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Costa Rica Eco-Friendly Nature Relaxation 7-Day Itinerary

Viewed by 57 travelers

Day 1: City Exploration

San Jose, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mercado Central

Start your day with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast at Mercado Central, a bustling market offering local dishes like Gallo Pinto and Tamales.
Walk or take a short taxi ride from your accommodation to Mercado Central. It takes around 15-20 minutes.
15 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore National Museum of Costa Rica

Immerse yourself in Costa Rican history and culture at the National Museum, housed in a former army barracks with exhibits on pre-Columbian era to present day.
The museum is within walking distance from Mercado Central. It takes approximately 10 minutes.
10 USD, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante Grano de Oro

Indulge in a farm-to-table lunch experience at Restaurante Grano de Oro, known for its sustainable practices and delicious Costa Rican cuisine.
Take a taxi or walk to the restaurant, which is around 15 minutes away.
30 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit La Sabana Metropolitan Park

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or rent a bike to explore La Sabana Metropolitan Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city perfect for unwinding.
Take a taxi or public transportation to the park, approximately 20 minutes away.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Alma de Amon

Savor a dinner made from locally sourced ingredients at Alma de Amon, a cozy restaurant in the historic neighborhood of Amon.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant, which is about 10 minutes away.
40 USD, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Jose

Day 2: Arenal Adventure

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Rainforest Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Rainforest Cafe, offering organic and locally sourced ingredients with a view of Arenal Volcano.
Travel from San Jose to Arenal Volcano by bus or car, approximately 3.5 hours.
20 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hike Arenal Volcano National Park

Embark on a guided hike through Arenal Volcano National Park, home to diverse wildlife, hot springs, and the iconic volcano.
Join a guided tour or hike independently in the park.
50 USD, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Gavilana

Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at La Gavilana, a sustainable restaurant supporting local farmers and producers.
Head to the nearby La Gavilana for a delicious meal, approximately 10 minutes away.
25 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Tabacon Hot Springs

Unwind in the natural hot springs of Tabacon, surrounded by lush rainforest and offering a rejuvenating experience.
Take a short drive from the restaurant to Tabacon Hot Springs, around 15 minutes away.
70 USD, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Benedictus Steakhouse

Indulge in a steak dinner at Benedictus Steakhouse, known for its sustainable practices and high-quality cuts.
Head back to the town for dinner at Benedictus Steakhouse, around 20 minutes away.
60 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Arenal Volcano

Day 3: Cloud Forest Exploration

Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tree House Restaurant

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Tree House Restaurant, offering panoramic views of the cloud forest canopy.
Travel from Arenal to Monteverde by shuttle or car, approximately 4 hours.
15 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Ziplining in Monteverde Cloud Forest

Experience the thrill of ziplining through the cloud forest canopy, observing diverse flora and fauna from above.
Join a guided ziplining tour in the cloud forest for an exhilarating adventure.
70 USD, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Morpho's Restaurant

Enjoy a vegetarian-friendly lunch at Morpho's Restaurant, known for its sustainable practices and fresh ingredients.
Head to Morpho's Restaurant for a delicious meal, approximately 15 minutes away.
20 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Monteverde Butterfly Garden

Discover the beauty of Costa Rican butterflies at Monteverde Butterfly Garden, a conservation project promoting biodiversity.
Visit the Butterfly Garden, located nearby and accessible by walking or short drive.
25 USD, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Tree House Restaurant

Savor dinner with a view at Tree House Restaurant, known for its sustainable practices and delicious fusion cuisine.
Head back to the restaurant for dinner and enjoy the evening in the cloud forest.
45 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Monteverde Cloud Forest

Day 4: Beach Relaxation

Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Milagro

Start your day with a beachfront breakfast at Cafe Milagro, offering organic coffee and tropical fruits.
Travel from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio by shuttle or car, approximately 4 hours.
20 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Beach Day at Manuel Antonio National Park

Spend the day relaxing on the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Enter the national park and find a spot on the beach for a day of sunbathing and swimming.
20 USD, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Emilio's Cafe

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Emilio's Cafe, a beachfront restaurant offering fresh catch of the day and ocean views.
Head to Emilio's Cafe for a delicious seafood meal, located within the park.
30 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Kayaking in the Pacific Ocean

