How many days do you need in Costa Rica?

This itinerary covers 7 days in Costa Rica, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Costa Rica?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to Costa Rica. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Ultimate 7-Day Costa Rica Adventure

Day 1: City Exploration

San Jose, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mercado Central

Start your day with a delicious traditional Costa Rican breakfast at Mercado Central, a bustling market in the heart of San Jose.

$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore National Museum of Costa Rica

Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Costa Rica by visiting the National Museum located in the Bellavista Fortress.

$$, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Soda Tapia

Enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch at Soda Tapia, known for its authentic flavors and local ambiance.

$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Walk through Parque Nacional

Take a leisurely stroll through Parque Nacional to admire the lush greenery and spot some exotic bird species.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Grano de Oro

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Grano de Oro, a top-rated restaurant offering a fusion of local and international cuisine.

$$$, 2 hours

Find Hotels in San Jose

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

San Jose, Costa Rica

9:00AM

Visit Teatro Nacional

Start your day by exploring the stunning architecture and history of Teatro Nacional, a historic theater in San Jose.

$, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Coffee Tour at Cafe Britt

Embark on a guided tour at Cafe Britt to learn about the process of coffee production and enjoy a tasting session of Costa Rican coffee.

$$, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Kalú

Savor a gourmet lunch at Kalú, a restaurant known for its creative dishes and elegant atmosphere.

$$$, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Barrio Amón

Wander through the historic neighborhood of Barrio Amón, filled with colorful colonial buildings and art galleries.

Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Al Mercat

Dine at Al Mercat, a hidden gem offering a farm-to-table dining experience with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

$$$, 2 hours

Find Hotels in San Jose

Day 3: Nature and Adventure

Monteverde, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Stella's Bakery

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Stella's Bakery, known for its delicious pastries and coffee.

$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Zip Lining at Selvatura Park

Experience an adrenaline rush by zip-lining through the cloud forest canopy at Selvatura Park.

$$$, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tree House Restaurant

Enjoy a unique dining experience in the treetops at Tree House Restaurant, offering panoramic views of the forest.

$$, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Explore the incredible biodiversity of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on a guided hike, witnessing diverse flora and fauna.

$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Morpho's Restaurant

Dine at Morpho's Restaurant, a charming eatery known for its farm-to-table cuisine and cozy ambiance.

$$, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Monteverde

Day 4: Adventure Continues

Monteverde, Costa Rica

9:00AM

Coffee Tour at Don Juan Coffee Farm

Embark on a coffee tour at Don Juan Coffee Farm to learn about sustainable coffee production practices and enjoy tastings.

$$, 2 hours

11:30AM

Butterfly Garden Visit

Explore the enchanting world of butterflies at the Butterfly Garden, where you can witness various species up close.

$, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Sabor Tico

Delight your taste buds with authentic Costa Rican flavors at Sabor Tico, a cozy restaurant serving local dishes.

$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Adventure Park Activities

Engage in thrilling activities like ziplining, hanging bridges, and tarzan swings at one of Monteverde's adventure parks.

$$$, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Tree House Restaurant

Return to Tree House Restaurant for dinner and enjoy another magical meal in the midst of nature.

$$, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Monteverde

Day 5: Relaxation and Hot Springs

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

9:00AM

Morning at Tabacon Hot Springs

Indulge in a relaxing morning at Tabacon Hot Springs, where you can soak in natural thermal pools amidst lush surroundings.

$$$, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nene's Restaurant

Savor a delicious lunch at Nene's Restaurant, known for its traditional Costa Rican dishes and friendly atmosphere.

$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore La Fortuna Waterfall

Hike down to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can swim in the refreshing pool at the base of the cascade.

$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Don Rufino

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Don Rufino, a popular restaurant offering a mix of Costa Rican and international cuisine.

$$, 2 hours

Find Hotels in La Fortuna

Day 6: Nature and Wildlife

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Morning at Arenal Volcano National Park

Embark on a guided hike in Arenal Volcano National Park to witness the majestic volcano and explore the lush rainforest.

$, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Choza de Laurel

Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch at La Choza de Laurel, a cozy eatery known for its authentic cuisine.

$, 1 hour

2:00PM

Wildlife Watching at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park

Embark on a nature walk at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park to spot diverse wildlife and enjoy panoramic views of the volcano.

$$, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Ecotermales Hot Springs

Unwind at Ecotermales Hot Springs, a secluded and serene thermal complex surrounded by tropical gardens.

$$$, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Benedictus Steakhouse

Treat yourself to a mouthwatering steak dinner at Benedictus Steakhouse, known for its premium cuts and cozy ambiance.

$$$, 2 hours

Find Hotels in La Fortuna

Day 7: Beach Day

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

9:00AM

Morning at Manuel Antonio National Park

Spend your morning exploring the pristine beaches and diverse wildlife of Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its natural beauty.

$$, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Emilio's Cafe

Enjoy a beachfront lunch at Emilio's Cafe, where you can savor fresh seafood dishes with stunning ocean views.

$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax on Playa Espadilla

Unwind and soak up the sun on the golden sands of Playa Espadilla, a beautiful beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Gabriella's

Indulge in a farewell dinner at Gabriella's, a charming restaurant offering a fusion of Costa Rican and international flavors.

$$$, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Ultimate 7-Day Costa Rica Adventure

Day 1: City Exploration

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:30PM

3:30PM

6:30PM

Day 3: Nature and Adventure

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Adventure Continues

9:00AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

7:00PM

Day 5: Relaxation and Hot Springs

9:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Nature and Wildlife

8:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

8:00PM

Day 7: Beach Day

9:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

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