Nestled in Central America, Costa Rica stands as a highly sought-after tourist destination for globetrotters. Personally, I hold a deep affection for this locale. Its charm lies not only in its myriad travel possibilities but also in its sheer natural beauty, which has the power to attract any visitor.
Costa Rica relies significantly on its thriving tourism industry, serving as a vital economic pillar for the nation. As the number of travellers continues to rise, so does the promise of prosperous growth and development for Costa Rica in the years ahead.
In addition to the tranquillity and peace that Costa Rica exudes, it’s the remarkable wildlife and exhilarating outdoor adventures that truly leave an indelible mark. From embarking on rainforest hikes to tackling challenging high-altitude trails and riding the waves on epic surfing coasts, this country beckons you to embrace every one of its experiences firsthand.
When I visited Costa Rica for the first time, the glimpses of rainforest areas and cloud forests really caught my attention. The corners of this land are shrouded in a dense, lush green blanket, making it a veritable paradise for conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
So, if you’re pondering the perfect way to spend a week in Costa Rica, this guide is tailor-made for you.
Overview of Costa Rica Itinerary 7 Days
It isn’t easy to plan a Costa Rica trip, as it requires thorough planning and attention to detail. But this guide is your handy roadmap to a 7-day itinerary that promises to unveil the wonders of this remarkable country.
This 7-day itinerary includes must-visit destinations and renowned experiences & activities that can be savoured during your week-long adventure in Costa Rica.
Having said that, there are plenty of other Costa Rica itineraries you can book. From a week’s journey to a 15 to 18-day tour plan, you can discover the best of the country’s famous destinations & top-notch attractions.
Layout for Costa Rica Itinerary 7 Days
Day 1: San José
Day 2: San José – Monteverde
Day 3: Monteverde
Day 4: Monteverde – La Fortuna
Day 5: La Fortuna
Day 6: La Fortuna – San José
Day 7: San José
This 7 days in Costa Rica itinerary includes the country’s best sights, a visit to a sustainable farm, the striking cloud forest of Monteverde, and other thrilling outdoor activities. You can even step a little further, and optional activities (which I will list down below) to the itinerary.
MAP OF COSTA RICA ITINERARY
Here’s your map of your 7 days in Costa Rica –
Essential Tips for Costa Rica Itinerary 7 Days
Before I dive into the specifics of our itinerary, it’s vital to grasp some key planning factors when organizing your Costa Rica journey. While I’ll provide a high-level overview here, I’ll also provide links to additional resources and helpful guides to assist you in your travel preparations.
Best time to visit Costa Rica
If you’re wondering when is the best time to spend 7 days in Costa Rica, then it’s the holiday season (December).
However, it’s worth noting that this period attracts a substantial influx of tourists eager to partake in the festivities. As Christmas approaches and New Year’s celebrations loom, travellers often plan well in advance to ensure a hassle-free visit. An alternative approach could be to schedule your trip two weeks after the holiday season, still allowing you to relish Costa Rica’s wonders without the bustling crowds.
Additionally, the months of July and August present another popular window of opportunity. Although these months bring rain and slightly cooler weather, they offer an ideal climate for experiencing many of Costa Rica’s attractions.
Health & Safety
Costa Rica, on the whole, is considered a safe destination for travellers. However, it’s crucial to be well-prepared before venturing into unfamiliar territory. Certain areas in the country may expose you to intense heat, high UV radiation, and potential water hazards. For essential safety guidelines and valuable tips to ensure a secure and enjoyable journey, I recommend visiting the provided website to gain more insights.
Visa & Documentation
Visa requirements for Costa Rica can vary depending on your country of origin. However, regardless of your nationality, you will generally need a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months to enter Costa Rica. It’s essential to note that travellers from certain African countries may also be required to provide a mandatory yellow fever certification.
How much does it cost?
Travelling to Costa Rica during the holiday season may come with higher costs, with prices potentially nearly doubling compared to other times of the year. However, for an average one-week Costa Rica itinerary, you can anticipate a budget ranging from $890 to $1500. The final cost will depend on several factors, including your choice of accommodations, booked experiences, transportation expenses, and daily spending.
Accommodation choices play a significant role in determining your overall expenses. The type of lodging you select can either help you reduce costs or significantly increase them. Later, I’ll provide some lodging options to assist you in making an informed choice.
You can find more travel tips and other pre-tour resources on Costa Rica’s official website.
7 Day Costa Rica Itinerary
Day 1: San José
San José serves as your entry point to this Costa Rican adventure you’re about to embark on. As the capital city, it boasts a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. While it may be densely populated, San José exudes a welcoming atmosphere, drawing in friendly tourists from around the world.
