Planning a week in Costa Rica turns into an exciting adventure when you find this small nation contains about 6% of the earth’s biodiversity. The country sets aside 25% of its territory as protected national parks, which gives travelers a chance to experience amazing ecological wonders in an area smaller than West Virginia.
A week-long Costa Rica journey works great as a road trip since major attractions stay within easy reach. Having your own vehicle lets you freely explore this country that has become skilled at ecotourism. The seven-day route lets you see everything from lush rainforests to pristine beaches and towering volcanoes, all just hours apart.
Language barriers shouldn’t worry you if you’re planning a Costa Rica adventure. The country boasts the highest education level in Central America, and many locals speak English or understand simple phrases. This complete week-long Costa Rica journey takes you from San José to La Fortuna through Monteverde’s cloud forests and to Manuel Antonio’s wildlife-rich beaches. You’ll get a perfect mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation in 2025.
Day 1: Arrival in San José and Getting Oriented
Your costa rica one week itinerary should start in San José. The vibrant capital gives you a real taste of Costa Rican culture before you head out to see natural wonders. San José makes a great first stop that lets you adjust to the local way of life while you discover its rich heritage.
Explore downtown and local markets
San José’s soul comes alive in its bustling markets and downtown streets. Central Avenue (Avenida Central) lets you walk right through the heart of typical city life. The Central Market (Mercado Central) stands out as a local favorite where Costa Ricans shop daily. You’ll find everything here – fresh produce, herbs, flowers, handmade hats, coffee, cigars, and souvenirs.
Local markets and “sodas” (small family-run eateries) serve up the freshest ingredients in traditional Costa Rican dishes. Soda Tala dishes out must-try local favorites like casado (a typical lunch plate) and gallo pinto (a rice and beans mixture). La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora’s ice cream is another local treasure you shouldn’t miss – the locals love it.
Visit the National Museum or Jade Museum
San José’s museums tell fascinating stories about Costa Rica’s past. The National Museum sits inside the historic Bellavista Fort and walks you through the country’s history. You’ll see everything from pre-Columbian artifacts to exhibits about key moments like the 1949 military abolishment. This old fortress holds special meaning – it’s where president Jose Figueres Ferrer officially disbanded the army in 1948.
The Jade Museum in Plaza de la Democracia houses America’s biggest jade collection with over 7,000 pieces. Five floors showcase permanent exhibits and usually two temporary ones. The pre-Columbian jade carvings of goddesses, shamans, and animals date back to 300 BC. Adult tickets cost about USD 16.
Gold enthusiasts will love the Gold Museum’s collection of indigenous artifacts. The displays follow a timeline that shows how these ancient civilizations evolved. Adult admission runs around USD 15.
These three major museums – the Central Bank Museum, Jade Museum, and National Museum – sit less than a kilometer apart. One ticket gets you into all of them.
Where to stay in San José
The right neighborhood can make your costa rica travel itinerary even better. Downtown San José puts cultural spots like museums, theaters, and the Central Market right at your doorstep. Parking can be tough here, so it works best if you don’t have a rental car.
La Sabana area splits into Sabana Norte and Sabana Sur around Parque La Sabana. Sabana Norte’s Nunciatura area draws visitors with its condo towers and restaurants. This spot sits halfway between the airport and downtown – perfect for your costa rica 7 day itinerary.
Barrio Escalante has grown into a trendy spot known for nightlife and creative restaurants. Barrio Amón gives you a quieter option in one of the city’s oldest and safest areas, with plenty of places to eat nearby.
Some great places to stay include Hotel Presidente downtown, Santo Tomas Hotel & Wellness Center, and the Crowne Plaza San Jose La Sabana. These hotels give you a comfortable base while you explore the city before moving on with your one week in costa rica itinerary.
Day 2: Drive to La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano
Day two of your costa rica one week itinerary takes you away from San José’s urban setting to the stunning Arenal Volcano region. You’ll swap city life for natural wonders. This part of your costa rica travel itinerary brings amazing views, exciting hikes, and soothing hot springs that make up an unforgettable Costa Rican experience.
Scenic drive and route options
The trip from San José to La Fortuna covers about 130 kilometers (80 miles) and usually takes 3 hours without any stops. You’ll need to pick between two main routes. Most travelers take Route 1 and Route 702, which navigation apps suggest as the quickest way. You might also get directions through Route 1, Route 702, and Route 141 via Santa Clara, which takes about the same time.
