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Requirements

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Entry Requirements

Welcome to Costa Rica!

Requirements to enter the country.

Entry to Costa Rica has been opened to tourists from all countries.

All tourists must comply with the immigration processes established in the General Immigration and Aliens Act (Ley General de Migración y Extrangería).

During your visit in Costa Rica, you are required to comply with the health protocols put in place by private companies when participating in any tourism activities in the country.

In accordance with Article 42 of the General Law on Immigration and Aliens (No. 8764) and Article 30 of the Immigration Control Regulation (Executive Decree No. 36769-G), foreign nationals intending to enter Costa Rica must provide:

A valid passport or travel document. Passports and travel documents will only be accepted if they can be read electronically in line with the guidelines established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and must be valid for the period set forth in these guidelines.
Visa, if required under these guidelines.
Proof of economic means, with a minimum of US$100.00 (one hundred US dollars) per month or partial month of legal stay in the country.
Return ticket to the country of origin or plan of onward travel that includes the next destination.
No impediment to entering Costa Rican territory.

MAXIMUM STAY:

The maximum legal stay for foreign nationals will be determined by the immigration agent upon their entry into the country.

Countries in the first group: UP TO 180 CALENDAR DAYS, NON-EXTENDABLE

Countries in the second group: UP TO 30 CALENDAR DAYS

Countries in the third group: UP TO 30 CALENDAR DAYS, EXTENDABLE

Countries in the fourth group: UP TO 30 CALENDAR DAYS, EXTENDABLE

Please remember:

In order to enter Costa Rica, you will need a ticket for a return flight, which the immigration official will ask to see when you arrive. It is recommended that you make a photocopy of your passport with the entry stamp, which you should carry with you at all times during your stay.
The number of days you are permitted to stay in Costa Rica will depend on the group your country of origin belongs to.
The immigration official may ask you to demonstrate that you have the funds needed for your stay in the country.
The immigration official may indicate in your passport that your permitted stay will be for a different amount of time.
Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport and proof that they will be leaving the country before their visa or entry stamp expires.

All travelers must therefore have a ticket for return or onward travel.

Non-residents must have a ticket for return or onward travel if they:

Are arriving on a one-way ticket.

Are entering the country with a return ticket that is more than 90 days after their date of arrival.

Are flying to Costa Rica and flying out of a different country.

By law, a return or onward travel ticket may be on one of the following means of approved commercial transportation:

A pre-purchased bus ticket out of the country.
A pre-purchased flight out of the country.
Proof of passage on a cruise ship.

Obligatory declarations when entering or leaving Costa Rica:

When entering or leaving a port of entry to Costa Rica, if you are carrying an amount equal to or greater than US$10,000 in cash or securities, or its equivalent in other currencies, you must request and complete the form designated for this purpose in the immigration checkpoint and present it to the Customs Authority for verification. The declaration must be made before finalizing the corresponding immigration procedures.

Failure to follow the provisions of Costa Rican law (No. 8204, Article 35) will result in the immediate forfeiture of the money.

What kind of vaccines do visitors to Costa Rica need?

As of July 30, 2007, Costa Rican authorities require all travelers from the following countries to have a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador, as well as the Republic of Guyana.

If you need more information, please click here

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Home » Central America » Travel Safety

Is Costa Rica SAFE to Visit? (2024 • Insider Tips)

Feeling up for a Costa Rican adventure?

Solid choice! Prepare for the captivating beauty of the Pacific coast, lush beaches, to explore national parks, and encounter an array of fascinating wildlife. Costa Rica truly delivers the goods when it comes to both relaxation and heart-pumping adventure.

Now, let’s talk safety. Yeah, you might have come across some scary stories about violent crime and high murder rates, and it can be hard to hear such tales. It’s like there’s a whole other side to Costa Rica that’s not so picture-perfect, and it can be a bit of a hard truth, right?

So, you’re probably wondering,

” Is Costa Rica SAFE to Visit? “

Fear not, my broke backpacker friend, for I’ve got your back! I’ve put together a comprehensive guide packed with invaluable tips and tricks to ensure your trip is as safe as can be.

Let’s dive in!

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, as things change quickly. The question of “Is Costa Rica Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on who you ask.

The information in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practice common sense, you will probably have a wonderful and safe trip to Costa Rica.

If you see any outdated information, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. Otherwise, stay safe friends!

Updated December 2023

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Is Costa Rica Safe Right Now?

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While the country is home to certain issues, yes , traveling to Costa Rica is generally safe . Costa Rica had a total of 2,443,531 tourist arrivals last 2023 as stated by Instituto Costarricense de Turismo . Majority of travellers had no reported issue of their visit.

You may be surprised to know that Costa Rica is actually one of the most stable Latin American countries. Murder rates are significantly lower than most of its neighbors, and no army (abolished in 1949!) means funding goes to better things – like amazing healthcare.

With tourism contributing majorly to the country’s GDP, tourist dollars go some way to eliminate poverty (albeit slowly). The government is focused on making the country accessible and comfortable for tourists.

Sadly, robberies are reasonably common against tourists, and there is some level of gang-related violence, especially in larger cities.

On the whole, visiting costa rica can be trouble-free, and most tourists have a great (if not awesome) time. Costa Rica is an exceptional destination and one of the safest countries in Central America .

Like a variety of tropical Island nations, Costa Rica is subject to its fair share of natural disasters, especially hurricanes. Knowing what to do in these situations could be essential for making sure your visit is safe.

Check out our detailed where to stay guide for Costa Rica so you can start your trip right!

Costa Rica is a massive tourist destination and overall pretty safe. However, there are some areas that are sketchier than others. We’ve listed Costa Rica’s best places to stay below.

Tamarindo : Tamarindo is an incredible Pacific coast beach town that is packed with everything you wanted from Costa Rica! It has beautiful beaches, a wild nightlife, and is actually a huge hub for surfers. While Tamarindo is definitely a popular destination to visit, it doesn’t attract as many tourists as other cities, so the safety level is still quite high. There are still some great beach houses though.
Drake Bay : Drake Bay, also called Bahía Drake, sits on the coast in the southwest of Costa Rica. This city is a top choice for families! It is a remote village, not a crazy tourist hub, and is, therefore, one of the safest areas in Costa Rica. That means that you and your family won’t be fighting for a place to put your beach towel down! The main beach of Drake Bay is called Playa Colorada, which has a handful of restaurants and warm, peaceful water!
Puerto Viejo : Puerto Viejo de Talamanca sits in the southeast of Costa Rica. It’s right on the gorgeous Caribbean coast and is renowned for the black sand beach and epic surf break! With awesome mangroves and close proximity to some of Costa Rica’s most epic national parks , this is a hard place to beat.

Places to Avoid in Costa Rica

As we’ve mentioned before, not everywhere in Costa Rica is a paradise. While it’s always smart to keep your eyes open and stay aware of your surroundings, the following areas are better avoided than explored.

Areas in San José : While San José is Costa Rica’s most popular tourist city, there are areas that you should avoid. These include any sort of parks at night. Stay away from Los Guido, Desamparados, Pavas, La Carpio, Leon XIII, the El Carmen neighborhood in Cartago, and the “El Infiernillo,” (little hell) sector of Alajuela.
Quepos (gateway) : Quite a few robberies have been happening in Quepos, a small town that acts as the gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park. If possible try to stay away or just keep your eyes open.
Limon City : This port city is generally kept away from tourists and ex-pats. With one of the highest rates of organized crime and drug trafficking in the country, it’s better to give this city a miss. Especially La Cieneguita.
Santa Rosa de Pocosol, San Carlos : Boasting a high concentration of Nicaraguans, even humanitarian workers have been threatened at knife point. Try and avoid this area.

There is a large rift between local Costa Rican society and the tourism industry. While tourism is great for some, it has been cited as a driver of high inflation and higher costs of living . Locals have been priced out of certain areas.

There is consequently a mixed view of tourists, and it is generally safer to stay within well-known tourist zones than to explore local districts.

Keeping your money safe in Costa Rica

One of the most common things to happen to you whilst travelling is losing your money. And let’s face it: the most annoying way for this to actually occur is when it’s stolen from you.

Petty crime is pretty much a problem all over the world.The best solution? Get a money belt.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Whilst Costa Rica is generally safe, there is always more you can do to make sure you’re staying safe. Here are a few top tips for staying safe in Costa Rica.

Inquire with the staff at the hostel/hotel you’re staying at – they’ll know best about the area.
Make friends – exploring urban areas with a group of travelers deters would-be robbers.
Don’t walk alone at night – avoid streets that look sketchy…
Take a taxi instead of walking at night . – remember that licensed taxis are red (or orange). Anything else is illegal and risky
Avoid people that want to ‘help’ with your bags – this is a scam.
Always keep an emergency stash of cash – Never keep all your cards/ currency in one place. And hide it all from thieves with a hidden money belt .
Split up your cash strategically – don’t put one huge wad of bills in your luggage!
Carry a small amount of cash when you go out – if something happens it’s a small loss. Using a money belt is an excellent way to hide cash.
Don’t wear expensive accessories – seeming rich makes you a target for thieves.
You HAVE to carry your passport – but avoid losing it by copying it (ID page + Costa Rica visa) instead.
Don’t hang your bag or purse on the back of your chair – this is easy picking for a thief.
Don’t leave your bags unattended at the beach – this is a rookie-level mistake.
Look busy at bus stations – looking lost is gold dust for scammers wanting a ‘tip’ for helping you.
Don’t use the overhead lockers on buses – get a ticket for the luggage compartment under the bus.
Use a flashlight or backpacking headlamp when walking at night in rural areas – you don’t want to step on something bitey!
Take a good medical kit with you – you never know when you might need it!
Speaking of which, don’t forget mosquito repellent! Costa Rican mozzies are relentless
Stay away from drugs – it’s really not worth getting yourself mixed up in the gangs related to them. You’re not making the country any better by buying them.
Know what to pack for Costa Rica – burning sun, annoying mosquitos… you have to be prepared!

Traveling smart is always the key to making sure your trips run smoothly, and there is no excuse for not doing the same in Costa Rica. That said, there is no point in ruining your trip by constantly worrying.

Keeping a balance between staying safe and having fun is the key to any top adventure!

Traveling in Costa Rica by yourself is totally doable and is one of the best ways to experience the amazing country!

Sure, it may be easy but that doesn’t mean it’s a breeze. Here are a few things you can bear in mind to make sure you optimize the safety-fun trade-off.

Learn some Spanish . You’re in a Spanish-speaking country after all and it makes traversing the bus network much easier. Bus drivers aren’t famed for their English either. You can actually enroll in Spanish classes for a couple of days too.
You’ll most likely want to meet other people on your travels, right? So unless you’re totally into your own company, then head to destinations where other travelers congregate. Some of the better places for solo travelers in Costa Rica are Santa Teresa , Nosara , Puerto Viejo, and Tamarindo.
And a top tip for beating the solo traveling blues is just to get out and about – new experiences and people will never be too far away.
Stay at one of Costa Rica’s hostels – it’s probably one of the best ways to get to know like-minded travelers and exchange stories and travel tips. Even if you want to continue traveling alone, it might benefit your safety!
Go Scuba Diving with a reputable company and with proper training. It’s not to be missed so make sure you feel confident in your skills and companions when you hit the reefs.

Is it safe to vacation in Costa Rica for women? Unfortunately travelling solo female can often mean you have to be extra careful.

Here are some crucial things to keep in mind when you’re out in Costa Rica!

Be confident, even if you don’t feel like it. Looking confused and lost is a good way to attract unwanted attention – anywhere in the world. If you’re really lost, walk confidently (even if you have no clue where you are) to somewhere that looks safe – a shop, a library, etc. – and find a member of staff to ask for help.
That’s another thing: don’t be afraid to be direct and ask for help or directions. This will most likely be better than accepting help from someone who initiates the conservation with you.
Avoid walking alone at night. Get a licensed taxi home or walk with a big group of friends from your hostel, but don’t walk home alone, even if the distance is short.
Once you arrive in Costa Rica, make friends – women more than men are often targeted by criminals, and having a good crew with you helps to scare away attackers.
Look at what the local women your age are doing – what they’re dressed like, how they’re behaving.
Cat calls do happen. If you don’t want that kind of attention, ignore them and move on.
Know the emergency numbers! Seems simple but it’s easily neglected. Keep them on your phone at the top of the list.
Let someone know where you’re going – Even if it’s just the staff at the hostel or a friend at home – it’s necessary.

You can do it!!! My first solo travel was to Costa Rica, and as a female solo traveler, I felt safe and on top of the world. Solo traveling is empowering and teaches you so much about the world around you.

Tamarindo is known for its stunning beaches and crazy nightlife. It’s also a paradise for surfers.

Costa Rica is a fun-packed place and a total playground for any adventure-loving family out there.

national parks and family-friendly beaches are great fun for you and your kids. Ask locals about where is safest to swim: riptides can be deadly. Go with a guide on hikes. They’ll spot dangerous wildlife way before you do.

Is Costa Rica safe to travel for families?

Like anywhere, traveling with kids necessarily demands more of a safety-conscious approach. You can’t galavant around as you can as a solo adult. Remember that it is wayyy less stressful to book in advance, and to plan your trip carefully.

With your attention on the kids, you are more likely to be a target for petty crime, and as a family on holiday, your perceived financial status is usually quite high. Take care of your stuff!

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic .

