Costa Rica 7-Day Adventure Road Trip

Day 1: City Exploration

San Jose, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Visit Mercado Central

Start your day with a stroll through Mercado Central, a bustling market offering local produce, crafts, and traditional foods.
Located in the heart of San Jose; easily accessible by walking or short taxi ride from most accommodations.
CRC 0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Soda Tapia

Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican meal at Soda Tapia, known for its delicious casados and refreshing natural fruit drinks.
Located near Mercado Central; a great place to try authentic local cuisine.
CRC 6000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore National Museum of Costa Rica

Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Costa Rica at the National Museum, housed in a former military barracks.
Located in the heart of San Jose; a short walk from Mercado Central.
CRC 2000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Tin Jo

Indulge in a fusion of Asian and Costa Rican flavors at Tin Jo, a renowned restaurant in San Jose.
Located in the downtown area; reservations recommended for dinner.
CRC 12000, 2 hours
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Day 2: Beach Relaxation

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Emilio's Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Emilio's Cafe, known for its delicious coffee and ocean views.
Located in Manuel Antonio; a perfect spot to kick off a relaxing beach day.
CRC 5000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Relax on Manuel Antonio Beach

Spend the day soaking up the sun on the pristine shores of Manuel Antonio Beach, known for its white sand and clear waters.
A short walk from Emilio's Cafe; don't forget sunscreen and a good book.
CRC 0, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch at El Avion

Enjoy a seafood lunch at El Avion, a unique restaurant housed in a refurbished military plane overlooking the ocean.
Located near Manuel Antonio Beach; a great place for ocean views and fresh seafood.
CRC 8000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Embark on a relaxing sunset catamaran cruise to spot dolphins, snorkel in the warm waters, and enjoy the breathtaking coastal views.
Book a tour from one of the local operators in Manuel Antonio; a perfect way to end the day.
CRC 25000, 4 hours
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Day 3: Cloud Forest Adventure

Monteverde, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Stella's Bakery

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Stella's Bakery, known for its freshly baked pastries and organic coffee.
Located in the town of Monteverde; a great way to fuel up for your cloud forest adventures.
CRC 4000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Zip Lining in the Cloud Forest

Get your adrenaline pumping with a thrilling zip lining adventure through the misty cloud forests of Monteverde.
Book a tour with one of the reputable companies in town for a safe and exciting experience.
CRC 25000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tree House Restaurant

Enjoy a treehouse dining experience at Tree House Restaurant, offering panoramic views of the cloud forest canopy.
Located within the cloud forest reserve; make a reservation in advance for this unique dining experience.
CRC 10000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Explore the lush biodiversity of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on a guided nature hike, where you can spot exotic wildlife and unique plant species.
Join a guided tour at the entrance of the reserve; don't forget your camera and binoculars.
CRC 6000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Morpho's

Savor a farm-to-table dining experience at Morpho's, known for its fresh ingredients sourced from local organic farms.
Located in Monteverde town; a great place to unwind after a day of adventures in the cloud forest.
CRC 12000, 2 hours
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Day 4: Volcano Exploration

Arenal, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Soda Viquez

Fuel up with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast at Soda Viquez, a local favorite known for its gallo pinto and plantain dishes.
Located in La Fortuna town near Arenal; a perfect start to your volcano exploration day.
CRC 4000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit La Fortuna Waterfall

Hike through the lush rainforest to reach the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can swim in the refreshing pool at the base.
Follow the well-marked trail from the entrance; bring sturdy shoes for the hike and swimwear for the waterfall.
CRC 15000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Choza de Laurel

Indulge in traditional Costa Rican comfort food at La Choza de Laurel, a cozy restaurant with views of the Arenal Volcano.
Located in La Fortuna town; a great spot for local flavors and volcano vistas.
CRC 8000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Arenal Volcano National Park

Discover the iconic Arenal Volcano at Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can hike the trails, soak in hot springs, and marvel at the volcanic landscapes.
Drive or take a shuttle to the park entrance; be prepared for changing weather and wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
CRC 12000, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Lava Rocks

