Planning your perfect Costa Rica 1 week itinerary can feel overwhelming with so many incredible destinations packed into this small Central American paradise.
From misty cloud forests to pristine beaches, this diverse country offers adventure seekers and nature lovers countless unforgettable experiences.
I’ve personally explored Costa Rica multiple times and have crafted this comprehensive 7-day itinerary to help you maximize your time and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Let’s dive into the ultimate week-long Costa Rican adventure that balances relaxation, wildlife encounters, and adrenaline-pumping activities!
Why Costa Rica Should Be Your Next Vacation Destination
Costa Rica has emerged as one of Central America’s most beloved travel destinations, and for good reason. This small country packs an incredible punch when it comes to natural beauty and biodiversity.
With coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica offers travelers diverse experiences within relatively short travel distances.
The country’s commitment to conservation has preserved approximately 25% of its land as protected national parks and reserves.
Costa Rica consistently ranks among the happiest countries globally according to the Happy Planet Index.
The local phrase “Pura Vida” (pure life) isn’t just a saying—it’s a lifestyle that embodies the relaxed, appreciative approach to life you’ll experience throughout your stay.
Tourism accounts for nearly 8% of Costa Rica’s GDP, with over 3 million visitors annually before the pandemic.
The country’s renewable energy achievements are remarkable—Costa Rica runs on nearly 100% renewable energy for months at a time.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Costa Rica?
The dry season from December to April offers the most reliable weather for a one-week Costa Rica itinerary. During these months, you’ll experience sunny days perfect for beach activities and outdoor adventures.
This period coincides with the high tourist season, so expect more crowds and higher prices, especially around Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter.
The “green season” (May to November) brings afternoon showers but fewer tourists and lower prices.
May and November serve as transitional months and can be excellent times to visit with a mix of good weather and fewer crowds.
September and October typically see the heaviest rainfall, particularly on the Pacific coast. The Caribbean coast has its own weather patterns, often experiencing drier conditions when the Pacific side is rainy.
Wildlife enthusiasts should note that turtle nesting seasons vary: leatherbacks (October-March), green sea turtles (July-October), and olive ridley turtles (July-November).
How To Get Around Costa Rica In One Week
Renting a car provides the most flexibility for a one-week Costa Rica itinerary, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended, especially if you plan to visit remote areas with unpaved roads.
Public buses connect major tourist destinations and offer an economical option, though they may limit how much you can see in a week.
Shared shuttle services cater to tourists and provide direct transportation between popular destinations.
Domestic flights through carriers like Sansa can save significant travel time, especially when visiting distant locations like the Osa Peninsula.
Water taxis are essential for reaching certain destinations like Montezuma or Tortuguero. Many hotels can arrange transportation services, though these may come at premium prices.
The road quality varies significantly throughout the country, with main highways being well-maintained while rural roads often require 4WD vehicles.
The Perfect 7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary
This carefully crafted Costa Rica 1 week itinerary balances adventure, relaxation, and wildlife encounters across the country’s most spectacular regions.
I’ve designed this route to minimize travel time while maximizing your exposure to Costa Rica’s incredible diversity.
This itinerary assumes you’ll arrive and depart from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near the capital city of San José.
Each day builds upon the previous, creating a cohesive journey through Costa Rica’s varying landscapes and ecosystems.
The route can be adjusted based on your interests, whether you prefer more beach time, additional wildlife encounters, or extra adventure activities.
Day 1: Arrive in San José & Travel to Arenal/La Fortuna
- Begin your Costa Rica adventure by landing at Juan Santamaría International Airport near San José.
- Rather than staying in the capital, head straight to the Arenal region, home to the iconic Arenal Volcano.
- The drive takes approximately 3 hours through scenic countryside and offers your first glimpse of Costa Rica’s lush landscapes.
- La Fortuna serves as the gateway town to Arenal Volcano National Park and makes an ideal base for the next two nights.
- Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and perhaps enjoy dinner with views of the volcano (weather permitting).
- If time allows, visit the La Fortuna Waterfall for a refreshing swim after your travel day.
- Consider booking a night tour to spot nocturnal wildlife like frogs, snakes, and insects in their natural habitat.
Where to stay in Arenal/La Fortuna:
- Luxury: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa offers world-class hot springs and volcano views
- Mid-range: Arenal Springs Resort provides comfortable rooms and on-site thermal pools
- Budget: Hotel Campo Verde offers clean accommodations with volcano views at reasonable prices
Day 2: Arenal Volcano Adventures
- Dedicate a full day to exploring the natural wonders surrounding Arenal Volcano.
- Begin early with a hike through Arenal Volcano National Park on trails that wind through lava fields and secondary rainforest.
- The park’s Heliconias Trail and Los Tucanes Trail offer excellent opportunities to spot wildlife and view the volcano.
- After lunch, choose between ziplining through the rainforest canopy or a hanging bridges tour for aerial views of the ecosystem.
- Companies like Sky Adventures and Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park offer unforgettable experiences.
- In the late afternoon, reward yourself with a visit to one of the area’s natural hot springs.
- Options range from the luxurious Tabacón Hot Springs to the more affordable (but still beautiful) EcoTermales or the free Tabacón River hot spot.
- End your day with dinner at one of La Fortuna’s many restaurants serving traditional Costa Rican cuisine.
- Don’t miss trying the local specialty, the “casado,” a typical Costa Rican meal featuring rice, beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of protein.
Day 3: Travel to Monteverde Cloud Forest
- After breakfast, depart Arenal for Monteverde, home to one of the world’s most famous cloud forests.
- The journey combines a scenic boat ride across Lake Arenal followed by a shuttle bus up the mountains, taking approximately 3-4 hours total.
- This “taxi-boat-taxi” route offers spectacular views and minimizes driving time on rough mountain roads.
- Upon arrival in Monteverde, check into your accommodation and take some time to explore the town of Santa Elena.
- In the afternoon, visit the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens or the Ranario (Frog Pond) to begin your introduction to the region’s unique biodiversity.
- Reserve the evening for a guided night walk – Monteverde’s nocturnal wildlife is incredible, with opportunities to spot kinkajous, tarantulas, sleeping birds, and maybe even the elusive ocelot.
Where to stay in Monteverde:
- Luxury: Hotel Belmar offers elegant accommodations with sustainable practices
- Mid-range: Monteverde Lodge & Gardens provides comfortable rooms in a natural setting
- Budget: Camino Verde B&B offers clean, simple rooms within walking distance to town
Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest Exploration
- Dedicate your morning to exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a mystical ecosystem draped in mist and teeming with unique wildlife.
- Hire a local naturalist guide (highly recommended) to spot well-camouflaged wildlife like the resplendent quetzal, hummingbirds, and howler monkeys.
- The reserve features well-maintained trails for various fitness levels and offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience a high-altitude tropical ecosystem.
- After lunch, experience the cloud forest from a different perspective with an adventurous activity.
- Options include ziplining with Selvatura Park or Sky Adventures, where you’ll literally fly through and above the forest canopy.
- For those seeking less adrenaline, the Sky Walk’s hanging bridges offer a more relaxed but equally impressive forest experience.
- Visit the Hummingbird Gallery near the reserve entrance before leaving – dozens of hummingbirds buzz around feeders, providing perfect photo opportunities.
- End your day with dinner in Santa Elena, perhaps at Tree House Restaurant & Café, built around a living fig tree.
Day 5: Travel to Manuel Antonio
- Today involves the longest drive of your trip, from the mountains to the central Pacific coast.
- Depart Monteverde after breakfast for Manuel Antonio, a journey of approximately 3-4 hours.
- The drive showcases Costa Rica’s changing landscapes, from misty mountains to tropical lowlands.
