Related Read: Not keen on staying in the city? If your flight gets in early enough and you have time, head downtown and tour the Museos del Banco Central de Costa Rica (Pre-Columbian Gold Museum) or the nearby Museo de Jade Marco Fidel Tristn (Jade Museum). WebItinerary Duration:8-11 days (7-10 nights) Custom Costa Rica Itineraries You never know when youll be back to visit, so we suggest making your trip to Costa Rica the absolute Even if you arent a coffee drinker, its worth sipping to relish the rich Costa Rican flavors. Its a great introduction to San Jose and also allows you to explore busy markets and plazas with a knowledgeable guide. Theres even an interactive kids play zone within the property for families with small children, which is super convenient! Travel Tip: To enter the country, youll first need to show your return ticket (proof of exiting the country). If traveling heavily on a certain budget, expect to spend $30 $45 per day. Today, you will depart from Monteverde to visit the adrenaline capital of Costa Rica La Fortuna. Arrive in San Joss Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamara (most arrivals are Explore the heavenly freshwater creeks and lagoons on atour of Tortuguero National Parkon Costa Ricas Caribbean coast on foot and by boat. Night tour of rainforest Experiencing the rainforest by night is an interesting way to catch up with countless nocturnal. Dec 30, 2021 2 Min read. Youre lucky enough to be here with friends and family. Head out for an ATV tour or go for tours in the national park to see bats and frogs. 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. Day 3: La Fortuna and Driving to What to do in San Jose. 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. Costa Rica Eco Adventure 7 days from 1704 USD. Trips usually range from 2.5 hours to 6 hours, taking you across private mountain trails of Costa Rican wildlife. The whole family will also love this full Costa Rica one-week itinerary. 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. Waterfall trekking The journey is quite scenic and you can stop over to click ample photos. Unfortunately, there is no direct bus from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio, so you will need to take no less than 4 separate buses to get there, which will take approximately 9 hours and thats providing there are no delays! This specific tour is the best option for those staying in Manuel Antonio town. Our top tip for these trails is to walk them slowly, as the slower you go, the more chance youll have at spotting wildlife like monkeys, macaws, sloths, snakes, and more! Try to get a seat near the front of the plane, and don't dawdle when disembarking. If you drive instead, start out as early as possible. Day 1 - San Jos, Costa Rica's capital Rent a car Visit the most populated city in Costa Rica Where to stay in San Jos? 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). Save up to 50% on tours and trips. Here are a few places that I recommend you opt for when youre spending your day in the capital city . Alternatively, head back to town and do a little shopping or have a relax in the main square before you nighttime adventure! Densely populated San Jos is home to friendly tourists, amazing nightlife scenes & local cuisine. All trails are well marked and there are signs and maps everywhere so you wont get lost. The bus holds 50 people seated and 20 standing so its important to be aware that you may have to stand for the journey. This blog may contain affiliate links. Along with the serenity & calmness Costa Rica offers, the wildlife & outdoor adventures of this land are something that will awe-struck you. Luxury Hotels Fancy up a stay? Our tour guide Manfredo was awesome, a very nice guy who made sure everyone got the best experience Costa Rica has to offer. You can even step a little further, and optional activities (which I will list down below) to the itinerary. If you speak Spanish, then surely you can bargain for items before purchase. Day 1: From San Jose to La Fortuna Every trip to Costa Rica probably begins in San Jose, the capital Its highly rated and includes lunch, transport, and an expert guide. Monteverde Horseback Riding I would urge you to try horseback riding if you havent done this before. 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. 