Its highly rated and includes lunch, transport, and an expert guide. I hope this 7-day Costa Rica itinerary has helped you plan your upcoming trip to this gorgeous country. So, experience Costa Rica through our eyes by following this amazing 7-day Costa Rica itinerary! Beyond-beautiful hotels are the norm here, and you have your choice of seaside luxurywe like the Arenas del Mar Beachfront and Nature Resortor tree-shrouded lodges like Villas Nicols. Their bakery offers an array of fabulous pastries, especially the bagels and the flourless almond cookies! 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. The park is home to monkeys, sloths, and a you havent spent too many hours exploring the many awesome trails in Manuel Antonio National Park), then why not get the adrenalin pumping with a ziplining tour at El Santuario Adventure Park? They sell amazing burgers from prime beef supplied by grass-fed animals on a nearby farm. This two-star hotel is legitimately just 25 meters away from the park entrance and five minutes on foot from Playa Espadilla. In fact, the restaurant is home to a C-123 Fairchild cargo plane. Travel insurance isnt just a piece of mind, but to us, its essential! They also have different types of cheesecakes and other healthy brunch options. 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. Hey guys! There is even a small bar on the beach selling fresh coconuts, soft drinks, beers, and cocktails. Youll learn a ton about the park and volcano! For drinks, the fresh Costa Rican coffee will certainly put a spring in your step, but they also serve mimosas and fantastic smoothies too. It's also one of two locales in the country where you'll see squirrel monkeys. They also offer a self-drive option with the meeting point in Puntarenas. Some offer clubbed packages, whilst others as a single service. The journey is quite scenic and you can stop over to click ample photos. They have plenty of different food options ranging from tacos, sushi, burgers, pizzas, and more so everybody in your group can find something! You can also find below the estimated tour price for this 7 days Costa Rica itinerary. Deciding where to stay during any trip is probably one of the difficult things to do. Its also the perfect place to see monkeys and sloths in the wild in Costa Rica! To drive from San Jose to La Fortuna will take on average 3.5 hours, but be sure to avoid peak traffic times in San Jose because the traffic there can be hectic! 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. If traveling heavily on a certain budget, expect to spend $30 $45 per day. San Jose. You can start with the Tuna Tostadas and finish with a large healthy Shrimp Salad! Allow up to 5 hours for this experience, which we think is a must for first-timers to the city. The hotel has several private rooms ($40 to $110 per night) for those who want peace and quiet and lots of dorm beds ($10 to $30 per night) for those who like to meet new travel buddies. Browse through some of these articles via the below links. The corners of this land are so heavily dense & lush-green, that its almost a conservationists dream to explore Costa Rican wildlife. You can get a taxi or drive from La Fortuna town to this parking lot, where youll pay the entrance fee ($18 USD) and begin hiking. Its free to visit the Crocodile Bridge and is just a nice quick stop where you can stretch your legs for a minute. Shop at Mercado Central If you want to shop for souvenirs, then Mercado Central is a good starting point. 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. 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. Is Costa Rica Safe?Absolutely yes! Heres your map of your 7 days in Costa Rica . This is especially true in Costa Rica because things are not very cheap here. And if rustic camping is not your thing, there are plenty of room options to choose from. Here is a little overview of each destination in this itinerary: Your 7-day Costa Rica itinerary will more than likely start in San Jose, seeing as its the capital of Costa Rica and also the largest city with over 1.4 million people living here. 9 BEST Tours of Costa Rica (Multi-Day Guided Tours) & How to Pick One! It is one of the countrys biggest private wildlife sanctuaries and hosts five stunning waterfalls accessible via paved trails. The adventure ends on the pristine Pacific coast beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park with time for some well-earned sun, sea, and sand. This specific full-day tour to Rio Celeste is a top choice. So, if youre wondering how to spend a week in Costa Rica, then is the guide for you. Related Read: Not keen on staying in the city? The former one is rather the busiest, with long immigration lines and security check-in. Costa Rica budget toursCosta Rica luxury toursCosta Rica private toursCosta Rica self-guided tours5 days in Costa Rica2 weeks in Costa Rica10 days in Costa Rica. The Basic Double Room here costs as low as $119 USD per night, while the Deluxe King Suite starts at $165, both for double occupancy and inclusive of breakfast. You will also see jungle cats, sloths, monkeys, snakes, frogs, and Costa Rican birds throughout the gardens! Cruise along the coastal waterways and Pochette Mangroves before landing on the pristine white sands of Tortuga Island. In my opinion, its a must-visit during your 7 days in Costa Rica! San Gerardo de Dota Want a more peaceful experience? Days 1 through 5 were on-the-go days. For major African countries, a mandatory yellow fever certification will be required. 