Given the small size of Costa Rica and how accessible it is by vehicle, you'll be able to visit the jungle, volcanoes, and great beaches in the same 7-day trip. Alternatively, skip the bustling city altogether and head straight on a day trip to Tortuga Island, a beautiful island paradise that is only accessible by boat. Allow up to 5 hours for this experience, which we think is a must for first-timers to the city. Below, Ill suggest a few stay options that will help you sort your hotels as well. Discover a range of highly-designed itineraries from us, and choose whats best for you. Throughout the park, there are many short hiking trails that lead through specific vegetation where youll find lots of local species of wildlife. In fact, this is a great, relaxing thing to do during your 7 days in Costa Rica! You could, however, plan your trip two weeks after the holiday season and still can have a great time in Costa Rica. Other highlights here include six hanging bridges, 14 tree platforms, one double belay rappel, and 9 other double-anchored zip lines. So, you have to do a night walk through the rainforest to see and appreciate all the critters that only come out after dark. This happens because acidic and neutral waters combine, creating enough particle concentration to reflect light. Day 4: Embrace Pura Vida and Relax! Further along, youll see the Borbollones or Bubbling Hot Pot. Youll meet your guide at the park entrance and explore, spotting a ton of wildlife and learning about the area. After the tour, youre free to enjoy the beaches and relax. La Fortuna Waterfall, Costa Rica: Everything you need to know. This particular route is 130 km (80.7 miles). Dry season begins in December and runs through late April/ early May. This is typically considered the best time to visit Costa Rica, but I usually tell people to visit in May through July for lower prices and less crowds. However, early 2021 might actually be the perfect time to visit and enjoy the dry season weather. Bear in mind that portions of the route twist and turn and fog over by noon. But, all countries will require a valid passport (6 months of minimum validity) to enter Costa Rica. Therefore we recommend departing early so that you can get to Manuel Antonio in time for a gorgeous beach sunset. When it comes to rooms and amenities, the hotel provides free private parking, ticket service, and free Wi-Fi on-site. Save up to 50% on tours and trips. There is even a small bar on the beach selling fresh coconuts, soft drinks, beers, and cocktails. You can also find below the estimated tour price for this 7 days Costa Rica itinerary. Always get travel insurance before you travel. And finally you will hop on the bus from Quepos into Manuel Antonio which will take just 15 minutes and is $1 USD. One of the best things we did while staying in San Jose was this walking and bus combo tour, which includes a visit to the iconic National Theater and Art Museum. They sell amazing burgers from prime beef supplied by grass-fed animals on a nearby farm. Its located a 3-minute or 17-minute walk from Manuel Antonio! It is open every day from 12 pm 10 pm. Luxury Hotels Fancy up a stay? Costa Rica is a veritable nature wonderland, largely regarded as one of the world's last unspoiled wildernesses. Its one of the best things we did in Manuel Antonio and it was lovely to relax and enjoy a few drinks out on the water. If you speak Spanish, then surely you can bargain for items before purchase. Along the way, youll see Rio Celeste Waterfall, the Bubbling Hot Pot, and Tenidoros. Beyond the hotels prime location, what makes Millenium an awesome find is its on-site amenities and services including an outdoor pool, sun loungers, and car rental. La Mariposa has a lot more in store for its guests, too. If traveling on a guided tour, listen to all instructions received and keep a note of them. A private room here costs from as low as $40 USD. If you are short on time, check out our guide on5 days in Costa Rica instead. Accommodations play a crucial role in deciding the price fluctuation. Poas Volcano National Park is open every day from 8 am to 3:30 pm, and the ticket price is $15 USD. Reward yourself today with lots of relaxation. This blog may contain affiliate links. How much will the above curated itinerary cost?The above Costa Rica itinerary 7 Days will cost you $900 $1200. If you are arriving late or very early and just want a place to rest your head, check out these amazing hotels near the SJO international airport. If you want to go snorkeling, theyll show you exactly where to go, and its the same snorkeling spot we went on the sunset cruise. Its a great introduction to San Jose and also allows you to explore busy markets and plazas with a knowledgeable guide. The salads and vegetables are of the highest quality and are delivered daily with every detail planned to create a heavenly, delicious tall, rich burger. From exploring the stunning National Theater, which is one of the most prestigious buildings in Costa Rica, to learning about the citys fascinating history at the National Museum, its easy to spend several hours here and not get bored. With its wooden furniture and tropical decor, its brimming with Costa Rican charm everywhere you look. Without a tour, entry to the park is $15 USD for adults and $5 for children its one of the best cheap things to do in La Fortuna. They have a beautiful on-site restaurant and bar where you can enjoy a view of the garden or the pool. at Night Walks Santamaria. This Costa Rica 6-day itinerary is perfect for kids and adults alike! Along with a Costa Rican guide below, Ive also curated a detailed 7 days Costa Rica road trip itinerary to plan you help your journey well. Find destinations that inspire you, parenting.com. Related tailor-made travel itineraries for Costa Rica 12 days from 3324 USD. Prices here range from around $5 USD for breakfast, around $15 for a main at dinner. Related Read: Not keen on staying in the city? Selina La Fortuna boasts 94 comfortably designed rooms accompanied by various amenities such as complimentary private parking, concierge services, baggage storage, and free Wi-Fi. Mercadito Arenal is a