Costa Rica is a paradise for beach lovers, with two stunning coastlines, the Caribbean and the Pacific. This small country offers more than just beautiful sand and sea. It gives you rhythm, nature, freedom, and unforgettable energy.
This 10-day Costa Rica itinerary is made for travelers who want to experience both iconic beach towns and hidden coastal gems, with a focus on fun, local experiences and natural beauty. Whether you’re chasing waves, relaxing with a cocktail at sunset, or spotting sloths in palm trees, we’ve built the perfect route to soak it all in.
Quick Overview of Your 10-day Costa Rica itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in San José
- Day 2-3: Puerto Viejo
- Day 4-5: Santa Teresa
- Day 6-7: Samara
- Day 8-9: Manuel Antonio
- Day 10: Return to San José
Detailed 10-day Costa Rica itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrival in San José
Where you land and rest before the adventure begins
Your adventure begins in San José, Costa Rica's capital city. Most international travelers land at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Depending on your arrival time, you may want to stay nearby to rest up before heading to the coast.
Even though San José isn’t the highlight of your beach trip, it’s worth appreciating the buzz of the city, tasting a traditional casado, or getting your first sip of fresh Costa Rican coffee.
Local tip: Stay in a small, Costa Rican–owned guesthouse near the airport to support local families and start your trip with an authentic touch.
Recommended Stay:
- Guácima Escondida (Mid-range) – beautiful boutique hotel in a peaceful garden setting with a pool, great for relaxing before or after a flight.
DAY 2 & 3 – Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (Caribbean Coast)
Reggae vibes, wild beaches & Afro-Caribbean culture
After a scenic 5–6 hour shuttle or bus/car ride through the lush interior, you’ll reach Puerto Viejo, a colorful seaside town on the Caribbean coast. Here, time slows down. Reggae music plays from beach bars. Surfers and sloths share the trees. Afro-Caribbean culture infuses everything, from the spicy coconut rice and beans to the relaxed pace of life.
The beaches are wild and beautiful, framed by jungle and turquoise waves. Each has its own personality.
Favorite Beaches:
- Playa Cocles is the social hub — perfect for surfers, backpackers, and beach games.
- Punta Uva offers calm, crystal-clear water, making it perfect for snorkeling or a peaceful swim.
- Manzanillo feels untouched, backed by rainforest and vibrant wildlife.
Things to Do:
Spend your days biking from beach to beach, spotting howler monkeys, or visiting the Jaguar Rescue Center, a non-profit sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates wild animals. Evenings are best spent barefoot, watching the sunset with a cold Imperial beer and reggae playing in the background. For more info, check out our blog article Top 10 free & cheap things to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.
Recommended Stays:
- La Ruka (Budget) – a few steps from the beach, nice hostel atmosphere
- Hotel Banana Azul (Mid-range) – beachfront & adults only
- Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel (Luxury) – design hotel close to the beach
DAY 4 & 5 – Santa Teresa (Nicoya Peninsula)
Surf town energy, world-class sunsets & cool cafes
Leave the Caribbean behind and cross to the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific coast, where Santa Teresa welcomes you with golden beaches, perfect waves, and laid-back charm. This beach town has grown in popularity among surfers, digital nomads, and wellness seekers, but it still retains a chilled, barefoot vibe.
As the sun begins to set, everyone gathers on the beach for the daily show, and trust us, Santa Teresa sunsets are unforgettable.
Nightlife is casual but fun, with beachfront bars like Banana Beach hosting live music or DJ sets under the stars.
Favorite Beaches:
- Playa Santa Teresa – the main surf beach with consistent waves and a lively vibe.
- Playa Carmen – calm waters and epic sunsets, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
- Playa Hermosa – a quiet, beginner-friendly surf spot surrounded by nature.
Things to Do:
Wake up to the sound of waves crashing. Grab a smoothie bowl or a fresh-baked pastry from The Bakery. Head to Playa Hermosa or Playa Carmen for surf lessons or just to watch the locals shred. Practice yoga in open-air studios nestled in the jungle. Check out our blog, Top 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, for more budget travel ideas.
Recommended Stays:
- Zeneidas Surf Garden (Budget) – beachfront and social
- Bohemia Experience (Mid-range) – beautiful boutique hostel, designed cabins and glamping tents
- Hotel Nantipa (Luxury) – eco-luxury bungalows on the beach
DAY 6 & 7 – Playa Samara
Laid-back beach town, family-friendly, and calm waters
After the buzz of Santa Teresa, head north to the tranquil bay of Samara, a place that’s perfect for slowing down. The beach is calm and family-friendly, with soft waves ideal for swimming, stand-up paddle-boarding, and kayaking.
