Ultimate 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary. The view of the volcano here is impressive! Especially, when a country like Costa Rica is abundantly filled with luxury stays, budget-friendly hotels & fancy lodges. Related Read: Not keen on staying in the city? Drop your luggage at one of many fantastic hotels, and partake of the myriad activities here. When we visited, we saw over 15 crocodiles! The owner, a trained chef in Mexico, spares no ingredients so you can taste the authenticity in the soft savory tacos and the mezcal in margaritas. Menu Speak To A Vacation Planner Now 1-888-447-8459 Beaches and Volcanoes 7 days from For your last day in Manuel Antonio, we recommend starting with a nice, easy activity, and that is walking to Biesanz Beach and from there walking along to North Espadrilla Beach. Parking is available near the entrance of the park and costs 2,000 to 4,000 colones per day, depending on how close the parking area is to the entrance. Zipline over treetops in Monteverde before taking a boat to La Fortuna where you will hike trails around the iconic Arenal Volcano. The best for swimming is Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio. Hey guys! As soon as youve landed, rent a You can directly head to the designated area and pay an entrance fee of $40 for the hot springs. The only thing to note is that the insurance must be purchased once youve left your home country we typically buy it as soon as we land at the airport. Start with a trip to Arenal Volcano National Park and explore the jungle on foot, with the option to crash through the regions white water on a rafting trip or repel down mighty waterfalls. It majorly covers famous experiences & activities, you could do in 7 days in Costa Rica. Hotel-to-hotel shuttle-van services can get you from Arenal to Manuel Antonio. Hot Tip: If you have an extra day or two to spare, add a stay in Jaco theres lots to do in this quirky town. Fortunately, you will find plenty of hot spring options outside downtown La Fortuna. Just park your car at one of the ends of the bridge and walk over to see the crocs in the wild. If you come here during the day, we recommend walking along the beach and finding your vibe. Find a shady tree, check out some of the beach clubs, go for a surf or just enjoy the scenery. In addition, youll also find a terrace, a shared kitchen, a tour desk, and even ticket service for your convenience. The journey is quite scenic and you can stop over to click ample photos. Manuel Antonio National Park is open from 7 am to 4 pm every day. The caf is situated behind Plaza Vista in central Manuel Antonio and it overlooks the Pacific Ocean, plus the food is all homemade. Head to San Gerardo de Dota for a serene bird-watching tour. In my opinion, its a must-visit during your 7 days in Costa Rica! So, you have to do a night walk through the rainforest to see and appreciate all the critters that only come out after dark. Click Here! If you dont have time to stop here tonight, do not worry, this is the main beach in Manuel Antonio, and its almost guaranteed youll visit at some time during your 7 days in Costa Rica. The springs feed dozens of pools at temperatures ranging from 72 F to 105 F (22 C to 40 C), so no matter your preference, you will surely find the perfect pool. Choose an adventure of your choice, whether it is a zip-line tour, an ATV tour, canyoning, caving, mountain biking, or even a chocolate tour. It also features a massive jacuzzi that can hold up to 60 guests. How to book add-ons for the above itinerary?For accommodation, you can explore a plethora of options from Tripadvisor. The 1968 trail, which is popular of all, provides ample opportunity to grab striking views of the volcano from all angles. 7 Days in Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano Guanacaste Region You know your kids best. 7 DAY COSTA RICA ITINERARY - My Darling Passport This travel guide outlines the best way to spend one week in Costa Rica. As you rappel down the waters, be excited to witness exotic birds and wildlife. Visited hot springs, sandy beaches, walked though lush cloud forest, did some amazing exhilarating activities and met some amazing people Thoroughly enjoyed the holiday!, Hike through the rainforests of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, 5 days in Costa Rica : Our Recommendations, Two Weeks in Costa Rica: Top 5 Recommendations, 10 Days in Costa Rica: Top 3 Recommendations. They sell amazing burgers from prime beef supplied by grass-fed animals on a nearby farm. And if you dont want to drive, the hotels area shuttle also makes it easy for you to reach nearby attractions at an affordable surcharge. Besides the volcano this area also has hot springs, hanging All trails are well marked and