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. Although this might feel like a short time to, Whether you are traveling solo, as an adventure or wildlife enthusiast, or with your family, check out our best. Alternatively, you can drive and park at the trailhead, but youll still have to walk a few minutes to the beach through the jungle this is what keeps Biesanz Beach so quiet! This Costa Rican adventure tour offers an unmatched way to discover the countrys sublime rainforests, with an unforgettable whitewater rafting experience extending 3 days along the Pacuare River. Although La Fortuna is absolutely stunning during the day, it really comes alive at night! However, it takes a lot of time! For that luxury touch, the main area of the hot springs comes complete with a swim-up bar and a waterslide. Its also home to a large international airport Juan Santamaria Airport, so its where most people start and end their trip to Costa Rica. 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 Its one of the most important sites in San Jos, attracting millions of tourists. You can also opt for additional activities & even extend your stay to explore other tourist places. 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. 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. We think the best way to get to Tortuga Island is on an organized tour from San Jose such as this one. Related Read: Check out the best Restaurants in San Jose. This stunning 230-foot (70 meters) waterfall shoots out from a tall cliff into a pool below thats surrounded by lush forest. Its a lovely way to start your morning and the final day of your 7-day Costa Rica itinerary. There are also endless amounts of things to do in Costa Rica, and in 7 days you just cant see and do it all. It also features a massive jacuzzi that can hold up to 60 guests. The path is not at all strenuous, and can easily be completed with the help of nature guides. Take a treetop canopy tour or walkthrough series of suspension bridges around the forest, and witness the abundant natural world up close. Be sure to get to the park when they open at 8 am so you have plenty of time to explore (you have other activities to on this day of your Costa Rica itinerary). Planning a perfect Costa Rica tour can be daunting, however, this guide is all about taking you on a journey through a 7-day itinerary. This Costa Rica 6-day itinerary is perfect for kids and adults alike! If yours doesn't, taxis are plentiful and cheap. You can find an impressive lobby here, as well as an executive lounge, conference space, and an innovative restaurant. Grab the adrenaline rush with both hands as you shoot through the jungle on one of the countrys best zip lines. There are also lots of awesome restaurants in San Jose too, like Restaurante Grana DOro and Cafe Rojo, but we loved tasting the local cuisine at the Central Market. The 1968 trail, which is popular of all, provides ample opportunity to grab striking views of the volcano from all angles. I truly love this place! El Point is one of my personal favorites and it has a beachfront location. Hotel Cultura Plaza is a contemporary hotel nestled in the heart of the city center and close to the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Theater of Costa Rica, and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum.The rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and an attached bathroom. When we visited, we saw over 15 crocodiles! In the afternoon depart back to San Jose. See moreadventure tours in Costa Rica. Along the way, you can enjoy the magnificent views and even see where the lava from the last major eruption oozed down the side of the volcano. This blog may contain affiliate links. Poas Volcano National Park is open every day from 8 am to 3:30 pm, and the ticket price is $15 USD. It only takes 15 minutes to get down but a little longer on the way up its 500 steps! You can stay here for as little as US$65/night with deals available during the low season. Situated in the Grano de Oro Hotels central courtyard, this beautiful restaurant provides visitors with a relaxed fine dining experience. 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. 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. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Hanging bridges tour Look out for hand-crafted materials, browse colorful vibrant markets, and shop for artifacts or Costa Ricas specialties. The pools are nestled in beautifully landscaped gardens and are lit with multi-colored ambient lighting at night. Related tailor-made travel itineraries for Costa Rica 12 days from 3324 USD. We have traveled Costa Rica extensively and even lived there for a while! Having said that, there are plenty of other Costa Rica itineraries you can book. As the sunsets tuck into a delicious dinner. With more travelers, better will be for the growth & development of Costa Rica in the coming years. Seeing this massive crater with your own eyes is mesmerizing, and understandably, its one of the most popular day trips from San Jose. Almost all Manuel Antonio hotels have transport to the park. Selina La Fortuna boasts 94 comfortably designed rooms accompanied by various amenities such as complimentary private parking, concierge services, baggage storage, and free Wi-Fi. Dry season begins in December and runs through late April/ early May. This is typically considered the best time to visit Costa Rica, but I usually tell people to visit in May through July for lower prices and less crowds. However, early 2021 might actually be the perfect time to visit and enjoy the dry season weather. 