortuna is a very popular destination in Costa Rica, which is famous for it’s stunning natural beauty, adventure activities, and abundant wildlife…
Therefore, it should be a must on your travels around the Central American country.
The Instagram worthy Arenal Volcano which overlooks the jungle town is picture perfect, and a big factor in attracting international visitors, with its geothermal activities including volcano hikes and natural hot springs.
Wildlife spotting is very popular also with both two-toed and three-toed sloths calling the nature of La Fortuna home.
La Fortuna is located approximately 140 kilometres from San Jose, but can take anywhere from 2 1/2 hours to 5 hours to reach the town, due to poor road infrastructure, and mode of transport that you choose.
I opted for the public bus from San Jose to La Fortuna as it was very cheap, at around £5, and although it did take around 5 hours, it was comfortable enough.
This was the last time I used the public bus on my itinerary though, as I opted to save time over money for the rest of the trip.
Here are two other options to travel between San Jose and La Fortuna:
Car Rental: Duration - 2.5/3 hours - £30–£60 per day.
Shared Shuttle Bus: Duration - 3–4 hours - £40–£50 per person.
On the bus from San Jose to La Fortuna.
Day 2 - El Salto swimming hole & El Choyin hot springs.
After my morning travels I enjoyed some of the natural beauty of Costa Rica to relax into La Fortuna, before a couple of days of adventure.
Both of these spots are free to visit and can keep you entertained for hours.
El Salto Swimming Hole
Green nature in abundance, waterfalls, and good conversations… That just about sums up my visit to El Salto Swimming Hole!
This hidden spot is located just outside of La Fortuna and enjoys a nice dose of the Costa Rican sunshine in the afternoons, making it a great way to relax after morning travel or tours.
There are a mixture of locals and tourists making it a unique atmosphere.
Be warned though!
The locals will entice you into some cliff jumping and using the Tarzan style rope swing.
They only do it, so they can show off their skills afterwards, which included backflips when I was there.
You can also go on a wander down the river and grab some BBQ’s street food in the area.
El Salto is fun in La Fortuna.
El Choyin Natural Hot Springs.
The geothermal activity of the Arenal Volcano has created a number of hot springs in and around La Fortuna!
There are many tourist resort style attractions which are well maintained, and have been developed into picturesque settings, with multiple thermal pools, dining, and some bars, however, they are quite costly.
A great free alternative is heading over to El Choyin Natural Hot Springs on the edge of town.
We visited as the sun set over the jungle town, so we got to experience the hot springs in the dark.
The sky was lit up by fireflies and the sound of bats echoed around the forested area.
It was an awesome experience, and we spent around 2 hours relaxing.
I enjoyed both a free and paid experience, and both are world doing, depending on your preferences.
Sunset over the Arenal Volcano.
Day 3 morning - Mistico Hanging Bridges.
Day 3 is one for the books, that’s for sure!
My morning at Mistico Park was the highlight of my trip in Costa Rica…
Looking over the vast rainforest from the above perspective is so unique!
I could hear the thriving ecosystem below me.
There are several spots in Costa Rica which offer hanging bridge experiences, however, the most famous is the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, which lies within the Arenal Volcano National Park at the base of the Volcano.
This attraction is renowned for its stunning views, a lush rainforest environment, and abundant wildlife, and I can testify that is definitely the case!
We spotted so many cool species of wildlife.
Enjoying the hanging bridges at Mistico Park.
The well-maintained park covers around 3 kilometres and takes around two hours to complete, meaning it only takes up a small chunk of your La Fortuna itinerary.
In total, you have to complete 16 bridges, and 6 of them are hanging suspension bridges at different levels of the forest, which gives visitors different viewpoints.
The trail is family-friendly and accessible for most fitness levels, and if you take the guided tours (which I strongly recommend, then as you hear the awesome fun facts of the forest, you will realise that you have completed a new section each time.
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is a must-visit eco-tourism destination in Costa Rica, as with such protection in place, the fauna and flora is flourishing.
We saw monkeys, sloths, and vipers all in their natural habitat which was fun!
The tour guides supply telescopes and binoculars to give all the group some better views of more distant highlights.