The roads are mostly paved and in good shape. The cloud forest section after San Ramon needs extra care because the fog gets very thick. Watch out for the narrow, one-lane bridges where you’ll see “CEDA el Paso” signs. These signs mean you should let oncoming traffic pass.
Your costa rica 7 day itinerary can include these amazing stops along the way:
- Poas Volcano National Park: You’ll find one of the world’s biggest crater lakes here with easy to moderate trails. Note that you need to buy tickets ahead on the SINAC website.
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park: This place shows off five beautiful waterfalls with a 3-kilometer trail and lookout spots. Set aside at least 3 hours if you want lunch too.
- Catarata del Toro: This waterfall ranks among Costa Rica’s highest and sits inside an extinct volcano crater. The descent is worth it, but you’ll want a 4WD vehicle to handle Bajos del Toro’s roads.
Hike Arenal Volcano National Park
Your one week itinerary costa rica should include a hike in Arenal Volcano National Park. Here you’ll get close to one of Costa Rica’s five active volcanoes. The park has several easy trails that wind through new forest and old lava fields. The main area gives you the best volcano views on a 5 km (3.1 miles) loop.
You can walk Sendero Las Heliconias (600 meters), Sendero Las Coladas (2 km), or Sendero El Ceibo (3 km loop). These trails stay mostly flat except for one short steep climb to see the lava flows. The park added a metal walkway that leads to a round viewing platform, which makes it easy to see the volcano without tough climbing.
The park isn’t just about geology. You might spot white-faced capuchin monkeys, coati, Great Curassow, various lizards, bats, and lots of birds.
Evening at the hot springs
Your costa rica itinerary 7 days should end with a relaxing dip in La Fortuna’s hot springs. The Arenal Volcano feeds these thermal waters, creating nature’s perfect spa. Each venue offers something different in terms of water temperature and extras.
The Springs Resort & Spa caters to luxury travelers with 25 thermal pools, swim-up bars, and restaurants. Tabacon Hot Springs gives you a more natural setting with thermal rivers and waterfalls in garden surroundings, though it gets busy and needs advance booking.
If you’re watching your budget on your 1 week costa rica itinerary, try Baldi Hot Springs. It has 25 pools ranging from 91°F to 152°F (33°C to 67°C). Ecotermales Hot Springs limits guests to 80 people at once, which creates a quieter atmosphere.
Day passes come with or without food. Prices start at USD 30 for basic entry at Baldi and go up to USD 158 for full packages at Tabacon with meals. These thermal waters offer the perfect way to end your day of Arenal adventures.
Day 3: La Fortuna to Monteverde Cloud Forest
Day three of your costa rica one week itinerary kicks off with thrilling adventures in La Fortuna. You’ll then head to the misty peaks of Monteverde Cloud Forest. The day mixes heart-pumping activities with one of the most beautiful drives in your costa rica travel itinerary.
Morning zipline or waterfall tour
La Fortuna has some of Costa Rica’s best zipline experiences. You can pick between two amazing options: the Sky Trek Canopy Tour at Arenal Sky Adventures Park and the Big AMA Canopy Tour at Arenal Mundo Aventura Ecological Park. These tours last about two to three hours. Sky Trek comes with a free aerial tram ride, while Big AMA lets you zip right over La Fortuna Waterfall.
The stunning La Fortuna Waterfall could be your other morning choice. The water drops 246 feet (76 meters) into two swimming pools. The waterfall sits in a biological reserve inside Arenal Volcano National Park. You’ll need to walk down 530 steps to reach the waterfall’s base. Gates open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Make sure to enter by 4:00 p.m. to get the full experience.
Drive around Lake Arenal
The scenic Lake Arenal route leads you to Monteverde. This 107-kilometer loop shows off amazing views of Arenal Volcano and lush rainforest. Small villages dot the winding roads, and plenty of viewpoints make perfect photo stops.
The best time to take this drive is between November and August for clear views. Mirador Lake Arenal viewpoint rewards you with sweeping views of Costa Rica’s biggest lake, surrounded by rolling hills and thick forests.
