Ultimate Costa Rica 7-Day Itinerary:
From Rainforests to Beaches
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring San José
Day 2: La Fortuna – Waterfalls & Hot Springs
Day 3: Arenal Volcano & Adventure Activities
Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest & Night Walk
Day 5: Coffee Tours, Hanging Bridges & Ziplining
Day 6: Manuel Antonio National Park & Beaches
Day 7: Beach Relaxation & Departure
Bonus: Local Food to Try
Table of Contents
Perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and first-time visitors!
Pura Vida!
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring San José
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Morning:
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Arrival in San José: Check into your hotel and take a moment to rest after your journey. Opt for a centrally located hotel like Grano de Oro for easy access to nearby attractions.
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Explore Local Markets: Stroll through the Mercado Central and sample local delicacies.
Afternoon:
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Cultural Stops: Head to the National Museum and Jade Museum to dive into Costa Rican history and culture.
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Lunch: Enjoy a typical casado at Soda Tapia.
Evening:
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Dinner & Drinks: Explore Barrio Escalante, a hip district with many dining options. Try Apotecario for craft cocktails and tapas.
Day 2: La Fortuna – Waterfalls & Hot Springs
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Morning:
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Drive to La Fortuna: Take a scenic drive towards La Fortuna. Make a quick stop at the Poás Volcano to break up the journey.
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La Fortuna Waterfall Hike: Descend the 500 steps to La Fortuna Waterfall for a swim in the clear, cool water. You can also visit Gravity Waterfall for a more secluded experience.
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Sloth Tour: Go on the La Fortuna Sloth Tour and spot these adorable creatures in their natural habitat.
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Afternoon:
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Lunch: Head to Soda La Hormiga in La Fortuna for a traditional Costa Rican lunch.
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Hot Springs: Relax and unwind at Tabacón Hot Springs or the more budget-friendly Baldi Hot Springs.
Evening:
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Dinner: Try the local specialties at Don Rufino. End your day with a cocktail and enjoy the jungle atmosphere.
Day 3: Arenal Volcano & Adventure Activities
Morning:
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Arenal Volcano Hike: Choose the 1968 Trail for spectacular views and a chance to see lava rocks from past eruptions.
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Horseback Riding Tour: Combine a horseback ride with a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall for a full morning of adventure.
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Afternoon:
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Lunch: Head to Mistico Park Restaurant for a meal with views of the surrounding rainforest.
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Mistico Hanging Bridges: Experience the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, with trails that offer great views of wildlife and the forest canopy.
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Evening:
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Boat Tour on Lake Arenal: Take a relaxing evening boat tour on Lake Arenal for sunset views.​
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Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest & Night Walk​​
Morning:
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Drive to Monteverde: Stop by Café & Macadamia en route for a snack and beautiful views.
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Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Start your day with a guided tour of the cloud forest. Stay at the tranquil Senda Monteverde for a unique lodging experience.
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Afternoon:
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Ziplining at Selvatura Park: Feel the thrill of ziplining and walk along suspension bridges.
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Coffee Tour: Visit North Fields Cafe to learn about the local coffee-making process.
Evening:
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Night Walk: Spot nocturnal animals like tarantulas and kinkajous on a guided night tour.
Day 5: Coffee Tour & Ziplining
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Morning:
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Coffee Tour: Take a tour of a local coffee plantation to learn about Costa Rican coffee production.
Afternoon:
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Lunch & Relaxation: Enjoy lunch with local produce at San Lucas TreeTop Dining.
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Hanging Bridges: Stroll across the hanging bridges of the Sky Walk Monteverde for a unique perspective of the forest.
Evening:
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Dinner: Dine at The Tree House Restaurant, a cozy spot in the heart of Monteverde.
Day 6: Manuel Antonio National Park​
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Morning:
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Drive to Manuel Antonio: Head to the Pacific Coast to explore one of Costa Rica’s most famous national parks.
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Park Exploration: Go on the main trails and spot monkeys, sloths, and birds.
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Afternoon:
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Snorkel Tour: Take a Flamingo Snorkel Tour to explore the vibrant marine life
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Evening:
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Dinner: Dine at El Avión, a restaurant built inside an old cargo plane.
Day 7: Beach Relaxation & Departure​
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Morning:
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Morning Beach Time: Relax at Playa Espadilla.
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Morning:
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Departure: Depending on your flight time, either continue exploring or head back to San José for your flight.
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Local Food to Try:
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Gallo Pinto: Rice and beans, traditionally served for breakfast.
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Casado: A hearty plate featuring rice, beans, meat, plantains, and tortillas.
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Patacones: Fried plantains served as a snack or side dish.
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Chifrijo: A dish of fried pork skins, rice, and beans.
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Pozol de Cerdo: Traditional pork stew.
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Empanadas de Chiverre: Sweet or savory stuffed pastries.
