One Week Costa Rica Itinerary - 7 Days in Costa Rica
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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.
More Costa Rica travel info:
For more ideas on where to go in Costa Rica, check out our guide to 16 beautiful places in Costa Rica.
If you could use some one-on-one help planning your itinerary, consider scheduling a Costa Rica travel consultation with our Local Expert, Jorge!
Table of contents
One-week Costa Rica Itinerary
Day 1: San Jose - city and culture
Day 2: La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano - hiking and hot springs
Day 3: La Fortuna to Monteverde - adventures in the rainforest
Day 4: Monteverde - hanging bridges, zip-lining, and soaring above the canopy
Day 5: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio - downtime at the beach or some adventure in the parks
Day 6: Manuel Antonio - hiking, beaches, and an ocean cruise
Day 7 Manuel Antonio - soak in the sun and pamper yourself at the spa
Planning a Costa Rica Trip
When to visit
Transportation
Accommodation
Safety
Local help with your planning
Costa Rica is a small country, but there is an incredible abundance of things to see and do. This is a good “first-timers” itinerary, but what you should do with 7 days depends on your travel style and your interests. So, I suggest that you use this itinerary as a jumping off point.
If you could use some help figuring out a great plan for your Costa Rica trip, consider scheduling a Costa Rica travel consultation with me!
These are one-hour Zoom calls where we can chat about the trip you’re planning and I’ll share my tips and advice, answer your travel questions, and help you perfect your itinerary.
7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary
Itinerary overview
Alright, now let’s take a look at the plan. While you can’t see everything with just a week, a seven-day road trip provides an excellent opportunity for an introduction to the highlights of Costa Rica.
One week should give you enough time to do a bit of everything, including a mandatory visit to San José, some time to explore the mountains; volcanos; and cloud forests, and a relaxing few days on the beach.
Your flight will almost undoubtedly land in San José, so that’s where the week will begin. With just 7 days in Costa Rica, I would recommend spending just one day in San José.
After that, you can head to La Fortuna, where you’ll find the Arenal Volcano and its hot springs. Continue your journey to Monteverde, where you can hike through the cloud forest and experience thrilling canopy tours.
Finally, make your way to Manuel Antonio one of our most popular beaches, known for its pristine waters and abundant wildlife.
Renting a car
Before we get into the day-by-day, it’s important to mention that this plan is not really feasible if you’ll be relying on public transportation, 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.
To check prices and book, I recommend using the following two car rental websites:
DiscoverCars 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.
RentalCars is very similar and it’s now owned by Booking.com, so it’s backed by a familiar and reputable brand.
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 - 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. The location is very good for exploring the city, while being away from the busiest - and loudest - areas. Nightly rates usually run around $170 USD.
Hotel Presidente - This is a good option if you want to be in the center of everything. The hotel is on a pedestrian-only street in downtown, just 100 meters away from the National Theater. It’s good value at $120 USD a 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”. Rooms from $70 USD.
Hotel Casa 69 - On the edge of downtown, this colorful little guesthouse is cheap and cheerful. It’s clean, comfortable, and very well-located. You can usually find a room for $50 USD.
Connect with Jorge, our San Jose-based local expert, for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips!
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 is open from 8 am to 4 pm every day, with entrance tickets costing $15 for adult foreigners and $5 for children. Make sure to get your entrance tickets online beforehand, as there is usually a limited number sold per day. 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.
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 - 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. We’re in the $800 range for both.
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 of Arenal Volcano and lush rainforest all around you. Rooms from $650 USD.
Arenal Manoa Resort - If you want great views, pretty grounds, and comfortable rooms for a reasonable rate, Manoa is a good shout. Nightly rates start at $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. The grounds also have numerous walking trails if you want to go for an early morning stroll. Rooms from $150 USD.
La Fortuna Waterfall Bungalows - This is a good budget option, especially for families. The rooms are all cute little wooden chalets and some have 2 separate bedrooms. It’s just outside of downtown La Fortuna. Two bedroom chalets usually cost $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 - 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. Rooms start at $300 per night.
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. Expect to pay around $300 USD per night.
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. Nightly rates typically run from $280-400 USD.
Cloud Forest Lodge - If you want to really feel like you’re in the forest, with your own private walking trails and ziplines to boot, this is a solid choice. It’s 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. Rooms from $300.