Relaxing evening in Monteverde
Monteverde welcomes you with its peaceful atmosphere. The Monteverde Night Tour is a great way to end your day and find nocturnal wildlife. Small groups head out with flashlights at 6:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. for two-hour guided walks.
Night walks often reveal five types of mammals (including monkeys, agoutis, and sloths), several reptiles and amphibians (watch for the beautiful red-eyed frog), plus various birds and insects. Kids four and older can join this easy-going activity. It’s the perfect way to wrap up an exciting day in your 1 week costa rica itinerary.
Day 4: Monteverde Nature and Adventure
The mystical cloud forest of Monteverde awaits on day four of your costa rica one week itinerary. This enchanted forest ecosystem stays perpetually shrouded in mist and stands as a highlight of any costa rica travel itinerary.
Walk the hanging bridges
The forest canopy’s hanging bridges give you a view that ground-level hiking simply can’t match. Scientists have found that roughly 90% of rainforest organisms make their home in the canopy level. Several parks provide different hanging bridge experiences.
Selvatura Park’s trail stretches 3 km (1.9 miles) through pristine cloud forest with eight suspension bridges. These bridges reach lengths up to 170 meters (560 feet). Sky Adventures’ Sky Walk features six bridges and boasts Costa Rica’s longest bridge at 236 meters (774 feet). You can explore both parks at your own pace in about 1-2 hours.
Sky Walk works particularly well for families with young kids. The park’s two separate loops let you choose a shorter route with just four bridges that takes about an hour.
Visit butterfly and hummingbird gardens
The butterfly gardens showcase more than 30 Costa Rican butterfly species from different altitudes and climates. Monteverde’s Butterfly Gardens has educated visitors about Costa Rica’s insects and arachnids for over 30 years. The facility houses around 30 butterfly species in four distinct habitats.
The hummingbird gardens display about 14 different species of these jewel-like birds. Visitors can get remarkably close to these magnificent creatures. Some hummingbirds might even land on your extended fingers near the feeding stations.
Optional night wildlife tour
A professional night tour shows you a completely different side of Monteverde. About 80% of local wildlife becomes active after dark. Expert guides lead these 2-hour tours at 6 pm and 8 pm.
Each night walk typically reveals up to five mammal species, one to three reptile and amphibian species, several birds, and countless insects. You might spot monkeys, sloths, kinkajous, the beautiful red-eyed frog, tarantulas, and sometimes hunting vipers.
The tours come equipped with telescopes, flashlights, and transportation. Prices range from USD 28-45 per adult depending on your chosen company.
Day 5-6: Manuel Antonio Beaches and National Park
The final chapters of your costa rica one week itinerary take you to Manuel Antonio, a place where pristine beaches blend with lush rainforest. These two days are a perfect way to end your costa rica travel itinerary. You can balance wildlife encounters with coastal relaxation.
Drive to Manuel Antonio with scenic stops
The trip from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio covers about 150 kilometers (93 miles) and takes 3-4 hours. You’ll drive on the Inter-American Highway (Route 27) and Route 34, with paved roads most of the way. Local experts say the drive gets easier after you leave Monteverde’s mountain roads.
Make your costa rica itinerary 7 days special with a stop at the famous Crocodile Bridge along the Tárcoles River. The rainy season (September-October) needs extra caution as these months have the most traffic accidents.
Explore Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio might be Costa Rica’s smallest national park, but it ranks among its most visited spots. A 1.3-mile flat, sandy path connects the park’s beautiful beaches. Naturalist guides are a great way to get more from your visit—they spot sloths, monkeys, and birds that most people miss.
To make the most of your 1 week costa rica itinerary, buy park tickets online early—they sell out fast during peak season. The park is home to three monkey species: Capuchin, Howler, and the endangered Squirrel monkeys. Remember the park stays closed on Tuesdays.
Catamaran cruise or beach day
End your costa rica 7 day itinerary with a catamaran trip or beach time. Catamaran tours run 3-4 hours and include lunch or dinner, unlimited drinks, and chances to see dolphins. These cruises show off Manuel Antonio’s coastline beautifully.
