A Local's One Week Costa Rica Itinerary
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Known as the "Switzerland of Central America” for its political stability and peaceful nature, Costa Rica is famous for its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. We hold about 6% of the earth's biodiversity, and fortunately, this natural treasure is well preserved: a total of 25% of our national territory is considered protected national parks.
Our motto in Costa Rica is Pura Vida (pure life), and that same phrase is used to say hello, goodbye, thank you, you’re welcome, and generally to express happiness, so get ready to hear it quite often!
This is an incredibly diverse country, and in an area slightly smaller than the U.S. state of West Virginia, you can explore lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and towering volcanoes all within a few hours of one another.
Whether you’re looking to hike through national parks, surf in crystal-clear waters, get your adventure on, or immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, Costa Rica has something for you.
With the highest education level of any other country in Central America, a good amount of “ticos” (the nickname for Costa Ricans) speak very good English or know at least the basics. So, while it would still be a good idea to learn a few basic Spanish phrases before visiting, but you can definitely get by with only English.
Table of Contents
Costa Rica planning cheatsheet
Plan your itinerary with expert advice
- Book a Costa Rica travel consultation with a local expert
My recommended hotels for this itinerary
- Hotel Grano de Oro - elegant and stylish hotel in San Jose. $170 USD/night
- Arenal Manoa Resort - lovely property with volcano views in Arenal. $200/night
- Monteverde Lodge & Gardens - rustic-chic style immersed in nature in Monteverde. $275/night
- Arenas del Mar - all out luxury on the beach in Manuel Antonio. $550/night
- Hotel La Mariposa - fabulous views and good value in Manuel Antonio. $250/night
Guided tours and activities
- Full-day tour of Arenal (small group)
- Monteverde canopy zip-lining
- Monteverde guided cloud forest walk
- Damas Islands mangrove boat tour (in Manuel Antonio)
- Wildlife spotting tour by night (in MA/Quepos)
How to get around
- Car rentals with DiscoverCars
- Bus routes from Interbus
Day 1: San José
Photo: Wayne77, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning
A great way to start your day in Costa Rica’s capital is by exploring the historic neighborhood of Barrio Amón. Take a leisurely walk through its colorful streets, admiring the beautiful colonial architecture.
Grab a cup of Costa Rican coffee, said to be one of the best in the world, and enjoy a delicious breakfast at Café Miel, known for its cozy atmosphere and tasty pastries.
Everything downtown is relatively close by, so you can walk almost everywhere. There’s lots to see, so this is a really pleasant way to start your day.
Afternoon
Visit the National Museum, located in the former Bellavista Fortress. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Costa Rica as you explore the museum's exhibits, which include pre-Columbian and colonial-era artifacts.
After that, just a few steps away, you’ll find The Museum of Jade (Museo del Jade), dedicated to showcasing an extensive collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts. It features ceremonial objects, jewelry, tools, and sculptures crafted by ancient indigenous cultures. Absolutely worth a visit.
For a bit more culture, just a 10-minute walk away is The National Theater of Costa Rica (Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica), built in 1897. This structure is an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of national pride. You can take a guided tour to explore the opulent interior, including the grand auditorium, and the striking gold-leafed ceiling.
And if you’re already hungry, you can even grab something to eat at its interior cafeteria.
For lunch, I recommend heading to Soda Tapia, a popular local eatery that serves traditional Costa Rican cuisine such as casados and gallo pinto (rice and beans).
Evening
Discover the Capital’s culinary scene by dining at Restaurante Grano de Oro. Located inside the Hotel Grano de Oro, a charming boutique hotel known for its luxury accommodations, it offers a combination of Costa Rican and international options, with fresh seafood and farm-to-table ingredients.
Alternatively, you can have dinner in the Escalante neighborhood, or head here after dinner at Grano de Oro. Over the years, the neighborhood has transformed into a trendy district known for its diverse culinary scene and artistic vibes. Home to dozens of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, it’s a hub for food lovers and nightlife enthusiasts.
