Looking for an adventure-packed vacation that combines lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and delicious cuisine? Look no further than Costa Rica!
This Central American country has it all, from thrilling ziplining and surfing to relaxing hot springs and wildlife viewing. And the best part? You can experience all of this in just seven days. Yes, you heard that right. In just one week, you can have an unforgettable vacation in Costa Rica.
So grab your sunscreen and get ready for a fun-filled journey as we take you through a seven-day itinerary that will leave you wanting more!
Viewcation Presents: Best Costa Rica Itinerary (7 Days)
Day 1: Fly Into San Jose
San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica and the main point of entry for the vast majority of international travelers. As you fly into Juan Santamaria International Airport, you’ll immediately feel the warm tropical breeze and the vibrant energy of the city.
One of the first things you can do in San Jose is to explore the downtown area, which is filled with colorful buildings, historic landmarks, and bustling markets. You can visit the National Theater, a stunning neoclassical building that dates back to the 19th century, or the National Museum, which offers an immersive experience of Costa Rica’s rich history and culture.
If you’re looking for a nature escape, you can head to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a nature park located just an hour from San Jose. The park is home to several magnificent waterfalls, lush rainforests, and a variety of wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, and toucans.
And of course, no trip to Costa Rica is complete without indulging in some of the country’s delicious cuisine. San Jose is filled with fantastic restaurants that serve everything from traditional Costa Rican dishes to international cuisine.
Day 2 & 3: La Fortuna
It takes about two hours to drive from San Jose to our next featured destination, La Fortuna. We recommend setting aside at least two days of your trip to experience this fantastic destination in all of it’s stunning glory.
La Fortuna is a relatively small town located in the northern region of Costa Rica, known for its stunning natural beauty and adventurous activities.
La Fortuna is located at the base of the iconic Arenal Volcano, which towers over the surrounding landscape at over 5,300 feet tall. The volcano is still active, and although it hasn’t erupted since 2010, visitors can still see smoke rising from its summit on clear days.
The area around La Fortuna is rich in geothermal activity, which means there are plenty of hot springs and natural spas to enjoy. These springs offer a variety of temperatures and settings, from quiet and secluded to lively and family-friendly.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, La Fortuna is the place to be. There are plenty of adventure activities to choose from, including ziplining, white-water rafting, and canyoning. You can also take a hike through the rainforest or take a boat tour of the nearby Lake Arenal.
La Fortuna is surrounded by lush rainforests and is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, and more. There are several ecotourism activities to choose from, including nature walks, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting tours.
Overall, travelers can expect a mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty during a visit to La Fortuna. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Costa Rica’s vibrant culture and diverse landscape for a couple of days and nights.
Day 4; Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve
From La Fortuna, you can make your way over to Monteverde. By car, it should only take you about three hours to reach your destination, but prepare yourself for a bit of a bumpy ride – especially towards the end of your journey.
The crown jewel of Monteverde is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve. As such, we recommend spending at least a day here before heading on over to your next location.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve is a stunning natural reserve located in the central highlands of Costa Rica. It’s known for its lush rainforests, incredible biodiversity, and unique cloud forest ecosystem.
The preserve boasts an astonishing variety of flora and fauna. The area is known for being home to 2,500 plant species, 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and thousands of insect species. Visitors can expect to see everything from colorful butterflies to elusive jaguars.
The unique cloud forest ecosystem in Monteverde is one of the main highlights of the preserve. Cloud forests are characterized by their cool, misty atmosphere and the fact that they are shrouded in a layer of clouds for much of the year. This creates a unique environment that supports a variety of plant and animal life that is not found in other ecosystems.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve is famous for its canopy tours and hanging bridges, which give visitors an up-close look at the forest from above. These tours allow you to walk across suspension bridges that are suspended high above the forest canopy, giving you a unique perspective of the forest and the wildlife that lives there.
There are also a variety of guided tours available in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, ranging from nature walks to birdwatching tours. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who can provide insight into the ecology of the forest and the animals that call it home.
Day 5: Pacific Coast Beaches
Any Costa Rican Itinerary would be tragically incomplete without including a stop or two at the beach. Driving from Monteverde to Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast will take between two and a half to four hours, depending on how you pace yourself.
The Pacific Coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with crystal clear water, soft sand, and stunning sunsets. Whether you’re looking for a secluded, hidden beach or a lively, bustling one, there’s something for everyone.
With the warm, clear waters of the Pacific Ocean, there are plenty of water sports and activities to enjoy. From surfing and paddleboarding to kayaking and snorkeling, there are endless opportunities to enjoy the ocean.
The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is also home to a variety of wildlife and natural wonders, such as sea turtles, dolphins, and whales. You can take a boat tour to see dolphins and whales, or head to a nearby national park to see sea turtles nesting.
The Pacific Coast region is likewise home to some of the best resorts and accommodations in the country. Whether you’re looking for a luxury beachfront villa or a budget-friendly hotel, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Backpackers tend to flock to the nearby towns of Jaco or Tamarindo. Both towns are full of beachside restaurants, hotels, and other attractions. Finding lodging that fits your budget, regardless of how big or small that might be, should be a fairly simple task.
Day 6 & 7: Manuel Antonio National Park
You can get to Manuel National Park from the Pacific Coast beach town of Jaco in just over an hour and a half by car. From Tamarindo, however, it will likely take you about five hours to complete your journey, but along the way, you’ll be treated to spectacular scenery.
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Costa Rica, located on the Pacific Coast near the town of Quepos. The park covers an area of 1,983 hectares and is known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforest, and incredible biodiversity.
The park is renowned for being home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, including Manuel Antonio Beach, Espadilla Sur Beach, and Playa Gemelas.
Visitors can expect to see an incredible variety of wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and a wide variety of birds. You can take a guided tour through the park to see these animals up close and learn more about the unique ecology of the area.
Manuel Antonio National Park has an assortment of hiking trails that wind through the rainforest and offer incredible views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. The most popular trail is the main trail that leads to several of the park’s most popular beaches. So, when packing for your trip, don’t forget to bring your hiking shoes, binoculars, and plenty of sunscreen!
The park’s crystal-clear waters offer some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Costa Rica. You can explore the coral reefs and see a variety of colorful fish and other marine life.
First time visitors will be blown away when they see the most spectacular sunset views in Costa Rica. Travel; ers can watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean from one of the park’s many lookout points, offering a breathtaking view of the coastline.
Overall, Manuel Antonio National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those looking to experience the beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica.
And as far as lodging and other amenities go, nearby you’ll find everything from hostels to luxury resorts and bungalows to choose from. There are also numerous restaurants, cafes, and marketplaces worth visiting to get a taste of the local flavor, especially in the nearby town of Quepos.
Really, a week is the bare minimum amount of time you should spend exploring Costa Rica to experience both it’s natural beauty and rich vibrant culture. On that note, you won’t be lacking for things to do if you choose to spend two or more weeks taking in everything that Costa Rica has to offer.
Before we wrap this video up, we’d like to give you the chance to let your voice be heard. Did you know that the Costa Rican town of La Fortuna is located at the base of the iconic Arenal Volcano and that because of this, the area is known for offering some of the best natural hot springs in the world? Let us know in the comments, and as always, happy travels!