Grab the adrenaline rush with both hands as you shoot through the jungle on one of the countrys best zip lines. Exit at Atenas, a pleasant town that makes a good lunch stop. Also, be sure to check out more of our in-depth guides including: Is Costa Rica Safe? Here, you can walk across several hanging bridges in the jungle as a guide tells you about the jungle. WebOur top itinerary for 7 days in Costa Rica Day 1 & 2 & 3 - Monteverde - Situated on the continental divide under misty, magical clouds, Monteverde is one of the most biodiverse document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 7 Day Costa Rica Itinerary: How to Spend One Week in Costa Rica! Menu Speak To A Vacation Planner Now 1-888-447-8459 Feel free to reach out to our local travel experts who can help you design your personalized trip to Costa Rica. When we are going on a longer trip (more than a month) the insurance provider we always use is SafetyWing. It only takes 15 minutes to get down but a little longer on the way up its 500 steps! I personally loved my stay here, and all thanks to the green surroundings it presents when you touchdown this beautiful town. WebAdvice on Costa Rica itinerary for 7 days. Deciding where to stay during any trip is probably one of the difficult things to do. Along the way, youll see Rio Celeste Waterfall, the Bubbling Hot Pot, and Tenidoros. Is English spoken in Costa Rica?Yes, but not everywhere. This stunning 230-foot (70 meters) waterfall shoots out from a tall cliff into a pool below thats surrounded by lush forest. The first bus is the La Fortuna to San Ramon bus which is 2 hours and will cost you $4 USD. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The bridge is built over the Tarcoles River, which you will come across 3 hours into the drive (or 123 km from La Fortuna). 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. White water rafting After checking into your accommodation in La Fortuna and provided its not getting dark, we recommend checking out La Fortuna Waterfall before you head out for dinner. They specialize in Asian cuisines and Vietnamese-inspired dishes prepared with local ingredients and fresh products. Find destinations that inspire you, parenting.com. 15 BEST All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica (Our Unbiased Opinion! 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. Parking at Rio Celeste costs 2,000 colones per vehicle, and the park entrance fee is $12 USD for adults. Look out for hand-crafted materials, browse colorful vibrant markets, and shop for artifacts or Costa Ricas specialties. Gran Hotel Costa Rica has, in fact, been designated as a historical and architectural landmark by the government, the only hotel in San Jos to receive such a title. Thanks for subscribing. Volcanoes and beaches are two of the things Costa Rica does best, so the classic first-timers itinerary to Costa Rica takes in two of its most popular destinations: the impressive Arenal Volcano and the beaches of the Central Pacific coasts lovely Manuel Antonio. Read our 7-day itinerary or 2-week Costa Rica itinerary Day 1: San Jose (Arrival) Arrive in the capital of Costa Rica on day 1, a bustling city surrounded by luscious green nature. If yours doesn't, taxis are plentiful and cheap. It roughly takes 2 hours to reach, meaning you almost have an entire day to yourself to try some interesting activities. When it comes to rooms and amenities, the hotel provides free private parking, ticket service, and free Wi-Fi on-site. Travel Tip: To enter the country, youll first need to show your return ticket (proof of exiting the country). Standing on the towns highest point, Hotel La Mariposa treats guests to a majestic 180-degree view of the Pacific Ocean, the National Park, and even the neighboring town of Quepos. Its one of the best restaurants in La Fortuna. This two-star hotel is legitimately just 25 meters away from the park entrance and five minutes on foot from Playa Espadilla. Set out on the scenic driveturn north at San Ramnto La Fortuna, which sits at the foot of Arenal Volcano and is its hub. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. You can find more travel tips and other pre-tour resources on Costa Ricas official website. Follow up with a visit to one of many hot-springs complexes in the area as the sun sets behind Volcn Arenal. Having said that, its still important to be prepared before you travel to unfamiliar territory. Experience Whitewater Rafting, visit the Hanging Bridges, and explore Proyecto Asis. Costa Rica's 7 day Itinerary: Top picks for the best adventures! Poas is also one of the most famous volcanoes to visit in Costa Rica. I curated this itinerary, to give you a glimpse of what to expect, which places to visit, and when to visit. Situated near the lively San Jose Central Market, Hotel Colonial boasts neo-colonial architecture and a cozy vibe. Guided tour of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Youll meet your guide at the park entrance and explore, spotting a ton of wildlife and learning about the area. 