Franco is a perennial favorite restaurants, with amazing food, service, and ambiance.
Overnight in San Jose
If you have just one night in San Jose, you’ll want to look at the neighborhoods of Centro, La Sabana, and Barrio Escalante. The city is small so which neighborhood you pick really doesn’t matter all that much.
Centro is the busiest area and not super pretty, but it’s where most things you’ll want to see and do are. Use the National Theater as your geographic reference point for this area’s center. La Sabana (centered around Parque La Sabana) is a bit west of downtown, and it’s a leafier residential district with good hotels and nice restaurants. Barrio Escalante is immediately west of the center, and it’s a trendy area with much of the city’s nightlife and dining scene.
Hotel recommendations:
Hotel Grano de Oro - $170 USD.
Hotel Presidente - $120 USD.
Hotel Aranjuez - $70 USD.
Hotel Casa 69 - $50 USD.
Day 2: La Fortuna and Volcán Arenal
Morning
Depart early from San José and head to La Fortuna, the gateway to Volcan Arenal. Enjoy a scenic drive of approximately two and a half hours through the picturesque countryside, green landscapes, and coffee plantations. On your way, you might want to do a quick stop in Ciudad Quesada, a small but charming town along the route.
From there, it’s about another hour on to La Fortuna. Right in the middle of town, you’ll find a colonial-style cathedral with colorful stained glass windows, perfect for a few pictures.
Grab a late breakfast (brunch?!) at Soda Viquez, a local eatery known for its hearty breakfast plates and friendly service.
Afternoon
After checking in to your hotel, you should go straight to the Arenal Volcano National Park. Covering an area of approximately 29,692 acres, the park offers you the opportunity to experience a stratovolcano that stands at an impressive height of 5,358 feet.
You can book a tour, which may actually be included with your accommodation, depending on where you’re staying. Whether you go wtih a guide or on your own, the park features a network of hiking trails and hanging bridges of varying difficulty, with plenty of options for visitors with any level of fitness and stamina.
The park is open from 8 am to 4 pm every day, with entrance tickets costing $15 for adult foreigners and $5 for children. As of my most recent check (September 9th, 2024) tickets can only be purchased in person at the visitor center.
A couple of other things to know: pets and sound equipment (like speakers) are not allowed, and it is forbidden to climb the volcanic cone.
For many years, the volcano was constantly active, emitting ash, smoke, and occasional lava flows. However, since 2010, its activity has significantly decreased, and it is currently in a resting phase.
Regardless of what you choose, you’ll marvel at the stunning views of the volcano and surrounding rainforest. Make sure to take lots of pictures and don’t worry about getting tired, as you’ll have plenty of time to recharge during a quiet evening.
If you have time for lunch, I recommend going for a delicious wood-fired pizza at Lava Lounge. This is a very cozy restaurant with a nice atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a tour in Arenal, here are a few good options:
Small-group full-day tour - includes light hiking, some swimming, a visit to the butterfly garden, and time at the hot springs.
Zip-lining excursion - 2-3 hours zip-lining through the canopy (this is the 12 line option, which I think is the better choice).
Waterfall hike & rappelling - This is pretty much what it sounds like - a half-day excursion that has some light hiking and rappelling amongst waterfalls.
Evening
After a long day, what could be better than a relaxing soak in the area’s hot springs? Some hotels have their own private springs, which you can pay to access, but the most popular one is called Tabacón (you can find a few options at different price points online).
Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the hot springs provide the perfect setting to unwind, and if you’re traveling with your partner, to enjoy a romantic evening. After your soak, head to Restaurante Don Rufino for a delightful dinner - their meat dishes are fantastic! It’s a popular spot, so probably best to reserve a table in advance.
Overnight in/around Arenal
Arenal is one of the most expensive parts of Costa Rica, so I’d recommend dedicating a decent budget to an atmospheric hotel. The nearest town is La Fortuna, but I’d recommend staying in the hills and forest just outside the park instead. There are dozens of hotels in this area, so you have a lot of options.
