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.

Costa Rica Family Adventure

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 with local vendors offering a variety of delicious dishes.

CRC 8000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Museo Nacional de Costa Rica

Discover the history and culture of Costa Rica at the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, home to a diverse collection of artefacts and exhibits.

CRC 2000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Soda Tapia

Enjoy a authentic Costa Rican lunch at Soda Tapia, a local eatery known for its delicious casados and gallo pinto.

CRC 6000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit La Sabana Metropolitan Park

Spend the afternoon at La Sabana Metropolitan Park, a green oasis in the city where you can relax, have a picnic, and let the kids play.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Grano de Oro

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Grano de Oro, a top-rated restaurant in San Jose known for its gourmet fusion cuisine.

CRC 15000, 2 hours

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Day 2: Adventure in Arenal

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

9:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Macadamia

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Macadamia, known for its fresh coffee and panoramic views of Arenal Volcano.

CRC 10000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Arenal Volcano National Park

Embark on a family-friendly hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, surrounded by lush rainforest and the iconic volcano.

CRC 5000 (park entrance fee), 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at La Fortuna Waterfall Cafe

Enjoy a meal with a view at La Fortuna Waterfall Cafe, overlooking the stunning waterfall and natural surroundings.

CRC 8000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Tabacon Hot Springs

Unwind and relax at Tabacon Hot Springs, a natural thermal hot spring resort with pools and cascading waterfalls set in the rainforest.

CRC 25000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Don Rufino

Treat your family to dinner at Don Rufino, a popular restaurant in La Fortuna offering a variety of local and international dishes.

CRC 12000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Arenal Volcano

Day 3: Nature Exploration

Monteverde, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Stella's Bakery

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Stella's Bakery, known for its fresh pastries and baked goods.

CRC 7000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Explore the stunning Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, home to diverse flora and fauna including the elusive quetzal bird.

CRC 10000 (entrance fee), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tree House Restaurant

Enjoy a unique dining experience at Tree House Restaurant, a restaurant perched high in the trees offering panoramic views of the cloud forest.

CRC 9000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Zip Lining at Selvatura Park

Experience an adrenaline-pumping zip lining adventure at Selvatura Park, soaring through the treetops and enjoying panoramic views of the cloud forest.

CRC 25000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Morpho's Restaurant

Dine at Morpho's Restaurant, a cosy eatery in Monteverde known for its delicious Costa Rican dishes and friendly atmosphere.

CRC 8000, 1.5 hours

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Day 4: Beach Day

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

9:00AM

Breakfast at Emilio's Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Emilio's Cafe, a popular spot in Manuel Antonio serving up delicious breakfast options.

CRC 9000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Beach Day at Manuel Antonio National Park

Spend the day relaxing on the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its white sands and crystal-clear waters.

CRC 6000 (park entrance fee), 4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Marlin Restaurant

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Marlin Restaurant, a beachfront eatery offering fresh seafood dishes and stunning ocean views.

CRC 12000, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Manuel Antonio town

Take a stroll through Manuel Antonio town, browse local shops and pick up souvenirs to remember your beach day.

Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Gabriella's Restaurant

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Gabriella's Restaurant, a fine dining establishment known for its innovative cuisine and elegant ambiance.

CRC 18000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Day 5: Surf & Sun

Jaco, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Los Amigos

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Los Amigos, a popular cafe in Jaco offering a range of breakfast options.

CRC 8000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Surfing Lesson at Jaco Beach

Experience the thrill of surfing with a family surfing lesson at Jaco Beach, known for its beginner-friendly waves and scenic views.

CRC 25000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Rioasis

Enjoy a casual lunch at Rioasis, a laid-back restaurant in Jaco serving up classic Costa Rican dishes and refreshing drinks.

CRC 7000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Jaco Ropes

Unwind and have fun at Jaco Ropes, an adventure park with ziplines, aerial bridges, and obstacle courses for all ages to enjoy.

CRC 15000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Tacobar Jaco

Enjoy a beachfront dinner at Tacobar Jaco, a popular spot for fresh seafood tacos and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for families.

CRC 10000, 1.5 hours

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Day 6: Relaxation Day

Monteverde, Costa Rica

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Green House

Indulge in a leisurely breakfast at The Green House, a charming cafe in Monteverde serving up organic and locally sourced dishes.

CRC 8000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Frog Pond

Explore the fascinating world of frogs at Frog Pond, a unique attraction in Monteverde where you can learn about different frog species.

CRC 5000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Morpho's Restaurant

Enjoy a return visit to Morpho's Restaurant for a delicious lunch amidst the lush greenery of Monteverde.

CRC 8000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Coffee Tour at El Trapiche

Embark on a guided coffee tour at El Trapiche, where you can learn about the coffee-making process and taste fresh Costa Rican coffee.

CRC 10000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Tree House Restaurant

Enjoy a farewell dinner at Tree House Restaurant, savoring the panoramic views and delicious cuisine one last time.

CRC 10000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Monteverde

Day 7: Departure Day

San Jose, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at Airport

Grab a quick breakfast at the airport before your departure, ensuring you have enough time for check-in and security procedures.

CRC 5000, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Final Shopping at Duty-Free

Take some time to do some last-minute souvenir shopping at the duty-free shops in the airport, picking up gifts for family and friends.

Depends on purchases, 1 hour

11:00AM

Flight Departure

Bid farewell to the beautiful landscapes of Costa Rica as you board your flight back home, cherishing the unforgettable family memories created during your adventure.

Depends on airline, N/A

Find Hotels in San Jose

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Costa Rica Family Adventure

Day 1: City Exploration

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Adventure in Arenal

9:00AM

11:00AM

2:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 3: Nature Exploration

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Beach Day

9:00AM

11:00AM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 5: Surf & Sun

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Relaxation Day

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Departure Day

7:00AM

9:00AM

11:00AM

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