Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Luxury Relaxation on a Shoestring Budget in Costa Rica

Viewed by 88 travelers

Day 1: City Exploration

San Jose, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafeoteca

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafeoteca, known for its artisanal coffee and fresh pastries.
Cafeoteca is located in the heart of San Jose, easily accessible from most hotels in the city.
15 USD, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore National Museum of Costa Rica

Visit the National Museum to learn about the history and culture of Costa Rica through its exhibits and artifacts.
The museum is a short walk from Cafeoteca.
10 USD, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Nuestra Tierra

Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch at Nuestra Tierra, known for its authentic cuisine and vibrant atmosphere.
Nuestra Tierra is located near the National Museum.
10 USD, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Mercado Central

Stroll through Mercado Central to experience the local culture, shop for souvenirs, and try some fresh tropical fruits.
Mercado Central is a short walk from Nuestra Tierra.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Grano de Oro

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Grano de Oro, a renowned restaurant offering a fusion of local and international flavors.
Grano de Oro is a short drive from Mercado Central.
30 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Jose

Day 2: Nature and Adventure

Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at La Fortuna

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at La Fortuna, a popular spot for traditional Costa Rican dishes with a view of Arenal Volcano.
La Fortuna is a short drive from most accommodations in the area.
10 USD, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Hike in Arenal Volcano National Park

Embark on a guided hike in Arenal Volcano National Park to witness the majestic volcano and its lush surroundings.
Join a tour from La Fortuna to the park entrance.
50 USD, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Restaurante La Choza de Laurel

Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch at Restaurante La Choza de Laurel, known for its authentic flavors and friendly ambiance.
The restaurant is located near the park entrance.
15 USD, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Relax at Tabacon Hot Springs

Unwind and rejuvenate at Tabacon Hot Springs, a natural thermal spa nestled in the rainforest with cascading hot springs and lush gardens.
Take a short drive from the park to Tabacon Hot Springs.
70 USD, 3 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurante Mi Casa

Savor a gourmet dinner at Restaurante Mi Casa, offering a blend of local and international cuisine in a cozy setting.
Restaurante Mi Casa is a short drive from Tabacon Hot Springs.
40 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Arenal Volcano National Park

Day 3: Nature and Wildlife

Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Rainforest Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Rainforest Cafe, known for its fresh tropical fruits and Costa Rican coffee.
The Rainforest Cafe is located within the Arenal Volcano area.
15 USD, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park

Explore the lush rainforest canopy at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, home to diverse wildlife and stunning views from suspension bridges.
Join a guided tour to the park from your accommodation.
25 USD, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at La Ventanita

Enjoy a casual lunch at La Ventanita, a charming eatery serving local favorites and refreshing beverages.
La Ventanita is located near the hanging bridges park.
10 USD, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit La Fortuna Waterfall

Discover the beauty of La Fortuna Waterfall, a 70-meter cascade surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for a refreshing swim.
Take a short drive to the waterfall entrance.
20 USD, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Que Rico Arenal

Enjoy a dinner at Que Rico Arenal, a cozy restaurant offering a mix of Costa Rican and international dishes with a local twist.
Que Rico Arenal is a short distance from the waterfall.
30 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Arenal Volcano National Park

Day 4: Cloud Forest Exploration

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Cabure

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Cafe Cabure, known for its organic coffee and homemade pastries.
Cafe Cabure is located in the town of Santa Elena in Monteverde.
12 USD, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Embark on a guided nature walk in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve to witness the diverse flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem.
Join a tour to the reserve from Santa Elena town.
20 USD, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Tree House Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Tree House Restaurant, offering panoramic views of the cloud forest and a variety of local dishes.
The restaurant is located within the reserve.
15 USD, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Zip Lining at Selvatura Park

Experience an adrenaline rush with zip lining at Selvatura Park, soaring through the canopy and enjoying breathtaking views of the cloud forest.
Take a short ride to Selvatura Park for the zip lining adventure.
45 USD, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Morpho's Restaurante