Costa Rica has a strong bus system, where the destinations are posted in the front window. Hiring cars is possible too, and quite a strong idea considering some roads and destinations can be relatively remote.

If you’re going to catch a bus from San José to anywhere else during holiday time you’re going to have to book ahead of time at a bus station. Again, basic Spanish would be helpful.

Theft from overhead racks on buses is actually a little rampant, so if you are traveling by public transport, either keep your stuff within reach or use the under-bus storage.

Are taxis safe in Costa Rica? My take is yes. You can pick up taxis pretty easily from major cities, and there is usually a taxi stand to be found. Taxis are a mix of regulated taxis, and piratas (pirate taxis). Despite the ominous name, these are relatively safe, although you may be asked to pretend to know the driver if pulled over.

Costa Rica is currently a level 2 rated country , according to the U.S. travel authorities. Robberies are a particularly common and nasty form of violent crime that is prevalent in the country, and Costa Rica has a murder rate of 11.19 per 100 000 (2020). This is comparable to the rate of Grenada, Namibia, and Suriname.

Costa Rican petty crime is worth watching out for as a tourist. Easy opportunities to steal possessions are taken, so just be smart about where you leave certain high-value items. There have been numerous break-ins to tourist vehicles, so be sure valuables are hidden if leaving them inside a vehicle.

Using your common sense will help you avoid a large quantity of trouble in Costa Rica, especially when going out, and walking at night.

Laws in Costa Rica

Costa Rican laws are generally pretty standard, but you should avoid removing architectural objects, and local fauna. If you are discovered on exit you could be subject to some serious payback.

a spliff a day keeps the doctor away flag

Everyone’s packing list is going to look a little different, but here are a few things I would never want to travel to Costa Rica without…

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

Yesim stands as a premier eSIM service provider, catering specifically to the mobile internet needs of travellers.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

True Tale – While embarking on my epic solo adventure in Costa Rica, fate had a surprise in store for me. Picture this: me, cruising on my trusty moped, when suddenly disaster struck, and I found myself tangled up in a crash. I was whisked away to a foreign hospital. But here’s the twist: thanks to the genius decision of securing travel insurance, I was spared the agonizing headache of medical bills in a land far from home. Talk about a lifesaver!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

For a travel destination like Costa Rica, there are lots of different things you have to consider when it comes to safety. We’ve listed the most common question, answers, and facts to make your trip as easy as possible.

Is Costa Rica LGBTQ+ friendly?

We’d say as long as you stay respectful, you won’t have any problems with discrimination. Avoid public displays of affection in more rural areas to be on the safe side. Like a lot of Latin countries, catholicism is common, so liberal views can be harder to come by outside city areas.

Is there Crime in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has a level of crime that you should be aware of. As a visitor, you might experience petty theft or robbery, but both of these are statistically unlikely. Costa Rica is considered much safer than many of its Central American neighbors and has a lower crime rate.

Is Costa Rica safer than Mexico?

Yes, Costa Rica is statistically safer than Mexico. The US State Department considers Costa Rica among the safest countries for US nationals. As per its safety ranking, Costa Rica is Level One whereas Mexico is Level Two.

Are Costa Ricans Friendly?

Costa Ricans are generally very friendly. Most of the time this can be very genuine, but you should use your wits to discern whether you are about to be used as a cash cow or not. Hawkers can be very persistent, so don’t feel bad about walking away.

Is it safe to live in Costa Rica?

Living in Costa Rica is usually quite safe, but is often not super straightforward. Work visas can be tricky to apply for: you have to prove that you’re filling a position that a Costa Rican can’t. In rural areas, there can be power outages, and wildlife might get a little too close for comfort. Earthquakes and volcanoes can pose a risk wherever you’re situated, so knowing what to do when disaster strikes is very sensible!

Yes, traveling to Costa Rica is safe. Very safe if you’re using your common sense. A wealth of history, crazy good food, and literally amazing nature make it perfect for many different people. And that’s not even mentioning its stunning beaches , which are as popular for sunbathers as they are for surfers.

There are things to bear in mind, of course – taxis can be fraudulent, female travelers should exercise caution, and pickpockets are common.

Hopefully, this guide will have given you some great tips for staying safe in Costa Rica, so go on, enjoy it! (and don’t forget travel insurance)

Looking for more info on traveling to Costa Rica?

Let me help you choose where to stay in Costa Rica
Explore with the ultimate peace of mind with top-notch medical evacuation insurance
Don’t forget to add an epic national park to your itinerary
Check out my favorite Airbnbs in the centre of all the action
Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic backpacking Costa Rica travel guide!

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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22 Comments

It is not safe. My boyfriend and I went to Quepos/ (near Manuel Antonio) for Christmas- new years this past year. We went out one day to hike and zipline and we were robbed day after christmas. The guy had a gun and he took 10k worth of stuff. Do not go to costa rica right now. IT IS NOT SAFE!! Pay attention, there are barbed wire fences everywhere you look. they don’t even park on the street the crime is so bad there. Everything is barred up everywhere you go. It’s not worth the risk!!

Great article, paints a pretty picture. I know all places have their issues. If I go anywhere I want to feel safe. I am looking to relocate from the US. I want to hear of everyone’s experience. I want to make an informed decision. Not one based on my fantasy or one person’s opinion. Based on some comments here and speaking with actual people that have been, I’m skeptical of CR

Looking to move to CR in the near future. Purchase some property and lay back. I have a friend doing that now he’s pretty happy

Male senior traveling solo. Being safe and limited money but would like to see the city by a trust worthy travel tour group of person. Mid Oct for about a week.

I have planned my trip to Costa Rica, staying at Marriott-Los Suenos. I reached out to a close friend who I knew had been going there for years. He stopped going 3 years ago (2019), as he was got badly mugged for his iphone and some cash on hand. He told me he would never go back, as it has deteriorated over the years and is not safe. Well, I’m a single female – he told me females are especially targeted and advised me not to go. I am heartbroken to hear all this. I visited back in 1999 with an eco tour group and had a fabulous time. Apparently, times have changed Costa Rica.

I’ve been researching on living in CR. From what I’ve read, it’s not to bad of a country. I have been all over Mexico and lived there for a bit. Loved all of it. The Caribbean and Europe plus Mexico, All have crime. Even here in the states. Where I am located, near Corpus Christi, there’s drugs, homelessness and places I do not want to be night or day. I suggest living there for a year without buying a house. Renting instead will give you an idea on everything. Michael

A girlfriend and I are planning a trip to one of Costa Rica’s all inclusive resorts. The Azura Resort. Is the resort itself safe? Is traveling from the airport to the resort safe? What airport do you recommend? Is there dangerous spots between the airport and the resort?

Hi there, my family and I have had a trip planned to Costa for some time now. I keep sticking it out, but every once in a while I start to worry about the advisories. If you were me, would you take your family to Costa Rica now? We are a family of 5, older kids 18, 17 and 16, traveling in July 2021. I want to have a great time, but overall safety is number one. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Funny how I listened to all the advice on the Internet and chose Costa Rica for my solo vacation based on those glorious reviews. Sounds like a lot of this Pura Vida stuff is sponsored by Costa Rican ministry of tourism. I did not feel safe in this country, neither I saw any happiness these promotional articles talk about. Costa Ricans are very poor, not just in material things – I haven’t seen a lot of playgrounds for kids, most people walk alongside the roads that don’t even have shoulders, forget about sidewalks, there is no music or dancing, no art scene, and in my two weeks traveling across the country I haven’t seen a single bookstore, or something like a yoga studio. I did feel tension and resentment towards me from the locals when I was simply purchasing things like water at gas stations or asking national parks clerks about their trails. About their healthcare system that’s better that the US – only someone delusional could suggest such an idea – I saw only one major medical center and it didn’t look very big or modern, and a few clinics housed in something the size of a garage. God forbid you have a medical emergency there- I didn’t feel based on what I saw that the help would be coming quickly or that it would be anything like the level of US healthcare with its helicopters and quick response. Police stations are located off unpaved roads and some of them don’t even have computers. I dealt with police there, their response time can be 4 hours (no wonder, it would take them 40 minutes just to drive to your location). Also police presence is very small, even in major tourist areas. Outside of a 3 star hotel in La Fortuna, which had a 24/7 guard and a gate (it annoyed me at the time) and plenty of staff, I didn’t feel safe anywhere. Other than my cell phone being stolen in broad daylight from a peaceful almost empty beach (they call it petty theft – not so petty if you have all your credit card apps, email, personal photos and memories, not to mention this being your only means of contacting help such as 911 and in my case figuring out where I was using maps) and being conned by a guy who sold me a pre-paid phone plan, — the desolate roads where I found myself driving alone for long stretches of time, the unpaved roads leading to world famous destinations and hotels that somehow got 9 points on Booking.com, where it was easy to damage your vehicle, and no services or gas stations for miles, the way locals stared at me getting out of my car, at my wallet when I stood in line at stores, when I walked alone in national parks, the near absence of developed areas, locals who sit around their shacks and shack like stores and watch you, people, both locals and tourists, refusing help when you are running around distressed without a phone asking somebody to let you use their phone to make a phone call- all of these things gave me a an unsafe uneasy vibe that ruined my vacation. When you have to constantly watch your back and your bag, you don’t enjoy nature so much. I don’t recommend Costa Rica for solo female travelers. I felt safer in Mexico and Peru. Read about all the crimes committed in Costa Rica, including armed robberies. P.S I’m posting this on other similar websites, as I feel I should warn solo female travelers.

You’re clearly an idiot, based purely on this – “there is no music or dancing, no art scene, and in my two weeks traveling across the country I haven’t seen a single bookstore, or something like a yoga studio” – How can you claim there is no music, no dancing, no art scene? You were obviously well out of your comfort zone and whilst I feel bad for you on that front it’s really immature to let your discomfort warp your impression of a country to such a degree.

This city is very dangerous- my daughter was threatened with her life – don’t go don’t go …..ps She thankfully had insurance….

Hi Andrew, which city do you mean? Was she robbed there?

Sadly the idea of Pura Vida is at odds with the petty theft and dishonesty that I witnessed. Doors and windows all have grills over them and are landlocked shut from the early evening because no one can be trusted. Taxi drivers scam regularly telling you your hostel is overbooked and taking you elsewhere at great cost.

After reading this article I am very motivated to have a focus on the area… My wife and I don’t mind about the weariness and would love to open a little shop welcoming people that can enjoy seafood. Lionfish tacos are what we would specialise with a local beer.

Go live your dream! Let me know when we can swing around for a beer! 🙂

Thank you so much for providing relevant and meaningful facts about traveling to CR. My son is interested in learning Spanish, helping out in the community and also likes the opportunity to live with a family and get to know the culture. There are so many language schools. He’s a highschool graduate and wants to be there Sept thru Dec. only if possible, would you be able to recommend two or three best Spanish schools with home-stay options. Thank you

Hi! I did a Spanish school with homestays in Peru that has a branch in Costa Rica as well. You can check out Máximo Nivel . They have volunteer programs too, but I recommend doing the courses and organizing a volunteer experience on his own once he’s on the ground. Viva las aventuras!

Costa Rica has gotten way too big for its britches. Super expensive and there is some sort of road closing strike every week. It’s not what you think it is. It’s not the brochure or flashy add you’re looking at. It’s not Pura Vida. It’s not even “Green” as they use more Round Up then anywhere I’ve ever been. 26 countries. I guess if you are filthy rich, arrive in your own jet and can afford $600+ a night you’re OK. But for the average guy it’s way past over cooked.

This is the most comprehensive information about who, what, and where. I specifically appreciate the breakdown for solo travelers, women, and families. Thank you.

FINALLY A WELL WRITTEN ARTICLE. COVERING MOST POINTS OF VIEW.

Are the mosquitoes particularly bad? In all areas?

Mosquitoes will abound. Arm yourself!

Wild Junket

Costa Rica Itinerary: One Week in Costa Rica

One Week in Costa Rica: My Itinerary & Guide 2024

Last Updated on February 1, 2024

Is one week in Costa Rica enough? I’m sharing my detailed Costa Rica itinerary for those who love nature, wildlife and beaches.

Costa Rica is a country that truly has it all: lush rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, unique wildlife (think howler monkeys and sloths), and some of world’s most protected national parks. The Central American nation is literally covered in wild jungles that are so well preserved — it’s definitely one of the few countries in the world that has gotten tourism right.

On our recent trip to Costa Rica, we were blown away by the biodiversity and environmental consciousness across the country. Costa Rica has gone to great lengths to protect its national parks and wildlife reserves. Despite receiving around 1.7 million tourists each year, the country has done such a great job in ensuring that tourism here is sustainable and beneficial to local communities.

For those who are planning a trip to this beautiful country, here is my detailed Costa Rica itinerary with some of the best things to do in Costa Rica in one week.

Table of Contents

Travel Insurance for Costa Rica

When to travel costa rica, by transfers, travel costa rica independently or on guided tour, one-week costa rica itinerary, where to stay in san jose, enjoy a costa rican casado, hike up volcano arenal, book your tour here:, where to stay in la fortuna, take a canopy tour, walk the bogarin trail, soak in a hot spring, wander around in santa elena, go on a walk in the cloud forest, where to stay in monteverde, walk the hanging bridges, take a night walk, surf and turf on tamarindo beach, where to stay in tamarindo, *alternative: drive to manuel antonio national park, wildlife and zipline at diamante, sail into the sunset, enjoy your one-week costa rica trip, one week in costa rica itinerary.

