One Week in Costa Rica: The Best Jungle & Beach Itinerary

Planning a one week Costa Rica itinerary can feel overwhelming at first, especially when every destination looks amazing and distances are hard to judge.

This itinerary is designed for travelers arriving at San José International Airport (SJO) who want to experience both jungle and beach destinations in one smooth loop. Get ready to experience the beautiful Central Valley, the lush jungle landscape in La Fortuna, and Manuel Antonio, home to the country’s most popular national park.

As long-time Costa Rica residents, we’ve tested this itinerary ourselves and refined it based on real travel conditions. This guide gives you the framework, with the option to upgrade to a fully detailed, done-for-you itinerary if you want zero guesswork.

Let’s get to it!

Day One: Land at the San Jose International Airport / Tour a Coffee Farm

Arrival at San José International Airport (SJO)

• Border Control: After landing, head to border control. Lines can sometimes be long, but they tend to move quickly. The agent will ask for your passport, info on your return flight, and the name of your first-night hotel. Be sure to have this information ready to make the process smoother.
• Luggage Collection: After clearing customs, head to the baggage claim to collect your luggage. 
• Airport Tip: Don’t exchange currency at the airport. They do not give a good exchange rate. Instead, it is best to pay with credit cards or get US dollars or Costa Rican colones from an ATM.

Picking Up Your Rental Car

If you booked through Adobe Rent-a-Car, you’ll spot representatives holding an Adobe sign as you exit the airport. 

They’ll shuttle you to the rental office (a 5-minute ride), where you can collect your car.

⤷ You can book your rental car with a 10% discount here

Why Stay in Alajuela?

Though it’s called San José International Airport, the airport is located closer to the small city of Alajuela than downtown San José. 

So, we recommend spending your first night in Alajuela to avoid unnecessary driving.

Drive to Alajuela

The roads around San José International Airport are generally well-maintained, and the drive to Alajuela is straightforward with paved roads. 

However, traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour (7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–7:00 PM).

Downtown Alajuela is set up like a grid with many one-way streets. People aren’t always the best about stopping and often run through stop signs. Use caution. 

Luckily, the Adobe office is very conveniently located. It will only take about 5 minutes (without traffic) to get into the downtown area after picking up your car. 

⤷ Travel Tip: If you forgot something, there is a Walmart that you will pass on your way into downtown Alajuela. This has most of the essentials you will need (including food & drinks) as well as a pharmacy and ATM where you can get cash out.

Hotel Check-In

Check into your hotel and relax a bit after a busy travel morning. 

⤷ Travel Tip: It is a good idea to book your hotel as far in advance as possible. Things book out fast, especially during the dry season. 

Afternoon Activity: Coffee Farm Tour

Depending on your arrival time, visiting one of the nearby coffee farms can be a perfect start to your vacation. 

We love taking a coffee farm tour as an intro to the culture and for a chance to drink plenty of coffee.

• Doka Estate Coffee Tour: (Support a local business and enjoy a comprehensive tour) Learn about the entire coffee production process, from seed to cup at this family-owned coffee farm. The tour ends with a tasting of their fresh brew. Book your tour here.
• Hacienda Alsacia (Starbucks Coffee Farm): (Try unique Starbucks beverages and understand their vision) Visit the world’s only working Starbucks coffee farm. You can take a guided tour or simply relax at their open-air café with views of waterfalls and lush landscapes. Reserve your tour here.

⤷ Alternative Activities: Unlock to Read These Ideas🔑

Evening in Alajuela

After your coffee tour, enjoy dinner at one of Alajuela’s top restaurants. Whether you’re looking for local or international cuisine, you’ll find plenty of options.

End of Day Check-In

Day 1 is designed to ease you into your Costa Rican adventure, with options to either rest or explore. 

Tomorrow, you’ll head to the famous La Fortuna region for volcanoes and hot springs!

Day 2: Drive to La Fortuna + Waterfall Swim + Hot Springs Night

Welcome to your first full day in Costa Rica. Today you’ll head to La Fortuna. Here you can enjoy rainforest scenery, waterfalls, volcano views, hot springs, and a ton of adventure options.