Indulge in a dinner at Morpho's Restaurante, known for its fusion of local and international cuisine in a cozy setting.
Morpho's Restaurante is located in Santa Elena town.
25 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Day 5: Beach Relaxation

Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Emilio's Cafe

Start your day with a tasty breakfast at Emilio's Cafe, offering a variety of dishes with a beachfront view.
Emilio's Cafe is located near Manuel Antonio Beach.
10 USD, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Relax at Manuel Antonio Beach

Spend the morning soaking up the sun and swimming at the pristine Manuel Antonio Beach, known for its white sand and calm waters.
Walk or take a short drive to the beach entrance.
Free, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at El Avion

Enjoy a unique dining experience at El Avion, a restaurant housed in a converted airplane with stunning ocean views and delicious seafood.
El Avion is located near Manuel Antonio Beach.
20 USD, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park

Discover the rich biodiversity of Manuel Antonio National Park through a leisurely walk along its scenic trails, spotting wildlife and enjoying the lush surroundings.
Enter the park and follow the designated trails.
16 USD, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Gabriella's

Indulge in a dinner at Gabriella's, a beachfront restaurant offering a mix of Costa Rican and international cuisine with a romantic ambiance.
Gabriella's is located near the park entrance.
35 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Manuel Antonio National Park

Day 6: Beach Relaxation

Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Falafel Bar

Start your day with a healthy breakfast at Falafel Bar, known for its fresh Mediterranean-inspired dishes and smoothies.
Falafel Bar is located near Manuel Antonio Beach.
10 USD, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Relax at Playa Biesanz

Escape the crowds and unwind at Playa Biesanz, a secluded beach with calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Take a short water taxi or hike from Manuel Antonio Beach to Playa Biesanz.
Free, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at El Wagon

Enjoy a casual lunch at El Wagon, a beachfront eatery serving fresh seafood and Costa Rican specialties.
El Wagon is located on Playa Biesanz.
15 USD, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Kayaking in the Pacific

Embark on a kayaking adventure in the Pacific Ocean, exploring the pristine waters and coastline of Manuel Antonio.
Join a guided kayaking tour from Playa Biesanz.
40 USD, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at El Gran Escape

Enjoy a seafood dinner at El Gran Escape, a popular restaurant known for its fresh catches and oceanfront dining experience.
El Gran Escape is located near Playa Biesanz.
30 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Manuel Antonio National Park

Day 7: Departure Day

San Jose, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafeoteca

Enjoy a final breakfast at Cafeoteca before departing for the airport, savoring the last taste of Costa Rican coffee.
Cafeoteca is located in San Jose city.
15 USD, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Souvenir Shopping at Central Market

Browse through Central Market for unique souvenirs and gifts to bring back home, from local crafts to coffee beans.
Central Market is a short walk from Cafeoteca.
Variable, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Soda Tapia

Enjoy a casual lunch at Soda Tapia, a local eatery serving authentic Costa Rican dishes at affordable prices.
Soda Tapia is located near Central Market.
10 USD, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Jade Museum

Explore the fascinating exhibits at Jade Museum, showcasing the cultural heritage of pre-Columbian jade artifacts in Costa Rica.
Jade Museum is a short walk from Soda Tapia.
15 USD, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at Grano de Oro

Conclude your Costa Rican journey with a farewell dinner at Grano de Oro, reminiscing about the memorable experiences and flavors of the trip.
Grano de Oro is a short drive from Jade Museum.
35 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Jose
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About Costa rica

Trip Packing List: San José, Costa Rica (late February)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: Costa Rica (Late February)
Packing List
San José, Costa Rica Weather: Your Year-Round Climate Guide
Weather Guide
Costa Rica Weather: A Comprehensive Year-Round Climate Guide
Weather Guide
San José, Costa Rica: Essential Travel Guide and Tips
Travel Expert
Essential Tips for Visiting Costa Rica Safely and Smartly
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Costa rica Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go