- Consider stopping at the famous Tárcoles River Bridge to spot massive American crocodiles sunning themselves below.
- Arrive in Manuel Antonio by early afternoon and check into your accommodation.
- Spend the remainder of the day relaxing on the beautiful public beach or by your hotel pool.
- For dinner, enjoy fresh seafood at one of the restaurants overlooking the Pacific Ocean as you watch the spectacular sunset.
- Manuel Antonio offers Costa Rica’s perfect combination of beach relaxation and wildlife encounters, making it an ideal final destination.
Where to stay in Manuel Antonio:
- Luxury: Arenas del Mar offers sustainable luxury on a private beach
- Mid-range: Hotel Parador provides excellent amenities with ocean views
- Budget: Hotel Verde Mar sits within walking distance to both beach and national park
Day 6: Manuel Antonio National Park
- Rise early to visit Manuel Antonio National Park before the crowds arrive (the park is closed on Mondays).
- This small but spectacular park combines pristine beaches with wildlife-rich forests, offering almost guaranteed wildlife sightings.
- Hiring a local guide is highly recommended as they can spot well-camouflaged animals like sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds.
- The park contains several hiking trails catering to different fitness levels, all eventually leading to stunning beaches.
- Pack your swimsuit to enjoy swimming at Playa Manuel Antonio or Playa Espadilla Sur inside the park.
- Exit the park for lunch at one of the nearby restaurants, as food isn’t allowed inside to prevent wildlife feeding.
- In the afternoon, consider a catamaran sunset cruise with snorkeling opportunities and dolphin watching.
- Companies like Planet Dolphin and Sunset Sails offer tours that include food, drinks, and unforgettable Pacific Ocean views.
- Return to your accommodation for dinner or explore Manuel Antonio’s diverse dining scene.
Day 7: Beach Day & Return to San José
- Spend your final morning enjoying Manuel Antonio’s beaches or hotel amenities.
- Optional activities include parasailing, jet skiing, or a surf lesson at nearby Playa Espadilla.
- After lunch, begin your journey back to San José (approximately 2.5-3 hours).
- If your flight departs the following day, consider staying near the airport in Alajuela.
- For those with evening flights, allow at least 3 hours for the drive from Manuel Antonio and airport check-in procedures.
- If time permits before your departure, visit the central market in San José for souvenir shopping or enjoy a final Costa Rican coffee at a local café.
- This itinerary gives you a perfect taste of Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems and adventures, from volcanoes to cloud forests to beautiful beaches.
Alternative 1-Week Itineraries For Costa Rica
Caribbean Coast Focus
- Days 1-2: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (Afro-Caribbean culture, beach time)
- Days 3-4: Cahuita National Park (wildlife, coral reefs)
- Days 5-7: Tortuguero National Park (canals, turtle nesting, rainforest)
This east coast itinerary showcases Costa Rica’s Caribbean influence with distinctive cuisine, culture, and ecosystems.
The Caribbean coast offers a more laid-back vibe compared to the Pacific side.
Wildlife highlights include nesting sea turtles (seasonal), sloths, monkeys, and colorful frogs.
Adventure Enthusiast Route
- Days 1-2: Pacuare River (world-class whitewater rafting)
- Days 3-4: Arenal (canyoning, hot springs, hiking)
- Days 5-6: Monteverde (extreme ziplining, night hikes)
- Day 7: Return to San José
This adrenaline-focused itinerary maximizes Costa Rica’s reputation as an adventure sports paradise.
The Pacuare River offers multi-day rafting trips with riverside eco-lodge accommodations.
Canyoning in Arenal involves rappelling down tropical waterfalls through the rainforest.
Wildlife & Nature Immersion
- Days 1-2: Bajos del Toro (less-visited cloud forest, waterfalls)
- Days 3-4: Sarapiquí (rainforest, chocolate tours, wildlife watching)
- Days 5-7: Osa Peninsula (Corcovado National Park, incredible biodiversity)
Perfect for serious wildlife enthusiasts and photographers wanting off-the-beaten-path experiences.