Morning: Breakfast + Get Ready for the Drive

Start with breakfast. If you’ve never tried gallo pinto, this is a fun time to do it.

Before you hot the road for your first bigger drive, do these things:

• Check out and pack up completely
• Fuel up if needed (gas stations get less frequent once you leave the city)
• Have a little cash handy for tolls
• Download offline maps if your phone service is spotty outside towns

Drive to La Fortuna

This drive is scenic, but it usually takes longer than people expect.

A few key things to know:

• Roads get curvier as you get closer to La Fortuna (motion sickness is real on this route)
• You’ll pass some toll booths early in the drive, so keep small bills on hand just in case
• Don’t take the mountain road past Poás Volcano for this route. It’s rough and winding.

If you want the exact route we recommend (plus the best place to stop for gas so you don’t get caught in the “gas station gap”), that’s mapped inside the full itinerary.

🔓 Unlock the detailed itinerary to get the exact driving route + best gas stop + toll notes.

Arrive in La Fortuna + Hotel Check-In

Once you reach La Fortuna, head straight to your hotel to check in and drop your bags. If you arrive before check-in, ask the front desk to store your luggage. Don’t leave your stuff in the car unattended.

In the full itinerary, we include specific hotel picks by budget and the best areas to stay depending on your travel style (walkable, quieter, volcano views, etc.).

Lunch (Keep It Simple)

If you didn’t stop to eat on the drive, grab an easy lunch in town before your afternoon activity. Today should feel exciting, but not rushed.

Afternoon: La Fortuna Waterfall

The La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the most iconic stops in the La Fortuna area, and it’s a great way to shake off the drive. Expect a jungle staircase down to the falls (and yes, you have to climb back up). It can be slippery after rain, so take your time.

Sometimes swimming under the waterfall is allowed depending on the water levels. If the conditions are not optimal you can still enjoy the viewpoint and swim in the river area nearby.

In the full itinerary we include the practical stuff that makes this smooth: what time to go, what to bring, where to park, and what to expect based on weather.

🔓 Unlock the detailed itinerary for waterfall timing + parking + what to bring

Evening: Hot Springs Night

Tonight is the perfect hot springs night because your body will absolutely appreciate it after a travel day.

La Fortuna has a hot springs option for every vibe:

• Luxury and “this feels like a rainforest spa”
• Romantic and quiet
• Family-friendly with lots going on
• Budget-friendly and casual

Some places require reservations in high season, and some have cheaper evening rates, so planning this part ahead can save you both money and stress.

In the full itinerary, we break down the best hot springs picks based on your budget and travel style and the best plan for tonight so you’re not trying to piece it together last minute.

Dinner

If your hot springs spot has food on-site, it’s often easiest to eat there and fully relax. Otherwise, keep dinner simple in town and don’t plan anything too late. Tomorrow is your big “choose your adventure” day.

End of Day Check-In

Before bed, do a quick reset so Day 3 feels effortless:

• Pack a small day bag (water, sunscreen, bug spray, swimsuit if needed)
• Confirm any tours you booked for tomorrow
• Charge your phone/camera
• Set an alarm

Day 3: La Fortuna Adventure Day

Today is a big “Costa Rica adventure day.” The key to loving today (and not ending up exhausted and cranky by dinner) is simple: pick one “main” adventure style and build the day around it, instead of trying to do everything.

Morning: Breakfast + Start Early

Most tours and activities kick off between 7:00 and 9:00 AM, so an early breakfast helps a lot.

If you need a good option, Red Frog Coffee Roaster opens at 7 AM. They serve strong coffee, big portions, and are typically very fast.

