Costa Rica, is undeniably the most bio-diverse destination I’ve travelled to. It’s got a little something for everyone. Aptly called “Rich Coast” in Spanish, the country is never more than a stone’s throw away from a national park. Rainforests are scattered around the country, with dazzling waterfalls, mighty volcanoes and dense rainforests that leave you in awe of mother nature. The beaches draw surfing enthusiasts from all over the world and the coastal towns are laidback with dreamy sunsets. So, the big question – when are you heading to this slice of paradisiac adventure?

Here are three distinct 7-day travel plans for a short trip. While I believe Costa Rica truly merits more time for exploration, this itinerary represents a minimal duration to get a taste of the country. It’s crucial to factor in transportation logistics as destinations are widely spread, and public transportation may not be optimal. Private and shared shuttle services are available, but they may limit flexibility in your travel schedule. Without much further ado, let’s delve into each itinerary!
Note: Day 0 in the itineraries below refer to the day of arrival- I do not envision anyone book activities on the arrival day. This is normally a day of transit to your hotel or destination irrespective of your arrival time. Unless otherwise specified, most trips start from arrival at San Jose (SJO). The other major airport is in Liberia (LIR) to the north of the country.
OPTION 1 – HIGHLIGHTS OF COSTA RICA
Best for: This itinerary gives you time to explore the main destinations in Costa Rica with a good balance between rainforests, mountains and beaches. Also, this itinerary is perfect for those looking to travel by shuttle as there is plenty of connectivity between the towns or via San Jose.
Overview: SJO – La Fortuna/ Arenal – Monteverde – Manuel Antonio – SJO
Day 0 – Arrive in San Jose and transfer to the town of La Fortuna or drive to La Fortuna, which takes around 3 hours.
Day 1 – Your first full day in La Fortuna/ Arenal! Start your day with visiting the Volcan Arenal National Park, which is about a 20 minute drive from La Fortuna. La Fortuna sits at the base of the Arenal Volcano. The volcano is still active but hasn’t erupted in a while.
Choose between Mistico Hanging Bridges or the 1968 Arenal trails to explore this beautiful region – both offer great views of the Arenal Volcano. This activity would normally take anywhere between 2-4 hours depending on your pace.

Stop by for lunch before heading to a chocolate tour. Costa Rica is known for its chocolate and coffee. There are plenty of chocolate tours within La Fortuna area, so the drive between either of the above two activities and the chocolate tour should be no more than 30 minutes. This activity usually lasts around 2-3 hours.
Your last stop for the day will be at a hot springs spa in La Fortuna area. There are plenty of hot springs in the area, owing to the volcano. You would need to book atleast a day in advance during the peak season and you can choose to include dinner as part of the experience. This activity lasts at least 2 hours and longer if you decide to include a meal. A perfect close to your first day!
If you’re looking for more things to do in La Fortuna, check out my Ultimate Guide to La Fortuna post that features a variety of activities!
Day 2 – Another full day in La Fortuna. Start early and head to Bajos del Toro for a day of hiking amongst waterfalls! Bajos del Toro will be a long drive from La Fortuna, normally around 2 hours, and hence, is best to get an early start. There are guided hikes available when you arrive at the entrance and you will visit one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls- the Blue Falls of Costa Rica. This activity can take around 6 hours (including driving) or longer depending on your pace.
Once you drive back to La Fortuna from a busy day of hiking, head over to EcoCentre Danaus for a more relaxed and leisurely night tour. This activity normally takes around 2 hours. Most night tours start around 5.30pm with alternate slots at 6pm or even 7pm.

