Your Ultimate One Week Itinerary for Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a country that does eco-tourism right. Endless lush jungles, natural hot springs, tropical beaches, wildlife within arm’s reach – you can experience it all in just one week. I have no doubt; you will fall in love with the Pura Vida mindset. 

It’s a country where you can see sloths hanging off trees observing passerby tourists, a place to hang out with cute monkeys that will help themselves to your snacks. This country has so much to offer beyond its pristine beaches and should be on every nature lover’s bucket list. 

It’s easy to get around Costa Rica, especially if you are renting a car, so you don’t have to stay in one location. Below is my suggested itinerary that includes all the highlights from beaches to waterfalls, volcanoes and the adorable sloths.

Day 1: San Jose to La Fortuna

If you only have 7 days in Costa Rica, I suggest skipping San Jose and going straight to La Fortuna. 

How to get to La Fortuna

By car:

San Jose is about a 3-hour drive from La Fortuna. The road is well-paved and easy to navigate.

By bus:

For a more budget friendly option, take a bus. It leaves daily at 8:40 in the morning from downtown San Jose and costs about 5 USD. 

Once you reach La Fortuna, check into your hotel. While common sense would suggest booking accommodation in the town of La Fortuna, it’s best to stay on the outskirts. Try to get a hotel room with the view of the Arenal Volcano. 

What to do in La Fortuna

Once checked in, you have several options.

Visit the Arenal National Park

You can visit the Arenal National Park that features diverse ecosystems where you can encounter exotic wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Trails range from leisurely walks suitable for families to challenging hikes that reward you with spectacular panoramic vistas. One such trail is the famous Arenal 1968 trail. It’s a short 2-hour walk around the volcano that takes you to a beautiful viewpoint.

Visit the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park

Another option is to visit the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park. It’s a great walk through a lush green jungle on paved trails and hanging bridges all within a rainforest sanctuary. You’ll also get incredible views of the Arenal Volcano from here, experience Costa Rica’s extensive flora and fauna and see a lovely waterfall. The entrance fee is about 30 USD. 

If you are short on time, don’t worry. You can participate in either one of these activities in the morning of Day 2.

Day 2: Spend the day relaxing in La Fortuna Hot Springs

I absolutely loved the hot springs in La Fortuna. The mineral-rich waters provide relaxation and rejuvenation, making it an ideal way to unwind after a long flight or a day of hiking. Many hot springs resorts offer stunning views of the volcano itself, allowing visitors to bask in nature’s beauty while enjoying these geothermal wonders. 

There are several options to choose from depending on your budget. I chose the Tabacón Hot Springs. But you can also go to a less crowded and more laid back Ecotermales Hot Springs, which are also a bit less expensive. There is also a free hot spring just past Tabacón.

You can purchase a day pass to any of the hot springs in the area if you are not staying at the resort, which is exactly what I did.

I spent the whole day at Tabacón Hot Springs, and it was so relaxing and peaceful. The area has several natural pools with various temperatures, a spa, a restaurant with really good food and a bar. You can easily spend a whole day here.

Day 3: La Fortuna to Monteverde 

If you didn’t get a chance to hike around the Arenal Volcano or visit the Mistico Hanging Bridges, you can do so in the morning of Day 3 before heading to Monteverde for your next adventure. 

Monteverde is an ecologically diverse mountainous area that is famous for its cloud forest. Here you can spot toucans, hummingbirds, and other small animals that live in this protected area. The air is fresh, the temperatures are a bit cooler, and the sunsets are absolutely gorgeous. 

How to get to Monteverde

By car:

This is the easiest and most convenient option. It takes about 4 hours to drive around Lake Arenal to get to Santa Elena (the Monteverde town). I recommend having a four-wheel car for this ride due to some road conditions.

Renting a car also allows you to stop at Rio Celeste (Celeste River). It’s almost at a half point between La Fortuna and Monteverde. The river is notable for its distinctive turquoise colors. It borders several hot springs and features a beautiful waterfall. The hike to the waterfall is about 1.8 miles and takes about an hour.

By jeep-boat-jeep:

If you prefer not to drive, then another option is jeep-boat-jeep. A shuttle will pick you up from your hotel, take you to the ferry, which will transport you across Lake Arenal and another shuttle will meet you at the dock and take you to your hotel in Monteverde. The entire trip takes about 3 hours, which is a little faster than driving around Lake Arenal. 

What to do in Monteverde

A night walk in the jungle

Once in Monteverde, have lunch and head over to your first adventure – a night walk in the jungle. This is a great activity for families with kids. You’ll walk through a lush jungle with a knowledgeable guide, who will pinpoint the amazing nocturnal wildlife and tell you about the way they live and hunt at night. Think tarantulas, frogs, and other small creatures. But don’t worry, it’s absolutely safe. 

Climb a giant ficus tree

Another fun activity I did that evening before my night tour was to climb inside a giant hollow ficus tree, also known as a strangler fig. This unique activity involves ascending the tree’s interior, which has natural footholds and a hollow trunk. You are provided with safety harnesses and ropes. At the top, there is a platform with panoramic views of the cloud forest, which is extra special at sunset.

Go on a waterfall rappelling tour

Another option for the adventurous type is to book a waterfall rappelling tour. Imagine climbing a mountain with ropes and harnesses. It’s like that, but only doing it backwards, top to bottom, while getting splashed with water from the waterfall. Yes, you will get wet. Yes, you will have lots of fun! 