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. Views on clear days can also stretch all the way the Pacific Ocean. Rooms are simple but nice and breakfast is pretty good; made with ingredients/products produced on site. Rooms start at $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. The hotel was awarded a certificate of sustainability by the Costa Rican government as well. You can usually get a standard cabin for $100 USD a night.
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!
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.
Jorge has answers!
Connect with Jorge in San Jose for the best local info and expert help planning a better trip to Costa Rica!
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.
Mid to Late 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.
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 - If you’ve got the budget for it, this is the obvious choice in Manuel Antonio. You’re just steps from your own private beach and the rooms are nestled into the rainforest, offering great sea views. Avoid staying in September/October when the hotel does yearly maintenance. Nightly rates range from $500-800 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, the multi-level pool is a treat, and the service is excellent. Standard rooms start at $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. The location is great and you’re just a quick walk to restaurants, shops, and everything else in town. Rooms cost around $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. Rooms without ocean views start at $270 USD per night.
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 and sunset panoramas. Nightly rates start at $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. For something memorable, opt to stay in one of the rooms created inside of an old airplane. You can sometimes find a rooms for $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. The pool is nice and there’s a bus stop right nearby that will get you down to the beaches and park in 15 minutes. Rooms run around $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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
Planning a Costa Rica trip
Costa Rica boasts a huge number of attractions that showcasing our natural wonders and cultural heritage. One of our iconic landmarks is the Arenal volcano, where adventurers can hike, zip line, and relax and unwind in gorgeous natural hot springs.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is another must-visit destination, which offers an enchanting experience with its misty forests and impressive biodiversity.
For beach lovers, we have stunning coastal landscapes and vibrant beach towns such as Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, and Santa Teresa. These hotspots offer great sunbathing, fantastic surfing and water sports, and relaxing atmospheres perfect for just hanging out and soaking it all in.
You could spend years getting to know all that Costa Rica has to offer, and spending at least two weeks here is always my recommendation, as this gives you enough time to calmly experience much of what Costa Rica has to offer.
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. 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 for a great introduction to my country.
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. So plan ahead and avoid missing out on a day of adventure because you tried to make last-minute bookings.
When to visit
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.
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).
Dry season
This is usually the most popular time to visit, as it offers consistently sunny weather and lower chances of rain. It's an excellent time for outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring national parks. The Pacific coast specifically experiences its driest months during this period, so you’ll be able to get a tan without worrying about rain.
Since most people visit during these months, the crowds are also largest at this time of year, so prices for everything shoot up, and competition for accommodations, tours, car rentals, etc., can become fierce.
Rainy Season
The rainy season, on the other hand, is not necessarily a bad time to visit. Unlike some places that experience monsoon-type rainy seasons, Costa Rica doesn’t typically have constant rain during this period. Instead, you can expect regular afternoon showers with some occasional heavy downpours, but you should otherwise have relatively pleasant weather for most of the day.
This is also considered the "green" season, so it’s a great time to visit for nature enthusiasts, as wildlife activity is abundant, our rainforests are 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. As I said, not a bad time to visit!
Transportation in Costa Rica
Traveling around Costa Rica is relatively simple. Considering that you can go from the costs of the Caribbean Sea 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 any kind of private service are all possibilities, so you should jut choose whichever option fits you best.
Public transport
Public transportation in Costa Rica is not necessarily 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.
Renting a car
If you are thinking about renting a car, 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.
I mentioned it earlier in the article, but if you’re trying to compare prices and get a sense of what’s available, I always recommend checking on DiscoverCars and RentalCars. They’re both online car rental aggregators that show options from lots of different companies.
When renting your car, no matter who you get it from, make sure to ask about return hours and drop-off locations, as some of them are closed at night and they might charge an added fee if you return the car to a different location.
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.
Accommodation
As for accommodations, you’ll find the whole spectrum of options here, from Airbnbs to Luxury hotels. Finding the right place to stay will only depend on where and when you’re planning to visit and your budget.
Every major tourist zone will have a good number of options for you to choose from, so take your time looking for a good place to stay. Almost all options will be listed online, so just do the usual research and pick a place that looks good and is within your budget. As always, reserve in advance, especially during high season, to avoid any unwelcome “no vacancy” surprises.
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.
Chat with Jorge in Costa Rica
