10 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

Set against the backdrop of the imposing Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna de San Carlos offers visitors a chance to explore diverse natural landscapes and sample some delicious local produce.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Arenal Natura Ecological Park and Arenal Eco Zoo. Get in touch with nature at Tabacon Hot Springs and La Fortuna Arenal Volcano Rain Forest Reserve. Step out of La Fortuna de San Carlos with an excursion to Butterfly Conservatory in El Castillo--about 38 minutes away. The adventure continues: get interesting insight from Tours and surround yourself with nature on Ecocentro Danaus.

To find reviews, photos, maps, and more tourist information, go to the La Fortuna de San Carlos road trip planner.

Boston, USA to La Fortuna de San Carlos is an approximately 13-hour combination of flight and shuttle. You can also drive. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Central Standard Time (CST), which is usually a -1 hour difference. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Uvita.

Ideal for visitors looking to escape Costa Rica's busy beaches, Uvita offers a serene atmosphere and plenty of uncrowded sand for a leisurely vacation.

Explore hidden gems such as Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary and Uvita Waterfall. Visiting Playa Ventanas and Parasailing & Paragliding will get you outdoors. Next up on the itinerary: stroll through Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge, stop by Discount Liquor Wine & Cigars, get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour, and enjoy the sand and surf at Uvita Beach.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Uvita road trip website.

Traveling by car from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Uvita takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and bus; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca offers a wealth of entertainment by the sea, attracting a lively international crowd of revelers while maintaining a bright and breezy coastal charm with a local feel.

Start off your visit on the 10th (Fri): stroll through Punta Uva Beach, then stroll through La Feria Legendaria de Playa Chiquita, and then look for gifts at Choco. Keep things going the next day: admire the natural beauty at Tree of Life Wildlife Rescue Center and Botanical Gardens, then have some family-friendly fun at Yesland Mini Golf, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Cocles.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Puerto Viejo de Talamanca trip planner.

Getting from Uvita to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca by car takes about 7 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Sat) so you can travel back home.