there are signs and maps everywhere so you wont get lost. The longest trail is the Waterfall Trail and its around 5.5 miles (9 km), and most are much shorter in that 1-mile (1.5 km) range. Head to San Jose to spend a final day exploring the city with its many things to do suited for children, such as the Childrens Museum. Manuel Antonio and its neighboring town, Quepos, have the best selection of restaurants of any beach community in the country. Rio Celeste is famous for its bright blue color and has to be added to your Costa Rica itinerary! If you need to book this activity, I recommend doing it through Horse Trek Monteverde.Price In the range of $45 $50 (depends on the package). Theres also a thrilling surprise at every step, on what you encounter during your entire exploration. It is one of the countrys biggest private wildlife sanctuaries and hosts five stunning waterfalls accessible via paved trails. If yours doesn't, taxis are plentiful and cheap. When I visited Costa Rica for the first time, the glimpses of rainforest areas and cloud forests really caught my attention. The itinerary was packed full of awesome activities, and we got to experience so much of the country within a short amount of time. As you explore the museum, youll come across various galleries showcasing true Costa Rican artworks. Save up to 50% on tours and trips. Dec 30, 2021 2 Min read. Costa Rica is even safe for tourists willing to solo travel. Head out for an ATV tour or go for tours in the national park to see bats and frogs. You could, however, plan your trip two weeks after the holiday season and still can have a great time in Costa Rica. When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?Weather in Costa Rica: December, January, February, March, and April. These months make up the Dry Season, which is also peak tourist season. Travelling to Costa Rica in May and June. Visiting Costa Rica in July and August. Weather in Costa Rica: September, October and November. Be part of a volunteer program in Costa Rica. The restaurant serves local cuisine inspired by fresh seafood. Swimming in the ocean If traveling on a guided tour, listen to all instructions received and keep a note of them. Is Costa Rica expensive?Yes, Costa Rica is relatively an expensive destination when compared to other Latin & Central American places. Along with that, discover other places like Lake Arenal and Cerro Chato (extinct volcano).Price $59 approx. Learned so much. Late in the evening, you can explore the town, visit nightclubs & bars, and indulge in a delicious food experience. Its conveniently located only a few minutes from the National Park entrance. Home stay with amazing families which including a cooking demo, cycle ride, swim in a river, a home cooked evening meal with locally sourced fresh food and one of the funniest games of football in the pouring rain with the local village children Ive ever played. Theres even an interactive kids play zone within the property for families with small children, which is super convenient! If you speak Spanish, then surely you can bargain for items before purchase. Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall is easily done without a tour. Bound, monkey-like, along specially built walkways that get you right up into the action in the tree canopies. Local water spot for swimming You can drive yourself or book a tour which will pick you up from your accommodation in La Fortuna. Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Along with the above-mentioned activities, you can also add Monteverde Butterfly Garden, El Trapiche, and Santa Elena Cloud Forest tours to your list. A private room here costs from as low as $40 USD. If you dont have a rental car you can book a shuttle that will pick you up from your hotel in San Jose, costing approximately $37 USD this will take 4 hours and 15 minutes. This 7 day Costa Rica itinerary for families has maps and photos to help you plan and is perfect to fit into a 1 week spring break. Depart back to your hometown. You can also opt for additional activities & even extend your stay to explore other tourist places. Health & Safety: Costa Rica is a safe country. With an outdoor pool, bar, garden, and complimentary wireless Internet access, Arenal Poshpacker is a low-budget stay in La Fortuna with excellent amenities. If you have the time (i.e. To add some thrill to your Costa Rica journey, opt for a 44 jeep or a campervan. Youll meet your guide at the park entrance and explore, spotting a ton of wildlife and learning about the area. Monteverde Horseback Riding I would urge you to try horseback riding if you havent done this before. Here, you can literally see the water turn blue as the streams meet its so cool! Then read this guide to discover the land of