7-Day Adventure in San Jose, Tamarindo, and Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
Friday, December 1: Explore San Jose
Start your trip by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica. In the morning, visit the National Museum and learn about the country's rich history and culture. In the afternoon, wander around the bustling Central Market and indulge in delicious local cuisine. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely stroll through the charming Barrio Amón neighborhood, known for its beautiful architecture and trendy cafes.
National Museum: Cost estimate: $10, Time spent: 2 hours
Central Market: Cost estimate: $10 for food, Time spent: 2 hours
Barrio Amón: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Miel for a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy their delicious homemade pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, visit Soda Tapia, a local eatery known for its traditional Costa Rican dishes. Try their casados, a typical lunch plate consisting of rice, beans, salad, and your choice of meat. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For dinner, dine at Restaurante Grano de Oro, a renowned restaurant offering a fusion of Costa Rican and international flavors. Savor their gourmet dishes made with the finest ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Saturday, December 2: Beach Day in Tamarindo
Head to Tamarindo, a popular beach town on the Pacific coast. Start your day with a refreshing surf lesson in the morning. Afterward, relax on the white sandy beach and soak up the sun. In the afternoon, explore the town's vibrant shops and local markets. Enjoy a picturesque sunset while sipping a cocktail at one of the beachfront bars. In the evening, indulge in a delicious seafood dinner at a local restaurant.
Surf Lesson: Cost estimate: $50, Time spent: 2 hours
Tamarindo Beach: Free, Time spent: Relaxation all day
Shopping and Markets: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Beachfront Bars: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Seafood Dinner: Cost estimate: $30, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Tico, located in the heart of Tamarindo. Enjoy their famous homemade Costa Rican breakfast platter, including gallo pinto, eggs, plantains, and fresh fruit. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For a mouthwatering lunch, head to Nogui's, a popular beachfront restaurant known for its seafood dishes. Try their fresh ceviche or grilled fish tacos while enjoying the ocean view. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dining experience at Pangas Beach Club. Indulge in their exquisite seafood dishes like the seared tuna or grilled lobster. With its beachfront location and romantic ambiance, this restaurant is perfect for a special dinner. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Sunday, December 3: Discover Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
Visit the famous Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, known for its lush rainforest and stunning beaches. In the morning, embark on a guided hike through the park's trails, spotting wildlife such as monkeys and sloths. Take a break for a picnic lunch in a scenic area. Afterward, relax on the pristine beaches, swim in the turquoise waters, and snorkel to explore the underwater wonders. End the day with a mesmerizing sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Guided Hike: Cost estimate: $30, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Picnic Lunch: Cost estimate: $15, Time spent: 1 hour
Beach Time and Snorkeling: Cost estimate: $10 for equipment, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Sunset Viewing: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Milagro, a cozy coffee shop with a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy a delicious omelette or French toast while sipping on their freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, try El Avion, a unique restaurant located inside an actual airplane. Indulge in their mouthwatering seafood and international dishes while enjoying panoramic views of the ocean. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, dine at Agua Azul, an elegant restaurant offering contemporary fusion cuisine. Delight in their creative dishes made with fresh local ingredients, paired with a selection of fine wines. Average cost for a meal is about $35 per person.
Monday, December 4: Explore San Jose's Cultural Gems
Discover the cultural gems of San Jose today. Start your morning with a visit to the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, housing an impressive collection of indigenous gold artifacts. In the afternoon, take a stroll in the beautiful La Sabana Metropolitan Park and enjoy a picnic or paddleboat ride. In the evening, experience the lively nightlife of San Jose by visiting local bars and clubs.
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum: Cost estimate: $15, Time spent: 2 hours
La Sabana Metropolitan Park: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Nightlife: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, Café de los Deseos is a charming café known for its delicious coffee and pastries. The average cost for a meal here is about $8 per person.
For lunch, Soda Tapia is a local eatery that serves authentic Costa Rican cuisine. The average cost for a meal here is about $10 per person.
For dinner, Tin Jo is a popular restaurant offering a fusion of Asian and Costa Rican flavors. The average cost for a meal here is about $20 per person.
Tuesday, December 5: Adventure in Tamarindo
Engage in thrilling activities in Tamarindo today. Start your day with a zip-lining excursion through the jungle, enjoying breathtaking views from above. In the afternoon, go horseback riding along the beach and witness the beauty of the coastline. For a relaxing evening, treat yourself to a pampering spa session or enjoy a sunset catamaran cruise.
Zip-lining: Cost estimate: $70, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Horseback Riding: Cost estimate: $50, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Spa Session or Catamaran Cruise: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Tico offering a delicious menu of traditional Costa Rican dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, try El Coconut Beach Club located right on the beach, serving fresh seafood and tropical cocktails. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, visit Nari Restaurant offering a fusion of Costa Rican and international cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Wednesday, December 6: Wildlife Encounter at Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
Visit Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio for another day of exploration. Start the day by kayaking through the mangroves, spotting diverse bird species and other wildlife. Afterward, visit the Manuel Antonio Nature Reserve for a guided walk to see monkeys, sloths, and various tropical plants. Spend the rest of the day at the park's stunning beaches, enjoying the turquoise waters and abundant marine life.
Kayaking: Cost estimate: $40, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Guided Walk at Manuel Antonio Nature Reserve: Cost estimate: $20, Time spent: 2 hours
Beach Time and Snorkeling: Cost estimate: $10 for equipment, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Milagro for delicious Costa Rican coffee and a selection of breakfast options. Prices range from $7-$12 per person.
For lunch, visit El Avion Restaurant for stunning ocean views and a menu featuring fresh seafood and traditional Costa Rican dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15-$25 per person.
For dinner, La Luna Restaurant offers a romantic atmosphere and a menu of gourmet international cuisine. Expect to spend around $25-$40 per person for a meal.
Thursday, December 7: Farewell San Jose
Wrap up your trip with a visit to Doka Coffee Estate, located near San Jose. Take a guided tour through the coffee plantation and learn about the process of coffee production. Enjoy a delicious cup of Costa Rican coffee before departing for your next destination. Bid farewell to the beauty of San Jose and carry memories of your Costa Rican adventure.
Doka Coffee Estate: Cost estimate: $25, Time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Miel for a delicious spread of fresh pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, check out Soda Tapia, a local favorite known for its authentic Costa Rican cuisine. Enjoy a plate of casado, a typical Costa Rican meal, for an average cost of $15 per person.
For dinner, La Terrasse is the perfect choice. This elegant restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring traditional Costa Rican dishes with a modern twist. Expect to spend around $30 per person for a memorable dining experience.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an off the beaten path experience, consider exploring the small village of Orosi, located southeast of San Jose. Visit the picturesque Orosi Valley, home to the oldest church in Costa Rica. Another local favorite is Playa Avellanas near Tamarindo, known for its pristine beaches and great surf breaks. Spend a day here, relaxing on the quiet shores and riding the waves.
Plan your trip and check hotel and flight prices here.