Choose Your Adventure: 4 Great Day Styles

Afternoon + Evening Ideas (Depending on Your Energy)

After your main adventure, keep the rest of the day flexible. Great low-effort options include:

• Another hot springs soak
• A quick stop in the town park for the iconic church + volcano view photo
• A free local swim spot (daylight only)
• Or just going back to your hotel and relax

Optional Night Tour

If you want to do something memorable without much planning, a guided night walk can be a fun way to see rainforest creatures that only come out after dark. Book Your Night Tour

Before Bed Checklist (So Day 4 is easy)

Tomorrow is your travel day to Manuel Antonio, so do a quick reset tonight:

• Charge your phone/camera
• Lay out comfortable clothes for a longer drive day
• Confirm any bookings you have for tomorrow or the next day
• Grab snacks and water for the road

Day 4: Travel Day – Jungle to Beach

Today you’ll switch from jungle to coast. You’ll leave La Fortuna and head to Manuel Antonio.

Manuel Antonio is one of the easiest beach bases for first-time visitors because you get beautiful beaches plus wildlife (and it’s not hard to navigate once you’re there).

This is a travel day, so the goal is simple: one fun morning activity, a scenic drive, then an easy beach afternoon so you still feel like you’re on vacation.

Morning: Breakfast + Optional Chocolate Tour

Start with breakfast at your hotel or grab something quick in town, then decide if you want to do a chocolate tour before you hit the road.

If you do it, the Rainforest Chocolate Tour is one of our favorites. It’s interactive, surprisingly interesting, and yes, there’s plenty of tasting involved.

The big thing to know: tour timing matters. An earlier tour keeps your drive day stress-free and gives you more time to actually enjoy Manuel Antonio in the afternoon.

🍫 Check Availability and Book Your Chocolate Tour 🌱

Drive to Manuel Antonio

This is usually a 4–5 hour drive, but it can take longer depending on traffic (especially on weekends or if you get stuck behind trucks). Roads are paved and well maintained the whole way.

Plan for a couple quick breaks along the drive. It makes the day feel much easier, and you’ll arrive less wiped out.

Optional scenic stops, if you want to break up the drive:

• The Tárcoles crocodile bridge (classic Costa Rica moment)
• A quick stop around Jacó if you’re passing through at a good time

🔓 Unlock the detailed itinerary for the mapped driving route + scenic stops + the best place to break for food.

Food + Supplies Stop

If you want to make Manuel Antonio easier, this is the day to grab snacks, water, and anything you want for the next couple of days (especially if you’re staying somewhere more “jungle-y” where stores aren’t right next door).

We list our favorite easy food stops and the best place to stock up inside the full itinerary.

Arrive + Hotel Check-In

Once you arrive, check into your hotel and take a breather. You’re officially in beach mode.

We include hotel picks by budget and travel style in the full itinerary (beach access vs. jungle views, walkability, couples vs. families, etc.).

🔓 Unlock the detailed itinerary for our top hotel picks in Manuel Antonio

Afternoon: Beach Time at Playa Biesanz

For your first beach in the area, Playa Biesanz is a great choice. It’s a calm little bay that’s usually good for swimming and relaxing.

Bring a little cash. It’s common to pay for parking and you’ll often see vendors renting chairs/umbrellas or selling snacks and drinks.

Evening: Sunset + Dinner

Manuel Antonio sunsets are the real deal. Many restaurants on the cliff side provide great views of the coast and the sundown. So, we suggest having an early dinner timed with the sunset.

If you’re eating outside, bring bug spray. The mosquitos can be bad once the sun goes down.

End of Day Check-In

Tonight, do a quick reset for tomorrow (Manuel Antonio National Park day):

• Charge your phone/camera
• Pack a day bag (water, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, swimsuit/towel)
• Confirm your national park tickets if you booked ahead
• Set an alarm and check breakfast timing

Day 5: Visit Manuel Antonio National Park

Today is all about wildlife, jungle trails, and some of the prettiest beaches in Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the country’s most famous parks, and when done right, it absolutely lives up to the hype.

That said, this is a day where a little planning goes a long way.

Important Things to Know Before You Go

• The park opens at 7:00 AM and gets crowded quickly.
• Tickets must be booked in advance online (they often sell out).
• No outside food is allowed inside the park.
• The park is closed on Tuesdays. If today is Tuesday, swap this day with Day 6.

