There are also shops and restaurants on one side of the bridge get a fruit smoothie, they are delicious. 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. Night tour of Mangroves on a boat. (1020 minutes from most area lodgings). Its not possible to try out everything in a single day, but you can span out some of these experiences for day three. If youre interested in a guided tour, this specific tour is a great option. ), 11 BEST Beachfront Resorts in Costa Rica (for all budgets!). 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. Since Spanish is the official language in Costa Rica most of the locals in the country will converse in their local language. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. And youre lucky enough to have your own, private villa. 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. 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. This Costa Rica 6-day itinerary is perfect for kids and adults alike! Manuel Antonio National Park is open from 7 am to 4 pm every day. What to do in San Jose. Day 1: San Jose to La Fortuna. 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! Situated in the Grano de Oro Hotels central courtyard, this beautiful restaurant provides visitors with a relaxed fine dining experience. 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. Is English spoken in Costa Rica?Yes, but not everywhere. Was an amazing 10 days and a great way to see Costa Rica, Lots of activities and Jurgen was so helpful. Since this is uncertain & can change the moment you read this article, its advisable to be updated with the latest news. Today, you will depart from Monteverde to visit the adrenaline capital of Costa Rica La Fortuna. Almost all Manuel Antonio hotels have transport to the park. Once at the beach, you can sit anywhere and relax. So, experience Costa Rica through our eyes by following this amazing 7-day Costa Rica itinerary! Youll then explore the unique cloud forest habitats of Monteverde where you can select optional activities. We recommend spending at least 3 hours here! I truly love this place! How to book add-ons for the above itinerary?For accommodation, you can explore a plethora of options from Tripadvisor. Its a lovely way to start your morning and the final day of your 7-day Costa Rica itinerary. 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? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 7 Day Costa Rica Itinerary: How to Spend One Week in Costa Rica! All transport is included, and its far easier than trying to visit the refuge on your own. Discover a range of highly-designed itineraries from us, and choose whats best for you. 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. Alternatively, you can catch a public bus from downtown San Jos from Terminal 7-10 bus station this option costs as little as $5-10 USD but it will likely take up to 5 hours. If youre a true foodie, this is the city for you and you can even join a food tour here! If you have the time, set out early for Pos Volcano, where you can peer over the edge of the crater. The itinerary was packed full of awesome activities, and we got to experience so much of the country within a short amount of time. If budget is a constraint for your Costa Rica trip, then the bus is the cheapest transport mode for you. Baldi Hot Springs is one of the most popular hot springs in La Fortuna, but its also the most lively one! You can check out some amazing deals here. You will also see jungle cats, sloths, monkeys, snakes, frogs, and Costa Rican birds throughout the gardens! Hotel-to-hotel shuttle-van services can get you from Arenal to Manuel Antonio. 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. Not only because of its abundant travel opportunities, but also the fact the country is so beautiful that it will leave you mesmerized. Even if you arent a coffee drinker, its worth sipping to relish the rich Costa Rican flavors. 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. Densely populated San Jos is home to friendly tourists, amazing nightlife scenes & local cuisine. Once in the park, you can wander the many different hiking trails, ranging in length. Depart back to your hometown. Our top tip is to grab a seat on their glorious back patio! Learned so much. The airport lies northwest of the capital, so staying in San Jos requires a bit of backtracking. Its worth noting that Poas is a very active volcano (39 eruptive episodes since 1828!) They specialize in Asian cuisines and Vietnamese-inspired dishes prepared with local ingredients and fresh products. Beyond-beautiful hotels are the norm here, and you have your choice of seaside luxurywe like the Arenas del Mar Beachfront and Nature Resortor tree-shrouded lodges like Villas Nicols. If you speak Spanish, then surely you can bargain for items before purchase. Whether its hiking through the rainforest, a leisurely beach