Hotel recommendations:
Nayara Springs and Nayara Gardens - $800 USD.
Amor Arenal - $650 USD.
Arenal Manoa Resort - $200 USD.
Arenal Observatory Lodge and Trails - $150 USD.
La Fortuna Waterfall Bungalows - $100 USD.
Day 3: La Fortuna to Monteverde - Volcano to Rainforest
Morning
Don’t rush off to your next destination, so spend your morning in La Fortuna instead. The coffee here is famous, and delicious, so be sure to savor a cup.
If you’re up for it and the weather is good, I’d recommend taking a quick morning tour. Companies like Pure Trek offer early morning canyoning and waterfall rappelling tours, which are an awesome way to start off the day. Microclimates in Costa Rica make weather quite unpredictable though, so whether the tour/activity runs will depend on how the sky is looking that day.
So, however you decide to spend your morning, it’s now time to head to Monteverde. Just 3 hours from La Fortuna, and with scenic views all along the way, are the misty cloud forests of Monteverde. This is a relatively small town almost entirely dedicated to tourism, so you’ll have you’ll have several options for accommodation, and many tours to choose from.
For a break during the drive, make a pit stop at Cafetería Orquídeas. This charming family-owned café sells some of my favorite homemade pastries and great coffee.
Afternoon
Arrive to Monteverde and settle in. Tomorrow will be a busy day, so I recommend having a relaxing afternoon and evening, leisurely exploring the town. There are some shops with amazing souvenirs and an abundance of little cafés and restaurants to choose from. You can easily while away a few hours browsing the shops and enjoying some local treats.
On the other hand, you can of course visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve this afternoon. Entrance is currently $25 for non-nationals, and you can take a guided nature walk through the trails or explore the lush greenery on your own. Remember to dress comfortably, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a rain jacket or umbrella, as Monteverde's weather is unpredictable.
Evening
Back in town, Tree House is my absolute favorite place to eat. It’s hard to miss, as it has a giant tree growing right through the middle of it. They have an amazing atmosphere, great service, reasonable prices, and excellent pizzas. Remember to bring a sweater or jacket, as Monteverde gets cool and windy at night.
Overnight in Monteverde
Everything in this area just gets referred to as Monteverde, but the main town here where most tourism services are located is actually called Santa Elena. In town, you’ll mostly find budget options while nicer hotels and lodges are located on the road that leads out of town and up to the cloud forest preserve.
Monteverde is high in elevation and typically cooler than the rest of the country (and often drier) so many of the accommodation options here are “mountain lodge” style. You have actual rustic hotels and then lots of “rustic-chic” ones.
Hotel Recommendations:
Hotel Belmar - $300 USD.
Senda Monteverde - $300 USD.
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens - $300 USD.
Cloud Forest Lodge - $300 USD.
Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel & Farm - $125 USD.
Los Pinos Cabins & Reserve - $100 USD.
Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest
Morning and afternoon
This is where the adventure starts! Monteverde has several adventure parks, and all of them offer morning pick-up service from wherever you’re staying (some even provide pick-up in San José!). Sky Trek, Extremo Monteverde, and Original Canopy are some of the most popular names, but my favorite is far and away Selvatura Park.
Selvatura offers a range of activities and attractions that will allow you to enjoy a bit of everything. They have canopy and ziplining tours that feature over 15 cables and 18 platforms, so you can spend ages soaring through the treetops and enjoying breathtaking cloud forest views.
The park also has a network of hanging bridges that traverse the canopy. Guided tours are also available and will provide insights into the unique flora and fauna of the area. For more slow-paced activities, you can also choose to access their butterfly and hummingbird garden, the insect museum, a herpetarium with reptiles and amphibians, and even a sloth sanctuary!