The city comes alive at night with vibrant nightlife scenes and the opportunity to savor delicious local cuisine. Furthermore, its historical landmarks and exquisite architecture contribute to a sense of discovery as you explore its streets.
Here are a few places that I recommend you opt for when you’re spending your day in the capital city –
Visit the National Center of Art & Culture
This sprawling museum houses modern contemporary art, dance, and theatre. It’s one of the most important sites in San José, attracting millions of tourists. Within its walls, you’ll encounter a diverse array of galleries proudly displaying authentic Costa Rican artworks. To gain access to this cultural treasure trove, you can expect an entry fee of 1,850 CRC per person.
San Gerardo de Dota
For a tranquil and peaceful experience, consider venturing to San Gerardo de Dota, an idyllic destination for bird-watching enthusiasts. Nestled amidst the serene rolling hills of the Cordillera de Talamanca, the backdrop itself is a sight to behold.
There’s nothing quite like observing wild bird species in this serene and unspoiled environment. Interestingly, San Gerardo de Dota remains a hidden gem, relatively untouched by mass tourism, ensuring you’ll encounter fewer crowds during your visit.
Experience a canopy tour
With nearly 51% of its territory covered in lush rainforests, Costa Rica presents an ideal setting for indulging in a canopy treetop tour. This experience entails gliding down a rope between the towering trees, affording you a breathtaking aerial perspective of the densely populated forests below.
Shop at Mercado Central
If you want to shop for souvenirs, then Mercado Central is a good starting point. Look out for hand-crafted materials, browse colourful vibrant markets, and shop for artefacts or Costa Rica’s specialities. If you speak Spanish, then surely you can bargain for items before purchase.
This is the gist of what you can see & do at San José on day one of your tour. Other than the ones mentioned above, you can explore optional activities like hiking through Chirripo National Park, taking a beer tour, visiting Los Quetzales National Park, and taking free walking tours.
Overnight at San José.
Day 2: San José – Monteverde
Duration: 2hr 18mins (141kms)
Monteverde is a verdant paradise, renowned for its commitment to eco-tourism and extraordinary biodiversity. Countless tourists flock to Monteverde to partake in bird-watching excursions and to marvel at its cloud forests. I have seriously cherished my time in this remarkable town, and it owes much of its charm to the lush greenery that envelops you from the moment you arrive.
Upon your checkout, drive past winding roads to reach Monteverde. The journey is quite scenic and you can stop over to click ample photos. It roughly takes 2 hours to reach, meaning you almost have an entire day to yourself to try some interesting activities.
Some of the recommended activities to do in Monteverde
Cloud Forest Reserve in Monteverde
Undoubtedly, one of the best destinations in Monteverde is the Cloud Forest Reserve. A visit here allows you to rekindle your connection with nature in the most serene manner. The entire reserve is adorned with magnificent orchid collections, the potential to spot elusive jungle cats, and encounters with unique wildlife species.
Operational timings – Sunday to Saturday (7 am – 4 pm)
Entry Fee – $25 for adults, $12 for children, and an additional $5 for parking.
Experience a canopy tour
If you haven’t already experienced a canopy tour in San Jose, then Monteverde offers an unmissable opportunity for this activity. Whether you choose a treetop canopy tour or decide to traverse a network of suspension bridges through the forest, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with the abundant natural world. Keep your eyes peeled for toucans and exotic orchids as you embark on this adrenaline-filled adventure.
Note: Booking a canopy tour can vary from company to company. Some offer clubbed packages, whilst others as a single service. Expect the price to be around $40 – $80 for suspension bridge tours & zip lining.
Monteverde Horseback Riding
Also if you haven’t experienced horseback riding before, I highly encourage you to give it a try, especially in the morning setting of misty Monteverde. These horseback riding trips typically span from 2.5 hours to 6 hours, guiding you along private mountain trails where you can encounter Costa Rican wildlife in its natural habitat.
As you journey, keep your eyes peeled for the likes of toucans, bellbirds, parrots, and other fascinating species. To book this activity, I recommend going through Horse Trek Monteverde, with prices ranging between $45 and $50 depending on the package you select.
Night tour of the rainforest
Exploring the rainforest at night offers a fascinating opportunity to encounter numerous nocturnal creatures. With every step, you can anticipate thrilling surprises and intriguing encounters throughout your nighttime exploration. From tarantulas to armadillos and large insects, these creatures might cross your path as you delve into the rainforest’s mysteries.
Price – The starting entry fee is $30 approx. at Night Walks Santamaria.
Along with the above-mentioned activities, you can also add the Monteverde Butterfly Garden, El Trapiche, and Santa Elena Cloud Forest tours to your list. It’s not possible to try out everything in a single day, but you can span out some of these experiences for day three.
