Now, you will make an exciting journey through the hidden treasures and off-the-beaten paths of Costa Rica, where the adventure will be waiting to open new discoveries for you at every turn. Over ten days, we will show you some of the country’s most unique and not-so-common destinations, each offering a small insight into the varied and captivating landscapes that can be experienced within this tropical paradise.
From virgin beaches to dense rainforests, remote islands to pretty little villages, let’s take you through the top 10 must-visit places of Costa Rica that will take your breath away and inspire you.
Day 1: Palo Verde National Park
Start your day in Palo Verde National Park; this is one of the hidden treasures of Guanacaste, famous for hosting an amazingly diverse set of ecosystems that support an unbelievable richness in life.
You’ll take a boat cruise on the Tempisque River, observing crocodiles, iguanas, and many birds that inhabit kingfishers and herons. Discover the wetlands and mangrove swamps on an organized walk throughout the park, where you will have a chance to live and experience the beauty of Costa Rica up close.
Day 2: Uvita Beach and Whale Tail
After breakfast, continue to Uvita Beach, found on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coastline, perhaps one of the country’s topmost spots, harboring what can be considered a unique natural formation in Costa Rica: the Whale Tail. It protrudes into the ocean like a whale’s tail during low tide.
You can walk along the beach and swim in its tropical waters to feel the breathtaking beauty of this gift of nature. This hidden gem is indeed one of the most popular places to include in your Costa Rica travel itinerary 10 days.
Day 3: Cahuita National Park and its Coral Reefs
One of the most recommended parks is Cahuita National Park on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Prepare yourself with a snorkeling outfit and get inside the live coral reefs of the park, filled with multicolored fish, sea turtles, and other marine life.
Stroll along park trails beautifully landscaped and flanked by gigantic palm trees and sumptuous tropical vegetation, and keep an eye out for howler monkeys and sloths down within the surrounding rainforest.
Day 4: Isla Tortuga Getaway
Isla Tortuga is a gem hidden from the maddening crowd within the Gulf of Nicoya. Spend a few days sunbathing on powdery sand beaches, splashing in clear turquoise waters, and snorkeling around multicolored coral reefs.
Enjoy a sumptuous beachside barbecue lunch and overdose on the sunshine as you bask away and relax in paradise.
Day 5: Turrialba and the Pacuare River
Travel to the charming town of Turrialba, where the streets are lined with old-style houses and the old railway station is now a museum. Take a breathtaking ride down the first white-watered river for paddlers, the Pacuare River. Life is packed with stunning rapids amid virgin rainforest and perfection as a backdrop—colossal beauty within a framed gorge.
Day 6: Orosi Valley and the Dam of Cachi
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Orosi Valley, which is filled with coffee plantations, cozy little villages, mountains, and other breathtaking views. Orosi is home to one of the oldest churches in Costa Rica. Another tourist attraction is the Cachi Dam, where one can enjoy excellent panoramic views of the mountains and the valleys, making it a nice addition to your Costa Rica travel itinerary 10 days.
Day 7: Las Baulas National Marine Park
Visit Las Baulas National Marine Park, located just kilometers from the center of Tamarindo town.
This is one of the largest sites worldwide for the nesting of leatherback sea turtles. Take a guided tour of one of the beaches in the park, and if you are lucky enough, you will be able to see those great creatures arriving on the shore to lay eggs (in their proper season).
Day 8: Hiking in Rincon de la Vieja Volcano
Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park is a Costa Rica park located in the Guanacaste province. It consists of various wildlife and tropical birds with numerous ecosystems, including virgin rainforest. Cool off in fresh waterfalls and enjoy natural hot springs with green surroundings.
Day 9: Dominical and Waterfalls of Nauyaca
Discover the easygoing charm of Dominical, a small beach town perched along the Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.
Walk on the trails of dense jungle up to the waterfalls of the spectacular Nauyaca; the waters cascade down up to the crystal clear pools. Here, visitors can swim in the fresh waters of the cold mountains and grab the peace of this hidden paradise.
Day 10: La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Hanging Bridges
Conclude your travels in the iconic town of La Fortuna, just under the shadow of the magnificent Arenal Volcano. The incredible La Fortuna Waterfall is simply something to hike to. A plunge of 200 feet into the most inviting pool color reaches up toward you. It might take a while for you to hike the Arenal Hanging Bridges, for you will want to stop time and time again, admiring the view. The panoramic view over the volcano and surrounding landscapes is an experience you will not forget.
Conclusion:
Costa Rica is a beautiful land full of adventure, waiting to be discovered from one coast to the other. The following 10 days, you could find some of the country’s not-so-common and unique destinations—ranging from secret beaches to offshore islands and charming towns to rainforests still untouched.
After a full day of exploration, one will permanently retire with comfort in the luxury villa rental in Costa Rica and relax and rejuvenate amidst breathtaking landscapes from this tropical paradise. Start planning your unforgettable journey today and discover the hidden treasures of Costa Rica for yourself.
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