Our guide searching for animals in Mistico Park.
Day 3 afternoon - La Fortuna waterfall.
The abundance of picturesque waterfalls are a big draw to Costa Rica with one of them being in La Fortuna.
Located just 5.5 kilometres from the town centre you will find La Fortuna waterfall, which stands tall at an impressive 75 metres, and it is completely surrounded by beautiful nature.
You will hear the beautiful waterfall before you see it, as it’s powerful cascade can be heard from the site’s car park!
Before you can admire the Costa Rican beauty up close, you have the small matter of a $20 entrance fee, and 500 steps to descend.
The steps are well marked out with plenty of room and rest stations every 100 steps or so, to make it more accessible for visitors who aren’t as fit and mobile.
I found it fascinating that every 100 steps we enjoyed a new viewpoint of the natural wonder!
When you do eventually arrive at the main viewpoint, the steep descent and challenging walk all becomes worthwhile.
It is such an awesome La Fortuna experience!
The iconic La Fortuna waterfall.
A little beach area to relax or swim.
One of the big factors in the popularity of La Fortuna waterfall is that visitors are allowed to swim at its base.
Although not easy, due to the power of the cascading water, I did manage to get quite close to the gushing water!
If you aren’t a strong swimmer, or you prefer a more relaxing dip, then you can head to the side of the natural wonder, where there is a little private beach.
This area is family friendly and very refreshing in the high humidity of La Fortuna.
An awesome backdrop.
First glimpse of the wonder.
Day 4 - Rio Celeste waterfall hike.
Another day, another beautiful waterfall…
This time it is the iconic Ri Celeste waterfall!
Famed for its sky blue colour, this aesthetically pleasing natural phenomenon is located deep in Tenorio National Park, which is a very popular tour from La Fortuna.
The sky blue waterfall gains its bright colour due to a natural chemical reaction between volcanic minerals, primarily sulphur and calcium carbonate, that scatter sunlight to create its striking hue.
The popular national park is approximately 68 kilometres away from La Fortuna, with the drive typically taking about 1.5 to 2 hours, therefore, you can expect a full day of fun exploring!
Chilling at the iconic Rio Celeste.
A challenging but rewarding hike in nature.
Hiking in the humidity in Costa Rica is not easy!
But seeing so many beautiful sights along the way makes it easier.
The looped trail of Tenorio Volcano National Park is approximately 6 kilometres, with Rio Celeste around 1 mile in, and it took us around 4 hours in total to complete.
I visited with a fun group on my guided tour from La Fortuna, which made my solo trip more enjoyable!
Our guide pointed out some wildlife, a moving tree, and explained the history of the park as we explored.
Hiking through Tenorio National Park.
A unique meeting point in the park.
Rio Celeste is the main attraction in the park however, there are other unique spots.
As you can see in the photo below, the phenomenon of the sky blue water continues into other areas of the national park.
El Teñidero is where two different rivers meet, creating a visible change of colours and an interesting picture opportunity.
The other spot is known as Laguna Azul (blue lagoon) as it is such a tranquil body of water, however, even though it looks awesome to take a dip, it is actually full of harmful chemicals for humans!
Most tours include a refreshing swim in the river outside of the park, right near the entrance.
Another iconic spot.
El Teñidero.
Day 5 morning - Travel to Tamarindo.
After exploring the lush landscapes of La Fortuna, it’s time to head to the stunning beaches of Tamarindo, a lively surf town on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast.
As with many journeys in Costa Rica, the country’s mountainous terrain and geographical landscape adds time to this route also.
The journey typically involves traveling along the northern edge of the lake, which is nestled at the base of Arenal Volcano. It felt like we were travelling around the lake forever!
Although this route may take some time, it does offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, making the trip both very picturesque.
A shared shuttle service is the best option on this 10 day itinerary:
Departure Times: 7:30 AM and 2:30 PM in high season.
Just 7:30 AM in low season, with the occasional afternoon departure, depending on demand.
Duration: Approximately 5 hours
Cost: £40 per person approx.
Details: Door-to-door service in air-conditioned minibuses.
Arrived in Tamarindo.
Day 5 evening - beers on Tamarindo beach.