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! Surprisingly, San Gerardo de Dota isnt yet a flourishing tourist attraction, so you can expect fewer crowds. Further along, youll see the Borbollones or Bubbling Hot Pot. It gives you the maximum freedom to stop anywhere you want and visit places at your own pace. No other activity is planned for today, so its completely up to you to spend your final few hours in San Jose. Plus, La Fortuna Waterfall is never that busy later in the afternoon. A mix of nature and adventure, this trip allows you to combine the two best things about Costa Rica. ), and stunning beaches to enjoy. A week full of excitement awaits you on this adventure-packed tour that will take you from the cloud forests of Monteverde to the Pacific coast of Tortuguero. You can even step a little further, and optional activities (which I will list down below) to the itinerary. Im so excited!! Monteverde is a land of epic greenery, proudly boasting eco-tourism & rich biodiversity. More so, for our 7 days Costa Rica itinerary we recommend getting a rental car. 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. Not only do you feel the rich bio-diversity of the region, but can also indulge in various voluntary activities.Operational timings Sunday to Saturday (7 am 4 pm)Entry Fee $25 for adults, $12 for children, and an additional $5 for parking. With its wooden furniture and tropical decor, its brimming with Costa Rican charm everywhere you look. 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). This specific tour is the best option for those staying in Manuel Antonio town. Day 1: From San Jose to La Fortuna Every trip to Costa Rica probably begins in San Jose, the capital While on the, 7 days in Costa Rica offers the opportunity to explore some of this Central American nations most phenomenal natural sights. Medical bills add up very quickly if you end up in hospital, not to mention, if you are a victim of theft, travel insurance will replace your items. Having a small handy bag will also help to keep your day-to-day essentials. Beaches and Volcanoes 7 days from 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. El Avin is a famous restaurant in Costa Rica, and because of its location, its also one of the best spots in Manuel Antonio to watch the sunset. Jaco is one of the most touristic places in Costa Rica so you can choose from hundreds of restaurants. Conveniently located in the city center and just a 5-minute walk from the Costa Rica National Theatre and San Jos Cathedral. San Jose International Airport, and the other, Roberts International Airport. and is characterized by its acid blue lake crater, which is one of the worlds biggest craters. See more volcano tours. Horseback riding You'll pass again through the mountainous stretch between La Fortuna and San Ramnthats the way you cameto get back to the main highway heading east. Travel Realms is a blog featuring niche experiences, exclusive itineraries & famous travel guides. Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall is easily done without a tour. Local water spot for swimming Learned so much. You will end your trip in the coastal haven of Manuel Antonio, where you can hike through one of the best National Parks in Central America and indulge in a sunset cruise! From tarantulas to armadillos and large bugs you can expect to hop across them every now & then.Price Starting entry fee is $30 approx. Some were as big as 15 feet too. Visit the National Center of Art & Culture This sprawling museum houses modern contemporary art, dance, and theatre. Manuel Antonio National Park is open from 7 am to 4 pm every day. A private room here costs from as low as $40 USD. Head out for an ATV tour or go for tours in the national park to see bats and frogs. It includes all your transport, an English-speaking guide, lunch, snacks, and drinks for $133 USD. Not only because of its abundant travel opportunities, but also the fact the country is so beautiful that it will leave you mesmerized. This is my first reddit post. Right in the heart of San Jose sits Caf Rojo, a trendy coffee shop, restaurant, and cultural space. 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! All transport is included, and its far easier than trying to visit the refuge on your own. What we love is that Emilio, the owner often greets his guests in person. This 7 days in Costa Rica itinerary includes the countrys best sights, a visit to a sustainable farm, the striking cloud forest of Monteverde, and other thrilling outdoor activities. 11 Best Day Trips from San Jose, Costa Rica, Family Vacations in Costa Rica: Top 12 Destinations to Visit, Playa Hermosa: Costa Ricas Beautiful Beach, 10 Best Waterfalls to Visit in Costa Rica, 7 Best Places to view Wildlife in Costa Rica, Fishing Costa Rica: Where to Find the Best Catch, Honeymoon in Costa Rica: 8 Romantic Destinations, Ecotourism in Costa Rica: 10 Ways to Experience it, Planning a Trip to Costa Rica: Your Essential Guide to Costa Rica, 13 Best Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica, 5 Things to do in Santa Teresa in Costa Rica, 6 Best Ziplining in Costa Rica: Where to Go, 11 Things to Do in Jaco: Costa Ricas Liveliest Beach, 10 Things to Do in and Near Liberia, Costa Rica, Top 5 Things to Do in Cahuita, Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica: Things to Do, Whitewater Rafting in Costa Rica: 10 Best Rapids, Tortuga Island in Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know, Sarapiqui in Costa Rica: Adventure and Beyond, Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica: Beaches and More, Tamarindo Beach in Costa Rica: Attractions and Things to do, Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast: 5 Best Places to Visit, Costa Rica's Pacific Coast: 8 Best Places to Visit. 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