The Ultimate 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: Surf, Soak & Stay in Style

By Joe Liebke
Lover of Luxury Villas, Jungle Thrills, and Sunsets with a Side of Pura Vida

There’s something magical about Costa Rica. It’s a place that grabs hold of your senses—and your soul—with wild jungle, golden beaches, fresh ceviche, and that unbeatable “Pura Vida” attitude. And when you’ve got 10 full days to play with, you can experience the country’s most iconic regions without rushing, without crowds, and without sacrificing an ounce of luxury.

Forget the hotel buffet line. The ultimate way to explore Costa Rica is through private villas—each one a sanctuary of peace, privacy, and next-level comfort. From volcano views to surf-town hideaways, here’s the perfect 10-day Costa Rica itinerary designed for people who want it all: nature, adventure, indulgence, and total relaxation.

📍 Days 1–4: Manuel Antonio — Rainforest Meets Riviera

Your Costa Rican journey begins on the central Pacific coast, in the lush, vibrant paradise of Manuel Antonio. This region is known for its world-famous national park, rich wildlife, and dramatic jungle-meets-ocean landscapes.

Stay in Style:
Check into a luxury villa perched high above the coast, complete with an infinity pool, ocean views, and a personal concierge. Think open-air architecture, hammocks swinging in the breeze, and monkeys playing in the treetops.

What to Do:

• Hike through Manuel Antonio National Park with a naturalist guide. You’ll spot sloths, howler monkeys, toucans, and maybe even a coati or two.
• Relax on Playa Manuel Antonio, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
• Book a sunset catamaran cruise with snorkeling and dolphin watching.
• Dine at El Avión, an iconic restaurant inside a historic cargo plane, or have a private chef prepare a fresh seafood feast in-villa.

Why it’s a must:
It’s the perfect place to ease into Costa Rica—with luxury, nature, and just enough activity to spark your sense of adventure.

📍 Days 4–7: La Fortuna / Arenal — Volcano Views & Jungle Vibes

Next, head inland to the volcanic region of Arenal, near the charming town of La Fortuna. This is Costa Rica’s adventure playground, surrounded by waterfalls, hot springs, and thick rainforest.

Stay in Style:
Choose a private hillside villa or an eco-luxe lodge with views of the volcano. Picture soaking tubs, fire pits, and outdoor showers with the sound of frogs and tropical birds all around.

What to Do:

• Take a dip in the natural hot springs—Tabacón and EcoTermales are dreamy.
• Hike to the breathtaking La Fortuna Waterfall and take a plunge.
• Cross the rainforest canopy on the Mistico Hanging Bridges.
• Go whitewater rafting, ziplining, or book an in-villa deep tissue massage with volcanic stones.

Why it’s a must:
It’s a complete change of pace from the coast—grounding, energizing, and deeply immersive in Costa Rica’s lush interior.

📍 Days 7–10: Nosara or Santa Teresa — Surf, Sun & Soulful Living

Now it’s time to head west for the final stretch—back to the Pacific, but this time to the dreamy surf towns of Nosara or Santa Teresa. Both are known for world-class waves, yoga retreats, boutique restaurants, and that unbeatable barefoot luxury vibe.

Stay in Style:
Book a beachfront villa with a private saltwater pool, boho-chic interiors, and morning views of the surf. These villas are designed for living—with full kitchens, local art, and open-air everything.

What to Do:

• Start your mornings with sunrise yoga overlooking the sea.
• Take a surf lesson—or if you’re already seasoned, hit the break at Playa Guiones or Playa Hermosa.
• Explore by ATV, visit secret beaches, or ride horseback through jungle trails.
• Eat your way through town: smoothie bowls, craft tacos, wood-fired pizzas, sushi, and artisanal ice cream.
• Watch sunset on the beach every night, toes in the sand, cocktail in hand.

Why it’s a must:
This is your reset moment. Chill out, reflect, and soak in everything you’ve seen and done—while living your best, sun-kissed life.

🏝️ The Villa Advantage — Why It’s a 10/10 Every Time

Throughout this journey, staying in villas transforms your entire experience. You’re not just visiting—you’re living. You’ll have:

• Space to spread out, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family and friends.
• Privacy to relax without sharing your vacation with strangers.
• Service like private chefs, concierges, daily housekeeping, and spa treatments brought right to your door.
• Views and immersion you can’t get in a typical resort. Think jungle cliffs, oceanfront patios, and wildlife as your neighbors.

Hotels might offer turndown service and a front desk. But villas offer freedom, intimacy, and unforgettable moments tailored completely to you.

Final Word

10 days in Costa Rica is more than enough to fall deeply in love—with the country, the people, the food, the nature, and the Pura Vida rhythm of life.

By hopping between three iconic regions and living it up in private villas, you’ll tap into the true luxury of Costa Rica: wild beauty, epic adventure, soulful rest, and complete presence.

Trust us—this is how to do Costa Rica. And once you do it this way, you’ll never want to travel any other way again.