Le Costa Rica is a extraordinary destination that we could discover for months. However, not everyone is lucky enough to be able to take extended leave. Some decide to leave a week in Costa Rica and so here are my advice with an itinerary to visit Costa Rica in 7 days.
This itinerary that I suggest will allow you to see volcanoes, mountains, tropical forests with animals as well as the beach. This is a good overview of the beautiful country of Costa Rica. If you want to have a budget overview by activity, I advise you to go see this article on the subject.
Days 1 & 2 - Arrival & Arenal Region
For your first day in Costa Rica, depending on the time you arrive, I advise you to go directly to the region of the Arenal volcano, namely in the small village of La Fortuna. From there, from many activities are available to you. You can easily enjoy the region for a day or two.
Among essential activities, We find there :
- A hiking Arenal National Park or in the Arenal Ecological Park : In these parks you can admire a beautiful view of the Arenal Volcano but also meet many animals in the forest.
- Hot springs : take a moment to relax in one of the hot springs around Arenal. The majority are in hotels and are chargeable, but there is still a main one which is free (you will find it under a bridge).
- La Fortuna waterfall
- Visit a coffee or chocolate factory
- Take a night walk to observe animals and insects that come out at night
Many activities are possible in this beautiful region so do not hesitate to spend a day or 2.
Days 3 & 4 - Monteverde region
Regarding days 3 and 4, I advise you to make a tour in the Monteverde region and therefore to land in the Santa Elena village. This region is known for the impressive tropical forests where there is a special atmosphere with the mist in the middle of the forest. We nickname the forest, the Cloudy Forest.
Again, a wide choice of activities are available to you around Monteverde.
Among activities the most famous we find:
- A walk in one of the reserves : Monteverde Biological Reserve or the RBusque Nobusco reserve. Such balls can take you between 1 half day or the whole day depending on your pace and the time you want to devote to these activities.
- Participate in thrilling activities : zip lines in the canopy or the suspension bridges above the forest etc.
- Climb the giant ficus trees next to Santa Elena
- Take a night walk to observe animals and insects at night
In 2 days in the region you will have time to see a lot of things.
Days 5 & 6 - Manuel Antonio & beach
For the last part of your 7-day itinerary in Costa Rica, I suggest you join the coast to enjoy the beach including.
For this, I advise you to go first see Manuel Antonio Park in order to admire splendid animals and birds pretty much everywhere. It is a very famous Park in Costa Rica although it is quite touristy.
Take the opportunity to enjoy the paradisiacal beaches that can be found on the coast. This is probably the best way to end your week-long trip to Costa Rica.
Days 7 - Poas Volcano & Return to San Jose
For your last day I will advises to return quietly to San Jose in order to take your return flight. However, if you are still enjoying the day and your flight happens to be late in the day, take the opportunity to visit the capital which is San Jose or for go see the Poas Volcano.
This volcano is located towards Alajuela, which is also where the international airport is located.
It is a volcano still active today which is worth the detour when the view at the top is clear.
Here is what I advise you to do during your 7-day stay in Costa Rica.
If you have any other suggestions, don't hesitate to share them in the comments 🙂
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