Looking for the perfect Costa Rica itinerary? After spending nearly a month exploring this beautiful country and seeing how much it has to offer, I left only wanting more. Isn’t that the best-case scenario when traveling, though?
Whether you only have a week to experience Costa Rica or can give yourself a bit more time to explore, I’ve put together three awesome itinerary options, complete with where to go, what to do, and where to stay:
7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: The Highlight Reel
If you only have a week to enjoy the best of the country, it doesn’t give you much time to get from place to place, so I recommend renting a car, so you can move around quickly and easily, making the most of your time.
There are a few places that you definitely don’t want to miss out on. Here’s how I would spend seven days in Costa Rica:
Day 1: Arrive in San José & get a taste for city life
To get the most out of San José in just a short time, opt to fly in as early as possible. Check in to your accommodations and start exploring right away (maybe even joining a food & sightseeing tour, like I did). Since you’ll only have a day, I recommend hitting up places that are close together: start with Spirogyra Butterfly Garden in Barrio Amón, then go next door to Simón Bolivar Botanical Garden & Zoo.
From there, I suggest heading to Mercado Borbón or Mercado Central to check out the variety of fruits and vegetables. This is also a great place to grab lunch, as it’s cheap, quick, and delicious. These two markets are also central places for locals, so you’ll get a taste of Costa Rican city life.
Find more ideas for what to do in San José here, along with recommendations on where to stay. You’ll want to get a good night’s rest, because this is just the beginning of your adventure. Next stop: La Fortuna!
- Where to stay in San José: I recommend this Airbnb for solo travelers and couples. If you’re on a budget, Selina is a great option as well and offers a co-working space.
Days 2-4: La Fortuna Hot Springs & Arenal Volcano
From San José, it’s easy to get to La Fortuna via public transportation, but for such a short trip, a rental car might be a better option if you really want to get the most out of La Fortuna. This area is famous because of the monstrous Arenal Volcano, the thundering La Fortuna Waterfall, and an abundance of adventure activities. From zip-lining and white-water rafting to swimming at the base of waterfalls, La Fortuna has it…
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