Here are some solid tour/excursion options:
Evening
After a long day of excitement (tours usually last all day), you’ll probably probably be ready for a feast. So, indulge in traditional Costa Rican cuisine at Sabor Tico Restaurant. There, you can enjoy flavorful dishes like casados, gallo pinto, and plantains, while sipping on a refreshing fruit juice. You won’t find a more traditional place to eat around.
Afterward, go for a leisurely stroll around town, and then get some rest at your hotel.
Overnight in Monteverde
For hotel recommendations, see my list on Day 3.
Day 5: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio - from the Clouds to the Beach
Morning
After a good night's sleep, start your day at The Open Kitchen. This is a very nice sport that serves super tasty food (the open avocado sandwich is a must-try!).
After breakfast, hit the road and continue on to Manuel Antonio beach, in the province of Puntarenas. The drive takes about three and a half hours.
Expect lots of greenery on your way, but not much else. This route runs almost entirely through mile after mile of dense forest. In case you need to take a break or grab something to eat during the drive, there are a couple extremely small towns along the route, which will have a family-owned restaurant or two (what we call “sodas”), and a minimarket.
As you arrive to Manuel Antonio, you’ll likely be surprised at the winding roads that weave between the cluster of interconnected hills that make up this area. The town of Manuel Antonio sits right in the middle them.
Due to the area’s hilly nature, almost every restaurant and hotel in town has great views looking out over the ocean. Forested hills also means there are opportunities for good ziplining and wildlife spotting.
You’re mostly here for the beaches though, and you won’t be disappointed. Manuel Antonio is justifiably one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach destinations for international tourists and locals alike.
There is a big main beach as well as several other smaller ones you, so I suggest dropping off your bags at your accommodation, and then heading straight to the beach.
Afternoon
Manuel Antonio has lots of options to keep you entertained. If relaxation is what you’re looking for, several of the area’s luxury hotels offer day passes, where you can enjoy their pools, grounds, spa, etc.
Boasting a very calm atmosphere and amazing cocktails, my go-to is always Makanda Hotel. Spending the day next to their pool with a drink in hand and admiring the spectacular view is always a great plan.
If you’d like to do something more active, you can also embark on some more zip-lining through the surrounding forest canopy. Companies like Canopy Safari offer great tours with professional guides.
Evening
For a memorable dining experience, visit El Avión, a unique restaurant located inside a refurbished cargo plane. The restaurant has great views of the ocean and they serve delicious seafood dishes. They’re famous for their margaritas, so be sure to have one or two.
If you want to extend the evening, Manuel Antonio has plenty of nightlife. Right in front of El Avión, the Selina Hotel has almost daily parties and events (usually for younger audiences though). Alternatively, take a short 5-minute walk over to Restaurante La Cantina, where you’ll find live music every night.
For something different, you could go on a nighttime wild-life spotting walk. So much of our wildlife is nocturnal, so this is a nice chance to see some animals you might not otherwise see. The tour also includes a good dinner.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio
When staying in Manuel Antonio, you have two places to look at: Manuel Antonio town itself and the nearby little city of Quepos.
Quepos is a busy little place where locals live. It’s not particularly scenic and it’s further from the park/beach. Manuel Antonio is located about halfway between Quepos and the beach, and it’s really just one road with a smattering of accommodation, restaurants, tourism operators, and small stores catering to tourists located on a couple of side streets. It’s nice though and where I’d recommend you stay.
Hotel recommendations:
Arenas del Mar - $500 USD.
Gaia Hotel & Reserve - $280 USD.
Parador Resort & Spa - $270 USD.
Hotel La Mariposa - $200 USD.
Hotel Costa Verde - $150 USD.
Hotel Naoz - $100 USD per night.
Day 6: Manuel Antonio - nature parks and ocean cruises
Photo: Axxis10, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning
No visit to Manuel Antonio would be complete without spending some time in the National Park, so that’s how you should spend your morning (and maybe the whole day).