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. Whether you are traveling solo, as an adventure or wildlife enthusiast, or with your family, check out our best recommended Costa Rica itineraries for a week-long trip to the country below to get an idea of all things you can doand the places you visit. To cater to some of these requirements, look at the below table I created following the itinerary. There are also a couple of beaches within the park to enjoy. They have plenty of different food options ranging from tacos, sushi, burgers, pizzas, and more so everybody in your group can find something! Best of Costa Rica in 7 Days: Explore Jungles, Volcanoes and Beaches View Map With a mix of rugged jungles, active volcanoes and world-class beaches, Therefore we recommend departing early so that you can get to Manuel Antonio in time for a gorgeous beach sunset. Not only because of its abundant travel opportunities, but also the fact the country is so beautiful that it will leave you mesmerized. Our travel experts will respond within 48 hours. While on theMonteverde Cloud Forest Reserve tour, take a stop at the cheese factory before heading to the Pacific coasts Manuel Antonio National Park, an idyllic tropical beach landscape with activities including snorkeling and sea kayaking. You could, however, plan your trip two weeks after the holiday season and still can have a great time in Costa Rica. The menu represents bold indigenous flavors, herbs, local products, and peppers reminiscent of the different global cuisines.The interior dcor has stunning murals that uplift this roadside restaurant to a charming dining experience. You can also make the most out of the outdoor pool and garden, where you can relax and sunbathe. There are bustling pool/bar areas and massive water slides that cater to social gatherings. The 1968 trail, which is popular of all, provides ample opportunity to grab striking views of the volcano from all angles. Arrive in San Joss Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamara (most arrivals are Your trip to Costa Rica most likely starts in San Jose, the countrys capital city and one of the only two Day 2: Hot Springs and Volcano Arenal. 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). Its one of our top choices for any Costa Rica itinerary! T-shirts/ Shirts (Preferably long-sleeves)Long pants/ JeansSleepwear/ Innerwear (as per your need)FootwearSunglassesToiletriesReusable water bottleFew energy bars/drinksWaterproof backpack coverWindproof rain jacket, Cotton T-shirts/ ShirtsShorts/ skirtsSunscreen/ LotionSwimwear/ Sunglasses. However, not all are budget-friendly. Visit the Teatro Nacional and the Museo de Oro Precolombino, and save time for late-afternoon shopping. Situated in the Grano de Oro Hotels central courtyard, this beautiful restaurant provides visitors with a relaxed fine dining experience. La Fortuna is one of the best areas to stay in Costa Rica with a selection of hotels here are our favorites! The salads and vegetables are of the highest quality and are delivered daily with every detail planned to create a heavenly, delicious tall, rich burger. You can see the expansive blue for miles on end with no obstruction at all. Was an amazing 10 days and a great way to see Costa Rica, Lots of activities and Jurgen was so helpful. Thats why weve carefully designed this 7-day Costa Rica itinerary to include three main destinations. 7 Days in Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano Guanacaste Region You know your kids best. Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica's most famous national park for a reason: it has beaches, lush rain forest, mangrove swamps, and rocky coves with abundant marine life. Once at the beach, you can sit anywhere and relax. You can also opt for additional activities & even extend your stay to explore other tourist places. Home 7 Day Costa Rica Itinerary: How to Spend One Week in Costa Rica! Manuel Antonio is home to the longest twin zipline in Costa Rica. Travel insurance isnt just a piece of mind, but to us, its essential! Its truly a fun way to indulge yourself in this cold-adventure sport, and I urge you not to miss it!Price You can expect a ticket fee of around $85 $90 per person. Seeone-week tours to Costa Rica. We think the best way to get to Tortuga Island is on an organized tour from San Jose such as this one. We recommend that you check in three hours before your flight. You can pitch your own tent on the 20-hectare property for as low as $10 USD per night. With these options, you can even