Day 3 – Today you will bid adieu to La Fortuna and head over to Monteverde which lies on the other side of Lake Arenal. I recommend basing yourself in Santa Elena which is a buzzing little mountain town.
Tip: Should Day 3 allow for some extra time and energy post the Bajos del Toro hike, I suggest a brief side trip to Volcan Tenorio National Park, located north of the Arenal Volcano. Renowned for its heavenly blue waterfall and river, known as Rio Celeste, this excursion typically takes about 3 hours (excluding travel time) based on your pace. By car, it might be a detour of approximately 1.5 hours.
Day 4 – Today’s destination is the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the highlight of Monteverde. Nestled in the clouds, these thick rainforests offer an immersive experience. There are several trails within the reserve and the main Nubioso trail leads to the continental divide, where you witness the clouds floating over the lush forests. To avoid waiting, it’s advisable to reserve your spot at least a day in advance or on the morning of your visit, as there is a limit to the number of visitors allowed at a time. Plan for approximately 3-4 hours for this activity, depending on your preferred pace.
After a quick lunch, head on over to a coffee tour- there are several options but I particularly recommend the coffee tour offered by Cafe Monteverde, providing a comprehensive exploration dedicated solely to coffee. This activity lasts around 3-4 hours.
Monteverde is also known for its night tours and unlike La Fortuna, you’ll experience different wildlife here as this region is slightly drier than La Fortuna. I recommend the night tour at the Children’s Eternal Forest but there are several others to choose from! This activity lasts around 2 hours.
Day 5 – For your second day, I suggest dedicating the entire day to discovering El Tigre Waterfalls. This entails a breathtaking rainforest hike, unveiling 6-7 distinct waterfalls with the added bonus of a chance to swim. Plan for a minimum of 6 hours for this activity, which includes travel time.

Tip: If you’re looking for more activities to do or seeking something more thrilling and adrenaline pumping, Monteverde and La Fortuna are the best regions to try adventure sports like zip lining, canyoning, rappelling etc.
Tip: If you’re planning your own itinerary, I recommend doing national parks in the morning or early afternoon as most close by 4pm with last entries at 2pm. Starting early also ensures you get to hike or explore at your own pace.
Day 6 – After your time in Monteverde, your next stop is the popular Manuel Antonio National Park. The journey to Manuel Antonio is smooth, with a well-developed and easy-to-drive route that typically takes around 4-5 hours. I suggest locating accommodation in Quepos, a short drive from Manuel Antonio. Starting your drive early will likely get you to Manuel Antonio National Park around noon, providing approximately 4 hours to explore the park.
Day 7 – Your last day in Costa Rica and this is the day you drive back to San Jose to catch your flight. If you do happen to have an extra day, I recommend stopping by Dominical and Nauyaca waterfalls near Manuel Antonio but if not, heading back to San Jose’s airport will take you around 4 hours from Quepos.
Tip- Worried about delays on the road and missing your flight? I recommend doing the above itinerary in reverse. That way, the last stop, La Fortuna, would only be around 3 hours from the airport.
OPTION 2 – CARIBBEAN COSTA RICA
Best for: anyone looking to explore the often skipped, but rather beautiful Caribbean side of the country.
Overview: SJO – La Fortuna/ Arenal – Tortuguero National Park – Puerto Viejo – SJO

Day 0 – Arrive in San Jose and transfer to the town of La Fortuna or drive to La Fortuna, which takes around 3 hours.
Day 1 – Your first full day in La Fortuna/ Arenal! Start your day with visiting the Volcan Arenal National Park, which is about a 20 minute drive from La Fortuna. La Fortuna sits at the base of the Arenal Volcano. The volcano is still active but hasn’t erupted in a while.
Choose between Mistico Hanging Bridges or the 1968 Arenal trails to explore this beautiful region – both offer great views of the Arenal Volcano. This activity would normally take anywhere between 2-4 hours depending on your pace.
Stop by for lunch before heading to a chocolate tour. Costa Rica is known for its chocolate and coffee. There are plenty of chocolate tours within La Fortuna area, so the drive between either of the above two activities and the chocolate tour should be no more than 30 minutes. This activity usually lasts around 2-3 hours.
Your last stop for the day will be at a hot springs spa in La Fortuna area. There are plenty of hot springs in the area, owing to the volcano. You would need to book atleast a day in advance during the peak season and you can choose to include dinner as part of the experience. This activity lasts at least 2 hours and longer if you decide to include a meal. A perfect close to your first day!