Costa Rica, offering endless activities & bucket-list experiences for you to venture, explore and re-imagine. This part of the river is really hot, and youll smell the sulfur before seeing it! Room rates here start as low as US$81 per night what a steal! This is definitely one of the best hotels in Manuel Antonio town. Head out for an ATV tour or go for tours in the national park to see bats and frogs. Days 1 through 5 were on-the-go days. From exploring the stunning National Theater, which is one of the most prestigious buildings in Costa Rica, to learning about the citys fascinating history at the National Museum, its easy to spend several hours here and not get bored. Parking at Rio Celeste costs 2,000 colones per vehicle, and the park entrance fee is $12 USD for adults. The path is not at all strenuous, and can easily be completed with the help of nature guides. Deciding where to stay during any trip is probably one of the difficult things to do. If you have the time, set out early for Pos Volcano, where you can peer over the edge of the crater. Today, prepare to get up early (we recommend leaving before 7 am) and head to the stunning Rio Celeste which is a 1 hour and 45-minute drive from La Fortuna, or 104 km (65 miles). It all comes down to individual preference & travel style. The entry fee to this museum is 1,850 CRC per person. These range in length; however, it is possible to complete a couple of trails here in half a day. This small island offers amazing snorkeling to see an array of fish and even larger animals like Sharks, Dolphins, Octopus, and Manta Rays. We welcome your questions or comments to this article. The whole family will also love this full Costa Rica one-week itinerary. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Alternatively, you can catch a public bus from downtown San Jos from Terminal 7-10 bus station this option costs as little as $5-10 USD but it will likely take up to 5 hours. You can even step a little further, and optional activities (which I will list down below) to the itinerary. The rooms and suites here are cozy and homey andhave a ceiling fan, cable TV, and an en-suite bathroom. To cater to some of these requirements, look at the below table I created following the itinerary. Upon your checkout, drive past winding roads to reach Monteverde. Always get travel insurance before you travel. Right from indulging in rainforest hikes, brisk high-altitude trails, and epic surfing coasts the country will want you to witness each of its experiences up close. Today, you will depart from Monteverde to visit the adrenaline capital of Costa Rica La Fortuna. It gives you the maximum freedom to stop anywhere you want and visit places at your own pace. We saw so much wildlife, including a huge green lizard and even a bullet ant, which is known to have the most painful sting of any insect on the planet. Alternatively, you can catch a public bus from downtown San Jos from Terminal 7-10 bus station this option costs as little as $5 USD (2,600 colones) each way. Not all buses in Costa Rica travel directly from one point to the other; most of them make stops between places. Waterfall trekking Its also the perfect place to see monkeys and sloths in the wild in Costa Rica! Expect the price to be around $40 $80 for suspension bridge tours & zip lining. Learned so much. Situated in the Grano de Oro Hotels central courtyard, this beautiful restaurant provides visitors with a relaxed fine dining experience. In fact, the restaurant is home to a C-123 Fairchild cargo plane. Rio Celeste is best explored by hiking the Rio Celeste Trail, which is 3 kilometers/1.9 miles each way. Guided tour of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Explore the heavenly freshwater creeks and lagoons on a, The whole family will also love this full Costa Rica one-week itinerary. Franco offers a range of fresh food options that blend the best of Costa Rican coffee, confectionaries, smoothies, egg combinations, meats, and so much more. Rincn de la Vieja National Park, Costa Rica: An Overview, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Explore the Rainforest, Costa Rica in February: Unforgettable Adventures, Amazing Weather, Costa Rica in November: Weather & Travel Tips, Costa Rica in July: Weather, Tips & Marine Life, Costa Rica in January: Weather, Tips & More, Costa Rica in March: Weather, Tips & Wildlife, Costa Rica in April: Weather and Wildlife Ventures, Costa Rica in May: Rainy Weather and Lush Greenery, Costa Rica in June: Weather, Tips & Water Adventures, Costa Rica in August: Explore Top Attractions During Low Season, Costa Rica in September: Weather, Tips & Better Rates, Costa Rica in October: Weather and Travel Tips, Costa Rica in December: National Parks at Their Best, Explore the