Im so excited for you to explore one of my favorite destinations in the world! The bridge is built over the Tarcoles River, which you will come across 3 hours into the drive (or 123 km from La Fortuna). Guided tour of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. 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. Follow up with a visit to one of many hot-springs complexes in the area as the sun sets behind Volcn Arenal. You dont necessarily need to book a room to access the hot springs. The owner, a trained chef in Mexico, spares no ingredients so you can taste the authenticity in the soft savory tacos and the mezcal in margaritas. I dont know about you, but I just love a good burger for lunch, and thankfully in the town of Jaco, theres an excellent burger joint. 7 days in Costa Rica offers the opportunity to explore some of this Central American nations most phenomenal natural sights. Embark on a canoe ride through the jungle in Tortuguero and explore this fascinating nature reserve before it's time to head back to San Jose. Hey guys! Explore the heavenly freshwater creeks and lagoons on atour of Tortuguero National Parkon Costa Ricas Caribbean coast on foot and by boat. Alternatively, you can drive and park at the trailhead, but youll still have to walk a few minutes to the beach through the jungle this is what keeps Biesanz Beach so quiet! Re: 3 to 4 day Itinerary for Costa Rica (Last week of May) May is a shoulder season, June is rain season. There are also lots of awesome restaurants in San Jose too, like Restaurante Grana DOro and Cafe Rojo, but we loved tasting the local cuisine at the Central Market. Prices start from as low as $8 for a main. Before I get to the itinerary part, its important to understand a few essential planning points before you plan any Costa Rica trips. This is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna, and exploring the park is an adventure that takes you to the volcanos base and slightly up its steep face. Their state-of-the-art guest rooms have elegant furnishings, updated facilities, and top-of-the-line technology. Along with the above-mentioned activities, you can also add Monteverde Butterfly Garden, El Trapiche, and Santa Elena Cloud Forest tours to your list. 10 day Costa Rica itinerary: Day 1: La Fortuna Mistico Hanging Bridges Park Since most international flights arrive in San Jose airport, this will be the starting point of our Costa Rica itinerary. WebAdvice on Costa Rica itinerary for 7 days. Costa Rica heavily depends on its tourism business, meaning that it is one of the crucial sources of income the country expects. There are eight jacuzzi-style pools here that cascade down and lower in temperature as you get closer to the bottom. The cost might eventually go up or down, based on the Costa Rica trips you take. If you have the time (i.e. Youll need at least 2 hours here if you want to climb the volcano as its an hour and 40-minute return trail to the viewpoint. Throughout the park, there are many short hiking trails that lead through specific vegetation where youll find lots of local species of wildlife. Rock pool relaxing Dec 30, 2021 2 Min read. Their bakery offers an array of fabulous pastries, especially the bagels and the flourless almond cookies! But, all countries will require a valid passport (6 months of minimum validity) to enter Costa Rica. Its a place where you can use the bathroom too. The only thing to note is that the insurance must be purchased once youve left your home country we typically buy it as soon as we land at the airport. Visit the National Center of Art & Culture This sprawling museum houses modern contemporary art, dance, and theatre. Alternatively, you can spend the day sunbathing or even hiking one of the many trails through the forest on the island. We like Nayara Gardens with its terrific views of the volcano. Through my partnership program, all additional activities & experiences will be available through G Adventures. Rio Celeste is open from 8 am to 4 pm, and its best to visit early in the morning when it is less crowded. The kids will love being surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungles of Arenal Volcano National Park. This is very important because the clouds can completely obstruct your view of the volcano believe me, on this, I once went and saw nothing but clouds. An evening meal caps off your trip before you turn in early to get ready for tomorrow morning's departure. Planning a perfect Costa Rica tour can be daunting, however, this guide is all about taking you on a journey through a 7-day itinerary. The bus holds 50 people seated and 20 standing so its important to be aware that you may have to stand for the journey. Waterfall trekking Whats great is that Manuel Antonio National Park is literally right next to Manuel Antonio town, so you dont have to spend any time really traveling here! Visa & Documentation: Visa requirements will differ from country to country. Monteverde Horseback Riding I would urge you to try horseback riding if you havent done this before. When it came to the included and extra activities they were all well organised with pick-ups and drop-offs, some doing lunches and a diverse range for thrill seekers or non thrill seekers. Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. There are 30+ guest rooms on the property, and a private bathroom is included in every room! For important safety guidelines & tips, visit the site to learn more. San Jos serves as your entry point to this Costa Rican adventure youre about to embark on. This stunning 230-foot (70 meters) waterfall shoots out from a tall cliff into a pool below thats surrounded by lush forest. Day 16 - Boat tour to Corcovado ranger station + After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. Set out on the scenic driveturn north at San Ramnto La Fortuna, which sits at the foot of Arenal Volcano and is its hub. They also have different types of cheesecakes and other healthy brunch options. The private Deluxe Room here costs fromUS$152 per night, while a bed in the Small Dorm costs around US$26 per night. Day 1 - San Jos, Costa Rica's capital Rent a car Visit the most populated city in Costa Rica Where to stay in San Jos? Related Read: Check out the best Things to do in Manuel Antonio! Tabacn Hot Springs is one of my favorite hot springs in La Fortuna. Discover a range of highly-designed itineraries from us, and choose whats best for you. See more6-day tours in Costa Rica. There are also a couple of beaches within the park to enjoy. Is Costa Rica Safe?Absolutely yes! 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. Further along, youll see the Borbollones or Bubbling Hot Pot. We welcome your questions or comments to this article. This specific full-day tour to Rio Celeste is a top choice. Yes, you get your accommodation, transport, and kitchen all sorted with a campervan. Even if you arent a coffee drinker, its worth sipping to relish the rich Costa Rican flavors. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. Although this might feel like a short time to, Whether you are traveling solo, as an adventure or wildlife enthusiast, or with your family, check out our best. Once in the park, you can wander the many different hiking trails, ranging in length. La Luna Restaurant is snuggled atop the Gaia Hotel & Reserve in a clubhouse, just minutes away from Manuel Antonio National Park and the Pacific Ocean. The park is home to monkeys, sloths, and a Beaches and Volcanoes 7 days from In case you want a little bit more about the country, why not check out our guide on10 days or 14 days in Costa Rica? Just park your car at one of the ends of the bridge and walk over to see the crocs in the wild. This blog may contain affiliate links. 7 DAY COSTA RICA ITINERARY - My Darling Passport. Monteverde is a land of epic greenery, proudly boasting eco-tourism & rich biodiversity. Other than the ones listed above, you can discover more at La Fortuna. La Fortuna (nights 1 and 2) Volcano Lodge Hotel and Thermal Experience. Boats leave from nearby Jaco or Puntarenas, both about 90 minutes from San Jose. Once youve refreshed in your hotel room after an epic morning and afternoon exploring, its time to head out again for something really cool a night walk and dinner tour of La Fortuna! The Jac exit takes you on the fairly good road to Manuel Antonio. Home stay with amazing families which including a cooking demo, cycle ride, swim in a river, a home cooked evening meal with locally sourced fresh food and one of the funniest games of football in the pouring rain with the local village children Ive ever played. Feel free to reach out to our local travel experts who can help you design your personalized trip to Costa Rica. This is especially true in Costa Rica because things are not very cheap here. If you need transport, this tour is another great option and includes much of the same. You can check availability and book Hotel La Mariposa online here! This 7 days in Costa Rica itinerary includes the countrys best sights, a visit to a sustainable farm, the striking cloud forest of Monteverde, and other thrilling outdoor activities. 