Samara has a cozy, small-town atmosphere. The main street is lined with local cafés, souvenir shops, and tour stands run by friendly Costa Ricans who genuinely want you to enjoy their town. It’s safe, walkable, and feels like a little bubble of peace.
Favorite Beaches:
- Playa Samara – safe and shallow water, perfect for swimming and paddle-boarding.
- Playa Carrillo – one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, lined with palm trees, no development.
- Isla Chora (via kayak) – a small island great for snorkeling and sunbathing.
Things to Do:
Take a kayak tour to Isla Chora, where you can snorkel in warm, shallow water and see colorful reef fish. Or sign up for a dolphin and sea turtle watching tour, especially during nesting season (Aug–Dec).
In the evening, have dinner at a beachfront restaurant like Gusto Beach, where you can sip wine with your feet in the sand and enjoy the soundtrack of the sea.
Head north to Playa Samara, a chill and peaceful destination perfect for swimming, kayaking, and relaxing. Samara is safe, walkable, and a favorite among locals and travelers alike.
Also, check out our blog article: Top free things to do in Samara, Costa Rica.
Recommended Stays:
- Hostel Samara Palm Lodge (Budget) – relaxed with a pool
- Hotel Giada (Mid-range) – central and family-run
- Azura Beach Resort (Luxury) – adults only, all-inclusive
DAY 8 & 9 – Manuel Antonio
Beach and jungle paradise on the Central Pacific coast
A Costa Rica beach itinerary is complete without a visit to Manuel Antonio, one of the country’s most iconic destinations. This is where lush rainforest literally spills onto white-sand beaches. It’s where monkeys swing above you while you swim in turquoise waters. And it’s where you’ll experience Costa Rica’s wildlife at its best. You’ll see sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and colorful birds just walking down the street.
Favorite Beaches:
- Playa Manuel Antonio – inside the national park, surrounded by wildlife.
- Playa Espadilla Norte – just outside the park, long and lively. Our favorite one.
- Playa Biesanz – a calm cove great for snorkeling and escaping the crowds.
- Playa La Macha – hidden and requires a short hike, but totally worth it.
Things to Do:
Spend a morning in Manuel Antonio National Park, a small but biodiversity-rich reserve that’s home to three-toed sloths, white-faced capuchins, iguanas, raccoons, and hundreds of tropical birds. Inside the park, you’ll find Playa Manuel Antonio, often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Outside the park, relax at Playa Espadilla, where local vendors sell coconut water and beach chairs are available for rent. For something more secluded, walk to Playa Biesanz, a hidden cove perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Check out our blog Top 10 Free things to do in Manuel Antonio and Quepos.
Recommended Stays:
- Hostel Plinio (Budget) – budget-friendly accommodations, laid-back jungle atmosphere
- Villas Jacquelina (Midrange) – family owned, great location and value
- Makanda By the Sea (Luxury) – luxury adult-only boutique hotel overlooking the ocean
DAY 10 – Return to San José
Drive or take a shuttle back to San José (around 3–4 hours). If your flight is the next day, we recommend spending one last night near the airport.
Extra Tips for Beach Lovers
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
- Avoid swimming on red-flag beaches (rip currents can be strong)
- Respect wildlife, don’t feed or touch animals
- Support small businesses & Costa Rican–owned hotels when possible
Need Help Booking Your Beach Adventure?
We help you plan every step of your Costa Rica beach trip:
Frequently asked questions
The dry season (December to April) is ideal for beach lovers, with sunny days and calm seas. However, the Caribbean coast (Puerto Viejo) has more consistent weather year-round.
Yes! Places like Samara and Manuel Antonio offer calm beaches and family-friendly activities, while towns like Santa Teresa work well for adventurous families with teens.
A rental car gives you more freedom, especially for Santa Teresa and Samara. However, it’s possible to do this trip using shared shuttles, local buses, and domestic flights.
- Budget travelers: $60–90/day
- Mid-range: $120–180/day
- Luxury: $250+This includes accommodation, food, transport, and activities.
Yes! Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa are top surf spots, and Puerto Viejo (Playa Cocles) offers good waves too. Samara has gentle surf for beginners.
Yes, we prioritize Costa Rican–owned and sustainable hotels wherever possible. Supporting local businesses is part of our mission at Pura Vida Traveling.
Most beaches in this guide are safe for swimming, especially Samara, Punta Uva, and Biesanz. Always ask locals or check signs, as Pacific beaches can have rip currents.
Yes! All towns listed have Wi-Fi, and many hotels and hostels have decent connections. Some (like Santa Teresa) even have coworking spaces.
