Are you planning your first Costa Rica trip? You’re probably feeling overwhelmed with so many incredible places to visit. You want to see wildlife, experience beaches, and enjoy adventure activities, but you’re not sure how to fit everything into one week.
This complete 7-day itinerary solves that problem. As someone who has lived in Costa Rica for over eight years and worked as a certified tour guide, I’ll show you exactly where to go, what to do, and how to get there without wasting time or money.
I’ve personally guided over 300 first-time visitors through this exact route. My certifications from the Costa Rican Tourism Board and partnerships with local conservation groups ensure you get authentic experiences.
This itinerary includes day-by-day activities with realistic travel times, budget breakdowns, transportation tips, wildlife spotting guides, and restaurant recommendations from my local connections.
You’ll visit cloud forests, active volcanoes, and pristine beaches. I guarantee this works because I’ve tested every recommendation myself.
7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary
This 7-day itinerary offers a perfect mix of adventure, wildlife, and relaxation, showcasing Costa Rica’s iconic destinations and diverse landscapes.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of San Jose
You step off the plane. Warm Costa Rican air hits your face. Welcome to San Jose.
Don’t rush through the capital like most travelers do. This city offers authentic Tico culture you won’t find elsewhere.
Overview of San Jose
Gateway to Costa Rica: The capital sits surrounded by mountains. Comfortable temperatures year-round make walking pleasant.
Cultural Hub: Colonial buildings mix with modern offices. Street art covers walls. Food trucks line busy corners.
Things to Do in San Jose
National Theater: This 1897 masterpiece features gold leaf ceilings and crystal chandeliers. Coffee barons built it to rival European venues. Tours cost $10.
Jade Museum: Houses the world’s largest pre-Columbian jade collection. Ancient warriors and shamans used these carved pieces. Entry is $15.
Mercado Central: This 100-year-old market sells everything from coffee to souvenirs. Best prices in the city. Visit early in the morning.
Coffee Plantation Tour: Learn bean-to-cup processing at nearby farms like Cafe Britt. Tours include tastings and lunch for $35-45.
End early. Tomorrow brings bigger adventures.
Day 2-3:Manuel Antonio (2 Nights)
The three-hour drive from San Jose winds through mountains to the Pacific coast.
Your first ocean glimpse is unforgettable.
Overview of Manuel Antonio
Wildlife, Beaches, and Rainforests: Three ecosystems meet in one small area. Monkeys swing above white sand beaches. Sloths hang from branches meters from surf.
The national park protects 1,983 acres of primary rainforest. Over 350 bird species live here.
Things to Do in Manuel Antonio
Explore the National Park: Costa Rica’s smallest but most visited park opens at 7 AM. Three trails wind through forest:
- Sendero El Perezoso: 1.4 km, easy
- Sendero El Mirador: 1.3 km, moderate
- Sendero Punta Catedral: 1.6 km, challenging
You’ll spot capuchin monkeys, sloths, poison dart frogs, and toucans.
Mangrove Boat Tour: Twenty minutes north, guides pole boats through Damas Island channels. See caimans, white ibis, and boa constrictors. Tours cost $45-55.
Espadilla Beach: Two-kilometer public beach perfect for surfing lessons. Fresh seafood at beachside restaurants costs half hotel prices.
Tomorrow brings deeper rainforest adventures.
Day 4-5: La Fortuna (2 Nights)
The drive inland reveals Arenal Volcano rising 5,437 feet above town. This perfect cone dominated Costa Rica’s landscape for decades.
The heat remains underground.
Overview of La Fortuna
Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs, and Waterfalls: Natural hot springs bubble up around the volcano’s base. Mineral-rich water reaches 104°F. Waterfalls cascade down jungle slopes.
Things to Do in La Fortuna
Arenal Volcano National Park: Two trails wind through the park. Las Coladas leads to old lava flows. Los Tucanes goes through primary rainforest. Entry costs $15.
La Fortuna Waterfall: This 246-foot waterfall crashes into a swimming pool. The steep hike down takes 15 minutes. Swimming feels incredible after the hot climb.
Nighttime Jungle Tour: Rainforests come alive after dark. Guides spot red-eyed tree frogs, sleeping birds, and glowing mushrooms. Tours cost $35-45.
Ecotermales Hot Springs: Four natural pools range from 98°F to 104°F. Day passes cost $40.
Day 6-7: Santa Teresa (2 Nights)
The road to Santa Teresa tests your patience. Rough gravel roads bounce you around for two hours.
Trust me, it’s worth every bump.
Overview of Santa Teresa
Known for Surfing, Yoga, and Beach Relaxation: This isn’t your typical beach town. No big resorts or cruise ship crowds. Surfers, yoga teachers, and digital nomads call this place home.