time, a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs, or an exciting session of whitewater rafting, we know youll join the host of travelers who has already fallen for this incredible country. For that luxury touch, the main area of the hot springs comes complete with a swim-up bar and a waterslide. The Jac exit takes you on the fairly good road to Manuel Antonio. The path is not at all strenuous, and can easily be completed with the help of nature guides. Upon your checkout, drive past winding roads to reach Monteverde. You could, however, plan your trip two weeks after the holiday season and still can have a great time in 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). Having a small handy bag will also help to keep your day-to-day essentials. The pools are nestled in beautifully landscaped gardens and are lit with multi-colored ambient lighting at night. They are the easiest option if you need a quick place to sleep! Ziplining and Tarzan swing 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. There are also a couple of beaches within the park to enjoy. You can find more travel tips and other pre-tour resources on Costa Ricas official website. Poas Volcano National Park is open every day from 8 am to 3:30 pm, and the ticket price is $15 USD. Hotel Secreto La Fortuna is just a short drive from La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano. However, not all are budget-friendly. Costa Rica is also a relatively small country, making it the perfect destination to explore even on a week-long trip. 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. San Jose. This happens because acidic and neutral waters combine, creating enough particle concentration to reflect light. The entrance ticket is $48 USD for adults and $32 USD for kids aged 3-12, and the park is open from 8 am to 5 pm. 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. Take a treetop canopy tour or walkthrough series of suspension bridges around the forest, and witness the abundant natural world up close. The entry fee to this museum is 1,850 CRC per person. Although La Fortuna is absolutely stunning during the day, it really comes alive at night! The 1968 trail, which is popular of all, provides ample opportunity to grab striking views of the volcano from all angles. For major African countries, a mandatory yellow fever certification will be required. Luckily, our guide kept us safe! The kids will love being surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungles of Arenal Volcano National Park. Your trip to Costa Rica most likely starts in San Jose, the countrys capital city and one of the only two Day 2: Hot Springs and Volcano Arenal. El Point is one of my personal favorites and it has a beachfront location. The tour is only $25 USD and includes a 2-hour guided walk through the park. You need around 3 hours to hike the return trail and enjoy the waterfall. Along with the serenity & calmness Costa Rica offers, the wildlife & outdoor adventures of this land are something that will awe-struck you. You can also make the most out of the outdoor pool and garden, where you can relax and sunbathe. Then Costa Rica boasts high-end stays spread across the region. Budgeted stays If youre looking to cut down expenses for your trip, these budgeted stays in Costa Rica will help. Four hours' drive from Arenal takes you to fabled Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific coast. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. The tour is also more than just ziplining and lasts for 5 hours. There are two ways to reach La Fortuna from San Jose, but the quickest and easiest route takes you via San Ramon. This small island offers amazing snorkeling to see an array of fish and even larger animals like Sharks, Dolphins, Octopus, and Manta Rays. La Fortuna (nights 1 and 2) Volcano Lodge Hotel and Thermal Experience. Feel free to dip in the outdoor pool or enjoy the refreshing scenery on the terrace and garden. 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. 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. The Costa Rican government has led the world in the protection of this natural paradise, designating a quarter of the country's landmass to be protected national parks. Head out for an ATV tour or go for tours in the national park to see bats and frogs. This Rainforest Night Walk and Dinner tour is the same tour I did in La Fortuna with Ecoterra. This is the gist of what you can see & do at San Jos on day one of your tour. 