This is is one of the smallest national parks in the country, but it’s known for its exceptional natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and stunning beaches. You can explore the park by yourself or go for a guided nature walk through the park's trails.
Because the park can get very crowded, if you want to have a guide I recommend opting for a private tour. It makes the experience feel a bit less busy and commercial.
There’s a main trail that crosses the whole park and will take 2 to 3 hours to complete. Keep an eye out for monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds while you walk. You can also take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Espadilla Beach, so remember to bring your bathing suit.
The beaches inside the park are the most clean and peaceful in Manuel Antonio, so if you’re interested in a quiet day surrounded by beautiful sights and pristine sand, this is the place to be.
Entrance to the park can only be booked online and there is a very limited number of tickets, so make sure you get yours a few days in advance. You should buy your entrances on the official website, which will require that you create an account with them. If you’re going with a tour, you probably don’t need to buy tickets, but you should confirm this with the tour operator.
The park is extremely popular and it gets quite busy, so I recommend arriving early in the day, when the atmosphere will be more tranquil.
If a beach day sounds boring and you want a little more adventure, you could split the day and spend half of it whitewater rafting nearby on the Naranjo river.
Afternoon
You could definitely spend the entire day in Manuel Antonio National Park, so the below plan will only be applicable if you get a super early start in the park and then head back to town for the afternoon.
Assuming that you’re back in town for lunch, head to El Wagon. This is a nice restaurant with an old-fashioned train wagon right in the middle of it, and they specialize in artisanal brick oven pizza. Grab a quick lunch, because you’ll need to hustle to catch the next activity of the day: a catamaran cruise.
After lunch, experience the beauty of the ocean by going on a catamaran cruise. You’ll sail along the coastline, enjoying the sea breeze, looking out fordolphins and turtles, and snorkeling through vibrant coral reefs. I’d suggest booking your cruise with Ocean King, which offers fantastic tours.
Most tours last from noon until sundown, so prepare for one of the most beautiful sunsets of your life, seen from the boat.
If you want to do a boat ride that is a bit more wildlife-focused, you can also head off on a half-day boat excursion to the Damas Island mangrove forest.
Evening
Enjoy a seafood feast at the casual beach-side Marlin Restaurant. The restaurant has great views, a laid-back atmosphere, and fantastic ceviche and grilled fish. Buen provecho!
Overnight in Manuel Antonio
For hotel recommendations, see my list on Day 5.
Day 7: Manuel Antonio – relaxation and beach time
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Manuel Antonio Spice Farm. Take a guided tour and learn about the wide variety of spices and tropical fruits grown here. Have breakfast and sample fresh fruits, aromatic Costa Rican coffee, along with other items.
Afterwards, it’s time to relax at the spa - it’s been a busy week of traveling after all! There are a few spas in town to choose from, but a local favorite is the Raindrop Spa. Here, a soothing massage or a rejuvenating treatment amidst nature will allow you to unwind and recharge, leaving you ready for the rest of the day.
Afternoon
For your last day, I suggest you head to one Manuel Antonio’s smaller beaches, which are less crowded and more low-key than the town’s main beach.
Playa Biesanz, just a short distance away from Manuel Antonio National Park, is quite secluded and tranquil. It’s ideal for snorkeling, paddle boarding, and escaping the crowds.
As a personal preference, I always pack a lunch and have a picnic on the beach, but if you’d prefer a restaurant, La Luna, built on a cliff and with panoramic ocean views, is also a great option.
Evening
At sundown, wander over to the Manuel Antonio Marina for a little change of scenery. There, you’ll find a variety of bars and restaurants perfect for a last dinner on the Pacific Ocean.
Another solid choice for a memorable dining experience is Emilio's Café. This is a charming restaurant specializing in seafood, and you must try their famous garlic shrimp!
Enjoy your dinner, soak in the atmosphere, admire the Pacific Ocean, and get ready to say goodbye to Costa Rica.
We’ll see you next time!