After several humid days exploring the rainforests of La Fortuna it felt amazing to be sitting on the beach relaxing!
There is something special about gazing out over the Pacific Ocean, which is made even better by the happy hour deals at some of the popular beach bars along the beach ront.
I enjoyed the draft beer at Walter's Bar & Restaurant, and its garden setting is beautiful, overlooking the ocean. Happy hour also means it is buy 1 get 1 free on beers!
Ice cold beers by the Pacific.
The beauty of Tamarindo is that its sunsets are remarkably consistent due to its geographic location near the equator, so if you are a sunset lover, head straight to the beach at around 6pm.
Tamarindo offers a variety of places to enjoy the sunset, including the beach, ocean-view restaurants, and nearby hills.
I recommend happy hour beers for a memorable experience!
Sunset on Tamarindo Beach.
Day 6 - A morning surf, and an afternoon looking for crocodiles.
After an evening chilling and enjoying the beautiful skies, and maybe a party at Sharky’s Bar?.. It is now time for a day full of adrenaline and exploration.
Surfing is one of the main highlights of Tamarindo, so booking a surfing lesson should be a priority on your itinerary, especially if you want to experience the true essence of the coastal town.
The high tide in Tamarindo does change daily, however, the beginner lessons are usually in the morning, freeing up your afternoon for the estuary tour!
My first surfing lesson.
Well, there goes another tick on the bucket list.. Surfing on the Pacific Ocean!
You can’t walk more than 100 metres along the beach road in Tamarindo without seeing surf lessons, or rentals advertised.
So if you are unsure about how your lesson will go, or need dutch courage, you can speak with an experienced surfer in one of the popular shops before booking.
My lesson started on the beach with theory and an example of how to lie on the board, pop up, and what to do when I fell off the surfboard.
After a few attempts of popping up on the spot, my instructor and I headed into the Pacific.
It was an awesome 90 minutes in the water and I did manage to pop up several times, making my morning a resounding success!
My first surf lesson.
Enjoying the Estuary tour.
Tamarindo's landscape is fascinating and diverse, thanks to its unique combination of coastal ecosystems, geological features, and the presence of the Tamarindo Estuary.
The Tamarindo Estuary, part of the Las Baulas National Marine Park, connects the Pacific Ocean to an intricate network of mangroves and wetlands.
This has created a unique habitat for wildlife, such as crocodiles and howler monkeys.
Taking the estuary tour is the best way to learn about the mangroves, different ecosystems, and wildlife.
I found Tamarindo to be a visually diverse environment, with sandy beaches, rocky headlands, and lush mangroves all within close proximity.
The beach which I wandered along each day was only a matter of metres away from the start of the estaury, and the crocodiles!
We managed to spot several crocodiles, howler monkeys, and were greeted by some friendly local fishermen.
This was one of my favourite tours in Costa Rica!
Looking for crocodiles in the estuary.
Day 7 - Explore Tamarindo.
The culture in downtown Tamarindo is vibrant, laidback, and distinctly Pura Vida, which is a central part of Costa Rican life.
I found Tamarindo to be a melting pot of local Ticos and international visitors, resulting in a mix of cultures that influence the town’s vibe.
I noticed this immediately through the town’s vast array of restaurant options.. It isn’t easy to choose one!
You can rent a bike or e-scooter to explore in a fun way…
Or in true Central American fashion, you can also rent a golf buggy!
This is a popular and practical way to get around town while soaking in the sights.
With the combination of surf culture, natural beauty, and vibrant downtown life, Tamarindo has something for everyone to enjoy.
I could happily live there!
A nice stroll along Tamarindo Beach.
An awesome breakfast spot.
If you are deciding on how to start your days in Tamarindo, let me recommend a beautiful themed cafe!
You will of course have watched Breaking Bad, and this cafe is everything you would want in the morning,
It reminds me of some of the quirky restaurants in the town centre of Montezuma.
The almond croissants are beautiful, however, my top recommendation is the french toast.
It is to die for!
Heisenberg would be proud of your choice!`
My favourite cafe in Tamarindo.
Day 8 morning. - Move onto Montezuma.
Now it’s time for a more chilled out town in Montezuma.
