Best 7-day Costa Rica itinerary

Costa Rica is one of the most popular countries to visit in Central America. Mostly because of its stunning landscape. It's one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and you'll spend your days hiking though lush rainforest or relaxing on the best beaches. Even though 7 days is not extremely long, there's enough to do, so please take my Costa Rica itinerary for 7 days as inspiration to visit this beautiful country. 

My Costa Rica itinerary for 7 days

Again, 7 days is not a lot, but enough to see some of Costa Rica's best highlights. To really enjoy the most of this 7 day itinerary, it's best to rent a car. Public transportation is fine in Costa Rica, but not the fastest option. 

A short breakdown of this itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive in San José, explore vibrant city sights.
• Day 2: Travel to Manuel Antonio, relax on arrival.
• Day 3: Manuel Antonio National Park, wildlife and beaches.
• Day 4: Leisure day in Manuel Antonio, optional activities.
• Day 5: Journey to Monteverde, cloud forest adventure.
• Day 6: Explore Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, hot springs.
• Day 7: Continue Arenal Volcano area, nature hikes.

Day 1: San José

You most likely arrive in San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Although the city has gone through a positive change recently, it’s not the reason you’re here. Especially if you have only 7 days in Costa Rica.

After you settle in, explore Barrio Amón, known for its historical buildings and street art. In the evening, enjoy some local food or head to Escalante for some of the city's best nightlife and dining. If you don't know where to start, Plaza de la Cultura is the cultural and physical center of the city. This is where a lot of sights are located, but you can also find of plenty of tour operators here.

Editor's tip: Really want to go to the beach? There are some good beaches "close" to San José.

Where to stay

San José has many options for accommodation, and there’s no need to book ahead unless you want to stay at a specific hotel. Barrio Escalante and Downtown are considered the two best areas to stay in San José.

Day 2: Travel from San José to Manuel Antonio

Driving time: around 2.5 hours

On the second day of this Costa Rica itinerary of 7 days, you’ll leave San José behind and make your way to one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio National park has some of the country's best beaches, and it’s the perfect place to really start your trip.

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most biodiverse national parks in the world. If you want to see monkeys, sloths, or macaws in their natural habitat or relax on the country's most beautiful beaches, this is definitely a must-visit destination.

It's a rather short drive, so if you have spare time, consider a stop at Jaco Beach or Playa Hermosa. Two of the finest beaches in the area.

Where to stay

The town of Manuel Antonio and the slightly larger Quepos are the main gateways that have transformed recently from sleepy fishing villages to tourist magnets with all the desired amenities. Book your accommodation and tours (especially wildlife tours) in advance in the high season (December to April) to ensure availability.

Day 3: Manuel Antonio

You can never have enough time in Manuel Antonio. This is a typical destination where you plan 2 or 3 days but end up staying for a week or longer. It's the perfect blend between beaches and rainforest which are also the main reasons to visit this place. Relaxing on the beach, kayaking, wildlife tours or horseback riding. There's enough to keep you entertained.

This national park protects 12 islands that are a great shelter for many types of marine birds. But the reason most travelers are drawn to this place, are the beaches. The best ones:

• Espadilla Sur
• Manuel Antonio
• Puerto Escondido

Editor's tip: Make sure to read our guide about how to plan a trip to Costa Rica.

Things to do on your first day

You might want to take it slow on your first day, but if you have enough energy, make sure to hike through this stunning national park.

Hiking

Manuel Antonio National Park consists largely of a green rainforest. Here, you can not only admire beautiful trees, plants, and flowers, but with a bit of luck, you will also encounter several exotic animals.

That is why it is such a popular place to go hiking. There are several hiking trails throughout the park that you can follow. You can also join one of the many tours.

Go to Damas Island

A 30-minute boat ride from Quepos, you will find the beautiful Damas Island. The surf here is great, but the main attractions are the mangrove swamps. The animals that live here include boas, caimans, various types of birds, and in rare cases, the anteater.

Day 4: Manuel Antonio

The early birds can set their alarm for 5 am to see the wonderful sunrise. After that, enjoy a good breakfast to start your second day.

Editor's tip: If you are not sure about 7 days in Costa Rica, check out our article about how many days you need in Costa Rica.