Overnight in Manuel Antonio
For hotel recommendations, see my list on Day 5.
Where to stay during this itinerary
For this itinerary, I recommend staying 1 night in San Jose, 1 night in Arenal, 2 nights in Monteverde, and 3 nights in Manuel Antonio. I think that this is the most logical plan and also the most pleasant. I especially think it’s nice to end your visit with some time on the beach, so finishing in Manuel Antonio is the obvious choice in this case.
Here are some recommended hotels, at different price points, for each place I suggest basing yourself in.
San Jose
Hotel Grano de Oro - Located in a historic mansion in the La Sabana neighborhood, this boutique property is exceedingly elegant and rooms have period furniture and lots of old world charm. $170 USD per night.
Hotel Presidente - Nice hotel on a pedestrian-only street in downtown, just 100 meters away from the National Theater. $120 USD per night.
Hotel Aranjuez - Technically in the Aranjuez neighborhood, but just a few minutes’ walk to Barrio Escalante, this hotel is quirky and fun. They’ve tried to make it feel as not urban as possible with a clear “jungle tree house vibe”. $70 USD per night.
Hotel Casa 69 - On the edge of downtown, this colorful little guesthouse is cheap and cheerful. $50 USD per night.
Arenal
Nayara Springs and Nayara Gardens - Managed by the same company, both of these eco-resort hotels take luxury and “rainforest chic” to new levels. If you want to blow your budget on a memorable night or two, you can’t go wrong with either. $800 USD.
Amor Arenal - If you’re up for a splurge, Amor Arenal is tough to beat; it’s full on, 5-star luxury in an intimate setting. Rooms are their own private little cabins, each with plunge pools, hardwood floors, delightful beds, and outstanding views. $650 USD.
Arenal Manoa Resort -Great views, pretty grounds, and comfortable rooms for a reasonable rate. $200 USD.
Arenal Observatory Lodge and Trails - Everything here is well done (and the on-site restaurant pretty good) and it’s a very pleasant spot for the night. $150 USD.
La Fortuna Waterfall Bungalows - Good budget option, especially for families - the rooms are all cute little wooden chalets and some have 2 separate bedrooms. $100 USD.
Monteverde
Hotel Belmar - This longstanding sustainability-focused hotel has a very Alpine lodge feel. Big, airy rooms have hardwood floors and wood paneling with large windows and great balconies overlooking the hills and forest all around. $300 USD.
Senda Monteverde - On the outskirts of Santa Elena town and adjacent to the Aguti Wildlife Reserve (to which guests have free access), this is another high-end, modern hotel. $300 USD.
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens - Located just on the edge of Santa Elena but secluded enough that you wouldn’t know it, this is a good high-end option if you want to be close to town (walking distance) while still feeling totally immersed in nature. $280-400 USD.
Cloud Forest Lodge - This is a new hotel, luxury-ish in class, and the main appeal is that you’re high up in the hills and totally surrounded by nature. The rooms are all little private chalets. $300 USD.
Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel & Farm - Located right next to the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens in a private nature reserve, you have trails right on your doorstep. Rooms are simple but nice and breakfast is pretty good. $125 USD.
Los Pinos Cabins & Reserve - It’s not fancy, but I like Los Pinos. As the name suggests, the rooms are all private cabins which are simple and rustic, but very clean and comfortable. $100 USD.
Manuel Antonio
Arenas del Mar - If you’ve got the budget for it, this is the obvious choice in Manuel Antonio. Avoid staying in September/October when the hotel does yearly maintenance. $500 USD.
Gaia Hotel & Reserve - Located off the road connecting Quepos and Manuel Antonio, this is a very good adults-only boutique option. The rooms are spacious and modern, the on-site La Luna restaurant is actually good and the multi-level pool is a treat. $280 USD.
Si Como No Resort - If you’re coming with kids, this is a good choice. It’s a larger hotel with a more “beach resort” feel, so it’s definitely not intimate, but it checks all the boxes. $300 USD.
