Start your trip by exploring the bustling capital of Costa Rica. Walk through San Jose's streets and visit historical landmarks, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Theater. Make sure to stop by Mercado Central, the city's largest indoor market, to try local food and shop for souvenirs.
Visit the Museo del Oro, which showcases indigenous gold artifacts, and the Museo Nacional, which displays Costa Rica's natural and cultural history. Both museums are located in the eastern part of San Jose and provide a deeper understanding of the country's past and present.
Spend a day in nature by visiting Volcano Poas National Park, where you can hike to see the Poas Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. In the afternoon, visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you can see five waterfalls and various rescued animals. Finish your day with a traditional Costa Rican dinner.
Travel to Zarcero and visit the famous topiary garden, which features sculptures made out of plants. Next, head to San Ramon, a picturesque town located in the mountains that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visit the San Ramon Museum to learn about the town's history and culture before returning to San Jose in the evening.
Take a day trip to Jaco Beach, located on the Pacific Coast. Enjoy the sun, go surfing or take a paddleboard lesson. In the afternoon, hike through the Carara National Park, which is filled with amazing wildlife such as scarlet macaws and crocodiles.
Head to Manuel Antonio National Park and spend the day hiking trails with the Pacific Ocean providing a stunning backdrop. Relax on the beach, enjoy refreshments at a café, and arrange one of the park’s guided tours to learn about the environment and spot the wildlife such as monkeys and toucans. Return to San Jose in the evening.
Drive to Cartago, the former capital of Costa Rica, and visit the famous Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, one of the oldest churches in the country. Then continue your visit to Irazu Volcano National Park, the highest volcano in Costa Rica, and witness views of the dormant volcano's crater. End of the day with a taste Costa Rican cuisine in a Cartago's family restaurant.
Take a final stroll through Ecazu, a charming town filled with boutique shops and cafes amidst verdant hillsides. Afterwards, visit Sabana Park, located in the heart of San Jose. The park is a popular social and recreational spot for the locals with its trails, lake and sports arenas.
For your convenience, renting a car would be the best and most affordable way to get around. A car rental for eight days typically costs between $250-$400, but a GPS app may require additional costs of $50. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available to use within the city, but they cannot be pre-booked, and booking rides via phone calls will incur extra charges.
If you have more time, consider visiting some of the beautiful national parks such as Tortuguero, Corcovado or Arenal. If you have less time, 2-3 day-trips could be eliminated to accommodate for the reduced time frame.
Costa Rica is served by two primary international airports. Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is the primary hub for international flights and located in Alajuela, which is approximately 17 kilometers from San Jose. Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) located in Liberia is an alternative gateway for the tourist destinations in the northern part of the country, which is around 220 kilometers away from San Jose, roughly a 4-hour drive or a domestic flight connection.