hanging bridges in Arenal Volcano National Park, Drive past farmlands and forests as you head towards the Nicoya Peninsula, Sail to Tortuga Island and enjoy water sports, Bid farewell to the Nicoya Peninsula and make your way toward San Jose, Depart from San Jose towards your next destination, Start off the adventure at Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Explore Tamarindo beach and take a dip into its warm waters, Start the journey with sightseeing around San Jose, Pass throughBraulio Carrillo National Park to reach Tortuguero National Park, Visit the town of Guapiles for a local lunch on the way to La Fortuna, Spend the day exploring Arenal Volcano National Park, Optional adventure activity in La Fortuna before heading for San Jose, Enjoy a zip-lining canopy adventure in Monteverde, Take a boat from Monteverde to La Fortuna (Arenal), Spend the day exploring and hiking in Arenal, Explore San Jose and the Liberia area independently, Drive through the countryside to Arenal Volcano National Park, Hike the rainforest surrounding Arenal Volcano, Arenal discovery drive or boat ride, head to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with optional activities, and head to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast, Enjoy a leisurely day at the park with activities of your choice, Choose from a series of activities in Manuel Antonio National Park before heading off to Alajuela, Bid goodbye to Alajuela and prepare for your next adventure, Explore the streets and historic buildings of San Jose, Start the day with a scenic drive to La Cruz and paddle through the first section of Pacuare River, Spend another day rafting in Pacuare River and transfer to La Fortuna in the evening, Prepare for an adventurous day in Arenal Volcano National Park, Road trip to Manuel Antonio National Park and enjoy a day at the beach, Explore Manuel Antonio National Park and surroundings independently, Make time for some other activities in the national park before you head to San Jose. During peak season, the early morning time slots book up days in advance. Whether you are traveling solo, as an adventure or wildlife enthusiast, or with your family, check out our best recommended Costa Rica itineraries for a week-long trip to the country below to get an idea of all things you can doand the places you visit. The Costa Rican government has led the world in the protection of this natural paradise, designating a quarter of the country's landmass to be protected national parks. You can find an impressive lobby here, as well as an executive lounge, conference space, and an innovative restaurant. (90 minutes by paved road from La Fortuna). The Hampton Inn just across from the airport lets you ease into your Costa Rican experience in familiar surroundings; the Xandari Resort & Spa offers a far more local, and pricier, first night here. Experience a canopy tour Nearly 51% of the country is occupied by rainforest, making it an ideal place to indulge in a canopy treetop tour. Browse through some of these articles via the below links. Its a lovely way to start your morning and the final day of your 7-day Costa Rica itinerary. Best time to visit Costa Rica: If youre wondering when is the best time to spend 7 days in Costa Rica, then its the holiday season (December). Unfortunately, you cant buy your bus ticket online, and instead, you need to go to the bus terminal to purchase them they operate on a first-come-first-served basis, so aim to get to the terminal as early as possible! This easy-going Costa Rica tour is great for travelers who want to experience the best of Costa Ricas pristine coasts and rainforests. If you have any other questions about how best to spend 7 days in Costa Rica or traveling to Costa Rica in general, dont hesitate to reach out. We recommend allowing a half-day, or more specifically, 5-6 hours here. Travel: Looking for other Costa Rica itineraries? WebOur top itinerary for 7 days in Costa Rica Day 1 & 2 & 3 - Monteverde - Situated on the continental divide under misty, magical clouds, Monteverde is one of the most biodiverse Seeing this massive crater with your own eyes is mesmerizing, and understandably, its one of the most popular day trips from San Jose. It is also conveniently located near supermarkets, restaurants, and bars. The entire reserve is festooned with orchid collections, big jungle cats, and unique wildlife species. Having said that, there are plenty of other Costa Rica itineraries you can book. The area is famous for adrenaline activities such as a canopy zip-line tour, ATV tour, or canyoning. Believe it or not, you can experience the best this country has to offer in only a week! Poas Volcano National Park is open every day from 8 am to 3:30 pm, and the ticket price is $15 