Day 2 – Another full day in La Fortuna. Start early and head to Volcan Tenorio National Park for a day of hiking amongst waterfalls! It will be a long drive from La Fortuna, normally around 2 hours, and hence, is best to get an early start. You will get to see the magnificent Rio Celeste and it’s celestial blue waterfall. This activity can take around 6 hours (including driving) or longer depending on your pace.
Once you drive back to La Fortuna from a busy day of hiking, head over to EcoCentre Danaus for a more relaxed and leisurely night tour. EcoCentre Danaus is particularly known for their amphibians and butterflies. This activity normally takes around 2 hours.
Day 3 – Today you will bid adieu to La Fortuna and head over to La Pavona near Tortuguero National Park.
Day 4 – A full day in Tortuguero National Park.
Day 5 – Head down to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca for a relaxed beachside break. On your way, head to Cahuita National Park for a few hours to snorkel and experience the wildlife.
Day 6 – Today you start exploring Puerto Viejo and the areas around. Commence your day with the Jaguar Rescue Centre-a refuge for sick and ailing wildlife. Next, head to one of the many beaches along the Caribbean coast- some recommendations include Playa Negra, Playa Chiquita and Playa Uva.
Puerto Viejo also has a number of chocolate tours on offer. Conclude your day with a sundowner cocktail at Puerta Pirata tiki bar in the town centre, followed by dinner at one of the many beach bars.

Day 7 – Head back to SJO. If you have an extra day or enough time, I recommend doing Bajos del Toro which is near San Jose.
OPTION 3 – CENTRAL AND NORTHERN PACIFIC TOUR
Best for: anyone who is planning to fly in and out of Liberia (LIB), which is home to one of two major international airports in Costa Rica. Also, ideal for surfing enthusiasts!
Overview: LIB – Samara – Santa Teresa – Monteverde – LIB
Day 0 – Arrive into Liberia airport in the north of Costa Rica and drive down to Samara.
Day 1 – Samara is a laidback surf town situated along the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Dedicate your first day to refining your surf skills, or if you’re a beginner, take advantage of the perfect learning environment. In the afternoon, explore the various beaches along the Nicoya Peninsula, with most being less than an hour away from Samara. For a serene yet stunning beach day, I recommend visiting Playa Carillo.
Tip: Alternatively, you can choose to base yourself in Samara’s neighbour, Nosara, which has a pretty similar vibe to Samara.
If you’re not too keen on surfing and would prefer exploring, I recommend trying a hiking trail in the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve. You also have the choice to book a yoga session as both Nosara and Samara are known for their yoga retreats. End your first day in Samara with a sunset at a beach club!

Day 2 – Make your way to Santa Teresa, where you’ll stay for two nights. On your first day, take it easy by exploring the town and nearby beaches, including the renowned Playa Hermosa, celebrated for its impressive waves. Spend the afternoon beach hopping among Santa Teresa’s popular surf spots, such as Playa Carmen, Playa Santa Teresa, and Playa Hermosa.
Day 3 – Reserve your third day to explore the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve to spot wildlife, starting early in the morning. You can easily spend 3-4 hours here before heading to Montezuma cliff and waterfall which is about a half hour drive from the Nature Reserve.
Day 4 – On Day 4, you’ll make your way to Monteverde from Santa Teresa, which is about a 5 hour drive.

Day 5 – Today’s destination is the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the highlight of Monteverde. Nestled in the clouds, these thick rainforests offer an immersive experience. There are several trails within the reserve and the main Nubioso trail leads to the continental divide, where you witness the clouds floating over the lush forests. To avoid waiting, it’s advisable to reserve your spot at least a day in advance or on the morning of your visit, as there is a limit to the number of visitors allowed at a time. Plan for approximately 3-4 hours for this activity, depending on your preferred pace.
After a quick lunch, head on over to a coffee tour- there are several options but I particularly recommend the coffee tour offered by Café Monteverde, providing a comprehensive exploration dedicated solely to coffee. This activity lasts around 3-4 hours.
Monteverde is known for its night tours – I recommend the night tour at the Children’s Eternal Forest but there are several others to choose from! This activity lasts around 2 hours.
Day 6 – For your second day, I suggest dedicating the entire day to discovering El Tigre Waterfalls. This entails a breathtaking rainforest hike, unveiling 6-7 distinct waterfalls with the added bonus of a chance to swim. Plan for a minimum of 6 hours for this activity, which includes travel time.
Day 7 – Make your way back to Liberia airport on the last day. If you have an extra day, try to sneak in La Fortuna or a day trip to the Volcan Tenorio national park to hike to Rio Celeste.