If you have 10 days to enjoy on vacation in Costa Rica, here is an itinerary we think gives you a good cross section of areas without spending too much time travelling from place to place.

Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica at SJO airport in Alajuela. Pick up rental car and head towards Poas Volcano. (If you arrice early enough, stop at Doka Estate for an hour long coffee tour) Make your way to Poas Lodge for check in. Relax.

Day 2: Visit Poas Volcano National Park at the summit of Poas Volcano. Head to La Paz Waterfall gardens for the rest of the morning and in the early afternoon head in the directions of Arenal and La Fortuna via San Miguel. Check in to Arenal Obesrvatory Lodge. Relax.

Day 3: Visit Arenal Volcano National Park in the morning and relax in one of the numerous hot springs in the afternoon. Relax.

Day 4: Travel to Monte Verde by driving around Lake Arenal and heading towards Santa Elena. Check in to hotel Fonda Vela. Relax.

Day 5: Enjoy the Monte Verde area by visiting one of the numerous cloud forest park attractions. Spend the afternoon zip lining through the canopy or visiting one of the hanging bridge adventures. Relax.

Day 6: Drive to Montezum at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Head to Puntarenas where you catch the ferry to Paquera and then head finally to Montezuma. Check in to Agua Vista and relax.

Day 7: Explore Montezuma and soak up some sun on one of the areas amazing beaches. Relax.

Day 8: Take a drive to Reserva Natural Absoluta Cabo Blanco and enjoy the unspoilt beauty this park has to offer. Relax.

Day 9: Take a slow trip back to the ferry and enjoy the slow ride over the gulf of Nicoya back to Puntarenas. Head back to Alajuela and enjoy a last, relaxing night in Costa Rica at Margaritas bed and breakfast before departing the next day.

If you would like more information about any of the mentioned places feel free to contact us at Poas Lodge.