Things to do on your second day

On your second day in Manuel Antonio, spend some time relaxing on the beach to recharge your batteries for the rest of this 7 day itinerary.

Relax on one of the beaches

Manuel Antonio National Park not only has a rainforest, but also several beautiful beaches. The white sandy beaches are all beautifully white and lie along clear blue water.

There are four beaches in the national park that are said to be the most beautiful in all of Costa Rica. These are:

• Playa Manuel Antonio (the main beach, a 30-minute walk from the park entrance)
• Playa Espadilla Sur
• Escondido
• Playita

Spot whales

If you are here at the right time of year (November to February and July or August), you have the chance to see humpback whales and pilot whales.

Editor's tip: Uvita is considered the best place to spot whales in Costa Rica.

Another popular tour is a sunset sail. The sky turns pink and orange, and you'll have an outstanding view. Definitely recommended!

Day 5: Travel from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde

Driving time: around 4 to 5 hours

Early in the morning, leave Manuel Antonio and set course to Monteverde Cloud Forest in Santa Elena. The drive from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde takes approximately 4-5 hours by car or shuttle, with scenic mountain roads along the way.

 For a more unique experience, you can take a shuttle to Lake Arenal, followed by a boat transfer across the lake, and then a shuttle to Monteverde. This route provides great views of the lake and Arenal Volcano and takes roughly 5-6 hours.

Make sure to read all about how to get around in Costa Rica.

Things to do

The reason to travel to Monteverde is, of course, the cloud forests themselves and the world-famous hanging bridge (Monteverde Bridge). Open your Instagram and search for Monteverde Cloud Forest, and I’m sure you’ll see hundreds of selfies on that bridge.

But this park is more than just the bridges (there are more). There are different hikes you can do. The shortest one is Sendero Bosque Nuboso (Cloud Forest Trail). Ideal if you don’t have so much time. Other hikes:

• El Camino (The Road): 1.24 miles (2 kilometers)
• Sendero Pantanoso (Swamp Trail): 0.93 miles (1.5 kilometers)
• Sendero El Río (River Trail): 1.18 miles (1.9 kilometers)

Where to stay

Your best option to stay is the village of Santa Elena. It’s all set up for travelers, with enough accommodation and restaurants to spend your evening. Make sure to book ahead in high season.

Editor's tip: To be completely honest, this is a bit of a rushed day because you only have half a day. If you don’t want to rush, skip Monteverde and travel straight to La Fortuna.

Day 6: Monteverde to Arenal Volcano (La Fortuna)

Driving time: around 3 to 4 hours

Get up early and travel from Santa Elena to La Fortuna to explore the mesmerizing Arenal volcano area. The journey takes about 3-4 hours. A popular option is the 'jeep-boat-jeep' route, which involves a scenic drive to Lake Arenal, followed by a boat transfer across the lake, and another drive to La Fortuna. This cuts down on driving time and offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

The Arenal Volcano is one of the country’s most active volcanoes. Its symmetrical cone rises to a height of 1 mile (1,633 meters), making it a popular destination for hikers and climbers. Until 2010, the volcano was known for its spectacular lava displays. Lava flows (no longer visible), gas explosions, and ashfall were daily occurrences. 

The volcano is now thankfully quiet, and despite the lack of lava visibility, Arenal Volcano and the surrounding park are an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts.

Things to do on your first day

Take it slow on your first day here. Depending on the time you arrive, you can explore the city of La Fortuna. Don’t expect Paris-like atmosphere, but it’s nice to walk around.

La Fortuna waterfall

If you have some time (and energy), visit the La Fortuna waterfall, 3.73 miles (6 km) from the city. To reach this waterfall, you have to make a steep descent of more than 200 steps. This takes about 20 minutes, unless there is a large group of tourists in front of you 🙂 The view below is stunningly beautiful, and you certainly won't get bored on the way because during your descent you already have a beautiful view of the waterfall.

Where to stay

Your best option is to find accommodation in or around La Fortuna. There are plenty of options to choose from, but book ahead, even in low or shoulder season. If you want to enjoy the beauty of the area, I suggest staying around the volcano and not in La Fortuna.

Day 7: Arenal Volcano

After a good impression of the Arenal volcano on your first day, make the best out of your second day by getting up early and enjoying a good cup of Costa Rican coffee (or tea).