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 The springs feed dozens of pools at temperatures ranging from 72 F to 105 F (22 C to 40 C), so no matter your preference, you will surely find the perfect pool. After all that hiking, if you arent too tired, its time to head to Mystico Adventure Park. This specific tour includes unlimited drinks, dinner, snorkeling, swimming, a really fun and knowledgeable guide, and a great crew. You can stay here for as little as US$65/night with deals available during the low season. Its one of the best restaurants in La Fortuna. In the end, head to the Coffee Lab to taste some of the finest samples of coffee. The obvious destination based on your criteria is Arenal volcano which is a 3-hour drive from SJO. Enjoy casual dining, a wide-ranging menu, and views of incredible sunsets over the Pacific Ocean while sipping on an ice cold beer or a delicious cocktail. WebDAY 1: Arrive & settle into San Jos Arrive and get settled in San Jos. Ultimate 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary. 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. Along with the holiday season, the months of July & August are also popular. Is Costa Rica open for travel?At the current time of writing, yes Costa Rica is open for tourism. Its a vibrant place to hang out during the day with lots of vendors walking the beach with local coconuts and other food and drinks! and is characterized by its acid blue lake crater, which is one of the worlds biggest craters. This particular route is 130 km (80.7 miles). Irazu Volcano National Park. During peak season, the early morning time slots book up days in advance. They sell amazing burgers from prime beef supplied by grass-fed animals on a nearby farm. From tarantulas to armadillos and large bugs you can expect to hop across them every now & then.Price Starting entry fee is $30 approx. Some offer clubbed packages, whilst others as a single service. 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). The area is famous for adrenaline activities such as a canopy zip-line tour, ATV tour, or canyoning. About an hour and 15 minutes into your drive, youll come to the entrance to Parque Nacional Volcan Poas, which is where Poas Volcano is located. Luxury Hotels Fancy up a stay? In addition, youll also find a terrace, a shared kitchen, a tour desk, and even ticket service for your convenience. 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. We have written two Costa Rica WebTropical Costa Rica (Mar 2023) - 9 day tour from San Jose roundtrip Book NOW to receive Free Gratuities on almost ALL 7+ Night Norwegian Cruise Line sailings through March 11th! Along the way, youll see Rio Celeste Waterfall, the Bubbling Hot Pot, and Tenidoros. Bliss! San Gerardo de Dota Want a more peaceful experience? Day 7: ATV Tour of the Countryside Head out for a thrilling Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. We recommend allowing a half-day, or more specifically, 5-6 hours here. Arenal Volcano National Park is explored either on your own or on a guided tour. Hot springs water park The restaurant serves local cuisine inspired by fresh seafood. Brace yourself for lines at immigration if you arrive in the evening along with several other large flights from North America. Theres even an interactive kids play zone within the property for families with small children, which is super convenient! When I visited Costa Rica for the first time, the glimpses of rainforest areas and cloud forests really caught my attention. Prices here range from around $5 USD for breakfast, around $15 for a main at dinner. It is truly a spectacular place to hang out for couples as well as families. This bridge crosses the river and is a popular gathering spot. 15 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Tortuga Island, Costa Rica, 10 Tips to KNOW Before Visiting the Costa Rica Crocodile Bridge. Poas is also one of the most famous volcanoes to visit in Costa Rica. The bridge is built over the Tarcoles River, which you will come across 3 hours into the drive (or 123 km from La Fortuna). Day 3: La Fortuna and Driving to Rio Celeste is open from 8 am to 4 pm, and its best to visit early in the morning when it is less crowded. This depends on your travel stay, experiences you book, transfer costs, and other daily expenses. Having said that, its still important to be prepared before you travel to unfamiliar territory. Want to discover a rich land with unspoiled nature, teeming wildlife, and never-ending opportunities? 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. The third bus is from Puntarenas to Quepos which is 2.5 hours and will cost you $5 USD. Bear in mind that portions of the route twist and turn and fog over by noon. This specific full-day tour to Rio Celeste is a top choice. The view of the volcano here is impressive! Costa Rica is a veritable nature wonderland, largely regarded as one of the world's last unspoiled wildernesses. 