Day 4: Monteverde – Explore the Cloud Forest

On Day 4, you’ll spend a full day exploring. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has no shortage of activities – from ziplining and sustainability tours to bird watching and horseback riding. 

All these experiences showcase the rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes that make Monteverde a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, with its ethereal mist and towering trees, offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature. 

Go zip-lining and explore the forest with a naturalist guide

Imagine soaring through the treetops on a zip-line like Superman, feeling the rush of wind as you take in breathtaking views from above – it’s an adrenaline rush like no other.

Or walk through the forest with a naturalist guide, who will teach you about the trees that produced milk-like liquid that now helps create medicine for cancer patients. These tours emphasize Costa Rica’s conservation efforts and educate visitors on how they can contribute positively to preserving this remarkable environment for future generations. This is a great activity if traveling with kids. 

Admire the countless bird species

Bird watching in this region is also exceptional. Costa Rica is home to countless species, including the dazzling quetzal. With knowledgeable guides leading you through well-marked trails, you’ll have the chance to spot these vibrant birds while learning about their habitats and behaviors. You can spot countless hummingbirds just outside the entrance.

Go horseback riding through lush valleys

If you have time left, you can go for a relaxing horseback riding trip through the lush mountainous valleys. The tour lasts about 2 hours, and you’ll be passing by local farms while watching the sun set over the green hills of this amazing reserve.

Day 5-6: Santa Teresa – Relax on the Nicoya Peninsula

Santa Teresa is not just a destination; it’s an experience waiting to be discovered, offering something for every type of traveler. 

Picture yourself gliding over sun-kissed waves during thrilling surf lessons. For those seeking tranquility amid their adventures, try a yoga retreat. Imagine starting your day with gentle morning stretches as the ocean breeze caresses your skin.

The beaches in Santa Teresa are pristine, and the vibe feels like you went back in time and stepped into a hidden gem of a town with unpaved roads, surf shops on every corner and that special slowness of life. The Pura Vida mindset. 

How to get to Santa Teresa

By car:

As I get sea-sick more often than not, I chose to drive from Monteverde to Santa Teresa. It was a long day of driving, about 6 hours due to road conditions. You’ll need a four-wheel drive here. But don’t despair. The ride was beautiful with changing scenery along the way and there are plenty of small cafes on the way where you can stop off for a break.

By jeep-boat-jeep:

A more efficient way of getting to Santa Teresa is to drive or shuttle to Puntarenas, then take a ferry to Paquera, and then drive to Santa Teresa. 

What to do in Santa Teresa

Savor the local cuisine

Once you arrive at this tropical paradise, take a walk on the beach and finish the day off by indulging in Santa Teresa’s local cuisine. Delight your taste buds with fresh seafood caught that very day or savor traditional Costa Rican dishes bursting with flavor at charming cafes scattered all throughout this adorable town.

Enjoy the nightlife

As the sun sets behind the horizon, the vibrant nightlife comes alive. From lively beach bars with local musicians to more upscale lounges serving creative cocktails, Santa Teresa’s nightlife promises lots of fun. Looking for a quieter evening? Head over to the beach and join one of the beachfront bonfires.

Start the day with yoga on Playa Hermosa

Spend the next day relaxing at the nearby Playa Hermosa or Malpaís. Start the day with yoga on the beach or savor a delicious acai bowl in one of the charming cafes or go horseback riding on the beach. Whatever you choose to do, you are guaranteed to enjoy this serene town. 

Day 7: Santa Teresa to Manuel Antonio: Where Nature Meets Paradise on the Beach

Manuel Antonio National Park is a must-visit destination that perfectly combines stunning natural beauty with exciting activities, making it an ideal spot for all types of travelers. 

The park is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, such as Playa Espadilla and Playa Manuel Antonio, where golden sands meet crystal-clear waters, offering the perfect backdrop for relaxation. 

How to get to Manuel Antonio

By shuttle-ferry-shuttle:

Against my better judgement, I chose to do the shuttle-ferry-shuttle option. I did immensely enjoy the boat ride with all sorts of fish jumping out of the water right in front of my eyes, at least for the first 30 minutes. Then the waves got a little rough. The rest you can imagine. 

But if you don’t suffer from sea-sickness like I do, this is a very convenient and the most efficient way of getting to Manuel Antonio National Park.

The shuttle will pick you up from your hotel, take you to the ferry (about 10-20 min) and from there it’s about a 3-hour boat transfer across the Gulf of Nicoya. Another shuttle will then take you to your accommodation in Manuel Antonio. The boat usually leaves early in the morning and arrives in Manuel Antonio in the early afternoon. The entire journey costs about 90 USD. 

What to do in Manuel Antonio

Embark on eco tours

Beyond its beaches, the park is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. Here you can embark on eco-tours that provide opportunities to spot sloths, monkeys, and a variety of exotic birds in their natural habitat. Or you can just spot them on your walk to the beach. 

Day 8: Relax on the beach before returning to San Jose

I didn’t count this day in your itinerary, as it is mostly your travel day. 

In the morning, you can spend a bit more time on the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio or take another walk through the forest to spot the friendly sloths. Have lunch and then start heading back to San Jose for your evening flight back home. The drive between Manuel Antonio and San Jose takes about 3 hours. 

Whether you come to Costa Rica for the white sand beaches, the adrenaline rush of ziplining or waterfall rappelling, or the incredible wildlife, this country has it all. So, go and explore this paradise for yourself.