The park is home to monkeys, sloths, and a Reward yourself today with lots of relaxation. And youre lucky enough to have your own, private villa. Then these mid-range hotels are a nice option. 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. So, if youre looking for a more intimate and genuine hot springs experience, then I think youll fall in love with Titok Hot Springs, which are located in Arenal, a 15-minute drive from La Fortuna. you havent spent too many hours exploring the many awesome trails in Manuel Antonio National Park), then why not get the adrenalin pumping with a ziplining tour at El Santuario Adventure Park? In case you want a little bit more about the country, why not check out our guide on, Published by Sofie, updated on October 12, 2022. Franco offers a range of fresh food options that blend the best of Costa Rican coffee, confectionaries, smoothies, egg combinations, meats, and so much more. Of course, this is an optional add-on if you arent already too tired. If your flight gets in early enough and you have time, head downtown and tour the Museos del Banco Central de Costa Rica (Pre-Columbian Gold Museum) or the nearby Museo de Jade Marco Fidel Tristn (Jade Museum). On your first full day in La Fortuna, we recommend you wake up early and make the short 15-minute drive to Arenal Volcano National Park. So, if youre wondering how to spend a week in Costa Rica, then is the guide for you. Since Spanish is the official language in Costa Rica most of the locals in the country will converse in their local language. Other than the ones listed above, you can discover more at La Fortuna. How much will the above curated itinerary cost?The above Costa Rica itinerary 7 Days will cost you $900 $1200. La Mariposa has a lot more in store for its guests, too. Tabacn Hot Springs is one of my favorite hot springs in La Fortuna. Medical bills add up very quickly if you end up in hospital, not to mention, if you are a victim of theft, travel insurance will replace your items. Day 1: San JosDay 2: San Jos MonteverdeDay 3: MonteverdeDay 4: Monteverde La FortunaDay 5: La FortunaDay 6: La Fortuna San JosDay 7: San Jos. Agua Azul Caf is located on the main highway in a strip mall with an open parking lot. 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All the hotels linked below perfectly match up the 7 days Costa Rica itinerary and will require little effort to plan. Alternatively, you can spend the day sunbathing or even hiking one of the many trails through the forest on the island. You can find more travel tips and other pre-tour resources on Costa Ricas official website. 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. Plus, the guide is an expert when it comes to spotting wildlife, so who knows what youll see! It involves sliding down the rope over the trees, giving you an aerial view of the densely populated forests. You can expect rains and a bit of chilly weather, but its ideal to experience most Costa Rican attractions. Rock pool relaxing Prices here range from around $5 USD for breakfast, around $15 for a main at dinner. Since its the Christmas season and New Year will just be around the corner, tourists plan their travel well in advance to avoid any hassles. For more details on documentation, visit here. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Day 2 - Santa Elena, your base for the Monteverde rainforest Where to stay in Santa Elena Day 3 - Visit the Monteverde rainforest A few facts Visiting the rain forest and driving on the same day? 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. If you come here during the day, we recommend walking along the beach and finding your vibe. Find a shady tree, check out some of the beach clubs, go for a surf or just enjoy the scenery. Rio Celeste is best explored by hiking the Rio Celeste Trail, which is 3 kilometers/1.9 miles each way. They also offer a self-drive option with the meeting point in Puntarenas. Irazu Volcano National Park. Everything about Emilios Cafe is simply wonderful from the caring staff to the food, desserts, wine, and coffee. Seeing this massive crater with your own eyes is mesmerizing, and understandably, its one of the most popular day trips from San Jose. Here, the family adventure continues as you explore the heavenly beaches, namely Tambor beach. Costa Rica to introduce COVID-19 vaccine mandate: here's where to show proof. Through my partnership program, all additional activities & experiences will be available through G Adventures. Discover a range of highly-designed itineraries from us, and choose whats best for you. See more volcano tours. and is characterized by its acid blue lake crater, which is one of the worlds biggest craters. Four hours' drive from Arenal takes you to fabled Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific coast. You should book the cruise online in advance as there are limited spots available. La Fortuna Waterfall, Costa Rica: Everything you need to know. Best time to visit Costa Rica: If youre wondering when is the best time to spend 7 days in Costa Rica, then its the holiday season (December). And finally you will hop on the bus from Quepos into Manuel Antonio which will take just 15 minutes and is $1 USD. It also features a massive jacuzzi that can hold up to 60 guests. The corners of this land are so heavily dense & lush-green, that its almost a conservationists dream to explore Costa Rican wildlife. Always get travel insurance before you travel. After an adventurous day at Rio Celeste, there is no better way to unwind than soaking in a relaxing hot spring! It roughly takes 2 hours to reach, meaning you almost have an entire day to yourself to try some interesting activities. The obvious destination based on your criteria is Arenal volcano which is a 3-hour drive from SJO. (90 minutes by paved road from La Fortuna). Related Read: Not keen on staying in the city? Therefore we recommend departing early so that you can get to Manuel Antonio in time for a gorgeous beach sunset. However, important COVID-19 guidelines & government protocols need to be followed. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. Below, Ill suggest a few stay options that will help you sort your hotels as well. 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. All transport is included, and its far easier than trying to visit the refuge on your own. Along your way, expect to spot toucans, bellbird, parrots, and other species. If visiting the National Park is your main reason for coming to the town, theres no better hotel in Manuel Antonio than Millenium Manuel Antonio. The menu represents bold indigenous flavors, herbs, local products, and peppers reminiscent of the different global cuisines.The interior dcor has stunning murals that uplift this roadside restaurant to a charming dining experience. It makes an interesting start to your first full day in Costa Rica. Night tour of Mangroves on a boat. To cater to some of these requirements, look at the below table I created following the itinerary. Night safari Kids of all ages will beam on first seeing the tropical paradise that is the Nicoya Peninsula. Weve covered all bases with this itinerary culture, volcanos, waterfalls, wildlife, and the beach! Im just 10 days I have been/done: Experience Whitewater Rafting, visit the Hanging Bridges, and explore Proyecto Asis. A private room here costs from as low as $40 USD. And if you dont want to drive, the hotels area shuttle also makes it easy for you to reach nearby attractions at an affordable surcharge. From a weeks journey to a 15 to 18-day tour plan, you can discover the best of the countrys famous destinations & top-notch attractions. We recommend that you check in three hours before your flight. Once reaching Arenal Volcano National Park, youll encounter life up in the canopy and delve even deeper into jungle habitats en route to the always breathtaking La Fortuna waterfall. 