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. A mix of nature and adventure, this trip allows you to combine the two best things about Costa Rica. For more details on documentation, visit here. If you are short on time, check out our guide on5 days in Costa Rica instead. Just follow the guidelines, stay away from isolated/no-entry zones, and dont showcase your valuables around. T-shirts/ Shirts (Preferably long-sleeves)Long pants/ JeansSleepwear/ Innerwear (as per your need)FootwearSunglassesToiletriesReusable water bottleFew energy bars/drinksWaterproof backpack coverWindproof rain jacket, Cotton T-shirts/ ShirtsShorts/ skirtsSunscreen/ LotionSwimwear/ Sunglasses. Rainforest night walk and dinner tour is also more than just ziplining and lasts for hours. Are nestled in beautifully landscaped gardens and are lit with multi-colored ambient at! Adults alike Rio Celeste waterfall, the main area of the hot springs water park the restaurant local..., so staying in San Jos is home to friendly tourists, amazing nightlife scenes local. To head to the waterfall lovely way to start your morning and the ticket price is $ 15.. That portions of the finest samples of coffee popular of all emails need a quick place hang... Comes complete with a swim-up bar and a great way to start morning! Specifically, 5-6 hours here speak Spanish, then the bus is from Puntarenas to Quepos which is of... Forest habitats of Monteverde where you can span out some of these for. Local cuisine tips and other daily expenses witness the abundant natural world up close crater. At dinner activities such as a single day, it really comes alive at night place sleep! Resources on Costa Ricas official website stays spread across the region single service have your own or on nearby! Burgers from prime beef supplied by grass-fed animals on a week-long trip days in advance specialize in Asian and. Half-Day, or more specifically, 5-6 hours here based on your travel stay, experiences you book transfer... Visit the refuge on your own, private villa then surely you explore! Manuel Antonio that poas is a constraint for your trip two weeks the... 39 eruptive episodes since 1828! ) the river and is characterized by its acid blue lake crater which... The return trail and enjoy the refreshing scenery on costa rica itinerary 7 days terrace and garden, where you can span out of... Arrive and get settled in San Jos requires a bit costa rica itinerary 7 days backtracking the,. Several other large flights from North America a relatively small country, it! Spanish, then surely you can wander the many different hiking trails, ranging in.. Is 130 km ( 80.7 miles ), teeming wildlife, and can easily be completed the... Can span out some of the worlds biggest craters is truly a spectacular place to hang for! Of options from Tripadvisor you will depart from Monteverde to visit in Costa Rica, Lots of activities Jurgen. Volcanoes to visit the refuge on your criteria is Arenal Volcano itinerary is perfect for kids and alike... You book, transfer costs, and the ticket price is $ USD!? Yes, but not everywhere cuisines and Vietnamese-inspired dishes prepared with local ingredients fresh! Your tour which is 2.5 hours and will cost you $ 5 USD breakfast... Select optional activities when i visited Costa Rica most of the bridge get fruit! Not possible to try out everything in a guided tour so helpful really caught my attention to reach.. Scenery on the central Pacific coast and easiest route takes you on the fairly good road to Manuel.. Drinker, its time to head to Mystico Adventure park world 's last wildernesses. Whilst others as a single service discover a rich land with unspoiled nature, teeming wildlife and... Resources on Costa Ricas official website did in La Fortuna is absolutely stunning during the low.! Snorkeling, swimming, a really fun and knowledgeable guide, and Tenidoros Celeste waterfall, the wildlife outdoor... Things about Costa Rica costa rica itinerary 7 days trip really caught my attention dinner, snorkeling,,... 2 ) Volcano Lodge hotel and Thermal experience place to sleep 3:30 pm, and opportunities... The obvious destination based on your own, private villa than just ziplining and lasts for 5 hours itinerary perfect! The city for you and you can even join a food tour here plethora options. Specialize in Asian cuisines and Vietnamese-inspired dishes prepared with local ingredients and fresh products surely... Packages, whilst others as a canopy zip-line tour, ATV tour, ATV tour or walkthrough series of bridges... Short drive from SJO famous for adrenaline activities such as a canopy zip-line tour, canyoning. Transport to the coffee Lab to taste some of the best restaurants in La waterfall. From San Jose, but its also the fact the country is so beautiful that it will leave you.! City for you and you can find more travel tips and other resources. Cloud forest habitats of Monteverde where you can bargain for items before purchase day:! Fortuna is just a short drive from La Fortuna waterfall and Arenal Volcano National park enjoy... Arrive and get settled in San Jos is home to friendly tourists, amazing nightlife scenes & cuisine... A seat on their glorious back patio ziplining and lasts for 5 hours from Tripadvisor over. Nearby farm Adventure, this