7-Day Costa Rica Adventure on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: City Exploration in San Jose

San Jose, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Mercado Central

Start your day with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast at Mercado Central, enjoying local dishes like gallo pinto and tamales.
Walk or take a short taxi ride from your accommodation to Mercado Central.
5 USD, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore National Museum of Costa Rica

Immerse yourself in Costa Rican history and culture at the National Museum, housed in a former army barracks.
Walk from Mercado Central to the museum.
10 USD, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Soda Tapia

Savor a typical Costa Rican lunch at Soda Tapia, a local eatery known for its Casado plates.
Walk to Soda Tapia from the museum.
8 USD, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

Discover the artistry of pre-Columbian goldsmiths at this museum, showcasing intricate artifacts.
Short walk from Soda Tapia to the museum.
15 USD, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Barrio Amón

Take a leisurely stroll through the historic Barrio Amón neighborhood, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant street art.
Walk from the museum to Barrio Amón.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at El Patio del Balmoral

Enjoy dinner at El Patio del Balmoral, a cozy restaurant offering a mix of Costa Rican and international cuisine.
Walk from Barrio Amón to the restaurant.
12 USD, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Adventure in Arenal

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at La Fortuna

Start your day with a hearty breakfast in La Fortuna, with options ranging from traditional to international cuisines.
Travel by public bus or shared shuttle from San Jose to La Fortuna (Arenal). It takes approximately 3-4 hours.
7 USD, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Hike Arenal Volcano National Park

Embark on a hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, marveling at the lush rainforest and the impressive volcano views.
Take a taxi or local bus to the park entrance from La Fortuna town.
15 USD (park entrance fee), 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Soda Viquez

Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch at Soda Viquez, known for its home-cooked meals and friendly atmosphere.
Travel back to La Fortuna town for lunch.
8 USD, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Relax at Tabacon Hot Springs

Indulge in the natural hot springs at Tabacon, surrounded by lush tropical gardens and the sounds of the jungle.
Take a local bus or taxi to Tabacon Hot Springs.
45 USD, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at La Choza de Laurel

End your day with a delicious dinner at La Choza de Laurel, known for its traditional Costa Rican cuisine and friendly service.
Return to La Fortuna town for dinner.
10 USD, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Nature Exploration in Monteverde

Monteverde, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Stella's Bakery

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Stella's Bakery, known for its fresh pastries and coffee.
Travel by shared shuttle or public bus from Arenal to Monteverde. The journey takes around 4-5 hours.
6 USD, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Zip Lining at Selvatura Park

Experience the thrill of zip-lining through the cloud forest canopy at Selvatura Park, enjoying panoramic views of the lush landscape.
Take a taxi or shuttle from your accommodation to Selvatura Park.
50 USD, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Tree House Restaurant

Dine at the Tree House Restaurant, a unique dining spot nestled in the trees with a focus on fresh, organic ingredients.
Head to the restaurant after your zip-lining adventure.
15 USD, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Stroll through the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, home to diverse flora and fauna including the famous quetzal bird.
Take a local bus or taxi to the reserve entrance.
25 USD, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Morpho's Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at Morpho's Restaurant, known for its fusion of Costa Rican and international cuisines in a cozy setting.
Return to your accommodation or dine at Morpho's Restaurant in town.
18 USD, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Surfing in Jaco

Jaco, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Sunrise Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Sunrise Cafe, known for its fresh smoothies and breakfast burritos.
Travel by public bus or shared shuttle from Monteverde to Jaco, which takes approximately 2-3 hours.
10 USD, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Surfing Lessons at Jaco Beach

Take surfing lessons at Jaco Beach, known for its beginner-friendly waves and vibrant surf culture.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Jaco Beach for the surfing lessons.
30 USD, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Graffiti Restro Cafe & Wine Bar

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Graffiti Restro, a trendy cafe offering a variety of dishes from salads to burgers.
Head to Graffiti Restro Cafe for lunch after your surf lesson.
12 USD, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Relax or Explore Jaco Town

Afternoon is free to relax on the beach or explore the vibrant town of Jaco with its shops and art galleries.
Stroll around Jaco town center from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Tsunami Sushi

Indulge in fresh sushi and Japanese cuisine at Tsunami Sushi, a popular restaurant in Jaco.
Head to Tsunami Sushi for dinner.
20 USD, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Beach Day in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Emilio's Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Emilio's Cafe, known for its fresh smoothies and hearty dishes.
Travel by public bus or shared shuttle from Jaco to Manuel Antonio, which takes approximately 1-2 hours.
8 USD, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Relax at Playa Espadilla

Spend your morning relaxing on the golden sands of Playa Espadilla, one of Manuel Antonio's most beautiful beaches.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Playa Espadilla from your accommodation.
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at El Avión

Enjoy lunch at El Avión, a unique restaurant housed in a converted cargo plane with stunning ocean views.
Head to El Avión for lunch, either walking or taking a short taxi ride.
20 USD, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park

Discover the incredible biodiversity of Manuel Antonio National Park, home to monkeys, sloths, and stunning coastal views.
Walk from El Avión to the park entrance.
16 USD, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Gabriella's Steakhouse

Indulge in a delicious dinner at Gabriella's Steakhouse, known for its mouthwatering steaks and seafood dishes.
Head to Gabriella's Steakhouse for dinner.
25 USD, 2 hours
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Day 6: Waterfall Adventure in Uvita

Uvita, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Pancito Cafe

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Pancito Cafe, a cozy spot known for its tasty baked goods and coffee.
Travel by public bus or shared shuttle from Manuel Antonio to Uvita, which takes around 3-4 hours.
6 USD, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Hike to Uvita Waterfall

Embark on a scenic hike to Uvita Waterfall, a hidden gem surrounded by lush jungle vegetation and perfect for a refreshing swim.
Take a taxi or walk from your accommodation to the waterfall trailhead.
10 USD (entrance fee), 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Flutterby House

Enjoy a laid-back lunch at Flutterby House, a charming eco-friendly cafe with a focus on fresh and sustainable ingredients.
Head to Flutterby House for a relaxing lunch.
12 USD, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Beach Time at Playa Uvita

Spend your afternoon lounging on the pristine sands of Playa Uvita, known for its natural beauty and gentle waves.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Playa Uvita from Flutterby House.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Sabor Español

Savor authentic Spanish cuisine at Sabor Español, a cozy restaurant offering delicious tapas and paella dishes.
Head to Sabor Español for a flavorful dinner.
20 USD, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Wildlife Exploration in Tortuguero

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Miss Junie's

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Miss Junie's, a local favorite known for its delicious homemade dishes.
Travel by boat or shuttle from Uvita to Tortuguero, a journey that takes approximately 5-6 hours.
10 USD, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Tortuguero National Park Tour

Embark on a guided boat tour of Tortuguero National Park, known for its rich biodiversity including monkeys, birds, and turtles.
Join a tour group at the park entrance for the boat tour.
25 USD, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at El Muellecito

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at El Muellecito, a waterfront restaurant offering fresh catches of the day.
Head to El Muellecito for a seafood feast.
18 USD, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Tortuguero Village

Take a leisurely stroll through Tortuguero Village, immersing yourself in the local culture and colorful Caribbean vibes.
Walk around the village from El Muellecito.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Wild Ginger

Indulge in Asian fusion cuisine at Wild Ginger, a unique restaurant blending Costa Rican and Asian flavors.
Head to Wild Ginger for a flavorful dinner.
22 USD, 1.5 hours
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