Things to do on your second day

Visiting Arenal is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica, especially for adventure seekers.

Go hiking

Hiking through the Arenal Volcano National Park is one of the best ways to discover this special and biodiverse region of Costa Rica. You can take guided walks, but it is also easy to do it yourself.

The benefit of a guide is that they can tell you more about the area. In the park, you will find many hiking trails and 15 bridges that connect a rainforest circuit of 1.86 miles (3km). You can explore on your own or join a guided tour.

Editor's tip: Don't forget to walk to a 'mirador'. This is a viewpoint with beautiful views of the Arenal volcano and the lake.

Chill in a Hot Spring

You can’t visit Arenal Volcano without visiting the natural hot springs. Most of these natural thermal pools are located in resorts and hotels, although you don’t necessarily have to stay at one of the resorts to access the pools. You can also purchase a day pass.

If you’ve spent the day hiking through the national park, it’s nice to relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters of a hot spring. There are even spas in Arenal National Park where you can spend a few hours being pampered to truly unwind.

How to visit Costa Rica in 7 days

A trip to Costa Rica is not something you do every year (unless you’re really lucky!). It’s important to plan your trip carefully, so before you book your ticket to Costa Rica, please check out the following travel tips.

When to visit Costa Rica

Make sure to visit Costa Rica at the right time of year. While it’s a tropical destination, visiting in the wrong months might not be ideal! There are two main seasons in Costa Rica:

• Dry (December to April)
• Rainy (May to November)

Of course, the dry season is the best time to visit. It’s sunny, mostly dry, and perfect for any kind of activity. The downside is that it’s more crowded and prices go up.

Although the rainy season isn't the ideal time to visit, it might be perfect if you don’t mind an occasional shower and fewer crowds. During this time, the country turns lush and green, and the wildlife comes alive.

How to travel around Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most popular countries to visit in Central America. And it’s not just because of the stunning nature and perfect beaches—it’s also one of the easiest countries to travel in.

Editor's tip: make sure to read all about getting around in Costa Rica 

By car

There are dozens of ways to get around. The easiest—but also most expensive—is renting your own car. It provides flexibility and allows you to explore the country at your own pace. Renting a car costs around $50 a day, depending on the size of the car and the season.

Public transport

Public transportation is also available. The downside is that it’s slower and less flexible than renting a car. Long-distance buses are your best option for traveling between cities. In cities or for shorter distances, taxis and Uber are convenient options.

By shuttle

Traveling by shuttle in Costa Rica is a popular option for those who want convenience without the hassle of driving themselves. There are two main types of shuttle services:

• Shared shuttles are a cost-effective way to travel. They operate on fixed schedules, usually picking you up from your accommodation and dropping you off at your next hotel or a designated central location. 
  • Cost: Prices range from $40 to $60 per person, depending on the route.
• Private shuttles: offer greater flexibility in timing and comfort. You get exclusive use of the shuttle, meaning you can set your own schedule and make stops along the way for sightseeing, meals, or just to take in the views.
  • Cost: This option is more expensive, ranging from $150 to $300 depending on the distance, number of passengers, and season.

Costs of a 7-day trip through Costa Rica

One thing is for sure, Costa Rica isn't cheap. The exact costs depend on how and with who you travel and your travel itinerary. A young couple backpacking will probably spend less than a family of four with younger kids.

As an average, we'll take a mid-range traveler budget, meaning a more comfortable trip, including a combination of adventure activities and staying in nice, cozy places.

Make sure to budget around $100 - $150 per day:

• Accommodation: $50 - $80 (small hotels, Airbnbs, or lodges)
• Food: $20 - $40 (eating at a mix of local sodas and mid-range restaurants)
• Activities: $20 - $40 (guided tours, entry to national parks, zip-lining, or other adventure activities)
• Transport: $15 - $25 (shared shuttles or rental car)
• Miscellaneous: $10 (souvenirs, snacks, or small fees)

Do I need a visa?

For US citizens and UK citizens, a visa is not required to visit Costa Rica for tourism purposes if you stay less than 90 days 

You will need a valid passport (with at least one day of validity beyond the length of stay) and proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket or a ticket to another destination.

For even more inspiration, check out The Rough Guide to Costa Rica. You can also browse our customized Costa Rica itineraries or chat with our local Costa Rica experts.