The region’s beaches offer another great option. Playa Espadilla sits just outside the park and stretches over a mile with plenty of services. The park’s Playa Manuel Antonio features white sands and great snorkeling spots. Playa Biesanz offers a quiet escape with calm waters that work well for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Some final thoughts
Costa Rica stands out as a perfect spot for travelers who want to see different sides of a country in just a week. A road trip through its most amazing regions gives you both flexibility and ease of travel. You’ll get to explore everything from San José’s culture to Arenal’s volcanoes, Monteverde’s misty forests, and Manuel Antonio’s beautiful beaches. Each stop shows off a different side of Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
The route makes the most of your limited time. Short driving distances between locations mean more time for activities instead of being stuck on the road. Costa Rica’s strong tourism setup helps too, with well-laid-out trails, expert guides, and nature-focused attractions all along the way.
Nature lovers will spot plenty of wildlife. The seven-day trip lets you see monkeys, sloths, exotic birds, and many more species right in their homes. The variety of wildlife you’ll find on this route is amazing, whatever your level of interest might be.
Thrill-seekers have lots to look forward to. Zip lines, hanging bridges, waterfall hikes, and thermal springs offer exciting ways to experience the landscape. Those who prefer to take it easy can enjoy pristine beaches, boat trips, and quiet evenings in nature.
This trip strikes the right balance between planning and freedom. You can follow the route while still having room to change plans based on weather, interests, or unexpected finds. It’s a great way to experience Costa Rica’s incredible nature, adventures, and culture in just seven days. The memories you make will last way longer than the trip itself.
Here are some FAQs about Costa Rica one week itinerary:
Is 1 week enough in Costa Rica?
A one week Costa Rica itinerary provides enough time to experience the country’s diverse ecosystems and adventure activities. With careful planning, your one week in Costa Rica itinerary can include visits to cloud forests, volcanoes, and beautiful beaches. While you won’t see everything, a well-structured costa rica itinerary one week allows you to enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed.
How to pack for 7 days in Costa Rica?
When preparing for your one week Costa Rica itinerary, focus on lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing suitable for tropical climates. Your one week itinerary costa rica packing list should include sturdy hiking shoes, swimwear for multiple water activities, quick-dry towels, and reef-safe sunscreen. Don’t forget rain gear and insect repellent as you’ll likely encounter both sunshine and rain during your costa rica one week itinerary.
How much money for 1 week in Costa Rica?
For a comfortable one week in Costa Rica itinerary, budget approximately $1,000-$1,500 per person excluding international flights. This budget for your one week itinerary costa rica covers mid-range accommodations, local transportation, meals at sodas (local eateries), and several guided tours. Your costa rica itinerary one week costs can vary significantly depending on whether you choose luxury eco-lodges or budget hostels.
How many days is ideal for Costa Rica?
While a one week Costa Rica itinerary works well for first-time visitors, 10-14 days allows for a more comprehensive experience. With a one week in Costa Rica itinerary, you’ll need to focus on just 2-3 regions like Arenal and Manuel Antonio. Many travelers find two weeks ideal for a relaxed one week itinerary costa rica that could be extended to include both Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
Is Costa Rica expensive?
Compared to other Central American destinations, Costa Rica is relatively expensive for a one week Costa Rica itinerary. However, your one week in Costa Rica itinerary costs can be managed by eating at local sodas, using public transportation, and choosing free natural attractions. The main expenses in your costa rica itinerary one week will be accommodations, rental cars, and adventure activities like zip-lining or guided hikes.
Can you do Costa Rica on your own?
Absolutely – planning your own one week in Costa Rica itinerary is very achievable with proper research. A self-guided one week itinerary costa rica gives you flexibility to explore at your own pace and make spontaneous stops. For your costa rica one week itinerary, many independent travelers successfully navigate using a combination of rental cars, public buses, and organized shuttles between destinations.
Is $20 a lot in Costa Rica?
In the context of a one week Costa Rica itinerary, $20 can cover a decent meal for two at a local soda or a short taxi ride. During your one week in Costa Rica itinerary, this amount might also pay for entrance to a national park or a few hours at a beachside bar. While not a fortune, your one week itinerary costa rica budget can stretch $20 further when spent at local establishments rather than tourist-focused venues.
Is it safe to travel to Costa Rica right now?
Costa Rica remains one of the safest travel destinations in Central America for your one week Costa Rica itinerary. As with any one week in Costa Rica itinerary, standard precautions against petty theft in tourist areas and careful driving on rural roads are recommended. The costa rica itinerary one week experience is generally very safe when staying aware of your surroundings and following local advice about areas to avoid.
