7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary

Create your perfect week in Costa Rica with this detailed, locally-inspired guide—written by a traveler, for travelers.

This unique 7 days itinerary for Costa Rica should help you if you want to travel outside the tourist-trail!

Day 1: Arrive in San José & Dive Into Culture

Morning/Afternoon: Land at Juan Santamaría International Airport. Skip the rush and head to Hotel Grano de Oro ($$$), a boutique hotel in a historic mansion, or Casa 69 ($) for budget-friendly charm.

Explore San José:

• Pre-Columbian Gold Museum ($15 entry, open 9:15 AM–5 PM): Discover ancient artifacts under the Plaza de la Cultura.
• Mercado Central: Grab a casado (typical dish) at Soda Tala for under $6.

Evening: Dinner at Al Mercat (farm-to-table, $$), then stroll Barrio Escalante’s craft beer scene.

Day 2: La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano – Fire & Water

Morning: Take a 3-hour shuttle ($50/person) or drive to La Fortuna. Stop at Casa del Maíz for fresh tortillas en route.

Afternoon:

• Arenal Volcano National Park ($17 entry, 8 AM–4 PM): Hike the 1968 Trail for lava field views.
• Free Hot Springs: Find the local-favorite Río Chollín (near Tabacón Resort). Arrive early to snag a spot.

Evening: Soak at Eco Termales (reservations required) or splurge on Tabacon

Stay: Nayara Gardens (luxury) or Selina La Fortuna (budget).

Day 3: Adventure Day in La Fortuna

Morning:

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges ($32, 6 AM–4 PM): Spot howler monkeys on 3.2km of trails.

Proyecto Asis ($45, 8 AM–2 PM): Volunteer feeding rescued sloths and toucans.

Afternoon:

El Salto Rope Swing: Free swimming hole behind Hotel Los Lagos. Tip: Go midday for fewer crowds.

Dinner: Soda Viquez – try the chifrijo (fried pork + beans) for $5.

Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest – Into the Mist

Morning: Jeep-Boat-Jeep Transfer ($25, 3 hours) across Lake Arenal. Stop at Café & Macadamia for pancake breakfast with volcano views.

Afternoon:

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve ($20, 7 AM–4 PM): Quieter than Monteverde Reserve. Hike the Caño Negro Trail for endemic birds.

Night Tour: Monteverde Wildlife Refuge ($35, 5:30 PM): Spot kinkajous and sleeping toucans.

Stay: Monteverde Lodge (eco-friendly) or Casa Tranquilo Hostel.

Day 5: Zip-Lining & Coffee in Monteverde

Morning: Selvatura Park ($85): Zip-line over clouds + walk suspension bridges. Book online for 10% off.

Afternoon: Don Juan Coffee Tour ($35, 8 AM–5 PM): Sip fresh brew and make chocolate from cacao pods.

Hidden Gem: Monteverde Cheese Factory (Quaker-founded, 7 AM–5 PM): Buy Queso Monteverde (creamy cheese wheel, $10).

Dinner: Taco Taco – massive fish tacos ($8) and micheladas.

Day 6: Manuel Antonio – Beaches & Wildlife

Morning: 4-hour drive to Manuel Antonio. Tip: Rent a 4x4 – roads are bumpy!

Early Afternoon: Manuel Antonio National Park ($24 entry, closed on Tuesdays). Hire a guide at the gate to find sloths and raccoons. Swim at Playa Espadilla Sur.

Late Afternoon: El Avión (semi premium): Dine in a retrofitted CIA plane. Park at Playitas Beach (free) for sunset.

Stay: Tulemar Resort (private villas) or Selina Manuel Antonio (surf vibes).

Day 7: Nauyaca Waterfalls & Farewell

Morning: 1.5-hour drive to Nauyaca Waterfalls ($10 entry,7AM–4PM).Hike 4km or horseback ride($45) to the 200ft falls. Swim in clean blue pools.

Afternoon: Return to San José (3.5-hour drive). Safety tip: Avoid driving after dark.

Final Dinner: La Esquina de Buenos Aires – authentic Argentinian steak ($25) in San José.

Essential Costa Rica Tips

Transport: Rent a 4x4 ($60/day) – gravel roads are standard.

Budget: Aim for $100/day including stays, food, and activities.

Weather: Dry season (Dec–Apr) = sunny; green season (May–Nov) = lush + fewer crowds.

Why This Itinerary Works:

This adventure route planned by Jetlygo trip planner balances iconic spots (Arenal, Manuel Antonio) with hidden gems (Río Chollín, Monteverde cheese) while prioritizing local experiences. I’ve road-tested every tip, from avoiding crowds at waterfalls to scoring the best casado.