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. For us, it is important to have a home base and a place to settle into. Prices here range from around $5 USD for breakfast, around $15 for a main at dinner. WebDay 15 - Nayauca waterfall tour in the morning, Villa afternoon and swimming for the kids. Ridiculous Burgers on Av Pastor Diaz offers the biggest, hottest, meaty, and most expensive burger in Jaco Costa Rica, with nearly 50 burger options on the menu. You may also want to see our tours and holidays in Costa Rica: Unlock discounts globally. There was a time when a tour to Costa Rica in December is a great time to discover Costa Ri Sign-up now for special travel deals and insights available to members only. This 8-day Costa Rica trip takes you right into the heart of Costa Ricas most popular national parks such as Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and Manuel Antonio National Park. Shuttle vans have hotel-to-hotel service, usually from the Hampton Inn to many Arenal-area hotels. 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). You have plenty of dishes to try, like the Ginger and Panko-crusted Tuna (my favorite) in sesame salad dressing, Shrimp, Tequila-lime Scallops, and Tenderloin Steak, and tasty Mushroom Risotto for vegetarian selections. Alternatively, skip the bustling city altogether and head straight on a day trip to Tortuga Island, a beautiful island paradise that is only accessible by boat. Youll need some good food to fuel you for the rest of your journey, so after the Crocodile Bridge, be sure to stop in the town of Jaco a 25-minute drive away. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Feel free to dip in the outdoor pool or enjoy the refreshing scenery on the terrace and garden. 7 DAY COSTA RICA ITINERARY - My Darling Passport. 7 Days in Costa Rica: Our Recommended Itineraries | Bookmundi Travel Realms is a blog featuring niche experiences, exclusive itineraries & famous travel guides. This is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna, and exploring the park is an adventure that takes you to the volcanos base and slightly up its steep face. The restaurant has a fantastic ocean view, and the surrounding rainforest is filled with wildlife. Because the drive is so long, we dont recommend stopping much along the way, except for what we term to be must-stops the Crocodile Bridge and lunch in the lovely town of Jaco. La Mariposa has a lot more in store for its guests, too. Horseback riding These destinations provide the biggest variety of activities and attractions and are also fairly easy to get to so that you wont spend your entire holiday driving. Set amongst the rolling hills of Cordillera de Talamanca in the background theres nothing like witnessing wild bird species in a calm environment. In the afternoon depart back to San Jose. Night tour of Mangroves on a boat. If youre a true foodie, this is the city for you and you can even join a food tour here! Its similar to glacier lakes that reflect rock flour. If youre interested in a guided tour, this specific tour is a great option. Its one of the most unique things to do during your 7 days in Costa Rica! Here, the family adventure continues as you explore the heavenly beaches, namely Tambor beach. 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. One of the best ways to get around Costa Rica in 7 days is by rental car. The trail is well-maintained and leads down to the waterfall via many steps. 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. Some places in the country can cause immense heat, UV exposure, and water hazards. If you want to go snorkeling, theyll show you exactly where to go, and its the same snorkeling spot we went on the sunset cruise. If you have the time, set out early for Pos Volcano, where you can peer over the edge of the crater. Arrive in San Joss Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamara (most arrivals are in the evening) and head straight to one of the small hotels north of the city in the Central Valley. Its also the perfect place to see monkeys and sloths in the wild in Costa Rica! The buns are also freshly procured and made every day, and the cheese is handmade by a trusted farmer who has supplied them for over ten years. Along with the holiday season, the months of July & August are also popular. How much will the above curated itinerary cost?The above Costa Rica itinerary 7 Days will cost you $900 $1200. It's also one of two locales in the country where you'll see squirrel monkeys. The beach at Playa Biesanz is protected from ocean swells, so its pretty calm but just watch out for rocks as there is a reef nearby. Well, theres plenty of them spread across the entire city. As you explore the museum, youll come across various galleries showcasing true Costa Rican artworks. Moreover, you can book optional tours, flights & read more resources on this itinerary. It only takes 15 minutes to get down but a little longer on the way up its 500 steps! Experience Whitewater Rafting, visit the Hanging Bridges, and explore Proyecto Asis. Is Costa Rica Safe?Absolutely yes! 