Parador Resort & Spa - Another resort-style hotel located at the end of a long road, a 5-minute walk to the beach. Set in the jungle overlooking the ocean, the pools are superb, grounds meticulously maintained, and everything feels luxurious. $270 USD.
Hotel La Mariposa - A quick walk to everything in MA town, the hilltop location means it has some of the best views in the area. Their infinity pool is great, service is excellent, and many rooms offer spectacular ocean views. $200 USD.
Hotel Costa Verde - Just a couple minutes from the beach and park, the rooms (and bungalows) here are spread out over a fairly large property. The unique style is a mix of eclectic and rustic, which I find very fun. $150 USD.
Hotel Naoz - This is a good budget option located in the center of Manuel Antonio town. It’s a small hotel with super modern rooms that are simple, but immaculate and comfortable. $100 USD.
Things to consider when planning your trip
Is a week enough time for a trip to Costa Rica?
While a week is enough time to get a good introduction to Costa Rica, no, it’s certainly not enough time to see the whole country.
While Costa Rica is small and our road network decent, getting between places can still take a lot of time. Also, because most visitors come here to enjoy nature and the outdoors, it's not possible to hop around and visit many places in a single day; you can’t drive up to the jungle and just pop in for a 30-minute look. You’ll usually need to spend at least a few days in each destination you go to.
In an ideal world, I always recommend spending at least two weeks here for your first trip, as this gives you enough time to calmly experience much of what Costa Rica has to offer and to cover much more of the country.
Many of us don’t have the luxury of two weeks of uninterrupted vacation though, so even if all you have is a week, you can still accomplish a lot. Ultimately, Costa Rica is quite small, and many of our main attractions are within a few hours of each other, which means that a one-week road trip is enough time to see some of the highlights.
When to visit
Costa Rica has a tropical climate, and while it's generally warm year-round, there are two primary seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the rainy season (May to November).
If you’re looking for (almost) guaranteed good weather, the best time to visit Costa Rica is from December to April, which is our dry season.
Of course, there are other factors beyond just the weather to consider, so the right time for you will depend on your preferences, travel style, the activities you’re interested in, and your budget.
Dry season offers consistently sunny weather and lower chances of rain, especially on the Pacific coast. It's an excellent time for outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring national parks. However, since most people visit during these months, the crowds are also largest at this time of year and prices for everything shoot up.
The rainy season, although certainly not ideal for most visitors, is not necessarily a bad time to visit. Even in rainy season, Costa Rica doesn’t typically have constant rain; most days you can expect afternoon showers and the occasional downpour, but decent weather the rest of the day.
This is also considered the "green" season, so there’s always lots of wildlife activity, the rainforests look spectacular, and water-based activities like whitewater rafting are more thrilling due to the higher river levels. You will also find far fewer crowds and lower prices for just about everything. But you generally need to have more days for your trip to mitigate the risk of losing days to rain (trail wash outs, closed parks, cancelled activities, etc.).
Where to go on a first trip
Costa Rica boasts a huge number of attractions that showcase our natural wonders and cultural heritage. Every destination and part of the country offers something unique, but there are still some iconic places that I think almost every visitor should see.
So, if it’s your first time, I consider Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio to be guaranteed “must visits”.
Arenal volcano is perhaps Costa Rica’s most iconic attraction and it’s a place where adventurers can hike, zip line, and relax and unwind in gorgeous natural hot springs.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve offers a unique experience with its misty forests and impressive biodiversity.
For beach lovers, we have loads of stunning coastal landscapes and busy beach towns, but I think Manuel Antonio serves as the best one for an introduction.
For those with a bit more time, some other incredible destinations are Tortuquero (although rather remote), the Osa peninsula, Nosara, basically all of Guancasate province, and any of the beautiful and less touristy beaches along the Caribbean coast, like Playa Cahuita or Puerto Viejo. There are too many places to list!
