The Best Costa Rica Itinerary for 7 Days (+Map)
Are you visiting Costa Rica for the first time and looking for the perfect 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary? 7 days in Costa Rica is not enough to discover the whole country. But you can see the most visited places and some hidden gems, and at least you’ll have a reason to return to Costa Rica.
We’ve put together a detailed Costa Rica Itinerary for 1 week from San Jose to Manuel Antonio. You’ll also find all the useful tips and information you need to plan your best 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary.
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- The Best Costa Rica Itinerary for 7 Days (+Map)
- How to Get to Costa Rica
- Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Itinerary for 7 Days
- Day 1: Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica
- Day 2: La Fortuna – Best Place on your 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary
- Day 3: Travel to Monteverde and Visit Rio Celeste Waterfall
- Day 4: Explore Monteverde
- Day 5: Drive to Manuel Antonio and Relax on the Beach
- Day 6: Manuel Antonio National Park & Nauyaca Waterfalls
- Day 7: Leave Costa Rica
- How to Get Around Costa Rica on a 7-day Itinerary?
- FAQ about the 7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary
- Map for the 7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary
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How to Get to Costa Rica
The best way to get to Costa Rica is by plane. Costa Rica has two main international airports: Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), about 20 kilometers from downtown San Jose, and Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport, also known as Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR).
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Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to San Jose, Costa Rica.
Most international flights arrive at San Jose Airport, where you can start your 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary.
Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Costa Rica and apply for an e-visa online.
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
Costa Rica has two seasons: a dry season from December to April and a rainy season from May to November.
The cheapest time to visit Costa Rica is from May to November during the wet (green) season, when you can avoid the crowds and high prices. The wettest months are September and October.
The best time to visit Costa Rica is usually from December to April during the dry season when the weather is pleasant and rainfall is rare. Although unexpected rain can occur even in the dry season. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance.
To save money, you should avoid the Christmas and Easter period, when prices are even higher
See also → Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Itinerary for 7 Days
Day 1: Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica! We hope you had a great flight and are ready to explore this beautiful country.
San Jose is Costa Rica’s capital and largest city. Therefore, it is the perfect place to start your 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary from where you can easily reach La Fortuna, Monteverde, or Manuel Antonio.
Once you arrive at San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria International Airport), you can easily pick up your pre-booked car and drive directly to La Fortuna.
Check car rental prices and availability HERE.
Are you thinking of renting a car? Be sure to read our guide to renting a car in Costa Rica and driving tips.
If you are traveling by car, you should download an offline map and get a local SIM card with internet to drive to your destination or hotel without any problems. There is no SIM card vendor at San Jose Airport. But you can get one at any supermarket or phone company in Costa Rica.
Buy an eSIM and data package for Costa Rica.
Travel to La Fortuna
The distance between San Jose and La Fortuna is about 130 km, which is 2.5-5 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport. You can easily get to La Fortuna by shared and private transfer, taxi, bus, plane, or car.
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If you want to book bus tickets or transfers, use Bookaway.
The best way to get to La Fortuna is by car. The roads are well maintained and paved, so you don’t need a 4×4.
We have a detailed post on how to get from San Jose to La Fortuna with all the information you need + the cheapest way.
Once you arrive in La Fortuna, spend a few relaxing hours in the hot springs. Thanks to the geothermal activity of the Arenal Volcano, there are many natural hot springs in the area. If you want to visit the hot springs, you will need to buy a day pass or stay in one of the hot springs resorts.
Recommended post → Best Hot Springs Resorts & Hotels
Photo credit: Los Lagos Spa & Thermal Resort Experience
Where to Stay in La Fortuna
When you have a rental car, we suggest booking your hotel outside the town center, where you will have a stunning view of the Arenal Volcano. For the best experience, stay in one of the best hot springs resorts.
If you don’t have a car or are looking for budget accommodation, you should stay in the town center. Because you’ll be close to restaurants and can easily book tours or shuttles to attractions.
Best hotels in La Fortuna
- Luxury: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa or Nayara Gardens
- Mid-Range: Los Lagos Spa & Thermal Resort Experience
- Budget: Arenal Xilopalo
We have a detailed post on the best areas and hotels in La Fortuna.
Day 2: La Fortuna – Best Place on your 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary
Good morning! Are you ready for one of the highlights of your 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary? If you want to make the most of your visit, we recommend getting up early and visiting the best attractions. Alternatively, if you don’t have a car, you can join an organized tour to enjoy the best of La Fortuna.
You can book this top-rated tour through Viator or GetYourGuide, which includes the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs, and Arenal Volcano.
If you are exploring La Fortuna by car, we recommend starting your day at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Then, take a refreshing swim at La Fortuna Waterfall, have breakfast at Organico Fortuna, and spend the afternoon walking along the Bogarin Trail or hiking the Arenal 1968 Trail.
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El Choyin (free natural hot springs river) is just a 15-minute drive from the town center, right next to the Tabacon Resort.
Recommended post → Things to Do in La Fortuna
Day 3: Travel to Monteverde and Visit Rio Celeste Waterfall
Good morning! It’s time to continue your 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary. Check out from your hotel, have breakfast, and travel to Monteverde. You can easily get to Monteverde by shared and private transfer, Jeep-Boat-Jeep tour, bus, or car.
We have a detailed post on how to get from La Fortuna to Monteverde with all the information you need.
Make the most of your trip with a detour to the Tenorio Volcano National Park (Rio Celeste Waterfall). Rio Celeste was our favorite waterfall in Costa Rica. Spend at least 3 hours in the national park, hike the rainforest trails, and explore other beautiful attractions.