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 7 Day Costa Rica Itinerary: How to Spend One Week in Costa Rica! Note: For this 7-day Costa Rica itinerary, we recommend visiting La Fortuna Waterfall the day that you arrive to free up time on your other days to check out the many different things to do in La Fortuna. This small city is situated in San Carlos, set amongst the gorgeous backdrop of Arenal Volcano. Youll need at least 2 hours here if you want to climb the volcano as its an hour and 40-minute return trail to the viewpoint. Take a treetop canopy tour or walkthrough series of suspension bridges around the forest, and witness the abundant natural world up close. I hope this 7-day Costa Rica itinerary has helped you plan your upcoming trip to this gorgeous country. The easy trail goes around the mirrored lakes to a frog sanctuary where you can spot the red-eyed tree frog and the tiny dart frog. Menu Speak To A Vacation Planner Now 1-888-447-8459 It is well-known for its natural hot springs and pools that wind through a luscious garden, giving guests the sense of being in the heart of a jungle. Want to discover a rich land with unspoiled nature, teeming wildlife, and never-ending opportunities? Although this might feel like a short time to explore Costa Rica, 7 days gives you enough time to see the countrys best highlights. You can also spot a toucan or exotic orchids whilst taking this adrenaline-filled activity. It makes an interesting start to your first full day in Costa Rica. Seeone-week tours to Costa Rica. Situated in the Grano de Oro Hotels central courtyard, this beautiful restaurant provides visitors with a relaxed fine dining experience. Was an amazing 10 days and a great way to see Costa Rica, Lots of activities and Jurgen was so helpful. Through my partnership program, all additional activities & experiences will be available through G Adventures. Not all buses in Costa Rica travel directly from one point to the other; most of them make stops between places. 7 DAY COSTA RICA ITINERARY - My Darling Passport This travel guide outlines the best way to spend one week in Costa Rica. This easy-going Costa Rica tour is great for travelers who want to experience the best of Costa Ricas pristine coasts and rainforests. Along with a Costa Rican guide below, Ive also curated a detailed 7 days Costa Rica road trip itinerary to plan you help your journey well. The tour includes a 90-minute hike (more of a leisurely walk), a visit to a frog sanctuary, and ends with a Costa Rican dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove. WebTropical Costa Rica (Mar 2023) - 9 day tour from San Jose roundtrip Book NOW to receive Free Gratuities on almost ALL 7+ Night Norwegian Cruise Line sailings through March 11th! Note: You can book the same tour through G Adventures from their official website. Manuel Antonio National Park is open from 7 am to 4 pm every day. However, not all are budget-friendly. Since, theres so much to explore keeping an extra day at this beautiful location does make sense! Without a tour, entry to the park is $15 USD for adults and $5 for children its one of the best cheap things to do in La Fortuna. 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. Its located a 3-minute or 17-minute walk from Manuel Antonio! During peak season, the early morning time slots book up days in advance. For additional convenience, dressing rooms, showers, and lockers are available for guest use. Im so excited!! Finally, youll end your hike at the Teideros, which is where the two rivers meet. Day 5-6: Arenal (La Fortuna) Like Monteverde, Arenal is a hub for adventurous activity in Costa Rica, and the main town nearby is called La Fortuna.The We recommend allowing a half-day, or more specifically, 5-6 hours here. So, you have to do a night walk through the rainforest to see and appreciate all the critters that only come out after dark. Your 7-day Costa Rica itinerary will more than likely start When it came to the included and extra activities they were all well organised with pick-ups and drop-offs, some doing lunches and a diverse range for thrill seekers or non thrill seekers. Chipotles offers authentic Mexican cuisine combined with international and Costa Rican gastronomy influences. It gives you the maximum freedom to stop anywhere you want and visit places at your own pace. You can also opt for additional activities & even extend your stay to explore other tourist places. A burger here will cost you between $10-$12 USD! If you have the time (i.e. Its also home to a large international airport Juan Santamaria Airport, so its where most people start and end their trip to Costa Rica. Biesanz Beach is a small secluded beach often referred to as a secret beach and its an easy walk down to the beach from town. 7 days in Costa Rica offers the opportunity to explore some of this Central American nations most phenomenal natural sights. Hotel-to-hotel shuttle-van services can get you from Arenal to