Overnight at Monteverde.
Day 3: Monteverde
Day three in Monteverde is free to relax or try out other listed activities. Since, there’s so much to explore – keeping an extra day at this beautiful location does make sense!
My top recommendation for the day would be to go on a coffee tour in Monteverde.
This experience allows you to deepen your understanding of the sustainable coffee farming process. You’ll gain insights into the locals’ meticulous methods for preparing coffee beans, witness the intricacies of seed germination, and even get hands-on by assisting in the preparation process. As you delve into the world of coffee, you’ll also have the opportunity to interact with the locals, who can provide you with invaluable insider tips for uncovering hidden gems and secret getaways in the region.
In the end, head to the Coffee Lab to taste some of the finest samples of coffee. Even if you aren’t a coffee drinker, it’s worth sipping to relish the rich Costa Rican flavours. Alternatively, you can relax for the rest of the day or visit Monteverde Butterfly Garden and El Trapiche.
Overnight at Monteverde.
Travel Tip: Looking for other Costa Rica itineraries? We got you covered! Explore this rich catalogue of G Adventures special trips, ranging from family experiences to hard adventures.
Day 4: Monteverde – La Fortuna
Duration: 3 hours (121 km)
Today, your journey takes you from Monteverde to the adrenaline capital of Costa Rica, La Fortuna. Situated in the San Carlos region, this charming city is framed by the stunning backdrop of the Arenal Volcano. Travelers who frequent this part of Costa Rica are consistently mesmerized by the picturesque vistas provided by these majestic mountains.
Upon your arrival, you have free time to relax and explore the surroundings. In the evening, I recommend experiencing the local hot springs of La Fortuna. Well, there’s plenty of them spread across the entire city. However, not all are budget-friendly.
My ideal suggestion would be to visit the Baldi Hot Springs Hotel & Spa. They have around 25 thermal pools around the property, surrounded by lush vegetation & clean amenities. You don’t necessarily need to book a room to access the hot springs. You can directly head to the designated area and pay an entrance fee of $40 for the hot springs.
For a more detailed guide, read The Best Hot Springs in La Fortuna
Overnight at La Fortuna.
Day 5: La Fortuna
Today, you will explore La Fortuna to its core. This day is packed with adventurous fun that will surely pump your adrenaline to experience Costa Rica’s wild side.
Things to do in La Fortuna
Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning
Get ready to soak in this water-based adventure activity, as you rush through the gushing waters in the rainforest. As you rappel down the waters, be excited to witness exotic birds and wildlife. It’s a thrilling way to immerse yourself in this adrenaline-fueled sport, and I strongly recommend not missing out on it.
Price – You can expect a ticket fee of around $85 – $90 per person.
Arenal Volcano Walk and Hike
One of the best things you could do in La Fortuna is to take a guided walking tour of Arenal Volcano. The trail is not physically demanding and can be comfortably navigated with the assistance of knowledgeable nature guides.
The renowned 1968 trail, in particular, offers abundant opportunities to capture breathtaking views of the volcano from various angles. In addition to exploring the volcano, you can also discover other notable attractions such as Lake Arenal and Cerro Chato, an extinct volcano.
Price – $59 approx.
La Fortuna Waterfall
Just across the Arenal Volcano, you’ll find a more serene natural spot – La Fortuna Waterfalls. Here, you can unwind, revitalize, or take a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Beyond the attractions already mentioned, there’s still more to discover in La Fortuna.
Consider embarking on a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure, traversing the scenic hanging bridges, or exploring Proyecto Asis for a deeper understanding of local wildlife and conservation efforts.
Overnight at La Fortuna.
Day 6: La Fortuna – San José
In the afternoon depart back to San Jose. Late in the evening, you can explore the town, visit nightclubs & bars, and indulge in a delicious food experience. No other activity is planned for today, so it’s completely up to you to spend your final few hours in San Jose.
Overnight at San José.
Day 7: San José
Depart back to your hometown. You can also extend this itinerary to venture into other Costa Rican destinations.
Note: You can book the same tour through G Adventures from their official website. Through my partnership program, all additional activities & experiences will be available through G Adventures. Moreover, you can book optional tours, and flights & read more resources on this itinerary.
Accommodation for 7 Days in Costa Rica
Deciding where to stay during any trip is probably one of the most difficult things to do. Especially, when a country like Costa Rica is abundantly filled with luxury stays, budget-friendly hotels & fancy lodges.
For a traveller looking to cut down expenses, all-inclusive hotels (with meals) are a preferable option. However, for a tourist who wants maximum flexibility – cosy cabins or mountain-side lodges become trendy.