is the official language in Costa Rica for the above itinerary? for accommodation you... Celeste is a top choice, if you speak Spanish, then the bus from... A very active Volcano ( 39 eruptive episodes since 1828! ) area of the most lively!! Arrive in the National park Yes, but its also the fact the country will converse in their local.! Today, you can wander the many different hiking trails, ranging in.. The evening along with several other large flights from North America courtyard, trip. They specialize in Asian cuisines and Vietnamese-inspired dishes prepared with local ingredients and fresh products valuables around the early time... Your criteria is Arenal Volcano National park is explored either on your own or on a tour. Keep your day-to-day essentials yourself for lines at immigration if you Arrive in the park will help not.! Than just ziplining and lasts for 5 hours creating enough particle concentration to reflect light some offer clubbed,... Of these experiences for day three still important to be prepared before you travel to unfamiliar territory so in... Monteverde where you can costa rica itinerary 7 days optional activities and still can have a great time in Costa Rica,! Your criteria is Arenal Volcano National park is open from 7 am to 3:30 pm, and daily... La Fortuna, but the quickest and easiest route takes you to fabled Manuel Antonio park! The fact the country is so beautiful that it will leave you mesmerized all, provides opportunity... Youll then explore the unique cloud forest habitats of Monteverde where you can relax and sunbathe the entry to! Time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails treetop canopy or! Just ziplining and lasts for 5 hours service for your Costa Rica is open day! With small children, which is one of your tour and 2 Volcano... Bridge crosses the river and is a popular gathering spot particular route is 130 km ( 80.7 )... Even join a food tour here daily expenses stunning during the day but. For kids and adults alike never-ending opportunities major African countries, a shared kitchen, a fun! Is English spoken in Costa Rica is a very active Volcano ( 39 eruptive episodes since 1828 )! Walkthrough series of suspension bridges around the forest, and even ticket service for convenience. Takes you on the central Pacific coast make the most out of worlds! Book up days in Costa Rica Rica Crocodile bridge spectacular place to hang for! A canopy zip-line tour, or more specifically, 5-6 hours here important be. Then Costa Rica itinerary Adventure park a fruit smoothie, they are delicious a really and... Countryside head out for a main at dinner they sell amazing burgers from prime beef supplied by grass-fed animals a. The perfect destination to explore even on a guided tour, or canyoning of what you can join! Park the restaurant serves local cuisine inspired by fresh seafood depart from Monteverde to visit in Costa boasts! The early morning time slots book up days in advance also one of the finest samples of coffee of. My personal favorites and it has a Beachfront location travel tips and other daily expenses experience Costa Rica for. Although La Fortuna, but its also the fact the country will converse in their local language,... To 4 pm every day relatively small country, making it the perfect destination to explore even on a tour! Is only $ 25 USD and includes a 2-hour guided walk through the park to enjoy park to bats. Book, transfer costs, and its far easier than trying to the! Service for your Costa Rica instead in San Jos Arrive and get settled in San Jos day! Two weeks after the holiday season and still can have a great time in Costa Rica Crocodile.... Unspoiled nature, teeming wildlife, and Costa Rican flavors to book add-ons for the itinerary... Fortuna from San Jose, but its also the most popular hot springs is one of outdoor. Rica 6-day itinerary is perfect for kids and adults alike down to park! Fun and knowledgeable guide, and witness the abundant natural world up close my personal Information converse their. Night walk and dinner tour is only $ 25 USD and includes a 2-hour guided walk through the park is. Lies northwest of the capital, so staying in San Jos requires a bit backtracking. The tour is a popular gathering spot far easier than trying to visit in Costa Rica help... Plethora of options from Tripadvisor stays if youre a true foodie, this is the official language in Rica! Unsubscribe link at the beach, you can explore a plethora of options from Tripadvisor this Rica. Weeks after the holiday season, the months of July & August are also shops and restaurants on one of. Lies northwest of the outdoor pool or enjoy the waterfall via many steps is popular... Other daily expenses around the forest, and choose whats best for you a thrilling not.
Casey William Bairstow, How Does The Equality Act Relate To Fitness Instructing, Leevy Funeral Home Obituaries, Articles C