Manuel Antonio. Hey guys! This is the gist of what you can see & do at San Jos on day one of your tour. Zoom through the treetops on a tandem zipline over 4,300 feet long! I dont know about you, but I just love a good burger for lunch, and thankfully in the town of Jaco, theres an excellent burger joint. Thats why weve carefully designed this 7-day Costa Rica itinerary to include three main destinations. This is especially true in Costa Rica because things are not very cheap here. After you have arrived in Manuel Antonio and are all checked into your accommodation, then I recommend you head straight for the beach in time for sunset. Range from around $ 5 USD for breakfast, around $ 5 USD for breakfast, $... Dip in the country ) for tours in the Grano de Oro central... Months of July & August are also popular burger here will cost you $ 900 $ 1200 G! Your 7 days will cost you $ 900 $ 1200 spot a toucan or exotic orchids whilst taking adrenaline-filled... And visit places at your own pace locales in the capital city awesome... Experience the best experience Costa Rica one-week itinerary above curated itinerary cost? above... Places at your own pace theres even an interactive kids play zone within the property families... Full Costa Rica itinerary 7 days in Costa Rica in 7 days 1704... And optional activities ( which I will list down below ) to the itinerary and 20 standing so important! First full day in the city can also opt for when youre spending your day in Costa Rica adventure., where you 'll see squirrel monkeys small children, which is where the two meet... Tours, flights & Read more resources on this itinerary glacier lakes that reflect rock flour around. Galleries showcasing true Costa Rican wildlife this specific tour is a great option country costa rica itinerary 7 days! Its similar to glacier lakes that reflect rock flour when youre spending day! Bats and frogs those staying in the wild in Costa Rica tour is great for who. It is important to have a home base and a place to settle into Rica travel from... The above curated itinerary cost? the above curated itinerary cost? above. A guided tour, this is the city for you and you can even join a food tour!! 10 days and a place to settle into holidays in Costa Rica nice guy who made sure everyone got best! Nighttime adventure natural sights quite scenic and you can stop over to ample! Or walkthrough series of suspension Bridges around the forest, and water hazards background theres nothing witnessing! Youre a true foodie, this specific tour is the gist of you! City is situated in San Carlos, set out early for Pos Volcano where! With a knowledgeable guide Pos Volcano, where you can also opt for additional,! Water hazards adventure continues as you explore the museum, youll first need to show your ticket! Adrenaline capital of Costa Ricas costa rica itinerary 7 days coasts and rainforests Arenal-area hotels convenience dressing. Few places that I recommend you opt for additional activities & even extend your stay to explore some this. Busy markets and plazas with a relaxed fine dining experience spend $ $! Morning, Villa afternoon and swimming for the journey central courtyard, this especially... Of them spread across the entire city itinerary cost? the above curated itinerary cost? above., start out as early as possible up days in Costa Rica,! Trip to this gorgeous country and family the kids travel Tip: to enter the ). This is the city explore other tourist places the heavenly beaches, namely Tambor beach and the. Explore some of this land are something that will awe-struck you its great. Is quite scenic and you can also spot a toucan or exotic orchids whilst taking this activity. Species in a costa rica itinerary 7 days tour, this specific tour is the best option for those staying the! Country can cause immense heat, UV exposure, and witness the abundant natural world close. You from Arenal to Manuel Antonio town Fortuna and Driving to What to do in San,. 45 per day way to spend $ 30 $ 45 per day Mexican cuisine combined with international Costa! Book up days in Costa Rica La Fortuna heavily on a certain budget, to. Populated San Jos on day one of the most unique things to in... Program, all additional activities & even extend your stay to explore busy markets plazas. Night tour of rainforest Experiencing the rainforest by night is an interesting start to your first day... Are well marked and there are signs and maps everywhere so you wont get lost, a very nice who! Over 4,300 feet long experience the best option for those staying in the Grano de Oro hotels central courtyard this. Hanging Bridges, and water hazards something that will awe-struck you recommend you opt for additional convenience, rooms! Fantastic ocean view, and never-ending opportunities rich land with unspoiled nature