The Osa Peninsula contains 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity in just 0.001% of its surface area.
This route requires more travel time but rewards with unparalleled wildlife encounters.
Packing Essentials For Costa Rica
- Your Costa Rica 1 week itinerary will take you through various climates and activities, so pack accordingly.
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothing is essential as humidity levels remain high year-round.
- Pack a light rain jacket or poncho regardless of season – afternoon showers occur even in the dry season.
- Good hiking shoes or sturdy sandals are necessary for exploring national parks and natural attractions.
- Don’t forget swimwear for beaches, hot springs, and hotel pools throughout your journey.
- Insect repellent with DEET helps prevent mosquito bites, especially during dawn and dusk hours.
- Biodegradable sunscreen protects both your skin and Costa Rica’s sensitive ecosystems.
- A reusable water bottle helps reduce plastic waste – tap water is generally safe in tourist areas.
- Camera equipment with weather protection captures memories without humidity damage.
- Consider packing binoculars for wildlife spotting, especially birds and canopy-dwelling creatures.
Travel Tips For A Smooth Costa Rica Vacation
- The local currency is the Costa Rican colón, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
- Tipping is customary for guides (10-15%), restaurant servers (10%), and hotel staff (1-2 USD per bag).
- Most tourist destinations and hotels accept credit cards, but carry cash for small vendors and rural areas.
- Costa Rica uses 110V electricity with American-style plugs, so US travelers won’t need adapters.
- While Spanish is the official language, many people in tourist areas speak English.
- Learning basic Spanish phrases enhances your experience and shows respect for local culture.
- The country is generally safe, but take normal precautions against petty theft, especially at beaches.
- Tap water is safe to drink in most tourist areas, but bottled water is readily available if preferred.
- Expect afternoon rain showers even during the dry season, especially in mountainous regions.
- Roads can be challenging with potholes and limited signage – GPS or offline maps are highly recommended.
Budget Considerations For Your Costa Rica Trip
- Costa Rica ranks among Central America’s more expensive destinations, with prices closer to US levels than neighboring countries.
- A mid-range one-week trip costs approximately $1,200-1,800 per person, excluding international flights.
- Accommodations vary widely: budget rooms from $30-50/night, mid-range $75-150/night, and luxury options $200+/night.
- Transportation represents a significant expense – rental cars average $50-80/day plus insurance costs.
- Activities and tours range from $20-30 for park entrances to $100+ for guided adventures like ziplining or rafting.
- Meals cost approximately $5-10 at local sodas, $15-25 at mid-range restaurants, and $30+ at upscale establishments.
- The high season (December-April) sees price increases of 20-30% for accommodations and some activities.
- Package tours can sometimes offer better value than independent travel, especially for adventure activities.
- Credit cards are widely accepted but may incur foreign transaction fees – check with your bank before traveling.
- Bargaining isn’t common in Costa Rica except at some artisan markets and with independent tour guides.
Final Thoughts On Your Costa Rica 1 Week Itinerary
A week in Costa Rica offers just enough time to experience the country’s incredible diversity and natural beauty.
This compact nation packs remarkable biodiversity and adventure opportunities into easily accessible destinations.
The itinerary presented balances activity with relaxation while minimizing travel time between locations.
First-time visitors often underestimate travel times in Costa Rica – distances may seem short on maps but mountain roads and weather conditions can extend driving times.
Most travelers find themselves planning their return visit before they’ve even left Costa Rica. The memories and photographs from your Costa Rican adventure will last a lifetime.
The warmth of Costa Rican people matches the country’s tropical climate – expect to be welcomed with genuine hospitality.
¡Pura Vida! – Embrace this Costa Rican phrase that encapsulates the country’s philosophy of enjoying life’s simple pleasures and natural wonders.
