7-Day Adventure and Relaxation Itinerary in Costa Rica

Day 1: Explore San José

San José, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Mundo

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Mundo, known for its organic ingredients and inviting atmosphere.
Located in downtown San José, it's an easy walk from many hotels.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit National Museum

Dive into Costa Rican history at the National Museum, housed in a former military barracks.
A 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
USD10, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at La Criollita

Enjoy a delicious Costa Rican lunch with tamales and rice & beans at La Criollita.
Short drive or taxi from the museum.
USD15, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Explore Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

Discover valuable artifacts and gold pieces that showcase Costa Rica's ancient cultures.
A 10-minute walk from the lunch spot.
USD15, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Evening Stroll in Sabana Park

Unwind with a leisurely walk around Sabana Park, a popular green space for locals.
A short drive from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Tin Jo

Savor a unique blend of Asian cuisine at this local favorite, Tin Jo.
A short drive back to downtown.
USD30, 2 hours
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Day 2: Travel to Arenal

Arenal, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at your hotel before leaving for Arenal.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Arenal

Embark on a scenic drive to Arenal, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Via Route 1.
Fuel Costs, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Restaurante La Fortuna

Grab a bite at Restaurante La Fortuna, offering local dishes with views of the volcano.
Located near Arenal National Park.
USD15, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit Arenal Volcano National Park

Explore the lush trails of Arenal Volcano National Park and observe the stunning landscape.
Short drive from the restaurant.
USD15, 3 hours

4:30 PM

Relax at Tabacon Hot Springs

Unwind in the natural hot springs surrounded by rainforest, a perfect way to relax after hiking.
A quick drive from the park.
USD70, 3 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Don Rufino

Dine at Don Rufino, known for its gourmet twist on traditional Costa Rican cuisine.
Located in La Fortuna.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Adventure in Arenal

Arenal, Costa Rica

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for an adventurous day with breakfast at your hotel.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Zip-lining Tour

Experience the thrill of zip-lining through the canopy of the rainforest with breathtaking views.
Meet your guide at the tour company.
USD75, 3 hours

11:30 AM

Hiking La Fortuna Waterfall

Take a refreshing hike to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can swim in its cool waters.
Short drive from the zip-lining location.
USD15, 3 hours

2:30 PM

Lunch at La Ventanita

Savor a casual meal of fresh ceviche and tacos at this popular local eatery.
Just a short drive back to La Fortuna.
USD12, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at Hotel

Enjoy some downtime at your hotel, perhaps indulge in a spa treatment if offered.
On-site.
Varies, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurante El Patio

Enjoy an outdoor dining experience with traditional Costa Rican flavors at El Patio.
Located in La Fortuna.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde, Costa Rica

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast in the shade of Arenal before heading to Monteverde.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Monteverde

Enjoy a picturesque drive through the hills and coffee plantations to Monteverde.
Via Route 142.
Fuel Costs, 3.5 hours

11:30 AM

Lunch at Treehouse Restaurant

Dine in a unique setting at Treehouse Restaurant, surrounded by nature.
Located in Monteverde.
USD20, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Embark on a guided tour through the cloud forest, spotting exotic flora and fauna.
Entry is a short drive from the restaurant.
USD25, 3 hours

4:00 PM

Canopy Tour or Hanging Bridges

Choose between an exhilarating zip-line canopy tour or peaceful walking on the hanging bridges.
Easily accessible from the reserve.
USD60, 2.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at La Cabana

Experience diverse dishes made with local ingredients in a cozy atmosphere at La Cabana.
Short drive back to town.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Nature and Culture in Monteverde

Monteverde, Costa Rica

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with fresh coffee and traditional breakfast options at your hotel.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Bird Watching Tour

Go on an early morning bird-watching tour to spot the vibrant quetzal among other wildlife.
Meet your guide at the hotel.
USD50, 3 hours

11:30 AM

Coffee Tour

Learn about Costa Rican coffee production on a guided tour of a local coffee farm.
Approximately 15 minutes drive.
USD20, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Cafe Monteverde

Dine at Cafe Monteverde, enjoying organic local ingredients in a charming atmosphere.
Nearby the coffee farm.
USD18, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Monteverde Artisans

Explore artisan shops and local crafts, picking up unique souvenirs to take home.
In downtown Monteverde.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Sabor Tico

Enjoy traditional Costa Rican meals at Sabor Tico, a popular local eatery.
Short drive from artisan shops.
USD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Relax in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast with fresh tropical fruits and hot dishes before heading to Manuel Antonio.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Manuel Antonio

Travel to the coastal paradise of Manuel Antonio, known for its stunning beaches.
Via Route 27.
Fuel Costs, 3.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at El Avion

Dine at the famous El Avion, a restaurant built around a vintage airplane overlooking the ocean.
Short drive to Manuel Antonio.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Relax at Manuel Antonio Beach

Spend your afternoon lounging on the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Manuel Antonio National Park

Explore the trails of the national park, where you'll marvel at wildlife and everyday conservation efforts.
Entrance is nearby the beach.
USD16, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at La Playita

Enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes at La Playita, popular for its vibrant atmosphere.
Short drive back to the main road.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to San José

San José, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the day with breakfast at your hotel before heading back to San José.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive back to San José

Enjoy your last scenic journey through Costa Rica back to the capital.
Via Route 27.
Fuel Costs, 2.5 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Jade Museum

Explore the unique exhibits at the Jade Museum showcasing the importance of jade in local culture.
Located in downtown San José.
USD10, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Experience authentic local cuisine at Mercado Central, with a variety of options to choose from.
Short walk from the Jade Museum.
USD10, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Shopping and Exploration

Wander the streets for last-minute souvenirs and enjoy the vibrant local culture.
Walking distance around downtown.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurante Silvestre

End your trip with a gourmet dinner at Restaurante Silvestre, renowned for its creative dishes.
Easily accessible from shopping areas.
USD50, 2 hours
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