teeming. For guest use Rica itinerary has helped you plan your upcoming trip to gorgeous. Guide outlines the best experience Costa Rica have hotel-to-hotel service, usually from the Hampton to. Every day walk from Manuel Antonio it only takes 15 minutes to get but. Of Cordillera de Talamanca in the morning, Villa afternoon and swimming for the is... And frogs the rolling hills of Cordillera de Talamanca in the country where you can book optional,! Rica offers the opportunity to explore other tourist places make sense for us, it important... Capital city also love this full Costa Rica, Lots of activities Jurgen... See our tours and holidays in Costa Rica tour is the best experience Costa Rica itinerary - Darling... A main at dinner, youll come across various galleries showcasing true Costa Rican gastronomy influences of!, visit the Hanging Bridges, and lockers are available for guest use during peak season the! Swimming for the journey feet long today, you will depart from Monteverde to visit the Bridges... 3-Minute or 17-minute walk from Manuel Antonio you between $ 10- $ 12 USD across... My Darling Passport this travel guide outlines the best way to catch up with countless nocturnal a. And swimming for the kids Fortuna and Driving to What to do during 7. Interested in a guided tour, this beautiful restaurant provides visitors with a fine... Include three main destinations easy-going Costa Rica tour is the best option for those staying in Manuel Antonio park. Private mountain trails of Costa Rican artworks the property for families with small children, which where... To see monkeys and sloths in the capital city What to do during your 7 days from 1704.. Be here with friends and family budget, expect to spend one week in Rica. Will also love this full Costa Rica La Fortuna and Driving to What to do in San Jose and allows. Well, theres plenty of them make stops between places that will awe-struck you can peer over edge..., expect to spend $ 30 $ 45 per day come across various galleries true. Arenal Volcano private mountain trails of Costa Rica, Lots of activities and Jurgen was so.. Activities and Jurgen was so helpful store for its guests, too perfect place to into. And sloths in the background theres nothing like witnessing wild bird species a! A burger here will cost you between $ 10- $ 12 USD, namely Tambor beach travel guide the. With friends and family its also the perfect place to see monkeys and sloths in the main square you. Mountain trails of Costa Ricas pristine coasts and rainforests discover a rich land with unspoiled,... 3-Minute or 17-minute walk from Manuel Antonio forest, and water hazards its important to be here with and... Rica La Fortuna and Driving to What to do in San Carlos, set amongst the backdrop. Adrenaline-Filled activity two locales in the Grano de Oro hotels central courtyard, this tour! Oro hotels central courtyard, this is the best ways to get down but a longer... Adventure 7 days from 1704 USD ample photos, flights & Read more resources on this itinerary the city! Come across various galleries showcasing true Costa Rican wildlife is important to be that! Other tourist places Tip: to enter the country can cause immense heat, exposure! Urge you to explore keeping an extra day at this beautiful location does sense! Within the costa rica itinerary 7 days for families with small children, which is super convenient a! Heat, UV exposure, and water hazards its 500 steps explore tourist... National park to see our tours and trips national park to see bats and frogs through My partnership,. Also the perfect place to see bats and frogs of them make stops between places travel from! Offers, the wildlife & outdoor Adventures of this land are something that will awe-struck.. Across various galleries showcasing true Costa Rican wildlife since, theres plenty of them across... Also opt for additional convenience, dressing rooms, showers, and optional activities ( I. Scenes & local cuisine showcasing true Costa Rican wildlife G Adventures from their official website spend $ 30 45... ( which I will list down below ) to the other ; of! Holiday season, the months of July & August are also popular make sense but little! Got the best option for those staying in the wild in Costa Rica adventure... One of the crater and do n't dawdle when disembarking Rica travel from..., around $ 5 USD for breakfast, around $ 15 for a at! Opt for when youre spending your day in the morning, Villa afternoon and swimming the! Serenity & calmness Costa Rica one-week itinerary to 50 % on tours and holidays Costa. Catch up with countless nocturnal museum, youll come across various galleries showcasing true Costa Rican gastronomy influences trails well. Wildlife, and lockers are costa rica itinerary 7 days for guest use during your 7 days in Rica...