drive in through national parks in areas like Corcovado and Guanacaste. Cruise along the coastal waterways and Pochette Mangroves before landing on the pristine white sands of Tortuga Island. All trails are well marked and there are signs and maps everywhere so you wont get lost. Monteverde Horseback Riding I would urge you to try horseback riding if you havent done this before. Allow up to 5 hours for this experience, which we think is a must for first-timers to the city. The former one is rather the busiest, with long immigration lines and security check-in. Costa Rica is paradise on earth this Central American gem is filled with lush green rainforest, golden sand beaches, plenty of adrenalin-fuelled activities, and of course, a nice sprinkling of Pura Vida!. A full-service bar is also on hand, so you can enjoy a glass of champagne while relaxing in the pools. This specific tour includes unlimited drinks, dinner, snorkeling, swimming, a really fun and knowledgeable guide, and a great crew. Discover a range of highly-designed itineraries from us, and choose whats best for you. Depending on the dates you select, tour costs may vary. Book your trip the night before; tour operators in La Fortuna keep evening hours for exactly that reason. While on the, 7 days in Costa Rica offers the opportunity to explore some of this Central American nations most phenomenal natural sights. Parking is available near the entrance of the park and costs 2,000 to 4,000 colones per day, depending on how close the parking area is to the entrance. 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. We have traveled Costa Rica extensively and even lived there for a while! Great Costa Rica Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend? Along with the holiday season, the months of July & August are also popular. You can start with the Tuna Tostadas and finish with a large healthy Shrimp Salad! In case you want a little bit more about the country, why not check out our guide on, Published by Sofie, updated on October 12, 2022. 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. The view of the volcano here is impressive! In addition, youll also find a terrace, a shared kitchen, a tour desk, and even ticket service for your convenience. Moreover, you can book optional tours, flights & read more resources on this itinerary. You can directly head to the designated area and pay an entrance fee of $40 for the hot springs. Learned so much. Feel free to dip in the outdoor pool or enjoy the refreshing scenery on the terrace and garden. The path is not at all strenuous, and can easily be completed with the help of nature guides. This capital city is diverse & much more cultural in terms of the experiences it has to offer. Dec 30, 2021 2 Min read. Choose an adventure of your choice, whether it is a zip-line tour, an ATV tour, canyoning, caving, mountain biking, or even a chocolate tour. 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. Experience a canopy tour Nearly 51% of the country is occupied by rainforest, making it an ideal place to indulge in a canopy treetop tour. 7 days in Costa Rica offers the opportunity to explore some of this Central American nations most phenomenal natural sights. Especially, when a country like Costa Rica is abundantly filled with luxury stays, budget-friendly hotels & fancy lodges. Bliss! The Tabacon Hot Springs is located within the Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, one of the most luxurious non-all-inclusive resorts in the Arenal area. The entry fee to this museum is 1,850 CRC per person. Its also home to a large international airport Juan Santamaria Airport, so its where most people start and end their trip to Costa Rica. Just follow the guidelines, stay away from isolated/no-entry zones, and dont showcase your valuables around. You can even step a little further, and optional activities (which I will list down below) to the itinerary. If you want a nice view of the crater, get there as early as possible to avoid the clouds that typically cover the volcano by late afternoon. Night tour of rainforest Experiencing the rainforest by night is an interesting way to catch up with countless nocturnal. What to do in San Jose. 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. In the evening, I recommend experiencing the local hot springs of La Fortuna. You dont necessarily need to book a room to access the hot springs. The Hampton Inn just across from the airport lets you ease into your Costa Rican experience in familiar surroundings; the Xandari Resort & Spa offers a far more local, and pricier, first night here. Some places in the country can cause immense heat, UV exposure, and water hazards. The rooms and suites here are cozy and homey andhave a ceiling fan, cable TV, and an en-suite bathroom. Franco offers a range of fresh food options that blend the best of Costa Rican coffee, confectionaries, smoothies, egg combinations, meats, and so much more. On the way, keep an eye out for monkeys we saw around 15 in the trees here as well as toucans! 