Enjoy a dinner with a view at Restaurante Lava Rocks, offering panoramic vistas of the glowing Arenal Volcano as you dine.
Located near the volcano; reservations recommended for the best seating.
CRC 15000, 2 hours
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Day 5: Beach Fun

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Nogui's

Start your day with a tropical breakfast at Nogui's, a beachfront cafe known for its fresh juices and hearty omelettes.
Located in the heart of Tamarindo; a perfect spot to fuel up for a day of beach fun.
CRC 6000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Surfing Lessons at Tamarindo Beach

Catch some waves and learn to surf with professional lessons at Tamarindo Beach, a popular spot for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
Book a lesson with one of the local surf schools for a safe and enjoyable surfing experience.
CRC 25000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pangas Beach Club

Relax and dine at Pangas Beach Club, a chic oceanfront restaurant offering fresh seafood and cocktails with a view.
Located on Tamarindo Beach; a great place to unwind after a morning of surfing.
CRC 10000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Kayaking in Tamarindo Estuary

Paddle through the mangroves and estuaries on a kayaking tour to explore the rich biodiversity and wildlife of Tamarindo.
Join a guided kayaking excursion from Tamarindo Beach; keep an eye out for monkeys, birds, and crocodiles.
CRC 15000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Patagonia Argentinian Grill

Savor tender steaks and Argentine specialties at Patagonia Argentinian Grill, a top restaurant in Tamarindo known for its grilled meats.
Located in downtown Tamarindo; a perfect spot to indulge in a hearty dinner after a day of beach activities.
CRC 12000, 2 hours
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Day 6: Nature & Adventure Combo

Rincon de la Vieja, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Buena Vista Deli

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Buena Vista Deli, offering fresh pastries and organic coffee to kickstart your adventure.
Located in Rincon de la Vieja; a great spot to fuel up for a day of nature and adventure.
CRC 5000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hiking in Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Embark on a guided hike in Rincon de la Vieja National Park to explore volcanic craters, hot springs, and unique ecosystems.
Join a park ranger-led tour from the main entrance; wear hiking shoes and bring plenty of water.
CRC 10000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hacienda Guachipelin

Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican buffet lunch at Hacienda Guachipelin, a ranch offering farm-to-table dining amidst the natural beauty of Rincon de la Vieja.
Located near the park entrance; a great place to refuel after a morning of hiking.
CRC 12000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Natural Hot Springs Experience

Relax and rejuvenate in the natural hot springs of Rincon de la Vieja, known for their therapeutic properties and tranquil setting.
Visit one of the hot spring resorts near the national park; soak in the mineral-rich waters and unwind.
CRC 15000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sabanero Steak House

Indulge in a hearty steak dinner at Sabanero Steak House, a rustic eatery in Rincon de la Vieja serving up premium grilled meats and local specialties.
Located in the town center; a perfect spot to end your day with a satisfying meal.
CRC 10000, 2 hours
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Day 7: Return to City

San Jose, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafeoteca

Start your day with a gourmet breakfast at Cafeoteca, a specialty coffee shop serving artisanal brews and delicious pastries.
Located in the heart of San Jose; a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts.
CRC 6000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Souvenir Shopping

Browse for souvenirs and gifts at the Central Market in San Jose, where you can find local crafts, coffee, and handmade goods.
Explore the market stalls and shops for unique Costa Rican keepsakes; don't forget to haggle for the best prices.
CRC 0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Soda Dona Lela

Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch at Soda Dona Lela, a local eatery known for its homestyle cooking and friendly atmosphere.
Located near the Central Market; a great place to try authentic Tico dishes.
CRC 5000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Jade Museum

Discover the beauty of pre-Columbian jade artifacts at the Jade Museum, showcasing unique pieces of Costa Rica's indigenous cultures.
Located in downtown San Jose; a fascinating cultural experience for history enthusiasts.
CRC 2500, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Grano de Oro

Indulge in a gourmet farewell dinner at Grano de Oro, a fine dining restaurant in San Jose renowned for its innovative cuisine and elegant ambiance.
Make a reservation for a memorable dining experience to conclude your Costa Rican adventure.
CRC 20000, 2 hours
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