Since you will be driving and hiking a lot on this day, after arriving, you should relax and then explore Monteverde the next day.
Keep reading → How to Visit Rio Celeste Waterfall
Best hotels in Monteverde
Santa Elena is the main town of Monteverde and the best base for exploring the area. But for the best experience, stay in the jungle.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Belmar or Chira Glamping
- Budget: Hotel Socialtel
We have a detailed post on the best areas and hotels in Monteverde.
Photo credit: Chira Glamping
Day 4: Explore Monteverde
Monteverde is famous for its cloud forests, hanging bridges, diverse wildlife, and adventurous activities. It is one of the best places to visit in your 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary.
We recommend starting your day at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Then, watch the hummingbirds at the Café Colibri and join a coffee tour, or go ziplining and then take a thrilling night walk.
Book your Night Tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.
It is good to know that Monteverde is one of the wettest places in Costa Rica, so unexpected rains can occur even in the dry season. The weather is also generally cooler here, so bring quick-drying and warmer clothes, long pants, socks, hiking shoes, a light raincoat, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen.
Recommended post → Things to Do in Monteverde
Day 5: Drive to Manuel Antonio and Relax on the Beach
Good morning! It’s time to go to the last destination on your 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary and travel from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio.
Manuel Antonio is easy to reach by car as the roads are well-maintained and paved, so you don’t need a 4×4 car. The journey from Monteverde takes about 3.5-4 hours.
On the way, stop at the famous Crocodile Bridge over the Tarcoles River and visit Jaco. Once you arrive in Manuel Antonio, walk around the town and chill out at the Playa Espadilla. This public beach is perfect for watching the sunset and surfing.
Best hotels in Manuel Antonio
- Luxury: Makanda by The Sea Hotel (Adults Only)
- Mid-Range: Hotel San Bada Resort & Spa
- Budget: Jungle Beach Hotel
Alternatively, you can stay in Uvita, where accommodation is cheaper and about a 1 hour drive from Manuel Antonio National Park.
See also → Things to Do in Uvita
Day 6: Manuel Antonio National Park & Nauyaca Waterfalls
Manuel Antonio is one of the best destinations in the country and the perfect place to end your 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary.
Although Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest national park in Costa Rica, it is one of the best places to see wildlife. Along the park’s well-maintained hiking trails, you will pass the lush jungle, chill out on untouched beaches, and watch beautiful wildlife. During your visit, you can see monkeys, sloths, raccoons, snakes, frogs, reptiles, beautiful birds, and much more.
Book your guided tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.
Are you looking for something more exciting than relaxing on the beaches on your last day? Then, visit the beautiful Nauyaca Waterfalls, just a 1-hour drive away. You can see two incredible waterfalls, swim in the natural pools at the bottom, or spend a few relaxing hours.
Important note
Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays.
Keep reading → Guide to Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 7: Leave Costa Rica
We hope you enjoyed your visit to Costa Rica! But it’s time to leave Manuel Antonio and drive back to San Jose. This 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary ends where it began. Go back to Juan Santamaria International Airport and fly home.
The journey from Manuel Antonio to San Jose Airport takes about 3-3.5 hours, depending on traffic.
You can easily modify our 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary to extend or reduce the days. If you have more time, be sure to visit the stunning beaches of Puerto Viejo.
Recommended post → How to Spend 2 Weeks in Costa Rica
How to Get Around Costa Rica on a 7-day Itinerary?
The best way to get around Costa Rica is by car. You can easily rent a car at San Jose Airport or pick up your pre-booked car. Renting a car in Costa Rica provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and visit hidden gems or get off the beaten path. Although public transport is cheap, travel time is long, and some places are not accessible by bus.
If you want to book bus tickets or transfers, use Bookaway.
The driving will make this Costa Rica 1-Week Itinerary much easier and more flexible. Without a car, add extra days if you want to do this route. You don’t need a 4×4, but a car with higher ground clearance is worth booking for your Costa Rica road trip.
Good to know
It always gets dark early in Costa Rica (between 5:30 PM and 6 PM). So we don’t recommend driving at night!
Are you thinking of renting a car? Be sure to read our guide to renting a car in Costa Rica and driving tips.
FAQ about the 7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary
Is Costa Rica Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Costa Rica is well known for its untouched tropical beaches, biodiversity, stunning waterfalls, lush rainforests, world-class waves, and delicious coffee & chocolate.
Ecotourism is important for Costa Rica, making it one of the most environmentally friendly countries.
Save money, avoid ATM transaction fees when going abroad, and pay in local currency with a Wise Card.
Is it Safe to Travel to Costa Rica?
It is generally safe, but small thefts and pickpockets can occur at the beaches, on public transport, or in parking lots. So take care of your valuables! Always lock your car, and keep your belongings in the car boot or your hotel room when parking.
We found driving in the country safe and easy, so we highly recommend renting a car in Costa Rica.
Costa Ricans are very friendly. But avoid walking at night and taking taxis alone, especially in San Jose.
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.
How many Days do you Need in Costa Rica?
Most people choose a 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary for their first visit. But if you can, we recommend you spend at least two weeks in Costa Rica and explore the best places at your own pace.
Do I need a Visa to Travel to Costa Rica?
Probably not. Citizens of the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Europe don’t need a visa to travel to Costa Rica.
Requirements for entry to Costa Rica: valid passport and return or onward flight ticket within 90 days.
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Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Costa Rica and apply for an e-visa online.
Map for the 7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary
We hope our 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary will help you plan your next trip. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
RECOMMENDED POSTS
How to Get from San Jose to Monteverde by Bus, Shuttle, Car
13 Best Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