7 Days in Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano Guanacaste Region You know your kids best. The longest trail is the Waterfall Trail and its around 5.5 miles (9 km), and most are much shorter in that 1-mile (1.5 km) range. Sugar cane factory experience (making your own candy) When they finally tire of the exotic flora and fauna, enjoy a cooling dip beneath the cascade tiers of La Fortuna waterfall. The best for swimming is Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio. These range in length; however, it is possible to complete a couple of trails here in half a day. It is one of the countrys biggest private wildlife sanctuaries and hosts five stunning waterfalls accessible via paved trails. (90 minutes by paved road from La Fortuna). This is definitely one of the best hotels in Manuel Antonio town. Unfortunately, there is no direct bus from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio, so you will need to take no less than 4 separate buses to get there, which will take approximately 9 hours and thats providing there are no delays! Day 5-6: Arenal (La Fortuna) Like Monteverde, Arenal is a hub for adventurous activity in Costa Rica, and the main town nearby is called La Fortuna.The Poas Volcano National Park is open every day from 8 am to 3:30 pm, and the ticket price is $15 USD. Late in the evening, you can explore the town, visit nightclubs & bars, and indulge in a delicious food experience. The rooms and suites here are cozy and homey andhave a ceiling fan, cable TV, and an en-suite bathroom. The restaurant serves local cuisine inspired by fresh seafood. Experience a canopy tour Nearly 51% of the country is occupied by rainforest, making it an ideal place to indulge in a canopy treetop tour. It is truly a spectacular place to hang out for couples as well as families. Hiking to a waterfall is one of the most popular things to do in Costa Rica and should not be missed. Volcanoes and beaches are two of the things Costa Rica does best, so the classic first-timers itinerary to Costa Rica takes in two of its most popular destinations: the impressive Arenal Volcano and the beaches of the Central Pacific coasts lovely Manuel Antonio. It includes all your transport, an English-speaking guide, lunch, snacks, and drinks for $133 USD. When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?Weather in Costa Rica: December, January, February, March, and April. These months make up the Dry Season, which is also peak tourist season. Travelling to Costa Rica in May and June. Visiting Costa Rica in July and August. Weather in Costa Rica: September, October and November. Be part of a volunteer program in Costa Rica. Learned so much. La Fortuna Waterfall Just across the Arenal Volcano, youll find a more serene natural spot La Fortuna Waterfalls. Your driver will pick you up from any hotel in La Fortuna, which is handy! Alternatively, you can relax for the rest of the day or visit Monteverde Butterfly Garden and El Trapiche. On the final day, transfer to Alajuela to prepare for departure. Within the property, you can find five different springs with mineralized, naturally heated water. Campervans are mostly meant for backpackers, but nowadays families opt for the same to set everything within a budget. When it came to which extra activities to do he knew which ones, which places to do them and gave us many things to choose from. This small city is situated in San Carlos, set amongst the gorgeous backdrop of Arenal Volcano. This specific spot is really close. Related Read: Check out the best Restaurants in San Jose. (45 minutes by paved road from airport to Pos Volcano; 2 hours by paved road from airport to La Fortuna). Its one of the most unique things to do during your 7 days in Costa Rica! Hot springs water park If you dont have a rental car the next easiest way to reach Manuel Antonio is by booking a direct shuttle, like this one which costs $48 USD and will take 5.5 hours. Youre lucky enough to be here with friends and family. Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall is easily done without a tour. Poas is also one of the most famous volcanoes to visit in Costa Rica. When we visited, we saw over 15 crocodiles! One of the best day trips (or half-day trips) from This capital city is diverse & much more cultural in terms of the experiences it has to offer. A private room here costs from as low as $40 USD. This restaurant/bar has an interesting history that stretches way back to the eighties. There is even a small bar on the beach selling fresh coconuts, soft drinks, beers, and cocktails. Visited hot springs, sandy beaches, walked though lush cloud forest, did some amazing exhilarating activities and met some amazing people Thoroughly enjoyed the holiday!, Hike through the rainforests of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, 5 days in Costa Rica : Our Recommendations, Two Weeks in Costa Rica: Top 5 Recommendations, 10 Days in Costa Rica: Top 3 Recommendations. Theres definitely more but I think Ive named enough The second bus is San Ramon to Puntarenas which is 1.5 hours and will cost you $3 USD. Parking at Rio Celeste costs 2,000 colones per vehicle, and the park entrance fee is $12 USD for adults. Basically, there are two international airports from where you can arrive in Costa Rica. Although La Fortuna is absolutely stunning during the day, it really comes alive at night! The first bus is the La Fortuna to San Ramon bus which is 2 hours and will cost you $4 USD. We recommend that you check in three hours before your flight. Alas, riptides can make swimming risky here. Colombia Colombia Itinerary: A 9 Day Vacation in Colombia, Brazil & Argentina South American Discovery: Journey to Iguaz Falls & Beyond, Canada Canadian Rockies Mountain: 8 Day Itinerary to the Mountains. Its also slightly longer at 3 to 4 hours. Youll learn a ton about the park and volcano! Its undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in San Jose. Youre lucky enough to be here in paradise. 