Whether you are traveling Costa Rica for one week or a year, I always recommend having travel insurance. It will cover any incident you may have while traveling, including loss of luggage, flight cancellation or accidents.

Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.

The best time to travel Costa Rica is during the dry season: from mid-December to April . This period promises plenty of sunshine and little rain.

We visited Costa Rica in April and we had excellent weather throughout our trip. That said, the dry season is also the most popular (and expensive) time to visit. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, visit between May and November when prices are lower and there are less crowds. During June and July, rain showers pause briefly, and Costa Rica’s forests burst with green foliage.

Keep in mind that the weather varies by region. In the thick forests of the Caribbean Sea coast and northern regions, expect high humidity and temperatures ranging between the 70s and high 80s year-round.

one week costa rica itinerary - sunset at tamarindo

How to Get Around Costa Rica

Renting a car is easily the best way to travel around Costa Rica. Having your own wheels lets you travel independently, at your own pace.

However, roads in Costa Rica are in terrible conditions and many are unpaved . We actually wrecked a wheel while driving to Monteverde and had to change the tyre in the forest. Also be aware that there are plenty of police checks along the way — we heard that the fine for speeding is US$600, so make sure you stay within the speed limit.

We booked our car rental on Discover Car Hire and paid around US$160 for one week of rental and a baby seat. The car hire company had excellent services and provided transfers in/out to the airport. Our car was a Suzuki Celerio, a very small compact car. We definitely recommend renting a 4WD instead.

Book your Car Rental!

one week costa rica itinerary - break down car

Traveling by bus is the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica. San Jose is the hub for virtually all bus services in the country. Some routes are so popular that it’s wise to book your bus tickets to ensure availability.

Bus schedules change with impressive frequency, so be sure to check in advance. The main operator is I nterbus , with comprehensive routes across the country. The similar but slightly more expensive Gray Line runs direct services between many tourist spots. For example, Grayline and Interbus offer shared shuttles from San Jose Airport to Tamarindo for around $50.

If you prefer not to drive or take public transport, it is possible to book shuttles or transfers on GetYourGuide. These door-to-door transfers will pick you up from your hotel and drop you at your next hotel.

For example, this adventure transfer from Arenal to Monteverde will bring you on on a boat and van and provide interesting information along the way. If you’re traveling as a family or in a big group, this private transfer from San Jose to Arenal would be comfortable and convenient.

one week costa rica itinerary - aerial view of manuel antonio

Unlike other parts of Central America, Costa Rica is relatively safe and easy to travel around on your own. We traveled independently with our 4-year-old daughter and didn’t face any difficulty or challenges. It’s incredibly easy to travel Costa Rica with kids and highly recommend it for outdoor-loving family travelers.

What I recommend is traveling on your own and booking day tours especially if you’re not renting a car. Naturalist guides are trained to spot animals and will be able to point them out fast. Here’s a great wildlife day tour we took in Arenal !

If you’re not confident traveling Costa Rica independently, check out this 9-day Costa Rica adventure tour that’ll bring you to all the areas I mentioned. T his 12-day Hidden Costa Rica trip brings you off the beaten path and on an exciting trek. G Adventures is a Canadian adventure tour operator I’ve worked with many times and can highly recommend!

ITINERARY DAY 1: RELAX IN SAN JOSE

Your journey will most likely begin in San Jose, as the international airport is the main gateway into the country. Most people head straight for the mountains or coast as the city itself doesn’t have many interesting attractions. We chose to stay near the airport and relax by the pool at our hotel. Read more on where to stay in Costa Rica !

If you do have the time and want to explore the capital city, I recommend heading to the Museo del Oro Precolombino (Pre-Columbian Gold Museum). Home to more than 1,600 artifacts of Pre-Columbian gold from 500 A.D., this museum’s impressive collection is well worth a visit.

It is located under the Plaza de la Cultura, which is home to two other currency-related museums, the National Coin Museum, which has a collection dating back to 1236, and the “Casa de Moneda” that shows the history of minting in Costa Rica.

Luxury: Hotel Presidente San Jose City Center

Housed in a colorful and eclectic building, this modern hotel stands right in the heart of San Jose, steps from the National Theater and Plaza de la Cultura. It’s the perfect choice for those who want to explore San Jose and be right in the action. You’re literally surrounded by restaurants and shops. Check the latest rates here.

Midrange: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson

Located near the airport, this hotel is a great option for those who are flying in late and just want to stay somewhere comfortable without spending too much. The hotel has an excellent pool and spacious, comfortable rooms great for families. Definitely great value for money! Check the latest rates here.

Budget: Hostel Urbano

A funky and tastefully-designed option for budget travelers and great place to meet other travelers. The modern hostel is big and spacious, with lots of lounging space to socialise. It’s located on a hilltop with nice views of the city but just a 15-minute walk from the National museum. Check the latest rates here.

ITINERARY DAY 2: VOLCANO ADVENTURES

Next morning, drive out to Arenal Volcano bright and early to avoid the traffic. It’s a three-hour drive and it is considered one of the best road trips in Costa Rica.

Towering at 1,670m high, the peak of Arenal Volcano is easily one of the most impressive sights of the whole country. It’s also the most popular and expensive area in Costa Rica and can get quite crowded.

Base yourself in La Fortuna, the main town in the Arenal area backdropped by the volcano. There are plenty of shops, supermarkets and restaurants here.

You’ll probably arrive at lunch time, so head straight to Tiquicia Restaurant for the best c asado in town. Casado is a typical Central American dish of rice with meat, stewed beans (frijoles), salad and deep-fried plantain. Costa Ricans really take pride in them and Tiquicia is said to have the best casado in town — we can attest to that!

one week in costa rica itinerary - casado in costa rica

There’s no shortage of adventurous things to do in Arenal, from canyoning to ziplining and whitewater rafting. But the first thing I recommend doing is a hike in the national park to see the lava rocks and trails from the big eruption.

There is also a nice viewpoint where you can see both the volcano and lake. Entrance for the national park is $15 for adults. I recommend booking a guided hike to learn more about the flora and fauna of the area.

We booked this 4-hour interpretive hike that included a stop at a hot spring bath, and really enjoyed it.

Luxury: The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal

The Springs Resort is possibly the most famous hotel in the Arenal area and one of the best places to stay in Costa Rica . It’s an iconic landmark and an established property with its own private hot springs and stunning, unobstructed view of the volcano. You’ll get free access to the hot springs, which on its own already costs close to $100. Check the latest rates here.

Midrange: Arenal Observatory Lodge

The only hotel actually in the national park with the closet view of the volcano. Surrounded by 860 private acres of tropical rainforest, the hotel features an on-site bird sanctuary that has around 500 different species of birds. The lodge also has an on-site lake, a swimming pool, a sun terrace and games room. Check the latest rates here.

Budget: Arenal Backpackers Resort

Located close to the town of La Fortuna, this backpackers resort is fun, spacious and comfortable. There’s a large swimming pool and hammocks everywhere, plus stylish tents with beds that are comfortable and affordable for budget travelers. Food is excellent, plus you get unobstructed views of the volcano from the resort. Check the latest rates here.

one week in costa rica itinerary - the springs resort

ITINERARY DAY 3: WATERFALLS & HOT SPRINGS

The next day, sign up for a zipline tour with Sky Adventures . It’s the adventure park with the best reviews and reputation. (We went to the Sky Adventures in Monteverde but not the one in Arenal.) You’ll be soaring over the tree canopy at 600 feet high, so expect spectacular views of Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano.

This combination package (zipline, sky tram and sky walk) costs $120 for adults and $60 for kids.

one week costa rica itinerary - ziplining

If you really want to see sloths in La Fortuna, you have to walk the Bogarin Trail . It’s right in La Fortuna and an easy walk for all ages to see sloths and birds. The trail used to be all farmland many years ago. When the owner first started restoring the forest, he said there was one sloth. Now there are over 25 and is one of the best places in La Fortuna to see sloths.

one week in costa rica itinerary - two-toed sloth

After a busy and active day, it’s time to relax and wind down at one of the many hot springs dotted around La Fortuna. Many hotels and resorts have their own hot springs with day passes available. Day passes are quite expensive though, priced around $50-100 per adult and $30-50 for kids.

Some of the most well known ones are the Springs , Tabacon , and Baldi . You can also combine a hot spring visit with a Maleku indigenous experience — check details here !

one week costa rica itinerary - hot springs

ITINERARY DAY 4: INTO THE CLOUD FORESTS

Plan an early start once again for the bumpy drive to Monteverde. Even though it looks very close to Arenal on the map, it’s a three-hour drive on steep and unpaved roads.

We highly recommend driving this route only if you have a 4WD (we rented a compact car, and totally regretted that). Our car made it to Monteverde but we wrecked one of the wheels.

If you prefer not to drive, book a transfer from Arenal to Monteverde for $50.

Base yourself in the town of Santa Elena, the only hub in Monteverde. You should be able to arrive here by noon. The town has plenty of charming cafes and vegan restaurants.

I recommend eating at Taco Taco , an authentic Mexican place that serves refreshing drinks and some of the best burritos I’ve ever had. There are also quite a few stores and souvenir shops in town, in case you need to stock up on your supplies.

one week costa rica itinerary - taco taco food

After lunch, it’s time to explore the cloud forests that has made this place famous. The tropical cloud forests are some of the most spectacular places in the world.

As these forests sit from 1500 meters and more above sea level, the vegetation is completely different as the rainforests you’ll find elsewhere in the country.

There are actually three cloud forest reserves in Monteverde: Monteverde , Santa Elena and Children’s Eternal Rain Forest . The most popular one is Monteverde, but we chose to go to Santa Elena Reserve .

It’s less crowded, higher in elevation, more mossy and cloudy. We didn’t see a single soul during our walk and we had the sensation of walking through a fairytale! Entrance fee for Santa Elena reserve is $16 for adults and $7 for kids.

one week costa rica itinerary - santa elena reserve

Luxury: Hotel Aguti Lodge & Reserve

Located right inside a private reserve, this stylish yet rustic hotel is a magical place poised on a hilltop overlooking the clouds forests. There are hiking trails all around the reserve where you’ll find animals like howler monkeys, aguti and the resplendent quetzal. You’ll be able to experience sleeping in the jungle without sacrificing comfort. Check the latest rates here.

Midrange: Monteverde Country Lodge

Located close to the cloud forest of Monteverde, this eco-friendly hotel offers rustic wooden cabin-style rooms surrounded by lush gardens. Guests of Monteverde Country Lodge enjoy free access to facilities at Hotel Poco a Poco, including an indoor pool, gym, hot tub and kids’ club. It’s a great choice for families who want to experience staying in the jungle. Check the latest rates here.

Budget: Casa Campo Verde

We stayed at this family-run lodge just a 10-minute drive from the centre of Santa Elena town. It’s great value for money, plus the view of the cloud forest from the second-floor guest room is fantastic. If you like local comfort food, you’ll love the breakfast and dinner here. Check the latest rates here.

one week in costa rica - costa rica itinerary - hotel aguti

ITINERARY DAY 5: GO ABOVE THE CANOPY

It’s time for some more adventure! Start your day with a walk on the hanging bridges of the cloud forest or just hop onto a sky tram with Sky Adventures Monteverde . They have the highest and longest ziplines and hanging bridges.

The hanging bridges range up to 800 feet long and 2400 feet in altitude. This is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica with kids since the hanging bridges aren’t too long and give kids the chance to see wildlife easily.

A walk on the bridges, along with ziplining and sky tram, costs US$120 per adult and $60 for kids.

Book Your Tickets here!

one week costa rica itinerary - hanging bridges in monteverde

If you want to see wildlife, be sure to sign up for a nocturnal hike in the private Curi Cancha Reserve . The hike runs everyday from 5.30 to 7.30pm for $20 per person. Curi Cancha Reserve is said to be the best place to see wildlife in Monteverde. It’s always best to go wildlife watching with a guide as he/she has been trained to spot animals.

Our guide David was knowledgable, fun and excellent in spotting wildlife. He also carried a huge telescope that allowed us to see small insects or illusive birds clearly. Thanks to him, we spotted a giant tarantula, a Lora viper, a rare orange-bellied trogon bird, and a stunning jewel beetle.

one week costa rica itinerary - tarantula

ITINERARY DAY 6: HEAD TO THE BEACH

After a few active days, you deserve a break on the beach! Drive west to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica (3 hours).

Tamarindo is probably the most famous beach in Costa Rica and it’s easy to see why once you’re here. It’s home to some of the best swells in the world and the beach is lined with cool bars and restaurants. But it’s called “Tamagringo” for a reason: the beach can get very crowded at peak season. There are plenty of beaches that are much quieter and calmer south of Tamarindo.

We stayed near Playa Lagartillo , just 30 minutes away. It was absolutely wild and rugged, with very few people even on a public holiday. The nearby Playa Negra was also perfect for those who want some privacy.

Book your surfing lesson here or simply rent a board from the surf shops in Tamarindo and brave the waves. A board rental costs around $20 for 24 hours and surf lessons cost around $50 for 2 hours. Iguana Surf has the best reviews on TripAdvisor.

one week costa rica itinerary - tamarindo surfing

Luxury: Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort

Located right on the Tamarindo Beach, this four-star resort is a big property with three swimming pools and a range of restaurants. It’s got an excellent location on the beach and steps from shops and restaurants in Tamarindo. This is a great option for those who like to be in the action and still have direct access to the beach. Check the latest rates here.