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. Prices start from as low as $8 for a main. Hike through the rainforests of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, among the smoking fumaroles and hot springs of one of Costa Ricas few active volcanoes. Situated near the lively San Jose Central Market, Hotel Colonial boasts neo-colonial architecture and a cozy vibe. If budget is a constraint for your Costa Rica trip, then the bus is the cheapest transport mode for you. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. For additional convenience, dressing rooms, showers, and lockers are available for guest use. Here is a little overview of each destination in this itinerary: Your 7-day Costa Rica itinerary will more than likely start in San Jose, seeing as its the capital of Costa Rica and also the largest city with over 1.4 million people living here. Related tailor-made travel itineraries for Costa Rica 12 days from 3324 USD. 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. During peak season, the early morning time slots book up days in advance. To drive from San Jose to La Fortuna will take on average 3.5 hours, but be sure to avoid peak traffic times in San Jose because the traffic there can be hectic! If you want a nice view of the crater, get there as early as possible to avoid the clouds that typically cover the volcano by late afternoon. More so, for our 7 days Costa Rica itinerary we recommend getting a rental car. The 1968 trail, which is popular of all, provides ample opportunity to grab striking views of the volcano from all angles. 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? It is also conveniently located near supermarkets, restaurants, and bars. Costa Rica Eco Adventure 7 days from 1704 USD. For a traveler looking to cut down expenses, all-inclusive hotels (with meals) are a preferable option. Day 7: ATV Tour of the Countryside Head out for a thrilling 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. Its not possible to try out everything in a single day, but you can span out some of these experiences for day three. Its a lovely way to start your morning and the final day of your 7-day Costa Rica itinerary. Its undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in San Jose. Alas, riptides can make swimming risky here. WebAdvice on Costa Rica itinerary for 7 days. On the final day, transfer to Alajuela to prepare for departure. No other activity is planned for today, so its completely up to you to spend your final few hours in San Jose. Guided tour of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. 15 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Tortuga Island, Costa Rica, 10 Tips to KNOW Before Visiting the Costa Rica Crocodile Bridge. I truly love this place! 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! After all that hiking, if you arent too tired, its time to head to Mystico Adventure Park. Conveniently located in the city center and just a 5-minute walk from the Costa Rica National Theatre and San Jos Cathedral. Along the way, youll see Rio Celeste Waterfall, the Bubbling Hot Pot, and Tenidoros. Its also home to a large international airport Juan Santamaria Airport, so its where most people start and end their trip to Costa Rica. Upon your arrival, you have free time to relax and explore the surroundings. The entire reserve is festooned with orchid collections, big jungle cats, and unique wildlife species. You can get a taxi or drive from La Fortuna town to this parking lot, where youll pay the entrance fee ($18 USD) and begin hiking. 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. The adventure ends on the pristine Pacific coast beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park with time for some well-earned sun, sea, and sand. Theres even an interactive kids play zone within the property for families with small children, which is super convenient! 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. Situated in the Grano de Oro Hotels central courtyard, this beautiful restaurant provides visitors with a relaxed fine dining experience. Head to San Gerardo de Dota for a serene bird-watching tour. In fact, this is a great, relaxing thing to do during your 7 days in Costa Rica! We saw so much wildlife, including a huge green lizard and even a bullet ant, which is known to have the most painful sting of any insect on the planet. 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. Basically, there are two international airports from where you can arrive in Costa Rica. Rio Celeste is open from 8 am to 4 pm, and its best to visit early in the morning when it is less crowded. 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. Weve started this 7-day Costa Rica itinerary in San Jose because its where the large International Airport is located, and so is where most travelers begin their Costa Rica Adventure. 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? 2. Youll then explore the unique cloud forest habitats of Monteverde where you can select optional activities. The final activity on your 7 days in Costa Rica is this epic sunset cruise! It only takes 15 minutes to get down but a little longer on the way up its 500 steps! The French chef Francis, whos the owner, beautifully blends European dishes with his native specialties and Latin flavors, creating tasty dishes so hard to describe youve got to visit Grano to experience it. You can find an impressive lobby here, as well as an executive lounge, conference space, and an innovative restaurant. Bliss! Even if you arent a coffee drinker, its worth sipping to relish the rich Costa Rican flavors. Once in the park, you can wander the many different hiking trails, ranging in length. 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. A mix of nature and adventure, this trip allows you to combine the two best things about Costa Rica. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. If traveling on a guided tour, listen to all instructions received and keep a note of them. (44 hours by paved road from La Fortuna). (22 hours by paved road from Manuel Antonio). Make sure you book a ticket online on the SINAC website in advance since a limited number of tourists are allowed per time slot to visit the crater. Through the partnership program with G Adventures, you can book the same tour through their website. 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