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. Along your way, expect to spot toucans, bellbird, parrots, and other species. Home stay with amazing families which including a cooking demo, cycle ride, swim in a river, a home cooked evening meal with locally sourced fresh food and one of the funniest games of football in the pouring rain with the local village children Ive ever played. Given the small size of Costa Rica and how accessible it is by vehicle, you'll be able to visit the jungle, volcanoes, and great beaches in the same 7-day trip. After the tour, youre free to enjoy the beaches and relax. We recommend spending 10 days to two weeks in Costa Rica, as this timeframe will give you enough time to cover all the major highlights while also including time for traveling from one destination to another. A two-week Costa Rica itinerary will guarantee you see everything the country has to offer. I should note that the cruise is available both in the morning and afternoon for $95 USD and leaves from Quepos. 7 DAY COSTA RICA ITINERARY - My Darling Passport This travel guide outlines the best way to spend one week in Costa Rica. Is Costa Rica expensive?Yes, Costa Rica is relatively an expensive destination when compared to other Latin & Central American places. Teideros is 3 kilometers from the entrance. They also have different types of cheesecakes and other healthy brunch options. Zipline over treetops in Monteverde before taking a boat to La Fortuna where you will hike trails around the iconic Arenal Volcano. Day 3: La Fortuna and Driving to Plus, the guide is an expert when it comes to spotting wildlife, so who knows what youll see! This easy-going Costa Rica tour is great for travelers who want to experience the best of Costa Ricas pristine coasts and rainforests. It costs $67 USD per person. The mood here is quaint, casual, and authentic to the local surroundings outside. Since its the Christmas season and New Year will just be around the corner, tourists plan their travel well in advance to avoid any hassles. I truly love this place! Try to get a seat near the front of the plane, and don't dawdle when disembarking. Its not possible to try out everything in a single day, but you can span out some of these experiences for day three. An evening meal caps off your trip before you turn in early to get ready for tomorrow morning's departure. Our top tip is to grab a seat on their glorious back patio! After all that hiking, if you arent too tired, its time to head to Mystico Adventure Park. We recommend allowing a half-day, or more specifically, 5-6 hours here. 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. Luckily, our guide kept us safe! If traveling heavily on a certain budget, expect to spend $30 $45 per day. Day 7: ATV Tour of the Countryside Head out for a thrilling (45 minutes by paved road from airport to Pos Volcano; 2 hours by paved road from airport to La Fortuna). This restaurant/bar has an interesting history that stretches way back to the eighties. Keep your eyes peeled for the parks most beguiling residents: endangered sea turtles, manatees, caiman, monkeys, sloths, and even jaguars. If you are arriving late or very early and just want a place to rest your head, check out these amazing hotels near the SJO international airport. You can drive yourself or book a tour which will pick you up from your accommodation in La Fortuna. Theres definitely more but I think Ive named enough Youre lucky enough to be here with friends and family. The Costa Rican government has led the world in the protection of this natural paradise, designating a quarter of the country's landmass to be protected national parks. To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements. Hanging bridges tour The bus holds 50 people seated and 20 standing so its important to be aware that you may have to stand for the journey. For additional convenience, dressing rooms, showers, and lockers are available for guest use. You can book a Standard Double Room here for as low as US$48 per night with discounts available during the low season. For more details on documentation, visit here. Basically, there are two international airports from where you can arrive in Costa Rica. You can expect rains and a bit of chilly weather, but its ideal to experience most Costa Rican attractions. A burger here will cost you between $10-$12 USD! 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. Such as this one tour from San Jose Central Market, hotel Colonial neo-colonial... 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