Midrange: Drift Away Eco Lodge

Drift Away feels like an oasis in the midst of a jungle, with an empty and rugged beach steps away and Tamarindo a 20-minute drive away. We love the eco-friendly ethos of the lodge, which features locally-sourced furniture and natural products in their toiletries. Read my full review of Drift Away!

Budget: Tee-K Lodge

An excellent value for money, this budget lodge is brand new, beautiful and well-priced, though it’s quite a distance from the beach. It’s suitable for couples or families who have their own car. Rooms are stylish and spacious, with gorgeous earth-colored furnishing. Check the latest rates here.

one week costa rica itinerary - drift away eco lodge

Alternatively, those who haven’t had enough of wildlife might prefer heading to Manuel Antonio National Park instead of Tamarindo. This national park south of San Jose is where the rainforest meets the ocean, and where many of the country’s unique animals live.

If you really want to see a sloth in Costa Rica, this is one of the best places to see them. You can easily hike the national park in one day. There are several trails that lead to beaches and viewpoints and along the way, you can run into monkeys, frogs, snakes, deer and more.

Though wildlife is everywhere in the park, I recommend hiring a guide if you’d like to learn more about the flora and fauna in the area.

ITINERARY DAY 7: SUNSET SAILING

Make full use of your last day in Costa Rica by rising early and driving out to Diamante Eco Adventure Park (an hour drive). This is a great spot for those who want to do more ziplining and canopy tours.

We came here because we really wanted to see a sloth and still hadn’t found one. The adventure park is home to the largest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica. Besides three beautiful sloths, there are also lots of toucans, butterflies and jaguars who have been rescued and rehabilitated here.

Book Your Tickets here!

one week in costa rica - costa rica itinerary - sloth sanctuary

To finish off your one-week Costa Rica trip with a bang, book a sunset sailing trip to experience the bay on a catamaran. On the way, you might have the chance to see dolphins, turtles or even whales during the right time of the year.

The catamaran will also make a snorkeling stop at a tranquil bay. Sunsets at Tamarindo are world famous, so you won’t want to miss this!

costa rica itinerary - sunset sailing tamarindo

I hope that my one-week Costa Rica itinerary will help you plan your own adventure. If you have more than one week, I’d recommend adding these to your itinerary: Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero, and Puerto Viejo.

Let me know if you have any questions on Costa Rica in the comments field below. Here are more articles on Costa Rica and the surrounding countries:

Costa Rica with Kids
18 Cool Things to Do in Monteverde, Costa Rica
Where to Stay in Costa Rica
Best Things to Do in Costa Rica for Outdoor Lovers
Panama with Kids
Sailing San Blas Islands in Panama
My 1-Week Belize Itinerary

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Over the years (and traveling to 140+ countries), I’ve learned a thing or two about travel planning. I’ve put together this list of travel resources that I personally use to find the best deals and book travel! For more details, check out my travel tips resource page .

Booking Flights : Kayak is brilliant for finding the best dates to fly as it allows you to search for the lowest airfares within a 3-day period. Then I use Skyscanner as they’ve consistently given me the lowest airfares.
Accommodations: I always use Booking.com to book hotels, mainly because of the flexible cancellation policy and good customer service. You can also find short-term rental apartments there (I prefer not to use Airbnb due to the extra charges).
Travel Insurance: It’s important to have travel insurance, regardless of whether you’re traveling for a few days or months. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan , which covers any healthcare expenses I may have worldwide. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
Health Advice: I always refer to the travel guides on the CDC website for recommended medications and vaccines. You can get them at your travel doctor’s office or a walk-in pharmacy.
Tours: If you’re looking for all-encompassing tours, I recommend small-group adventure tour outfitter, G Adventures . I’ve traveled with them to Antarctica, Mongolia, Svalbard, and Nepal, and loved every single trip. For day tours, I always book with Viator and GetYourGuide ; they have easy booking systems and free cancellations.
Car Rental: I always book car rentals on Discover Cars , as they’ve consistently given us the best rates and customer service (with free cancellations). We’ve used them in Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Peru, and Mexico.
Transportation : Whenever possible, I book local transportation online using Bookaway and Busbud . They’re more reliable than many local transport websites and cover trains, buses, and car hire.
Restaurants: TripAdvisor is my go-to resource for restaurant reviews and bookings. I also make restaurant reservations on OpenTable .
Photography : Gather all your favorite photographs and create a digital photo album to showcase your best travel experiences.
WiFi: I always use eSIMs wherever I travel as they are SO much more convenient – you can buy them online, and don’t need to go to the shop or activate your eSIM through the store. Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store and it has eSIMs from over 190 countries and regions around the worlds. Check out Airalo’s eSIMs .

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Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 140 countries across 7 continents. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Her work has appeared in many major publications including BBC Travel, CNN and LonelyPlanet.com. Read more about her here and get more life updates from her on her Facebook and Instagram .

The Comments

If you really want to see wildlife go south to the Osa also much more affordable.

hi Tristan, yes we really wanted to go to Osa but we only had one week and there wasn’t enough time to get there! Definitely want to return to Costa Rica in future!

Costa Rica and all of the wildlife sounds awesome!! This trip sounds like a blast!

Love this post. Super helpful. Could you please tell how much did this trip cost you and what year did you actually go there? Is it a good idea to go during the Christmas?

hi Fifo, thanks for the comment! We went on the trip in April 2019, just last year. Let me break down the rough cost: we spent around $700 on accommodation, $200 per person on food, $350 on car rental and gas, and $200 per person on activities (cloud forest walk, visit of adventure park etc.). It would definitely be busier and more expensive at Christmas time but if that’s the only time you have to go, then by all means. :) Enjoy your trip and let me know if you have any other questions!

Hello Nellie, did you flight back home from San Jose?

hi Alla, we flew back from San Jose to Panama City and then home (Amsterdam) from there.

How long was the drive back to San Jose? Would you want to plan to stay the night before in San Jose?

hi Andres, it’s around a 5-hour drive from Tamarindo to San Jose. Yes I definitely recommend staying the night before in San Jose. We stayed near the airport – there are quite a few affordable options (in my recommendations above). Hope this helps!

Hi Nellie! Wonderful itinerary. My husband and I are planning a trip to Costa Rica with our 4 year old son later this year. What were your daughters favorite activities while you were there? Was she able to do any of the ziplining?

hi Shayla, thanks for dropping by! My daughter’s favorite activities were probably the night hikes and wildlife centers we visited. She absolutely loved the nocturnal walk we did in Curi Cancha reserve (Monteverde) where the guide pointed out cool animals like tarantula, jewel beetle, and rare insects. She was too small to zipline but she could go on the hanging bridges, and she liked that. She also thought the Diamante Eco Adventure Park was absolutely cool! Have you seen my post about traveling Costa Rica with kids ?

Jessica Horvat

Hi there! taking this trip exactly but a little worried about long driving times. My kids are older an may not do so well on the bumpy roads from La Arenal to Monteverde. any thoughts?

hi Jessica, thanks for stopping by! The drive from Arenal to Monteverde is around 3 hours and the road isn’t that bumpy. Perhaps you can take regular stops or let them use their devices? This itinerary isn’t too packed, but if you’re worried about long driving times then maybe you can focus just on one or two areas in Costa Rica.

Hello! I loved your article and all of your suggestions for activities and places to stay! Can I ask about your car rental experience with Discover Car Hire? Did the cost of your car include all of the mandatory car insurance? I have heard some horror stories of being stuck with lots of fees for mandatory car insurance and was wondering if that was the case with Discover?

hi Emily, thanks for dropping by! We always book through Discover Cars, but it’s a car rental search engine (much like Skyscanner but for cars). So basically it depends on which car hire company you choose. We usually get the liability coverage and that’s the basic insurance plan. I don’t recall being charged excessively in Costa Rica. But we did get a flat tire in Monteverde, but Alberto swapped it out for the extra tire and we weren’t charged anything extra. Hope this helps!

Bridget Michelle

Hey I loved your post! We are planning a trip for a week in March. Would say 4,500 for the three of us would be a good goal? Also I have a 13 year old daughter and suggestions as to what a teen would like to see and do?

hi Bridget, yes I think that’s more than enough for the three of you. Most of the attractions in Costa Rica are in nature. Perhaps your 13 year old would like the adventure parks, hanging treetop walks, and ziplining? There are many of those all over the country.

Hi, I would like to book the volcano hike tour as well, we have 3 & 5YO. The booking said age under 5 is not allowed. My 3YO is used to hiking, but usually just half a day hike. How intense these activities are? Did your 4YO handled it well? Thanks.

hi, my kid handled it well and the hike wasn’t too long. That said, it’s better to check directly with the tour operator to see if they’ll take your 3-year-old. Otherwise, you could consider booking a private tour?

Karen Rodriguez

Hi, loved your article and excursion. Our first trip to CR. We want to book a trip in mid April 2022 and have only 8 days, so it’s a choice between Arenal, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio or simply Oso peninsula. My 13 year old daughter would do best where there are guides and enticements to get out and explore. What do you recommend? Thank you.

I will be solo traveling to Costa Rica for a week during February so this itinerary will be very useful! Could you give me an estimate on how much I would be spending to do most of these activities? FYI I would be staying at hostels bc its cheaper and so I can meet fellow solo travelers.

Thanks in advance!

Thanks so much for this post – this is the perfect itinerary and so helpful

William Maxwell

My sixteen year old just told me that the trip I planned using this site was the best. Woo hoo!

Aww thanks so much! Glad your kid enjoyed the trip!

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The laid-back people and their Pura Vida lifestyle add to the warm and inviting allure of Costa Rica. The country offers miles of beaches and fantastic national parks, allowing endless opportunities to take in the wildlife. Here, tourists can enjoy river rafting, surfing, and zip lining while hanging out with macaws, sea turtles, and sloths.

You will also find various accommodation options that fit your vacation desires. You can choose to stay at a hotel, an all-inclusive resort, or a boutique eco-lodge in the mountains. Around every corner is something to be discovered, creating memorable moments for guests. A vacation to Costa Rica is an experience just waiting to start.

Before You Go

To make it easier to replace your passport if it’s lost or stolen, in addition to your passport, take a photocopy of your passport information page (keeping it separate from your actual passport).
Carry only a limited amount of cash, just enough for gratuities and incidental purchases. Major credit cards are widely accepted and can be replaced if lost or stolen.
Always lock your hotel room door (including patio and balcony door on any level of the building) and use the peephole before opening the door.
Store your valuables (such as cash, credit cards and airline tickets) in the hotel’s in-room safe or front desk safety deposit box.
If you must carry valuables on your person, do so in a pouch or money belt concealed under your clothing. Purses and backpacks can be easy targets for thieves.
For complete and current safety and security information, including travelers' tips, public announcements, travel advisories and more, please visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov.
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June through August: 81° to 81° (Summer)
September through November: 80° to 79° (Autumn)

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Wandering our World

Your Journey Begins Here

by Wandering our World
Posted on January 21, 2023

Costa Rica Or Belize: The Honest Comparison You Need!

Last updated on January 21, 2023 by Wandering our World

C osta Rica and Belize are both Central American holiday destinations that will inspire awe and appreciation for nature and its beauty, leaving you feeling thoroughly relaxed and amazed – and desperate to stay a bit longer. Belize and Costa Rica each offer such unique and unforgettable experiences, which makes it all the more difficult to pick which one to visit!

Each has a slightly different forté, so ultimately which you choose will come down to what you most want to do and experience during your holiday.

If you want to be snorkeling, diving, and relaxing by azure blue waters, then English-speaking Belize could be the better choice for you. But if you’d prefer a slightly more active and adventurous holiday, with wildlife watching , hiking , and jungle touring – try Spanish-speaking Costa Rica.

However in truth that’s just scratching the surface when it comes to how these two destinations differ.

Luckily as we know both countries so well, below we show you the main differences and similarities between Belize and Costa Rica. All so you can make the right decision.

Let’s get started!

A Quick Overview
Which Has Better Beaches & Activities
Which Has Better Nightlife

Where To Stay Depending On Your Budget

How Does The Food, Drink & Culture Compare
Which is More Affordable
Which is Safer to Visit
Which Is The Better Choice

A Quick Overview Of Costa Rica vs Belize

Belize is small in size, number of inhabitants, and attracts fewer international tourists than Costa Rica.

No where in Central America can beat Belize for its sea life, which is bursting with colourful coral gardens, crocodiles, sharks, rays – you name it, their waters have it. It’s a ls o English speaking while Costa Rica is natively Spanish.

Belize is also a fantastic beach destination and gives off those tropical Caribbean vibes we all want to enjoy at least once in our lifetime.

You’ll find gorgeous turquoise waters in this country and countless stunning paradise islands.

However Costa Rica will take you to the depths of some of the most lush and tropical rainforests, with monkeys swinging above your head, more than 850 species of bird, along with volcanoes on the other side of bountiful forests.

If you’re more drawn to inland attractions, wildlife watching and hiking then Costa Rica is the place for you.

It’s also much larger in landmass than Belize, but luckily they have two internal airlines that run across the country to aid travel.

Overall, Costa Rica’s wildlife is nothing short of spectacular, and there are fun jungle lodges and immersive options for accommodation if your budget allows. For wildlife spotters who want to see animals like sloths, toucans and jaguars, Costa Rica is unbeatable.

