Welcome to Costa Rica or in true Costa rican style “Pura Vida”. Costa Rica, a gem of Central America, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and vibrant culture. From lush rainforests and pristine beaches to active volcanoes and bustling cities, this small yet diverse country offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Costa Rica’s rich ecological variety and warm hospitality make it a must-visit destination. In this blog post, we present the perfect 7-day itinerary to help you explore the best of Costa Rica, ensuring an unforgettable journey through its most iconic locations.
Day 1 – Road-trip No. 1 San Jose to La Fortuna
Your trip most likely starts in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. San Jose is also the city which holds one of the two international airports of the country. Because of that it’s the ideal place to start your journey and rent a car for the next 7 days. If you don’t wanna drive yourself it’s time to book a shuttle to La Fortuna. Some shuttles depart directly from the airport making it super easy for travelers just arriving in Costa Rica.
The drive to La Fortuna takes approximately 3 hours. For this itinerary it is not necessary to rent a 4×4, because a lot of the roads are well-paved and in good condition. After arriving in La Fortuna it’s time to check into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon visiting La Fortuna Waterfall and cool off in the nearby Fortuna river. It’s time to relax – finish the day visiting the local hot springs.
Day 2 – Volcano Arenal
Start your first full day in La Fortuna horseback riding through the rainforest to get a perfect view of Volcano Arenal. The tour stops at one of the best viewpoints of Volcano Arenal as well as a lake to go for a quick swim. The entire tour takes about 2 hours. So you are back in the city just in time for lunch. After a short lunch break it’s time to head to El Salto Rope Swing, a local hang out spot especially popular amongst backpackers.
Day 3 – Road-trip No. 2 La Fortuna to Monteverde
Let’s head to our next stop. Following route 142 for about 3 hours takes you right to the cloud forest of Monteverde. Once you are all settled in, it’s time to start the adventure. Hanging bridges are a great way to discover Monteverde’s cloud forest in all its glory. Walk the trail of 3,6 km and enjoy the lush rainforest with monkeys climbing the trees right next to you. After dinner it’s time for a night walk. Seeing sleepy toucans and sloths as well as a variety of birds and insects is definitely a must if you visit Monteverde.
Day 4 – Zip Lining through Monteverde
What’s the most popular experience in Monteverde? Ziplining for sure! The best place to do it is at Extremo Park. They offer the longest Canopy in Costa Rica being 4 km long including 11 cables and 50m high Tarzan Swing. Once you booked the tour, transfer is included, which means they’ll pick you up in the morning and drop you back at your accommodation at lunch time. Take some time to relax before experiencing some true Costa rican coffee culture.
Day 5 – Road-trip No. 3 Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
From Monteverde make your way down to the coastal town of Manuel Antonio. Manuel Antonio is the perfect mix of lush green rainforest with incredible wildlife and pristine white sand beaches. After checking in, enjoy the rest of the day and a beautiful sunset at Espadilla Beach.
Day 6 – Manuel Antonio National Park
The number 1 activity to do in Manuel Antonio is visit Manuel Antonio national park. It is the smallest national park but earned its place as one of the best for a reason. Sloths and monkeys up on the trees and the best beach in Manuel Antonio make this place very special. Start with a guided tour to make sure you don’t miss any animals on your way. The tour takes around 1,5 to 2 hours and ends right at the beach where you can spend the rest of your day relaxing.
Day 7 – Driving back to SJO
Last day means road-trip day. It’s time to head back to Juan Santamaría International Airport and continue your trip to your next destination 🙂