For some more ideas on where to go, check out our guide to 16 beautiful places in Costa Rica.
How to get around
Traveling around Costa Rica is relatively simple. Considering that you can go from the Caribbean coast in Limon to the Pacific Ocean in Puntarenas in approximately four and a half hours, nowhere you are planning to visit will be that far away.
Renting a car, using public transportation, or various kinds of private transfer service are all possibilities when traveling here.
That said, I think that renting a car is the right choice for most people and most trips.
Renting a car
The plan in this itinerary is not feasible if you’ll be relying on public transportation, at least not in only 7 days. So, you should expect to rent a car if you want to follow this route.
Renting a car in Costa Rica is easy, driving is mostly hassle free, and you’ll find many of the big international rental companies here as well as a host of local ones (which are often less expensive).
If you’re planning on renting a car during your visit, know that you’ll find all the major international companies in Costa Rica as well as lots of smaller local agencies. There are lots of options at the San Jose airport. Big international companies like Hertz and Payless are the most popular, but they are pricier than local options, of which there are many.
To check prices and book, I recommend using DiscoverCars. It’s a car rental website that includes offerings from all the major international rental companies as well as lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing. You can often find great deals.
Public transport
Public transportation in Costa Rica is not comprehensive, and you will definitely be limited in where you can get to if you are relying exclusively on buses.
However, there are direct bus services to and between all of the most popular destinations around the country. These intercity buses are relatively comfortable, safe, and fairly affordable. Just try to get your tickets online beforehand, as buses depart at very specific hours.
Bus tickets can be purchased online up to a week prior (I recommend reserving in advance), but you can also buy them at the station. It is unusual for buses to be sold out, but it does happen, so keep that in mind.
Uber & taxis
As a local, I would recommend using Uber whenever possible, especially when exploring the capital. In San Juan, you’ll see lots of taxis as well, but they are usually more expensive, and unfortunately, they will often overcharge tourists.
Bigger cities and towns will all have Uber, but if you’re visiting a secluded spot or very small town, this will likely not be an option. There will likely be a taxi that you can call though, or a local bus, so just ask a local and they’ll usually be able to point you in the right direction.
Booking in advance
As you’re surely aware, Costa Rica is squarely on the tourist map, and our premier destinations are very popular, so be sure to plan ahead and make reservations for accommodation, transportation (either transfers or car rental), and guided activities well in advance.
Tours and organized experiences are especially important to reserve ahead of time, as space fills up quickly and the best tour operators and companies will often get booked out.
Also keep in mind that while many activities, hikes, and adventures can in theory be done “DIY” (without a guide or tour operator), that’s not always practical if you have limited days and a tight schedule.
Many visitors arrive thinking that they’ll just wing it, and unfortunately they often leave disappointed. So plan ahead and avoid missing out on a day of adventure because you tried to make last-minute bookings.
Safety
When thinking about safety while traveling around Costa Rica, just use common sense. Costa Rica is regularly named one of the happiest countries in the world, and most locals really are quite happy and willing to assist anyone who needs help or guidance.
Of course, this is still a developing country, and here, as anywhere, there are people who will try to take advantage of tourists. So, always listen to your gut instinct, and if something feels off or uncomfortable, don’t do it.
Follow the usual safety precautions like leaving important documents in a safe or concealed place, don’t travel with too much cash, and be aware of your surroundings. If you have a rental car, don’t leave high-value items sitting in plain sight, especially when you’ll be gone from the car for a while.
If you ever have an emergency or feel unsafe, the police force is entirely reliable, so do not hesitate to call them or ask an officer for assistance.
More Costa Rica travel info
For more advice on planning your trip to Costa Rica, have a look at some of our other guides and itineraries!
Jorge Varela
Costa Rica Expert based in Naranjo
¡Hola y buenos días! 👋
Hi, I'm Jorge, and I've been a tour guide and travel consultant here in Costa Rica for the last 10 years. If you're looking for some local advice on your trip, I'd love to help!
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