Below we compare both destinations in more detail, looking at which has the better beaches, activities, nightlife, as well as which is cheaper and safer. We also look at their culture, food and drink. So read on to begin your adventure!

Which Has Better Beaches & Activities?

You won’t be disappointed with the beaches and activities on offer in either country.

However Belize is better known for having gorgeous beaches as well as reefs for snorkeling and water activities, while Costa Rica has stronger inland adventure options, teeming with biodiversity and eco-tourism.

Belize: Beaches & Activities

Bordered by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea, Belize boasts some of the most gorgeous and tropical seas, with the Belize Barrier Reef a dreamy location for snorkeling and scuba diving, spanning across the entire length of the country.

The crystal clear waters and pearly white beaches are of course, a huge appeal, and staying at Ambergris Caye is a popular choice, and makes for a stunning yet relaxing beach holiday.

Without a doubt if you’re looking for the best white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, then Belize will be a better choice than Costa Rica.

Recommended: The Best Beaches in Belize

While the coasts and beaches should definitely be on your to-do list, Belize offers so much more: some of our favourites include wading through underground streams to idyllic, artifact-filled caves, or simply chilling on the beach with Garifuna musicians in the background after a day of diving and exploring.

Also of note is the Blue Hole National Park – a naturally indented expanse of deep blue sea, formed after the collapse of an underground cave.

While the underwater attractions are a huge part of Belize’s appeal, the inland tourist activities range from visiting crumbling Mayan ruins, hiking through jungles and spotting wildlife at Bacab Eco-Park , and even stargazing up at the clear starry skies in one of the best destinations world-wide for star watching.

Related: Breathtaking Hiking Trails in Belize

Costa Rica: Beaches & Activities

Costa Rica is not to be overlooked or overshadowed – this country too is not lacking for picturesque natural beauty, with mountain views fit for postcards, tropical rainforests, misty volcanoes, and of course, exotic beaches.

The mainland beauty is their prime attraction, so if you want perfect white beaches, be aware that Costa Rica’s vibrant jungles tend to spill out right up to the beach front, making the sand a bit darker and waves slightly rougher. That said, Playa Tambor makes for a lovely beach vacation.

Recommended: Sharks in Costa Rica

View from above of Costa Rica beach with jungle beside it

With inland adventures more of a focus in Costa Rica, animal and wildlife lovers won’t be disappointed when they’re in the heart of the nation’s towering forests searching for jaguar footprints, and wandering along canopy walkways.

We also recommend water activities for when you’re not wildlife watching, with hot river swims, and white water kayaking a few of the experiences you won’t want to miss out on. When it comes to adventurous activities and wildlife, Costa Rica beats Belize hands down.

With so many natural attractions found across the country, some of the most notable ones include the Arenal Volcano National Park , the mountain rainforest and wildlife found in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve , and Cahuita National Park which is a reserve protecting the only coral reef off the coast.

Recommended: Incredible Hiking Trails in Costa Rica

Which Has Better Nightlife?

You can find a good party in both countries, but Belize has a more relaxed nightlife scene, while weekends in Costa Rica can have you up into the early hours, and sitting with an aspirin and coffee the next morning.

Belize: Nightlife

The vibe is laid back. There are plenty of trendy beach bars and clubs especially in the San Pedro and Cayo districts. The capital, Belize City, is also a lively location if you’re looking for some fun be it day or night, with plenty of restaurants, live entertainment and places to grab a drink at the likes of La Cabana .

Belize doesn’t have the most outrageous nightlife scene, and evenings here will be better suited to those looking for a chill tropical-feeling night than club and party fans.

beach bar with stools and view of the ocean

Costa Rica: Nightlife

The nightlife across Costa Rica is mighty and vibrant, with locals enjoying a good weekend out at bars and clubs until the early hours of the morning.

There are many cities across the country which are great choices for a night out, such as Tamarindo , Santa Teresa , and San José .

Additionally, Jacó tends to be the best known party town and is favoured by those looking for a young and hip night scene, so if you’re looking for clubs and beach parties this is the place to start.

Shoestring: This hotel (see photos and rates) is excellent value, and while it’s in a rural location, it does sit right on the beach in the Tortuguero National Park – a place famous for its wildlife and turtles. To get a beachside spot at this price, with outdoor pool and hammocks included, is a steal.

Budget: The four-star Eco Boutique Hotel Vista Las Islas Reserva Natural (see photos and rates) complete with infinity pool, pool bar, and spectacular ocean views over the Gulf of Nicoya is an affordable choice which looks worth more than their current nightly rates. Dreamy is the best way to describe it.

Luxury: With its own private beach, swimming pools, tropical gardens, and every facility imaginable (even a nightclub!), Resort Dreams Las Mareas All Inclusive (see photos and rates) is one of those places we all want to visit once in our lifetime.

beach vacation in luxury hotel, tropical holidays in luxurious resort, woman sitting near swimming pool

Shoestring: Hidden Haven hostel is tucked away in the Belize jungle and is very cheap. But that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in facilities or views.

You’ll be greeted by the sound of birds in the morning, jungle foliage, and even a swimming pool! With plenty of outside spaces to enjoy the sun and shade, as well as Mayan ruins close by, this is hostel vacationing but in style. See prices, images and reviews by clicking here.

Budget: Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, garden, excellent restaurant, beach and jungle access, as well as free kayak and bike hire, it’s hard to beat Parrot Cove Lodge (see photos and rates) for views or price. The colors of the sea here in particular, are extra special.

Luxury: Ocean views from your own private villa. Check. Your own private pool. Check. Direct access to one of Belize’s best stretches of coastline. Check. Big outside pool with swim-up bar. Check. The Lodge at Jaguar Reef (see photos and rates) is as ‘Instagrammable’ as you can get.

How Does The Food, Drink & Culture Compare?

Between the two, we’ve found that Belize has a stronger and more varied sense of culture and history than Costa Rica, but both are so different to what you’ll experience anywhere else.

Belize: Food & Culture

Strong Central American undertones are artfully incorporated into all dishes you are likely to taste in Belize, with a traditional favourite being rice and beans, served up in a coconut milk with a choice of accompanying meats.

With their fruitful surrounding waters, fresh seafood can be found at a variety of restaurants, with the likes of ceviche – a concoction of conch or shrimp soaked in lime, paired with tomatoes, onions and Habanero peppers and tortilla – and great value lobster being popular choices.

For dessert, the favourite has to be their caramel fruitcake , usually served with a glass of authentic Caribbean rum. Lastly, to quench your thirst, Belize is also home to a fabulous locally brewed beer: the Belikin range.

The general atmosphere, wholly reflected by their cuisines, is strongly rooted in their culture, with ancient Mayan cities everywhere, contrasted with more modern villages clustered around San Ignacio and Toledo towns, and overall underpinned by vivacious Afro-Caribbean origins.

A view from above of ambergris caye in Belize

Costa Rica: Food & Culture

The rich, indulgent coffees in Costa Rica are an absolute must for coffee lovers, with their coffee beans being known as some of the best worldwide.

Furthermore, a lemonade spinoff known as ‘ agua de sapo ’ , or the nation’s own selection of craft beers are refreshing choices for when sunbathing at the beach.

Some of their staple food pieces include Gallo Pinto , a rice and bean dish, and Casado – rice, black beans, vegetables, ceviche, fresh seafood and various fruits.

Costa Rican culture tends to have influences from North and Central America, with a bit of Caribbean love mixed in.

Their pre-Columbian past is less deeply ingrained in their culture today, with little information about it still existing, but you can take a peek into the past by visiting historic sites such as the petrospheres at Diquís Delta .

Which Is Cheaper?

Both holiday destinations can be tailored to suit any budget, with very affordable eating options found throughout each country, and a range of accommodation to pick from to suit your needs.

Overall though, we’ve found that Belize is slightly cheaper.

Finding flights into the city is easy, with multiple coming and going each day. There are many options for transport depending on your budget, with several bus companies operating North-South across the main road.

Alternatively, for the true Belizean experience, water taxis are a fun way to get around, with daily trips operating city to city. Cars are also an option with taxis and car hires available from the airport/ accommodation, but taxis tend to be expensive for long journeys.

In regards t o accommodation, res ort prices tend t o be a bit cheaper than in C osta Rica, but y ou can find a variety of options t o suit a l l budgets.

Whilst quite a poor country, Costa Rica has seen a tourism boom over the last decade. Because of this, more of the touristy areas in the country are charging higher prices for hotel rooms and food. But if you stay at a hostel or 3-star hotel, then you shouldn’t notice much of a price increase.

To keep costs down, we recommend using Shared Shuttles, otherwise travel can get a bit pricey. Public buses running from the capital city outwards to major tourist cities are also fairly cheap options.

For more secluded or out of the way areas, a car is usually the easiest way to reach the best beaches and mountain areas, so if picture-perfect scenery is important to you, definitely consider hiring a car.

If you don’t want to dish out on a taxi or car rental, hitch-hiking in rural Costa Rica is common and the locals are friendly and accommodating.

view at conchal beach (playa conchal) in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Which Is Safer To Visit?

You can never be too careful when you visit any new location as a tourist.

Costa Rica and Belize both have their good parts and bad parts where crime is concerned. You just have to be careful and take precautions like any tourist should do.

What may be more of a concern is the fact Belize and Costa Rica are prone to getting hurricanes and stormy weather conditions.

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to end-November, but both countries historically tend not to face many hurricanes. When they do happen, hurricanes typically hit Belize and Costa Rica in August and October.

But you can plan your trip around hurricane season, so they shouldn’t be a problem!

A more significant threat if you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica may come from the strong riptides of the Costa Rican waters. Surfers and swimmers need to take caution before entering the ocean on the Costa Rican coast.

Belize vs Costa Rica: Which Is The Better Choice?

If you want to be snorkeling, diving, and relaxing by azure blue waters, Belize is the better choice for you. But if you’d prefer a slightly more active but inland holiday, with wildlife watching, hiking, and jungle touring – try Costa Rica.

It will be a more involved holiday as the Costa Rican landscape is rocky and varied, creating stunningly dramatic views.

However if you’re looking for a cheaper and ‘easier’ holiday, then Belize may be the better choice. It’s English speaking (while Costa Rica is natively Spanish), slightly more affordable, but also navigating the country tends to be more simple as they have slightly better roads and travel options.

Both countries also have their own currency, but Belize tends to be more flexible in accepting other mainstream currencies.

However they are both similar in a number of ways, and we suggest that both countries are perhaps better viewed as complementary holidays rather than competing destinations. The awe-inspiring Pacific views in Costa Rica are incomparable, while the under water scenery is unparalleled in Belize.

Recommended For Your Trip To Belize Or Costa Rica

Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.

View all posts

Author: Wandering our World

Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe. View all posts by Wandering our World

Costa Rica 10 Day Itinerary (From Liberia): The Best Highlights

White clouds float over green mountains. Hanging bridges sway deep inside mist covered tropical forests. Ocean waves crash on pristine beaches. White waterfalls plunge into turquoise pools. There is never a dull scenery in Costa Rica! The abundance of natural resources in the country and a conscious effort of conversation also make it home to several species of birds and animals. It comes as no surprise that this Central American country is a bucket list travel destination for many people around the world. If you are among them, we have got you covered for your trip planning. We created this Costa Rica 10 day itinerary covering the best highlights of the country.

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Watch our YouTube video below about the essence of Costa Rica and get inspired to book that ticket!

Table of Contents

Costa Rica 10 Day Itinerary

To help you plan how to best spend your 10 days in Costa Rica, we shortlisted an assortment of destinations that will give you a glimpse of different diverse ecosystems. The itinerary has been optimized in such a way that you get a taste of beaches, cloud forests, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanoes, wildlife, but without much hassle of long distance travels.

This itinerary is perfect for you if you plan to enter and exit via Liberia airport, one of the two international airports in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Trip Planning Resources :

Check out Costa Rica Activities to plan your Costa Rica trip. If you have a shorter vacation in mind, consider these 5-day itinerary options.

You can check this Costa Rica itinerary for 2-weeks, if San Jose airport works better for you as points of arrival and departure .

The most convenient way of getting around in Costa Rica is to rent a car .

Must-have things on your Costa Rica packing list: Reef Safe Sunscreen , Insect Repellent , and Rain Poncho . You can read our full packing guide and download the free packing checklist for the Costa Rica trip.

Day 1: Fly in to Liberia – Rio Negro Hot Springs and Waterfalls

After flying in to Liberia airport during the first half of the day, reserve your afternoon for some relaxation and rejuvenation, typical Costa Rica style! Go on a lazy nature walk to explore the Rio Negro series of waterfalls in the jungle. Then pamper yourself by soaking in the Rio Negro hot springs by the river. The setting is therapeutic. During your time at the hot springs, you can also try a volcanic mud bath, which is fun and healing at the same time.

For the first couple of days, you can base yourself in the Rincon de la Vieja area, about 30 minutes drive from the Liberia airport. Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin is a good accommodation option because it is located near the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Also, the stay here includes free access to all the waterfalls of the area as well as the Rio Negro hot springs, which otherwise you would need to purchase a pass for.

If you arrive in Costa Rica during the second half of the day, treat it as your Day 0. Relax with a nice dinner and a good night’s sleep before you begin your travel adventures the next day.