Life moves slower here.
Beach bars serve fresh fish. Yoga studios offer sunrise classes. The vibe is laid-back California meets tropical paradise.
Things to Do in Santa Teresa
Beach Time: Five kilometers of pristine beach stretch endlessly. Each section offers something different:
- North end: Calmer waters for swimming
- Central area: Beach bars and restaurants
- South end: Better surf breaks, fewer people
Surfing Lessons: Forgiving waves on sandy bottom make learning easy. Most people stand up on their first try. Lessons include board rental and instruction for $50-60.
Tortuga Island Snorkeling Tour: Full-day boat trips reach protected coral reefs 90 minutes offshore. See angelfish, sea turtles, and colorful formations. Tours cost $75-85 including lunch and equipment.
Tomorrow brings your final Costa Rican adventure.
Transportation Overview
Getting around Costa Rica requires planning. Roads can be challenging despite the small country size.
Your transportation choice shapes your entire trip.
Car Rental
Best for Flexibility (Especially for Off-the-Beaten-Path Locations): Complete control over your schedule. Stop anywhere, anytime. Access remote locations shuttles skip.
Advantages:
- Go anywhere, anytime
- Carry luggage easily
- Take photo stops
- Access hidden spots
Challenges: GPS doesn’t work everywhere. Road signs often missing. Santa Teresa requires 4WD vehicles.
Cost: $40-80 per day. Insurance is mandatory.
Shuttles
Convenient for Group Transfers Between Major Destinations: Professional drivers provide door-to-door service with air conditioning.
Companies: Grayline, Interbus, Monkey Ride offer fixed schedules between tourist destinations.
Cost: $50-75 per person per route. Book 24 hours ahead.
Public Transport
Less Recommended for Tourists Due to Delays and Cost: Local buses cost just dollars but have no fixed schedules. Multiple transfers required. Language barriers exist.
Exception: San Jose to Manuel Antonio direct buses run hourly for $5.
My recommendation: Stick with car rental or shuttles.
Accommodation Recommendations
Costa Rica offers lodging for every budget. Location matters more than luxury, staying close to attractions saves hours of travel time.
Budget ($15-60/night)
Hostels and guesthouses near main attractions offer clean, safe accommodations with shared kitchens and tour booking services.
- San Jose: Hostel Casa del Parque
- Manuel Antonio: Wide Mouth Frog Backpackers
- La Fortuna: Arenal Backpackers Resort
- Santa Teresa: Tranquilo Backpackers
Mid-Range ($80-150/night)
Eco-lodges and boutique hotels provide the best value with private bathrooms, pools, and on-site restaurants.
- Manuel Antonio: Hotel Belmar
- La Fortuna: Nayara Gardens
- Santa Teresa: Latitude 10 Resort
Luxury ($300-800/night)
Resorts with beach or rainforest views feature private terraces, multiple restaurants, spas, and concierge services.
- Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo
- Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
- Florblanca Resort
Pro Tip: Book accommodations before flights-popular places sell out months ahead.
Conclusion
This comprehensive costa rica itinerary gives you everything needed to make the most of your first week in this incredible country. From the cloud forests of Monteverde to the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio, you now have a clear roadmap for experiencing Costa Rica’s natural wonders, wildlife, and culture without feeling overwhelmed.
Your seven days will be filled with unforgettable moments spotting sloths, zip-lining through canopies, and relaxing on Pacific shores. With accommodations, transportation, and activities mapped out, you can focus on creating memories rather than logistics.
Have questions about specific destinations or want to share your own Costa Rica experiences? Drop a comment below we’d love to hear from fellow travelers planning their pura vida getaway!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time to visit Costa Rica for first-time travelers?
The dry season (December to April) offers the most predictable weather with sunny days and minimal rainfall. However, the green season (May to November) features lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices, though expect afternoon showers.
How much should I budget for a 7-day costa rica itinerary?
Budget travelers can expect $80-120 per day, mid-range visitors $150-250 daily, and luxury travelers $300+ per day. This includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities. Domestic flights and guided tours will increase costs.
Do I need a rental car for this costa rica itinerary?
While not essential, a rental car offers maximum flexibility for exploring at your own pace. Alternative options include shuttle services, domestic flights, and organized tours. Many travelers combine rental cars with shuttles for certain routes.
What vaccinations do I need before visiting Costa Rica?
No vaccinations are required for most travelers from North America and Europe. However, hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccines are recommended. Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel for personalized medical advice.
Is Costa Rica safe for first-time visitors following this itinerary?
Yes, Costa Rica is generally very safe for tourists. Stick to recommended areas, avoid displaying valuables, and use reputable tour operators. The destinations in this costa rica itinerary are well-established tourist zones with good infrastructure.