The logistics of travelling between Tamarindo and Montezuma aren’t straight forward due to Costa Rica’s infrastructure and landscape, so although there are public bus and ferry options, the only viable one on a shorter trip like this one is using the shared shuttle service:
I used shared shuttles several times on this trip and they were always efficient and on time.
From Tamarindo there are different departure times in high season and a daily morning departure in low season.
Departure Times: 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM in high season.
Just 9:00 AM in low season, with the occasional afternoon departure, depending on demand.
Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours
Cost: £40 per person approx.
Details: Door-to-door service in air-conditioned minibuses.
Cows on the road on our way to Montezuma.
Day 8 - Explore Montezuma and enjoy its quirky little town centre.
Montezuma, though small, has a quirky and charming town centre that perfectly embodies the Pura Vida spirit.
I found the town to have an eclectic vibe, with art shops, cafes, and colourful buildings lining the main street. I felt as though Montezuma is left more untouched, and felt more authentic!
You can feel the bohemian spirit in the food scene, with vegan-friendly cafes tucked away in tranquil settings and fresh seafood served in unique, creative ways.
If I could recommend one food spot, it would be the Art Garden Café.
I found it very peaceful to sit and enjoy a pastry and coffee each day, as its serene environment surrounded by lush greenery and local art, blends nature with creativity, for the perfect ambiance.
The coffee is delicious in true Costa Rican fashion, and the smoothies are so fresh!
Montezuma has a unique, relaxed energy that makes it stand out from the other destinations in this itinerary.
Its mix of natural beauty, artistic vibe, and small-town charm make it the perfect place to escape and chill out, so I can see why so many fall in love with the place!
A quirky spot in Montezuma.
Day 9 - Hike to Montezuma waterfalls and enjoy the Sun Trails canopy tour.
One of the most popular activities in town is free.
The Montezuma waterfalls hike is a nice challenge for visitors wanting an active day in nature.
Although short at just under 1km from the start of the trail to the main bottom waterfall, the hike consists of climbing rocks, crossing the river, and enjoying the sounds of screaming monkeys!
The hike is manageable for most fitness levels and provides plenty of opportunities for photos, making it ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
I completed the hike in solitude and the peaceful surroundings and scenic views created a rejuvenating escape for me, offering a real taste of Costa Rica's untouched beauty.
Swimming at Montezuma waterfalls.
Many tourists enjoy zip-lining in Costa Rica, and Montezuma provides an awesome canopy trail.
Suntrails operate the tours, which consist of zipping through the forest at canopy height, through an exciting circuit with 9 cables distributed across 13 platforms.
I visited at the start of the rainy season, so there were very few crowds, and although I managed to escape any heavy downpours on my trip, the rainforest appeared to be very green and lush.
My canopy tour instructors told me that isn’t the case in the dry season.
During my tour I enjoyed seeing the waterfalls from above, and I also got to do some cliff jumping into the top pool of the three tiered waterfalls.
Day 10 - Enjoy a chill morning in Montezuma and then head back to San Jose.
After my howler monkey alarm clock at sunrise, I opted to get up early and enjoy the beach one last time, with a little stroll to get my step count in before a few hours worth of travel.
As mentioned above, there are many quirky breakfast spots to enjoy one last Gallo Pinto!
Shared shuttle is the best option again, which includes a ferry crossing that is included in the cost of the shuttle.
This is another journey that can take up to 5 hours unfortunately.
Departure Times: 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM in high season.
Duration: Can be up to 5 hours in total.
Cost: £40 per person approx.
Details: Door-to-door service in air-conditioned minibuses, with a comfortable ferry ride.
As mentioned above, this itinerary isn’t for everyone, as there is some travelling involved, and not very much relaxing.
I loved every second of it though!
Enjoying the canopy tour in Montezuma.
Important tips for your Costa Rica adventure.
Here are some tips which I learned during my time exploring Costa Rica:
Embrace eco-tourism.
Costa Rica is really big on eco-tourism and sustainability, which is visible throughout its national parks, and tourist attractions.
Once you see the beauty of the country, it won’t take you long to get on board with the rules, and to do your bit to preserve the lush rainforests and their inhabitants.