A couple with volcanic mud on their skin, posing for a selfie at Rio Negro Hot Springs in Costa Rica.

Day 2: Rincon de la Vieja National Park and Oropendola Waterfall

Start early on Day 2 of your Costa Rica trip to visit the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The park has two main sectors, Santa Maria and Las Pailas. The latter is the one next to the Hacienda Guachipelin property and thus the one you can visit easily on this day. Las Pailas sector has a few trails – the crater trail of Rincon de la Vieja volcano, trails to couple of waterfalls and a trail by the same name as the sector, Las Pailas.

However, if you have 10 days in Costa Rica, you may not want to spend multiple days hiking on different trails of the same national park. So, you need to choose a trail or two for your hikes.

If you are looking for a nice and easy hike, choose the Las Pailas sector for your hike in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park . It is a circular trail of 3.2 km (2 miles) going through tropical rain forests and tropical dry forests. While walking on the well paved trail admiring the interesting vegetation, look out for birds and animals, particularly howler monkeys and spider monkeys, hanging out discreetly around you. But the most interesting part of this Las Pailas trail is the variety of secondary volcano activities like volcanic mud pots, water pots, fumarolic lagoon and more. It is fascinating to watch how amusing our planet is.

A zoomed in view of volcanic mud pots, secondary volcanic activities at Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Costa Rica.

Difficult Hikes

If you want a tougher hike, consider one of the waterfall trails or the volcano crater trail. If you decide to do the waterfall hike but are spoilt for choice between the two waterfalls, Catarata La Cangreja and Catarata Escondido, we would suggest La Cangreja waterfall . The gorgeous white waterfall tumbling into a turquoise natural pool is totally worth the effort of the 10 km (6.2 miles) hike.

A long exposure shot of La Cangreja waterfall, a great inclusion in Costa Rica 10 day itinerary.

Oropendola Waterfall

On your way out from Rincon de la Vieja National Park, take a quick trip to the Oropendola waterfall located just outside the boundaries of the national park. From the parking lot, you can access the waterfall by an easy walk, including few shaky minutes on a constantly swaying hanging bridge.

Enjoy the views of this wildly beautiful waterfall from the viewing deck. Or take the iron stairs to go down into the emerald pool for a swim and for enjoying the splash of the waterfall.

Oropendola waterfall tumbling into a turquoise pool in a scenic jungle setting.

If you prefer organized guided tours, you can also check the following tour options that offer guide, lunch and transportation including free pick and drop from hotels in the Tamarindo, Conchal, Flamingo areas and/or the resorts in the Gulf of Papagayo.

If you prefer a private tour, here is an option –

There are ziplining and river tubing options in the area apart from the hot springs. So you can check this to ur for these experiences.

Day 3: Liberia to Monteverde – Monteverde Night Walk

On Day 3, check out from your hotel in Rincon de la Vieja and start your journey towards Monteverde, the cloud forest haven of Costa Rica . The trip should take between 2 and 2.5 hours, without any stop.

Apart from its cloud forests, this mountain town is also known for several exciting activities and attractions, and hence your next couple of days in Monteverde are going to be packed. So you might as well take the first day easy.

Afternoon Relaxation and Sunset

After arriving in town, treat yourself to a filling lunch at one of the many nice restaurants of Monteverde . Post lunch, spend a cozy relaxing afternoon in your hotel room or at a coffee shop, sipping a cuppa and reading a book, while enjoying the cool climate and lush mountain views. This afternoon in Monteverde can be the epitome of your much needed tranquility.

As the afternoon progresses, head towards one of the vantage sunset points in Monteverde to see the perfect orange sun setting over the Gulf of Nicoya with the backdrop of the mountain landscape.

Perfect round sun and a fiery red sky during sunset in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

Monteverde Night Walk

If you are re-energized after all the day’s rest, you can still fit in a Monteverde activity on this Day 3 of your Costa Rica 10 day itinerary. With various ongoing conservation efforts, Monteverde has retained its natural biodiversity and thus is home to several species of flora and fauna. So, you are never far from the elements of nature in Monteverde.

But, as the sun goes down, a layer of mystery seems to engulf the forests of Monteverde which come alive with all kinds of sounds in the darkness of the night. This is when you get the chance to spot several nocturnal birds, mammals, arthropods, amphibians and reptiles. The best way to experience this night time forest of Monteverde is by going on a guided night tour. Check this out for all the details on how you can plan your Monteverde night walk.

Rufous-eyed Brook Frog sitting on a green leaf.

Day 4: Monteverde – Zip-lining and Hanging Bridges

This day of your Costa Rica 10 day trip is bound to give you the ultimate adrenaline rush.

Go on a zip-lining and hanging bridges combo tour. Experience the cloud forests of Monteverde from close quarters and get transported to a different world of solitude and serenity, while still experiencing an adrenaline boost.

Based on your preferences, you can also choose to go for either the hanging bridges walk or the zip-lining tour, if not both. Most adventure parks in Monteverde offer both the tours, individually and as combo, which you can also pair with some other lighter activities, based on the package you purchase. Sky Adventures and Selvatura Park are the most prominent among all the adventure parks in Monteverde.

Monteverde Hanging Bridges

Walking on the hanging bridges is a hiking activity of about 2 to 2.5 hours. You follow the well marked nature trail which also takes you through a series of high and long suspension bridges. As the bridges are constructed near the canopy level, you can enjoy unique perspectives of the forests, including eye level sightings of several birds and monkeys at the forest canopy.

Typical of cloud forests, the forests often wear blankets of passing clouds. So, when you walk on the hanging bridges, some of which are as high as 164 feet, you get the feeling of walking over the clouds!

You can go for a self-guided tour or a guided tour. While you can definitely enjoy the hanging bridges on a self-guided walk, on a guided tour, the naturalist guide can help you with better wildlife sightings. And you also get to learn more about the natural biodiversity of the area.

For comparisons of different hanging bridges tours of Monteverde, and details on how to book the tour, what to expect and how to prepare for the tour, read this post on hanging bridges of Monteverde .

A man wearing grey t-shirt, sunglasses and red cap, and a woman wearing navy blue t-shirt, sunglasses and beige cap, posing for a selfie on a hanging bridge of Monteverde.

Monteverde Zip-lining

If walking over the clouds on the hanging bridges gives you a high, how about taking the experience one notch higher? On the zip-lining tour in Monteverde, you get the feeling of flying over the cloud forest!

The zip-lining tour also takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. Staying attached to the zip-line through a harness, you zip across from one platform to another. As you glide in air, enjoy the views of the vast expanse of the cloud forests. Some tours include an optional Superman zip-line at an extra fee. If you opt for this, you get to experience a bird’s eye view of the forest as you slide along the zip-line in a Superman like position.

Zip-lining in Monteverde is a guided activity (of course!). The group of zip-lining tour customers is always accompanied by a professional crew. They will guide you about safety features, assist you with the gear, and help you with take-off and landing on every line.

For comparisons of different zip-lining tour providers of Monteverde, and details on how to book the tour and what to expect, read this post on zip-lining in Monteverde .

Here are some snaps from our zip-lining adventures at Sky Adventures and Selvatura Park in Monteverde.

A woman zip-lining in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

For organized guided tours, check out these options here and here . Also, you can check the tours on Viator below –

Day 5: Monteverde – Bird-watching and Cloud Forest Hiking

The next day in Monteverde is also filled with activities, but they are more calming than thrilling, like birding and hiking. But you will be burning a lot of calories as the day involves quite a few hours of walking.

The previous day you walked over the clouds of the cloud forest and zip-lined high above the cloud forest canopy. Today, it is time to keep your feet on the ground (pun intended) . Explore the cloud forests of Monteverde from inside. Go for hiking in the cloud forest reserves, after going for (an optional) birding tour in the morning.

Curi Cancha Reserve

Around 400 species of birds have been recorded in Monteverde. Many of these birds, with their brilliant colors and amusing behavior, are a delight to watch. One such bird is the elusive Resplendent Quetzal. Monteverde is one of the very few places in Costa Rica where you can spot this majestic looking bird. Otherwise, you can spot Quetzals in San Gerardo de Dota or Los Quetzales National Park , which are not part of this Costa Rica 10 day itinerary.

The best way to enjoy the birds of Costa Rica is by going on a bird-watching tour. Curi Cancha Reserve in Monteverde is a great birding destination as it has several nature trails including some along open landscaped spaces, which make bird sighting easier.

Go for an early morning tour for better chances of birding and also to fit in other activities for later in the day. You can go for self-guided tour from 7:00 am onward, whereas the guided tour starts at 6:30 am. Read this post for details on the trails and viewpoints of Curi Cancha reserve and how to book the tour .

This guided bird-watching tour with a local guide includes entry tickets. If you have transport and bought the entrance tickets, here is another excellent option .

If you are not a birding enthusiast, you can skip Curi Cancha and instead start the next activity earlier.

A hummingbird at Curi Cancha Reserve. Birding at Curi Cancha is must include activity in the Costa Rica itinerary for birding enthusiasts.

Hiking in the Cloud Forest Reserve

There are 3 major reserves in Monteverde, each special in its own way. You can include any one of these 3 reserves in your Costa Rica 10 day itinerary. None will disappoint the nature lover in you.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

Established by the Quakers, the pioneers of the Monteverde community settlement, this reserve has 8 trails of lengths varying between 0.2 km (01. mile) and 2 km (1.12 miles), with some intersections/ connections among them. Apart from the cloud forests, Monteverde Reserve has several other attractions like diverse vegetation, wildlife sightings, river trail and waterfall. But the major highlights of this reserve are a hanging bridge and a viewpoint of the Continental Divide.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

Situated at a higher elevation, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve gives you an immersive cloud forest experience. The reserve has 5 different trails covering a distance of 12.5 km (7.8 miles) in total. One of the highlights of the Santa Elena Reserve is the observation tower. From the tower, you can see 4 volcanoes, including the Arenal Volcano on a clear day. For more details, read our complete guide to Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve .

Bajo del Tigre Reserve, Children’s Eternal Rainforest

Bajo del Tigre is a small sector of the largest reserve in Costa Rica, Children’s Eternal Rainforest. The reserve has 3.7 km (2.3 miles) of trails which are mostly flat and easy to walk on. There are also benches in some parts for resting. This reserve is perfect for families with kids and elderly people. Bajo del Tigre reserve is positioned in a transition zone of wet to seasonal moist. Thus, you also get to enjoy the rain forest experience here. For planning your trip to this reserve, read our complete guide to Bajo del Tigre Reserve .

The trail at Bajo del Tigre Reserve of Children's Eternal Rainforest in Monteverde.

Day 6: Monteverde Coffee Tour – Monteverde to Playa Avellanas

On your last morning in Monteverde, spend some time learning about the other thing Monteverde is famous for. Its coffee. Sign up for a coffee farm tour which lasts for about 2 to 2.5 hours. On this tour, you will get to learn more about coffee farming, processing and roasting. El Trapiche and Don Juan Monteverde offer 3-in-1 combo tour of coffee, cocoa and sugarcane, while Cafe Monteverde gives a more in-depth coffee experience mapping it against social and economic context.

After wrapping up the coffee tour by afternoon, it is time to say good bye to Monteverde and proceed to your next destination, Playa Avellanas. It is a less developed beach in a village of the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. The drive from Monteverde to Avellanas takes around 3 hours. So, you may reach town just in time to catch a beach sunset at Playa Avellanas.

The entrance of Monteverde Coffee Center. Coffee tour is an interesting activity to include in the Costa Rica itinerary for in-depth insights about coffee harvesting and roasting.

Alternative Destination Recommendation for Monteverde: Days 4 to 6

You can swap Monteverde with La Fortuna . It is an equally exciting destination, and takes around the same amount of time to reach from Liberia as Monteverde.Monteverde is great for cloud forests, cool mountain climate, wildlife sighting opportunities, hanging bridges and zip-lining. Lying in the northern plains region, La Fortuna is known for the famous Arenal Volcano National Park , Arenal Lake, rain forests, hanging bridges , zip-lining, bird-watching and sloth-sighting opportunities , La Fortuna waterfall and volcanic hot springs among others. From La Fortuna, you can also take a side trip to the magical Rio Celeste waterfall .

La Fortuna activities and tours: You can check the tours that pack multiple activities in a day. This tour has the La Fortuna hi ghlights or this one that includes the volcanic hot springs as well, in case your stay does not have a hotspring. Also, the coffee tour , sloth-watching tours , and night tour are other interesting activities in La Fortuna and Arenal.

If you are up for some adventure activities, below are some options.

Watch our YouTube video below about La Fortuna waterfall.

Day 7: Playa Avellanas – Beach Hopping

Avellanas beach.

Although Playa Avellanas is a favorite beach among the locals of Costa Rica, organized tourism is yet to catch up here. And that is what we like the most about Playa Avellanas. You get to enjoy a long stretch of soft sand beach, without the intervention of many beach side constructions. Take a stroll on the beach and watch a perfect beach sunset. Also, walk on the Insta-famous Avellanas Bridge . This wooden bridge is great for photo ops and to see the mangrove marshlands up close.

A man wearing red t-shirt, sunglasses and red cap, and a woman wearing a denim dress and sunglasses, posing for a selfie at Playa Avellanas in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Beach Hopping around Avellanas

Since this is effectively your first beach day in Costa Rica, you may consider scouting the area for other nice beaches that you can return to later. If you keep driving southwards from Playa Avellanas, you will come across a few other beaches within a distance of 10 km (6.2 miles), each having its own character.