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. Therefore we recommend departing early so that you can get to Manuel Antonio in time for a gorgeous beach sunset. Arrive in San Joss Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamara (most arrivals are If you are short on time, check out our guide on5 days in Costa Rica instead. Hordes of tourists travel to Monteverde to indulge in bird-watching experiences or witness stunning cloud forests. Chipotles offers authentic Mexican cuisine combined with international and Costa Rican gastronomy influences. La Mariposa has a lot more in store for its guests, too. Click Here! Visit the Teatro Nacional and the Museo de Oro Precolombino, and save time for late-afternoon shopping. Not all buses in Costa Rica travel directly from one point to the other; most of them make stops between places. See tours. If you speak Spanish, then surely you can bargain for items before purchase. You have plenty of dishes to try, like the Ginger and Panko-crusted Tuna (my favorite) in sesame salad dressing, Shrimp, Tequila-lime Scallops, and Tenderloin Steak, and tasty Mushroom Risotto for vegetarian selections. The beach at Playa Biesanz is protected from ocean swells, so its pretty calm but just watch out for rocks as there is a reef nearby. This bridge crosses the river and is a popular gathering spot. This Costa Rica 6-day itinerary is perfect for kids and adults alike! Once at the bottom, you can get some great pictures and swim in the pool below the waterfall or visit the calmer pools downriver for a more relaxing swim. Spend the day in the Cao Negro Wildlife Refuge, a lowland forest reserve replete with waterfowl near the Nicaraguan border. The trail is well-maintained and leads down to the waterfall via many steps. If you dont have a rental car you can book a shuttle that will pick you up from your hotel in San Jose, costing approximately $37 USD this will take 4 hours and 15 minutes. The Basic Double Room here costs as low as $119 USD per night, while the Deluxe King Suite starts at $165, both for double occupancy and inclusive of breakfast. Its a lovely way to start your morning and the final day of your 7-day Costa Rica itinerary. Note: Booking a canopy tour can vary from company to company. Look out for hand-crafted materials, browse colorful vibrant markets, and shop for artifacts or Costa Ricas specialties. 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. However, important COVID-19 guidelines & government protocols need to be followed. While it isnt a huge park, its the perfect size to explore in a couple of hours There are beautiful walking trails, lots of wildlife (including the adorable squirrel monkeys! The hotel has several private rooms ($40 to $110 per night) for those who want peace and quiet and lots of dorm beds ($10 to $30 per night) for those who like to meet new travel buddies. It all comes down to individual preference & travel style. With more travelers, better will be for the growth & development of Costa Rica in the coming years. After all that hiking, if you arent too tired, its time to head to Mystico Adventure Park. Start with a trip to Arenal Volcano National Park and explore the jungle on foot, with the option to crash through the regions white water on a rafting trip or repel down mighty waterfalls. WebDAY 1: Arrive & settle into San Jos Arrive and get settled in San Jos. South of Atenas, hook up with the Pacific Highwayfollow the signs directing you to Caldera. Its a full-day tour at 12 hours long but is highly recommended. Try out the thick, juicy steaks if you prefer dinner for two. Since, theres so much to explore keeping an extra day at this beautiful location does make sense! Visited hot springs, s, Lots of activities and Jurgen was so helpful. Hot Tip: If you have an extra day or two to spare, add a stay in Jaco theres lots to do in this quirky town. We have written two Costa Rica Be sure to get to the park when they open at 8 am so you have plenty of time to explore (you have other activities to on this day of your Costa Rica itinerary). 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