relatively new gourmet food court in La Fortuna, offering tasty meals from a variety of restaurants and an exclusive Voodoo Mixology Bar. Explore Arenal Volcano National Park and enjoy the phenomenal panoramas around the park, which boasts hanging bridges, striking waterfalls, and the famed Baldi hot springs. You may also want to see our tours and holidays in Costa Rica: Unlock discounts globally. Not only because of its abundant travel opportunities, but also the fact the country is so beautiful that it will leave you mesmerized. Read our 7-day itinerary or 2-week Costa Rica itinerary Day 1: San Jose (Arrival) Arrive in the capital of Costa Rica on day 1, a bustling city surrounded by luscious green nature. La Fortuna Waterfall Just across the Arenal Volcano, youll find a more serene natural spot La Fortuna Waterfalls. Dont forget: the park is closed on Monday. (22 hours by paved road from Manuel Antonio). We have traveled Costa Rica extensively and even lived there for a while! Traveling to Costa Rica? Plus, the itinerary starts in San Jose, which is where your international flight will likely land. WebDay 15 - Nayauca waterfall tour in the morning, Villa afternoon and swimming for the kids. Its similar to glacier lakes that reflect rock flour. Right from indulging in rainforest hikes, brisk high-altitude trails, and epic surfing coasts the country will want you to witness each of its experiences up close. Then opt for a change of pace by relaxing on the stunning Tamarindo Beach, capping the adventure with a spectacular sunset voyage onboard a 20-meter-long catamaran. Head to San Jose to spend a final day exploring the city with its many things to do suited for children, such as the Childrens Museum. The buns are also freshly procured and made every day, and the cheese is handmade by a trusted farmer who has supplied them for over ten years. The tour includes a 90-minute hike (more of a leisurely walk), a visit to a frog sanctuary, and ends with a Costa Rican dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove. We recommend limiting your itinerary to two destinations for a 7-10 day itinerary. To add some thrill to your Costa Rica journey, opt for a 44 jeep or a campervan. See moreadventure tours in Costa Rica. A full-service bar is also on hand, so you can enjoy a glass of champagne while relaxing in the pools. For drinks, the fresh Costa Rican coffee will certainly put a spring in your step, but they also serve mimosas and fantastic smoothies too. What we love is that Emilio, the owner often greets his guests in person. Pick your adventure! Then Costa Rica boasts high-end stays spread across the region. If you're interested in seeing Costa Rica's famous wildlife, a day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park is a must. It majorly covers famous experiences & activities, you could do in 7 days in Costa Rica. You'll pass again through the mountainous stretch between La Fortuna and San Ramnthats the way you cameto get back to the main highway heading east. Hey guys! The final activity on your 7 days in Costa Rica is this epic sunset cruise! With that said, these hot springs are probably not the best choice for those looking for a relaxing and peaceful experience. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. 2. The caf is situated behind Plaza Vista in central Manuel Antonio and it overlooks the Pacific Ocean, plus the food is all homemade. San Jose. From San Jose, you will head to La Fortuna, where you can hike volcanoes and chase giant waterfalls. Theres a popular sand bar where they like to hang out about halfway across the bridge, but youre basically guaranteed to see some check out both sides of the bridge while youre here! Travel Tip: To enter the country, youll first need to show your return ticket (proof of exiting the country). This 8-day Costa Rica trip takes you right into the heart of Costa Ricas most popular national parks such as Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and Manuel Antonio National Park. For your last day in Manuel Antonio, we recommend starting with a nice, easy activity, and that is walking to Biesanz Beach and from there walking along to North Espadrilla Beach. Basically, there are two international airports from where you can arrive in Costa Rica. How to book add-ons for the above itinerary?For accommodation, you can explore a plethora of options from Tripadvisor. Is Costa Rica expensive?Yes, Costa Rica is relatively an expensive destination when compared to other Latin & Central American places. and is characterized by its acid blue lake crater, which is one of the worlds biggest craters. Known as one of the most spectacular national parks in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park is a place you dont want to miss, which is why it has to be your first stop during your time in Manuel Antonio. Try to get a seat near the front of the plane, and don't dawdle when disembarking. Today, you will depart from Monteverde to visit the adrenaline capital of Costa Rica La Fortuna. Thanks for subscribing. However, tourist guides & local information will be in English only, or in bilingual. After all that hiking, if you arent too tired, its time to head to Mystico Adventure Park. Whats great about this road trip is that there are plenty of awesome stops along the way like La Paz Waterfall Gardens, which is about halfway between the two cities, and Poas Volcano, which is about 1.5 hours from San Jose. San Jos. You can also opt for additional activities & even extend your stay to explore other tourist places. When they finally tire of the exotic flora and fauna, enjoy a cooling dip beneath the cascade tiers of La Fortuna waterfall. Brief Itinerary Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Downtown San Jos Costa Rica's National Theater Welcome to Costa Rica, the land of pura vida ! For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. Jaco is one of the most touristic places in Costa Rica so you can choose from hundreds of restaurants. The only catch here is, that you can expect a large number of tourists flocking to the country to experience activities. 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