If you haven’t already, book your tickets through the official national park website.

Morning: Breakfast + Early Start

Plan on an early breakfast today. If your hotel offers breakfast, eat there and head out. If not, grab something quick nearby so you can arrive close to opening time.

Arriving early means:

• Fewer crowds
• Better wildlife spotting
• Easier parking near the entrance

Exploring Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park combines easy jungle trails, beautiful viewpoints, and multiple beaches, all in a relatively compact area. Most people spend 3–5 hours inside the park, depending on pace and how much beach time they want.

You’ll see a mix of:

• Rainforest trails
• Coastal viewpoints
• White-sand beaches
• Wildlife throughout the park

Guided Tour vs. Exploring on Your Own

You have two solid options today.

Guided Tour

• Best for spotting sloths, monkeys, and harder-to-see wildlife
• Guides know where animals are hiding and often use spotting scopes
• Tours usually finish near the main beach, so you can continue exploring afterward

Self-Guided Visit

• Ideal if you want to move at your own pace
• You’ll likely see fewer animals, but it’s more relaxed
• Binoculars help a lot if going solo

Both options work well, it just depends on whether wildlife spotting or flexibility matters more to you.

Trails + Beaches (High-Level Plan)

A good general approach inside the park:

• Prioritize beaches earlier in the day before they fill up
• Mix short walks with swim breaks so you don’t overdo it
• Save viewpoints and light hiking for mid-morning

There are several scenic trails and more than one beach inside the park, so you can tailor the visit to your energy level.

In the full itinerary, we map out the most efficient trail order, which beaches to hit first, and how to avoid backtracking.

🔓 Unlock the detailed itinerary for the ideal trail order, beach sequence, and timing tips.

What to Bring (and What Not to)

Bring:

• Water (reusable bottle)
• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and sun protection
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
• Bug spray for after the park

Do not bring:

• Any food or snacks
• Plastic bags or single-use plastics
• Drones

Your bag will be checked at the entrance.

After the Park: Lunch + Playa Espadilla

After exiting the park, head to lunch near the entrance. There are several easy options within walking distance.

Then spend your afternoon at Playa Espadilla, the public beach just outside the park. It’s a great place to swim or surf, walk along the shoreline, and watch the afternoon waves roll in

You don’t need to move your car if you parked near the park entrance, this makes the afternoon much easier.

Late Afternoon: Rest or Easy Exploration

By this point, most people are ready for a slower pace. Head back to your hotel to relax.

Evening: Dinner + Sunset

For dinner, keep things easy. Manuel Antonio has lots of open-air restaurants with sunset views. Either grab dinner early and watch the sunset from your table, or enjoy sunset first and eat afterward.

End of Day Check-In

Before bed:

• Charge your phone and camera
• Look through today’s photos (this is usually a highlight day)
• Confirm any activities you have booked for tomorrow
• Set an alarm if you’re planning an early start

Tomorrow, you’ll enjoy your final Manuel Antonio adventure day.

🔓 Want the stress-free version of this day, including parking strategy, scam avoidance, trail order, exact beach choices, and what not to waste time on? Unlock the complete itinerary here.

Day 6: Choose Your Own Adventure in Manuel Antonio

Today is your “do whatever version of Costa Rica you’re craving” day. You can go full waterfall road trip, book a boat tour, chase adrenaline, do something meaningful with wildlife conservation, or just hike and swim in the rainforest without crowds.

Start with breakfast at your hotel (or grab something quick nearby), then pick one option.

Pick Your Perfect Adventure

How to Choose (Quick Cheat Sheet)

• If you’re on a budget: Rainmaker Park or the Nauyaca road trip
• If you want the easiest “vacation day”: Catamaran cruise
• If you want adrenaline: rafting
• If you love wildlife and want something meaningful: Kids Saving the Rainforest
• If you want “rainforest without crowds”: Rainmaker Park

Afternoon: Chill Time

If your activity didn’t take the whole day, use the rest of the afternoon exactly how you want: beach walk, pool time, etc.