At around 2 km (1.2 miles), Playa Lagartillo is the closest to Avellanas. With no souls in sight at this secluded beach, it turned out to be our favorite.

Playa Negra is located around 4.6 km (2.8 miles) south of Avellanas. There is a hotel property by the same name, Hotel Playa Nagra right on the beach, which makes activity at Playa Negra a little more prominent.

Located about 6.7 km (4.2 miles) from Playa Avellanas, Playa Blanca is a beautiful white sand beach. Due to the positioning of the adjacent small cliffs, you can enjoy the clifftop views of the beach. Some luxury residential project development in the area makes the facilities at Playa Blanca a little more organized, like guarded parking.

Playa Junquillal is a 4 km (2.5 miles) stretch of tan sand beach, the main beach of the town of Junquillal. There are quite a few hotels, guesthouses and eateries near this beach. But it still retains a raw beach town flavor.

A man wearing blue and white floral shirt and red cap, and a woman wearing a red spaghetti top and brown hat, posing for a selfie at Playa Lagartillo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Day 8: Playa Avellanas – Swimming and Surfing

Spend Day 8 of your Costa Rica trip enjoying the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Surfing is one of the best things to do at Playa Avellanas . So, if you are a seasoned surfer, just rent a surfboard and start taking on the waves. If you are a newbie or a beginner, you can sign up for surfing lessons from one of the surf schools. Or just sit on the beach, watching the surfers hone their skills.

Swim in the ocean or laze around under the shades of the trees. When you are hungry or thirsty, grab a bite and a drink at the iconic Lola’s restaurant on the beach.

There is not much of a nightlife at Avellanas. So you can conclude the day with a dinner at a nice restaurant. Kon-Tiki near Playa Negra has great wood-fired pizza which you can pair with a glass of wine.

A drone shot of surfers waiting for the wave at Avellanas beach. Surfing is a great activity to include in the Costa Rica itinerary for surfing beginners as well as surfing pros.

Read about other surfing beaches of Costa Rica:

Playa Carmen , Playa Hermosa , Playa Dominicalito , Malpais , Santa Teresa .

Day 9: Playa Avellanas / Tamarindo

To get the feel of a busier beach town, head to Tamarindo for your last night in Costa Rica. Tamarindo also has great surf breaks, a nice beach, several other great beaches within an hour’s driving distance and great sunsets. But Tamarindo is always bustling. There are scores of hotels, restaurants, stores, souvenir shops, all packed in the town center, and spread out in the vicinity as well. That is why the nighttime is also quite active in Tamarindo.

Tamarindo is around 40 minutes drive from Avellanas. So, if you check out before noon from Avellanas, you can grab lunch at Tamarindo, surf and swim in the afternoon, watch sunset from a rooftop bar and then end the day with fine dining at one of Tamarindo’s finest restauarants.

But if you enjoy the slow pace at Playa Avellanas, you can skip Tamarindo. Stay back at Avellanas for another day of surf, swim and sunset.

Two empty beach chairs under the shade of trees. They are facing the blue ocean, where many yachts are anchored. This is a typical sight at Tamarindo on quieter mornings. Tamarindo is a popular beach destination on Costa Rica itineraries.

Check out a couple of interesting tour options from Tamarindo. This sunset and snorke l tour gives you a break from the beach on a catamaran cruise in the Pacific. If you want to have a full-day tour of the neighboring Nicaragua , you can consider the tour below.

Alternative Destination Recommendation for Avellanas Beach: Days 7 to 9

If you prefer bustling beach towns over quieter ones, replace your Avellanas days with Tamarindo. If you prefer something in between, like not too touristy, neither lacking development, consider Nosara. Choose between Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada in Nosara. Another great beach town in Guanacaste is Samara.

Day 10: Fly out from Liberia

Keep the agenda wide open for the last day of your Costa Rica 10 day itinerary. You need not schedule any activities in advance. But depending on the time of your flight, you may be able to sneak in one last ocean swim or one last nature walk.

The duration for transfer to Liberia airport will depend on your last destination. It can take between 1:15 hours and 1:30 hours from Playa Avellanas or Tamarindo, around 2 hours from Samara and 2:15 hours from Nosara. So, plan your airport transfer accordingly.

As you conclude this Costa Rica itinerary, reflect on the experiences you have gathered from this land of Pura Vida. It is time to say goodbye for this time and start preparing for the next trip to Costa Rica!

The view of a plane flying in the sky near Liberia airport.

Hotel Recommendations for 10 Days in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, you can find hotels, hostels and guesthouses of various budget ranges. But almost everywhere, you can expect decent service, clean premises and friendly staff. Here are some of our accommodation recommendations for your Costa Rica 10 day itinerary.

Rincon de la Vieja Hotels

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin: It is located in a big property right next to the Las Pailas sector of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The hotel offers dozens of rooms, with varying accommodation types such as Standard Room, Superior Room, Family Superior Room, Legacy Suite and Suite. The rooms are nothing too fancy, but work fine with comfortable bed and hot shower. The hotel has a swimming pool, a restaurant and offers secure free parking and free WiFi. But the best part about the stay at Hacienda Guachipelin is that the price of the stay includes free access to the Rio Negro Hot Springs and all other waterfalls of the region. Book your stay here.

Monteverde Hotels

El Establo Mountain Hotel: It is a high-end hotel with incredible views, two onsite restaurants, a spa and a swimming pool. You can choose from four different accommodation options, Deluxe Double Room, Junior Suite, Suite and Honeymoon Suite. Book your stay here.
Rainbow Valley Mountain Lodge: It is a mid-range option located on the highway few miles ahead of Monteverde. The accommodation options are Chalet, Budget Double Room, Double Room with Mountain View or Balcony, Suite with Mountain View, Family Room with Mountain View and Suite with Hot Tub. Each accommodation is an independent unit with kitchenette. Book your stay here.
Cabañas Hoja Verde: It is a private cabin in the woods, great for isolated stays. The cabin features a living room, bedroom, balcony, fully equipped kitchen and a secure parking. Book your stay here.
Greemount Hotel: It is a family-run budget hotel offering basic no frills accommodation. But you will find everything that you need for a comfortable stay. Comfortable bed, hot water, homemade breakfast, parking, WiFi, a common area with reading nooks and games. The room options are Double Room, Quadruple Room and Family Room. Book your stay here.

For more hotel recommendations, check out this “Where To Stay” section of our Monteverde travel guide.

Playa Avellanas Hotels

Drift Away Eco Lodge: (This hotel is now the Blue Zone Resort) It is an eco-conscious property, around 1.6 km from Avellanas beach. This sustainable eco-lodge offers King Room, Queen Room, Twin Room and Two Bedroom Villa, each carefully appointed with rustic furniture, sustainably made bed and bath linens and toiletries. The property has beautiful landscaped gardens, a yoga center, a recreation room and a swimming pool surrounded by sculpted statues and fountains. Fair warning, Drift Away Eco Lodge may become the highlight of your days at Playa Avellanas. Book your stay here.

Swimming pool at Drift Away Eco Lodge near Playa Avellanas.

Tamarindo Hotels

Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort: It is a beachfront property offering more than 200 rooms with ocean or pool views. The resort has 4 onsite restaurants, 1 gelateria, 1 lounge bar and 2 wet bars. There are several pools too, 1 beachfront pool, 1 children’s pool, 1 adults-only quiet pool, 1 scenic pool and 1 hydrotherapy pool. Diria Reosrt also has a casino! Book your stay here.
Ten North Tamarindo Beach Hotel: It is a mid-range hotel located in the heart of Tamarindo. For your stay, you can choose from room and apartment options, some with pool view or balcony. Book your stay here.
Jardin del Eden el Boutique Hotel: It is an adults-only boutique hotel, with carefully curated rooms, gardens and pools. This is a great romantic accommodation option, with some rooms offering private spa tubs. The nightly tariff includes breakfast and dinner for all room types. Book your stay here.
Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas: Located closer to Langosta Beach, it is a boutique hotel with secluded deluxe rooms, private villas with pools for families and luxury adults-only suites. With various well-being offerings like spa treatments, yoga sessions and farm-to-table dinners, you are likely to have an intimate connection with nature at Cala Luna. Book your stay here.

You can search for more Tamarindo hotels here.

What to Pack for 10 Days in Costa Rica?

Check out our comprehensive packing guide for Costa Rica , with a FREE checklist included that should help you at the time of packing your bags.

How to Get Around in Costa Rica?

The most convenient way of getting around in Costa Rica is to rent a car . It gives you the flexibility of timing, routes, and scenic stops. Due to the road conditions in some parts of the country, driving here can turn out to be adventurous. However, for the destinations we covered in this Costa Rica 10 day itinerary, you do not really need a 4X4. A car with high ground clearance should suffice. Compare the prices before you book the rental car, and remember to check the insurance coverage.

If you are not comfortable driving in a foreign country, you can ask your hotels to arrange for airport transfers and pick-up and drop-off between destinations. Alternatively, you can opt for public buses for traveling between destinations. For different tours, check with the tour providers if they can include hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Unpaved road lined by trees, a common sight in the rural areas. Expect to drive on such roads.

Final Thoughts on Costa Rica 10 Day Itinerary

Costa Rica is a great destination for nature seekers. It offers exciting activities and attractions for all kinds of travelers, families, couples or solo travelers. Ranging from tropical dry forests to tropical rain forests and cloud forests, from mountains to beaches, volcanoes to waterfalls, we explored various landscapes in this Costa Rica 10 day itinerary. Yet there is so much more to discover in this beautiful country in Central America. So, this could be the first of your many trips to Costa Rica. Or, who knows, this trip might as well turn out to be your temptation for moving to Costa Rica !

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Costa Rica 10 day itinerary covering the country's best highlights of cloudforests, beaches, volcanoes, hot springs and exotic wildlife.

Disclosure: Please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase or a booking through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.

Paradise Catchers

We are Pubali and Indranil, an Indian couple living in Costa Rica and slow traveling Latin America and Caribbean.

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Cerro tortuguero: hiking an inactive volcano, 8 thoughts on “costa rica 10 day itinerary (from liberia): the best highlights”.

Excellent description. Quite precise itinerary. Nice photographs. The presentation must force people to take a trip to Costa Rica.

Thank you 🙂

This is fantastic. We are tempted to follow this almost entirely!

If we are looking to squeeze in La Fortuna, should we swap out Monteverde or Rincon de la Vieja?

Thanks Nitin. You can choose to replace Rincon de la Vieja with La Fortuna, as thematically, both have volcano, hot springs and waterfalls, whereas Monteverde is more of a cloud forest, hiking and adventure kind of destination. Hope this helps 🙂

how much for 10day ecxscursion im in liberia

Hi Russ. Welcome to Costa Rica. How much you spend during10 days in Costa Rica will depend on your accommodation type, transfer/commute modes and chosen activities. Please note, we are not a tour company – so, we do not offer any excursions ourselves but will be happy to share recommendations of noted local tour operators in Costa Rica. Please feel free to send us an email. Thank you.

we are planning a trip for this January and I wonder if you have this itinerary mapped out so I could see it on a map? Thanks – would weather be Ok in early – mid January? Assume we’d need to be prepared for rain regardless since it is a rainforest~. Thanks appreciate your response.

Hi Laurie, we haven’t created a map for this itinerary yet, but good idea – we’ll put it on our things to do for enhancing this itinerary article. Thanks to you! 🙂 Meanwhile, if you need one sooner, please feel free to send us an email with the map request and we’ll respond.

January weather should be fine. Beaches will be hot and humid, but overall lesser chances of rain all over the country. And you are right, pack a raincoat in any case and you will be fine. Enjoy your Costa Rica trip! 🙂

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Fueled by jealousy, Kaitlin Armstrong fatally shot an elite cyclist and then led officials on an international manhunt

Kaitlin Armstong, Moriah ‘Mo’ Wilson, and Colin Stickland collaged with circles showing Costa Rica stamp

In the weeks after she fatally shot an elite cyclist in Texas , Kaitlin Armstrong led authorities on a manhunt that spanned thousands of miles, crossed international borders and nearly ended with authorities deflated and empty-handed.

Eventually, Armstrong was caught and, in November, she was found guilty of shooting Moriah “Mo” Wilson , 25, three times in a jealousy-fueled rage and sentenced to 90 years in prison .

This is the account of Armstrong’s escape — and capture — as told by the investigators who tracked her from Austin to the Costa Rican beach town where an unusual mix of deception and yoga finally led to her apprehension.

One day after Wilson, a rising star in the increasingly popular sport of gravel racing , was found with gunshot wounds in the Austin apartment where she had been staying for a competition, investigators questioned Colin Strickland, the pro cyclist with whom Wilson had previously been involved.

Strickland told authorities he’d spent time with Wilson the day before: They’d shared a meal and gone for a swim before he dropped her off, according to a transcript of the interview obtained by “Dateline.”

Colin Strickland rides in West Texas in 2021.

Strickland told investigators that he’d been with Armstrong, 36, for three years, but he’d gotten together with Wilson after he and Armstrong briefly ended their relationship in fall 2021, according to the transcript. Wilson, he said, was now listed under a different name in his phone — a fact he attributed to his “right to have a friendship with this person without having, like, constant strife.”“He did that because he knew his girlfriend Kaitlin had gone through his phone in the past,” Richard Spitler, the Austin homicide detective who led the investigation into Wilson’s killing, told “Dateline. “He didn’t wanna start any issues, any drama.”