Experience the thrill of kayaking in the Pacific Ocean, exploring the coastline and spotting marine life.
Rent a kayak on the beach and embark on a self-guided tour along the coast.
40 USD, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gabriella's Steak & Seafood

Indulge in a steak or seafood dinner at Gabriella's, a popular restaurant known for its sustainability practices and ocean views.
Head to Gabriella's for a relaxing dinner by the beach, around 10 minutes away.
50 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Manuel Antonio National Park

Day 5: Rainforest Exploration

Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Miss Junie's Lodge

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Miss Junie's Lodge, offering traditional Costa Rican dishes and tropical fruits.
Travel from Manuel Antonio to Tortuguero by boat or car, approximately 6 hours including boat transfer.
25 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Boat Tour of Tortuguero Canals

Embark on a guided boat tour of Tortuguero Canals, a network of waterways through lush rainforest teeming with wildlife.
Join a boat tour from the lodge to explore the canals and spot birds, monkeys, and maybe even sea turtles.
60 USD, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Riverside Cafe

Enjoy a riverside lunch at Riverside Cafe, serving fresh seafood and local specialties with a view of the water.
Head to Riverside Cafe for a relaxing meal alongside the canals, around 15 minutes away.
35 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Tortuguero National Park Visitor Center

Explore the exhibits and learn about the conservation efforts at Tortuguero National Park Visitor Center, dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their habitats.
Walk or take a short boat ride to the Visitor Center, located nearby.
10 USD, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Miss Junie's Lodge

Savor a traditional Costa Rican dinner at Miss Junie's Lodge, featuring home-cooked meals with fresh ingredients.
Enjoy dinner at the lodge and unwind after a day of exploration in the rainforest.
40 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tortuguero National Park

Day 6: Caribbean Coast

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bread and Chocolate

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Bread and Chocolate, known for its organic and vegan options in a cozy setting.
Travel from Tortuguero to Puerto Viejo by boat and car, approximately 6 hours including transfers.
20 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Cahuita National Park

Hike along the trails of Cahuita National Park, a coastal paradise with white sand beaches, coral reefs, and abundant wildlife.
Enter the park and begin your hike along the scenic coastal trails, keeping an eye out for monkeys and sloths.
15 USD, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Soda Lidia's Place

Enjoy a traditional Caribbean lunch at Soda Lidia's Place, serving local dishes with a Creole twist and tropical flavors.
Head to Soda Lidia's Place for a taste of Caribbean cuisine, located near the park entrance.
10 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Playa Cocles

Unwind on the golden sands of Playa Cocles, a popular beach for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing in Puerto Viejo.
Walk or take a short drive to Playa Cocles for an afternoon of relaxation by the sea.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Stashu's Con Fusion

Indulge in a fusion dinner at Stashu's Con Fusion, blending local Caribbean ingredients with international flavors in a vibrant setting.
Head to Stashu's Con Fusion for a unique dining experience, around 10 minutes away.
35 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Puerto Viejo

Day 7: Beach Bliss

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Nordico Coffee House

Start your day with a gourmet coffee and breakfast at Nordico Coffee House, offering a variety of pastries and healthy options.
Travel from Puerto Viejo to Tamarindo by car or shuttle, approximately 5 hours.
15 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Surfing Lesson at Tamarindo Beach

Experience the thrill of surfing with a beginner's lesson at Tamarindo Beach, known for its gentle waves and surf schools.
Join a surf lesson with a local instructor on the beach, no prior experience needed.
50 USD, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pangas Beach Club

Enjoy a beachfront lunch at Pangas Beach Club, serving fresh seafood and tropical cocktails with panoramic ocean views.
Head to Pangas Beach Club for a relaxing meal by the sea, located along Tamarindo Beach.
40 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax on Tamarindo Beach

Spend the afternoon sunbathing and swimming on the sandy shores of Tamarindo Beach, a popular spot for beachgoers and surfers alike.
Find a spot on the beach to unwind and soak up the sun, with easy access to amenities and beach activities.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Nari Restaurant

Indulge in a farewell dinner at Nari Restaurant, known for its sustainable seafood dishes and fusion cuisine in a chic setting.
Head to Nari Restaurant for a memorable dining experience to conclude your Costa Rica eco-friendly adventure.
60 USD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tamarindo
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