10 Days in Costa Rica
Part 1: La Fortuna, Hanging Bridges & Sloths
Day 1: Liberia --> La Fortuna
Fly into Liberia airport, pickup a rental car here, and travel to La Fortuna (2.5 hours) Note: Make sure to get at minimum a mid-size SUV as a rental car. Roads can be steep and at times, unpaved. You'll want a car capable of handling this.
I recommend staying Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Dinner at Tiquica Restaurant
Enjoy the natural hot springs, pool and hotel for the night
Day 2: La Fortuna Waterfall & Hanging Bridges
Breakfast included at hotel. ~7am
The Stops outlined below are the Self Guided Option if you rented a car. However, if you didn't and prefer to travel by tour, you can achieve a very similar itinerary with the tour below.
Stop 1: La Fortuna Waterfall -~15 min away. Allow 2 hours to hike, swim and change. Note: Pack a bag with bathing suit, wear comfortable hiking clothes. They have showers here at the exit you can use.
Stop 2: Bogarin Trail ~10 min from the Waterfall. Can spend about an hour here! Look out for Sloths and incredible wildlife!
Lunch: Lava '68 Cafeteria
Stop 3: Hanging Bridges. About 2 Hours here. Incredible views. Buy tickets ahead.
Dinner:
Return back to hotel for a good nights rest
Part 2: Monteverde, Zip Lining & Horseback Riding
Day 3: Rio Celeste & Monteverde
Early Rise for Breakfast, aim to leave by 7am
Stop 1: Rio Celeste. One of the most gorgeous spots in Costa Rica. Worth the 1.5hour drive north from La Fortuna. Hike here for about an hour and a half.
If you didn't rent a car but still want to visit Rio Celeste. You can book this tour from La Fortuna.
Drive 2.5 hours to Monteverde. Watch out, the roads are rough as you get closer to the mountains. Equally as much an adventure- fantastic views.
Arrive at Monteverde:
Lunch: Taco Taco Taqueria. Do it. You won't regret it. One of the best meals in Costa Rica
Stop 2: Zip Line Excursion - Book ahead, A few good options below. We did the second one and loved it.
Stay: Hotel Poco a Poco. Incredible spot in the middle of the mountains, a beautiful trail right on the property and a hot tub under the stars.
Day 4: Horseback Riding in Monteverde --> Travel to Tamarindo
Breakfast at hotel
Stop 1: Horseback Riding (book in advance). Was easily the most incredible part of our trip to Costa Rica. Hours of hiking in the mountains with a local guide. Some of the most incredible views.
Lunch: Bon Appetit in Santa Elena
Stop 2: Take a quick dip to break up the drive to Tamarino at Catarata llanos de Cortes. Gorgeous waterfall with some impressive views. About a 2 hour drive from lunch.
View from this waterfall was breathtaking. A perfect pitstop to break up the drive.
Finish your day driving the remaining two hours to Tamarindo.
Stay at: BoHo Tamarindo. Botique hotel owned by an amazing family. Easily our favorite place we stayed at.
Part 3: Surfing in Tamarindo
The next 4 days can be spent much more leisurely and on the beach. After 4 full days of non-stop travel, it was nice to take some time to not live by the hour. Below are some recommendations for things to do while you're staying in Tamarindo. Along with Food recommendations.
Surfing
There are many places to take surfing lessons. I recommend private to get the most. Group lessons cost about $50/person and if you already know how to surf, renting a surf board should cost about $20 per person for four hours.
We went surfing daily while we were here
Below is a great option for surf lessons
Sunset Watching
There are many tours that offer sunset sailing in Tamarindo.
The best option is to find a half day snorkeling + sunset sail trip. Below is a great choice
The Beach
Tamarindo is known for it's beaches. Spend all day simply tanning, swimming, surfing or walking along these beaches. You'll often see howler monkeys in the trees keeping you company for the day. Lots of locals come to Tamarindo beach. Especially on the weekend.
Restaurant Recommendations:
Hacienda El Viejo
Wildlife tour, Hacienda Tour + lunch. We did this as a day trip during our stay and it was incredible. Saw so many crocodiles (including babies) and had a fresh new perspective on the fresh water system in Costa Rica
Estuary Boat Tour
An Estuary boat tour is a great option. See rich diversity in a mangrove forest.
Beach Horse Back Riding
While we didn't do this, many of those around us were horseback riding right on the beach. It looked like a magical experience. However, if I went back I would go for a more private option in Flamingo Beach.
The Food
Tamarindo is known for it's incredible food options. There are so many. Listing some of my favorites below:
El mercadito
Palapa
Pangas
L'Estanco
La Bodega
Pico
Agua Salada
Dragonfly Bar & Grill
Day 10: After an incredible time in Costa Rica, it is time to go home. Head back to Liberia airport and fly out.
The home for unique & authentic travel