Security video reviewed by Austin police showed a black SUV near the apartment where Wilson was killed around the time of her death, and Spitler saw what appeared to be the same vehicle parked in Strickland’s driveway.

When Spitler asked Strickland about it, he said the vehicle belonged to Armstrong. Strickland refused to drive it, Spitler recalled him saying, because it was a “girly car.”

At the time, Spitler wasn’t sure what to make of the claim, though authorities later concluded Strickland was not involved in Wilson’s murder, and he has not been accused of any crime. (Strickland declined to speak to “Dateline,” but in a statement released days after the killing, he said there was “no way to adequately express the regret and torture I feel about my proximity to this horrible crime.”)Believing she was a potential person of interest in the killing, authorities arrested Armstrong on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant, another Austin detective, Jonathan Riley, told “Dateline.” She wasn’t in custody long before authorities mistakenly concluded there was a discrepancy in her warrant, Riley said, and told her she wasn’t under arrest after all.

Armstrong remained at the department, however, and in an interview with a detective, denied knowing that Strickland had seen Wilson while she was in town. When the detective asked if there were issues between her and Wilson, Armstrong responded: “I’m not sure exactly what you mean or what information you’d like,” according to a transcript of the interview.

When the detective bluffed, telling Armstrong falsely that Strickland had described her as upset over the matter, she responded: “That is not accurate.”

When the detective asked Armstrong why her SUV had been near the apartment where Wilson was staying, Armstrong didn’t deny that the vehicle was hers, according to the transcript. Nor did she offer any explanation as to why it was there.

When the detective pressed her, Armstrong said: “I would like to leave, if I’m free to leave.”

May 17: ‘She’s gone’

In the days after Wilson’s killing, tipsters alerted authorities to what Spitler described as a potential motive: Armstrong had been furious over Strickland’s relationship with Wilson.

One said that Armstrong called Wilson so many times that she had blocked her number, according to an affidavit in support of an arrest warrant for Armstrong. On the last call, Armstrong warned her to stay away from Strickland, the warrant says. Another tipster said Armstrong was so enraged that she was “shaking in anger” and threatened to kill Wilson.

After a ballistics analysis showed what Spitler described as a “high probability” match between the gun used to kill Wilson and a Sig Sauer pistol discovered during a search of Armstrong and Strickland’s home, authorities issued the warrant accusing Armstrong of first-degree murder.

But by May 17, when that warrant was issued, Armstrong’s social media had been erased, the warrant says. Strickland hadn’t talked with her since the day after her interview with police, and license plate readers around the city hadn’t captured her SUV traveling anywhere, Spitler told “Dateline.”“We have a lot of addresses that we’re going to get eyes on and check to see if we see her,” recalled Riley, who also serves on the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force. “So far, on the 18th, we’re not finding anything.”

“We can’t find her,” Spitler added. “She’s gone.”

May 25: Fleeing the country on a stolen passport

Investigators eventually learned that Armstrong had traveled to New York , Riley said. Initially, they didn’t know how she’d gotten there, he said, though they believed she’d likely flown given how far she’d gotten in a relatively short amount of time.

On May 25, the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force released a video of Armstrong inside Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Eleven days earlier, the task force said, she’d taken a New York City-bound flight via Houston.

The short clip showed Armstrong wearing a black face mask and a jean jacket. A yoga mat was tucked into her backpack.

Riley recalled discovering the clue that helped authorities learn where Armstrong had likely traveled next. During a search of her home, authorities found — and photographed — a passport card that belonged to Armstrong’s sister, Christine, who lives in New York, Riley told “Dateline.”

Riley recalled seeing the photo, so he asked a colleague with the Department of Homeland Security to check if anyone with her name had traveled internationally.

“And within about 10 or 15 minutes of reaching out to him, he got back to me and confirmed that a Christine Armstrong with the same date of birth had traveled from Newark to San Jose, Costa Rica, on the 18th on a one-way flight,” Riley recalled.

Investigators with the Marshals Service found Christine at her home in upstate New York. She had no idea where her passport was, Spitler recalled Christine telling authorities, but Kaitlin had recently visited, and Christine had dropped her off at the airport for what she believed was a return flight to Austin. (Christine Armstrong declined to speak to “Dateline.” She has not been accused of a crime in connection with her sister’s escape.)

But with confirmation that someone using Christine’s passport had left the country, investigators turned their attention to Costa Rica. Riley, who had been on the task force for five years at that point, said the news made him feel like a rookie all over again, because fugitives rarely travel that far from home.

“This just got a whole lot more interesting and a lot more difficult,” he recalled thinking at the time.

June 20: The hunt in Costa Rica

Before leaving for Costa Rica, the two U.S. Marshals deputies tasked with finding Armstrong first wanted to figure out why she may have traveled there. One of the likeliest connections they could come up with was one of her apparent passions — yoga — one of the deputies, Damian Fernandez, told “Dateline.”

By the time Fernandez and another deputy, Emir Perez, arrived in the Central American country on June 20, they learned that she was booking different hostels in different areas using aliases — sometimes she went by Beth, sometimes Allison — and then not showing up. The deputies weren’t sure why, Fernandez said, but she was a no-show at the handful of locations they’d connected her to.

They’d also learned that a person matching her description had taken a couple of yoga classes in Jaco, a small coastal town a couple of hours southwest of San Jose, the country’s capital, Fernandez said. Security video obtained by local police and provided to the U.S. Embassy’s diplomatic security service confirmed she’d been there.

But by the time the deputies arrived, Fernandez said, Armstrong had already left.

So their team — which included investigators from the U.S. Embassy — split in two and traveled several hours to Santa Teresa, the small town they believed was her next destination.

There, the deputies — dressed like tourists — scoured the beach, while another investigator attended yoga sessions and a meditation class, they said. But Santa Teresa was filled with women who looked like Armstrong, Fernandez said, and the pair was trying to avoid coming off as stalkers.

“It’s difficult to do what we were doing down there because you don’t wanna look like a creep,” Fernandez said.

Authorities in the U.S. and Costa Rica hadn’t publicized their belief that Armstrong was in Central America, so the investigators came up with a cover story — they were from the U.S. Embassy and searching for a missing tourist — that seemed more believable than reality, the other deputy, Emir Perez, told “Dateline.”

Based on past experience, the deputies believed that if they didn’t find Armstrong in five days, they wouldn’t find her at all, Fernandez said.

June 29: Fooled by a want ad

After several days, the deputies still hadn’t seen Armstrong or gathered any promising leads pointing to where in Santa Teresa she might be. To make matters worse, the deputies said, several investigators had become sick with Covid. And a storm that was likely to turn into a hurricane with shelter-in-place orders was quickly approaching, Fernandez said.

Frustrated, sick and nearly out of time, the team turned to what they described as their last-ditch attempt to find Armstrong: believing she’d likely need money in the near future, they placed a fake ad on a Santa Teresa Facebook page posing as a local hostel looking for a yoga instructor.

When somebody responded who the deputies believed might be Armstrong, they made an appointment to meet on June 29, the day before the storm was forecast to hit. The person ended up canceling, Fernandez said, but in their brief back-and-forth on WhatsApp, the job-seeker had provided clues about their possible location — a hostel called Don Jon’s.

Perez said he found a woman who looked like Armstrong sitting with a man on the hostel’s patio. Posing as a Mexican tourist, Perez began asking her about the place in Spanish, and they replied using Google Translate, Perez said.

When Perez returned to the car, he said: “100%, that’s her. She’s in there.’”

When local authorities helped apprehend Armstrong shortly after, she identified herself to them as Ari Martin, Fernandez said. But once in custody, Fernandez recalled, he asked what her name really was.

“And she looked at me for the longest time,” he said. “She took a big pause, maybe for a minute, and then she told me, ‘Kaitlin.’”

Tim Stelloh is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.

IMAGES

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Dreaming of Quepos, Costa Rica today. : r/travel
The 20 best places to visit in Costa Rica
The Best 10 Days in Costa Rica Itinerary
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Best Places to Go: North Costa Rica. On our first trip to Costa Rica, we rented a car at the airport and drove north to La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano. ... Facebook 0 Twitter LinkedIn 0 Reddit Pinterest 0 0 Likes. Previous. 17 Easy Day Trips from Orlando Perfect for Nature Lovers. USA, Destinations Guest Post January 3, 2024 Central Florida ...
Backpacking Costa Rica Travel Guide (2024)
Backpacking Costa Rica Travel Guide (2024) Backpacking Costa Rica is a rite of passage for any backpacker keen on exploring South or Central America. Costa Rica is a country famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and ecological biodiversity. Travelers have been flocking to this magical country for decades in search of Pura Vida (Pure Life).
Entry
Visa, if required under these guidelines. Proof of economic means, with a minimum of US$100.00 (one hundred US dollars) per month or partial month of legal stay in the country. Return ticket to the country of origin or plan of onward travel that includes the next destination. No impediment to entering Costa Rican territory.
Is Costa Rica SAFE to Visit? (2024 • Insider Tips)
While the country is home to certain issues, yes, traveling to Costa Rica is generally safe. Costa Rica had a total of 2,443,531 tourist arrivals last 2023 as stated by Instituto Costarricense de Turismo. Majority of travellers had no reported issue of their visit. You may be surprised to know that Costa Rica is actually one of the most stable ...
24 Costa Rica Travel Tips To Know BEFORE You Go
Another of my Costa Rica travel tips is to take note of your checks. It's worth noting that anytime you eat out, whether at a cafe, soda shop, or restaurant, there will be a 10% service charge and a 13% tax added to every bill. So don't be surprised if your bill is 23% more than what you thought it would be.
One Week in Costa Rica: My Itinerary & Guide 2024
One-Week Costa Rica Itinerary. ITINERARY DAY 1: RELAX IN SAN JOSE. Where to Stay in San Jose. ITINERARY DAY 2: VOLCANO ADVENTURES. Enjoy a Costa Rican Casado. Hike up Volcano Arenal. Book your tour here: Where to Stay in La Fortuna. ITINERARY DAY 3: WATERFALLS & HOT SPRINGS.
5 day itinerary help
5. Re: 5 day itinerary help - flying into Liberia. El Mangroove is nice but may not feel like a typical 'beach' location as it's on the Bay, and is easy access for locals so may or may not seem 'busy'. Will certainly be busier on the weekends. Food is really, really good, but also really expensive.
10 Essential COSTA RICA TRAVEL Destinations
SHOP MY COSTA RICA TRAVEL ITINERARY GUIDE: https://bit.ly/CostaRicaItineraryGuide ⬅️Don't travel to Costa Rica without watching this video first! Want to ...
25 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Costa Rica
Poas Volcano in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica is one of the most active volcanoes in the country. Due to its perfect location near the capital city of Costa Rica, 2708 meters high Poas Volcano is best visited on a day tour from San Jose. Of all volcanoes in the country, Arenal is the most famous one.
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Every 15 minutes a bus from Quepos to Manuel Antonio National Park makes stops along the main road. The tariff is 350 colones or you can pay $1. 2. Visit Quepos. Visit Quepos and explore La Pez Vela Marina, La Feria on Friday evenings or Saturday mornings, and Playa Maracas.
Airbnb or All-Inclusive
I wanted some assistance in trying to make a final decision regarding our Costa Rica trip in a few weeks. We already reserved an All-Inclusive but a little apprehensive due to location and lack of beach visitation along with the food options. The option of getting an Airbnb and hiring a local chef is a bit more appealing along with a better ...
Costa Rica Vacation Packages
Whether you seek an adventure, a family-friendly retreat, or a romantic getaway for two, you'll find it in Costa Rica. Incredible wildlife, thick jungles, laid-back beaches, and magnificent volcanoes are just a few things that set Costa Rica apart. Spend the day on a scenic excursion, then return to your resort and relax on the beach as the sun ...
Costa Rica Or Belize: The Honest Comparison You Need!
Last updated on January 21, 2023 by Wandering our World. C osta Rica and Belize are both Central American holiday destinations that will inspire awe and appreciation for nature and its beauty, leaving you feeling thoroughly relaxed and amazed - and desperate to stay a bit longer. Belize and Costa Rica each offer such unique and unforgettable experiences, which makes it all the more difficult ...
Costa Rica 10 Day Itinerary (From Liberia): The Best Highlights
Costa Rica 10 Day Itinerary. Day 1: Fly in to Liberia - Rio Negro Hot Springs and Waterfalls. Day 2: Rincon de la Vieja National Park and Oropendola Waterfall. Day 3: Liberia to Monteverde - Monteverde Night Walk. Day 4: Monteverde - Zip-lining and Hanging Bridges.
Rental car agent "Car Rentals Costa Rica & USA"
317 posts. 62 reviews. 17 helpful votes. Rental car agent "Car Rentals Costa Rica & USA". 2 years ago. Save. This looks pretty good, and I've communicated with some folks via reddit that say this guy is legit. Any experts here know anything about Jairo from Car Rentals Costa Rica & USA?
Kaitlin Armstrong killed cyclist 'Mo' Wilson in a fit of jealousy
June 20: The hunt in Costa Rica Before leaving for Costa Rica, the two U.S. Marshals deputies tasked with finding Armstrong first wanted to figure out why she may have traveled there.