It all comes down to individual preference & travel style. To cater to some of these requirements, look at the below table I created following the itinerary. All the hotels linked below perfectly match up the 7-day Costa Rica itinerary and will require little effort to plan.
Budgeted stays – If you’re looking to cut down expenses for your trip, these budgeted stays in Costa Rica will help.
Mid-range Hotels – Have a certain budget to spare for accommodation? Then these mid-range hotels are a nice option.
Luxury Hotels – Fancy up a stay? Then Costa Rica boasts high-end stays spread across the region.
For more budget-friendly options around Costa Rica, check the catalog.
Planning Tips for Costa Rica Itinerary 7 Days
How to Get to Costa Rica
There are two international airports from where you can arrive in Costa Rica. One, being the major i.e. San Jose International Airport, and the other, Roberts International Airport. The former one is rather the busiest, with long immigration lines and security check-in.
Travel Tip: To enter the country, you’ll first need to show your return ticket (proof of exiting the country).
How to Get Around Costa Rica
By Car
One of the best ways to get around Costa Rica in 7 days is by rental car. It gives you the maximum freedom to stop anywhere you want and visit places at your own pace. More so, for our 7-day Costa Rica itinerary – we recommend getting a rental car. You can check out some amazing deals here.
By Campervan
To add some thrill to your Costa Rica journey, opt for a 4×4 jeep or a campervan. With these options, you can even drive through national parks in areas like Corcovado and Guanacaste. Campervans are mostly meant for backpackers, but nowadays families opt for the same to set everything within a budget. Yes, you get your accommodation, transport, and kitchen all sorted with a campervan.
By Bus
If budget is a constraint for your Costa Rica trip, then the bus is the cheapest transport mode for you. A bus can take you to most of the places & inner regions of the country, with affordable ticket rates. However, it takes a lot of time! Not all buses in Costa Rica travel directly from one point to the other; most of them make stops between places.
What to Pack for Costa Rica Itinerary 7 Days
For any Costa Rica trips, I advise you to carry a large rucksack and a convenient travel bag. Having a small handy bag will also help to keep your day-to-day essentials.
Essential Items –
T-shirts/ Shirts (Preferably long-sleeves)
Long pants/ Jeans
Sleepwear/ Innerwear (as per your need)
Footwear
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Reusable water bottle
Few energy bars/drinks
Waterproof backpack cover
Windproof rain jacket
Essential Items (warm weather) –
Cotton T-shirts/ Shirts
Shorts/ skirts
Sunscreen/ Lotion
Swimwear/ Sunglasses
Travel FAQs for Costa Rica Itinerary
Is Costa Rica Safe?
Absolutely yes! Costa Rica is even safe for tourists willing to solo travel. Just follow the guidelines, stay away from isolated/no-entry zones, and don’t showcase your valuables around. If traveling on a guided tour, listen to all instructions received and keep a note of them.
Is Costa Rica open for travel?
At the current time of writing, yes Costa Rica is open for tourism. However, important COVID-19 guidelines & government protocols need to be followed. Tourists need to be fully vaccinated, along with a valid travel policy to enter the country. Since this is uncertain & can change the moment you read this article, it’s advisable to be updated with the latest news.
Is Costa Rica expensive?
Costa Rica is considered relatively expensive compared to many other Latin and Central American destinations. If you are travelling on a tight budget, you can expect to spend around $30 to $45 per day. However, it’s essential to note that individual preferences and the specific activities and experiences you choose can significantly impact your overall costs.
Is English spoken in Costa Rica?
Yes, English is spoken in Costa Rica, but it’s not the primary language. Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, so the majority of locals converse in Spanish. However, in areas frequented by tourists, you’ll often find that many people, especially those in the tourism industry, can communicate in English.
How much will the above-curated itinerary cost?
The above Costa Rica itinerary for 7 Days will cost you $900 – $1200. Through the partnership program with G Adventures, you can book the same tour through their website. Depending on the dates you select, tour costs may vary. You can also opt for additional activities & even extend your stay to explore other tourist places.
How to book add-ons for the above itinerary?
For accommodation, you can explore a plethora of options from Tripadvisor.
Further Reading & Resources
Discover a range of highly designed itineraries & road trips and choose what’s best for you. Browse through some of these articles via the below links.
New Jersey to Florida:9 Ultimate New Jersey to Florida Road Trip Spots
San Francisco to Seattle:10 Most Beautiful San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip Stops
Chicago to Niagara Falls:9 Spectacular Chicago to Niagara Falls Road Trip Stops
Los Angeles to Yosemite:9 Sensational Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip Stops