USD. Fortify yourself with the fruits, jellies, and chocolates sold by vendors on the road up to the summit. This happens because acidic and neutral waters combine, creating enough particle concentration to reflect light. The only catch here is, that you can expect a large number of tourists flocking to the country to experience activities. See tours. You can relax, rejuvenate or dip into the cool waters. The park is home to monkeys, sloths, and a It involves sliding down the rope over the trees, giving you an aerial view of the densely populated forests. Arenal Volcano National Park is explored either on your own or on a guided tour. Its one of the best things we did in Manuel Antonio and it was lovely to relax and enjoy a few drinks out on the water. From a weeks journey to a 15 to 18-day tour plan, you can discover the best of the countrys famous destinations & top-notch attractions. The mood here is quaint, casual, and authentic to the local surroundings outside. The walk is mostly downhill on the way there (depending on where you start, that is), and youll have to walk down a dirt trail to the beach. Arrive in San Joss Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamara (most arrivals are Embark on a canoe ride through the jungle in Tortuguero and explore this fascinating nature reserve before it's time to head back to San Jose. The tour is also more than just ziplining and lasts for 5 hours. Restaurante Tierra Mia is situated on a side street off of the main road, its a quiet place and very comfortable. You can check out some amazing deals here. When it comes to rooms and amenities, the hotel provides free private parking, ticket service, and free Wi-Fi on-site. Four hours' drive from Arenal takes you to fabled Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific coast. Its free to visit the Crocodile Bridge and is just a nice quick stop where you can stretch your legs for a minute. Weve started this 7-day Costa Rica itinerary in San Jose because its where the large International Airport is located, and so is where most travelers begin their Costa Rica Adventure. Youll then explore the unique cloud forest habitats of Monteverde where you can select optional activities. T-shirts/ Shirts (Preferably long-sleeves)Long pants/ JeansSleepwear/ Innerwear (as per your need)FootwearSunglassesToiletriesReusable water bottleFew energy bars/drinksWaterproof backpack coverWindproof rain jacket, Cotton T-shirts/ ShirtsShorts/ skirtsSunscreen/ LotionSwimwear/ Sunglasses. Further along, youll see the Borbollones or Bubbling Hot Pot. My top recommendation for the day would be to go on a coffee tour in Monteverde. Its worth noting that Poas is a very active volcano (39 eruptive episodes since 1828!) Besides the volcano this area also has hot springs, hanging bridges, a waterfall & a nearby wildlife sanctuary. Bear in mind that portions of the route twist and turn and fog over by noon. Tourists need to be fully vaccinated, along with a valid travel policy to enter the country. They specialize in Asian cuisines and Vietnamese-inspired dishes prepared with local ingredients and fresh products. Hike through the rainforests of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, among the smoking fumaroles and hot springs of one of Costa Ricas few active volcanoes. Kids of all ages will beam on first seeing the tropical paradise that is the Nicoya Peninsula. Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Arenal Volcano Walk and Hike One of the best things you could do in La Fortuna, is to take a guided walking tour of Arenal Volcano. Why We Recommend this 7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary, Best for fine dining Restaurante Grano de Oro, Visit La Fortuna Waterfall in the afternoon after arriving in La Fortuna, Best value-for-money (local soda) Restaurante Terra Mia, Getting to La Fortuna without a Rental Car, Catch a sunset at the beach in Manuel Antonio, Getting to Manuel Antonio without a Rental Car, Tour through Manuel Antonio National Park, What to Pack for a 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary, renting a car when we travel around Costa Rica, amazing hotels near the SJO international airport, the best areas to stay in Costa Rica with a selection of hotels, the best cheap things to do in La Fortuna, This Rainforest Night Walk and Dinner tour, This specific full-day tour to Rio Celeste, This 4-in-1 tour includes a visit to the hanging bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, a volcano hike as well as Tabacon Hot Springs, check availability and book Hotel La Mariposa online here, 15 BEST Beach Towns in Costa Rica that you should Visit. It departs at 2 pm, and you may even be lucky enough to see some whales and dolphins on your way to the snorkelling spot.