Carrying a reusable water bottle and using minimal plastic in your trip is a good starting point.
Basic Spanish goes a long way.
On my very first morning in San Jose I realised my lack of Spanish was going to make my travels a little more tricky, as I explored trying to try and purchase a local sim card.
I managed to get by, as I do have very basic level Spanish, however, if you have more adequate Spanish, your interactions will be far better.
Alternatively, make sure you have downloaded a translator app.
Plan for delays when travelling between destinations.
A 90 minute traffic jam while leaving San Jose on my way to La Fortuna was very unexpected. It took our bus journey up over 5 hours!
This is a common theme in Costa Rica though, which I learned throughout my trip.
Delay, delays, delays!
The Central American country just doesn’t have the infrastructure to deal with its extreme landscape.
With most shared shuttles leaving first thing, it mitigates the damage that the delays cause though.
Be prepared for a rapid change of weather conditions.
Most of the day tours in Costa Rica involve outdoor adventure, and they can last all day, so it is not uncommon for the weather to turn drastically in a short timeframe.
You should carry water, snacks, and a poncho as a bare minimum.
I visited at the start of the green season in May, but got very fortunate with dry weather for my whole trip, but I still carried a rain jacket!
Eat in local Soda Restaurants to allow your budget to go further.
You will find the food portions are far more generous for a cheaper price if you eat in local soda’s. It is a great way to enjoy the real culture of Costa Rica. I had some awesome conversations with the local owner in Montezuma.
RainForest Cafe and Restaurant in La Fortuna was my favourite soda.
I found the traditional Tico food to be very tasty also!
Street art in Montezuma.
Three Costa Rican tours that I loved.
Here are three official tours I loved during my Costa Rica itinerary, and all three are better experiences with the knowledgeable local guides:
Mistico Hanging Bridges Park in La Fortuna.
The highlight of my whole time in Costa Rica.
Walking on the hanging bridges is so fun!
We also spotted an abundance of wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, vipers, and rare birds.
Our tour guide made our day special!
4 hours duration.
4.8/5 rating.
£65 per person.
✓ Pickup included.
✓ Free cancellation.
Rio Celeste Full Day Waterfall Hike from La Fortuna.
A day trip to Tenorio National Park, exploring the beautiful nature with a local guide. The reward from a challenging hike is the iconic Rio Celeste Waterfall!
An all round fun day, with efficient transport, and good organisation.
We spotted plenty of wildlife, and visited the oldest tree in Costa Rica during our tour.
8 hours duration.
4.9/5 rating.
£100 per person.
✓ Lunch provided.
✓ Water.
✓ Park entrance.
✓ Transportation.
Tamarindo Estuary: Boat Monkey Tour.
A fun boat tour where we spotted crocodiles camouflaged in the mangroves, and some awesome howler monkeys.
Our tour guide has been operating the tours for over 30 years.
Such a cool guy, and a really fun activity in Tamarindo!
2 hours duration.
4.7/5 rating.
£54 per person.
✓ English and Spanish guides.
✓ Bottled water and fruit provided.
✓ Free cancellation.
Our awesome tour guide at Mistico Park.
If I had to drop one of the destinations for slower travel.
As I mentioned above, I enjoy travelling between many destinations and ticking them off in a faster way, however, I know many of you don’t like this way of travel.
So a destination could be removed from this itinerary to suit your travel style.
La Fortuna should stay on any Costa Rica itinerary as it is what Costa Rica is all about… beautiful nature, adventure, and a huge dose of pura vida!
There are pros and cons of dropping Tamarindo or Montezuma, as both offer distinct vibes, which are quite different.
Why keep Tamarindo?
Very lively nightlife geared towards tourists.
World class surfing scene.
Unique vibe and atmosphere which is based around the beach.
Logistically easier than Montezuma.
Why keep Montezuma?
If you prefer a quieter, more authentic Costa Rican experience.
If you are wanting to enjoy a retreat experience.
More untouched nature.
I personally would keep Tamarindo, however, I struggle to relax and chill for long, as I am more of an adventurer, and a very active person.
Both will offer you special sunsets though, that’s for sure!
Enjoying a picture-perfect setting.
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