Evening: Dinner or One Last Guided Night Experience

Keep it low-key with a good dinner, or do one more guided experience (a boat/night wildlife tour-type activity is a fun way to end your last night in the area if you still have energy).

Check Out the Mangrove Boat Night Tour (with Dinner Included!)

End of Day Check-In

Before bed:

• Charge your phone/camera
• Pack up anything you won’t need in the morning (especially beach gear)
• Confirm any bookings you have
• Double-check tomorrow’s drive plan and set an alarm

🔓 Want the exact “best version” of this day — including the full self-drive road trip route, where to stop, where to park, what to skip, and how to time it so you’re not driving back in the dark? Unlock the detailed itinerary here.

Day 7: Drive Back to Alajuela (SJO Airport Area)

It’s your last full day in Costa Rica. Today you’ll head from Manuel Antonio back to the Alajuela / SJO airport area for an easy departure tomorrow.

This is mostly a travel day, but you can still squeeze in one final “Costa Rica moment” on the way back if you want.

Morning: Manuel Antonio → Alajuela

After breakfast, pack up, check out, and start the drive back toward the airport area.

What to expect:

• Drive time is usually around 3.5–4.5 hours, but traffic can change everything.
• Try to hit the road earlier rather than later, so you’re not dealing with heavy traffic near San José in the late afternoon.
• You’ll likely go through toll roads. Keep a little cash handy just in case.

Optional Stop: Tárcoles Crocodile Bridge

If you didn’t stop here on the way down to Manuel Antonio, today is your second chance.

It’s a quick stop where you can walk onto the bridge and look down at the river below. This is one of the best places in Costa Rica to see massive crocodiles just casually hanging out.

Arrive in Alajuela + Hotel Check-In

Once you arrive, check into your hotel, drop your bags, and decide how you want to spend your final afternoon.

You can keep it easy by staying near the airport, or you can do one last activity if you still have energy.

Afternoon Options (Pick One)

If you want one last outing, here are a few good options:

• A wildlife rescue center visit (easy, fun, and great for families)
• A waterfall gardens-style attraction (easy trails, lots to see in one place)
• A quick wander in downtown Alajuela for a “real life” city vibe and a final coffee stop

Evening: Last Dinner in Costa Rica

For your final dinner, you can stay close to your hotel and keep it easy. Alajuela has plenty of good restaurant options, including seafood, international food, and simple local spots.

Before Bed Checklist (Set Tomorrow Up for Success)

• Confirm your flight details and check-in time
• Confirm rental car return plan
• Set aside small cash for any last-minute expenses
• Pack as much as you can tonight so tomorrow is calm
• Charge devices/headphones
• Set an alarm and get some sleep

🔓 Want the exact best “final day” plan, including the smoothest departure strategy, timing that avoids the worst traffic, and which last-day activities are actually worth it based on your arrival time? Unlock the complete itinerary.

Day 8: Departure Day (Leaving Paradise… For Now)

Today is all about keeping things easy.

Morning: Check Out + Rental Car Return

Do a final sweep of your room (chargers, passport, sunglasses, etc.) then head to return your rental car.

Departure Tips:

• Give yourself extra time. Even though SJO isn’t a huge airport, lines can get long in peak season.
• If you have a reusable water bottle, bring it empty and refill it after security.
• Keep liquids in carry-ons within standard airport limits (anything bigger needs to go in checked luggage).

One important reminder: Don’t try to bring home “natural souvenirs” like shells, sand, rocks, seeds, or anything similar. Costa Rica is strict about this and airport security will confiscate it. We’ve seen it happen.

At the Airport

If you want last-minute souvenirs, SJO actually has decent duty-free options (coffee, chocolate, hot sauce, gifts). And yes, airport food is overpriced, but there are a few solid choices if you need a quick meal before your flight.

Until Next Time

And just like that, your week in Costa Rica is over (for now). Hopefully you’re leaving with amazing memories, a camera roll full of wildlife photos, and the strong urge to come back.

Pura Vida,
Sarah & Thomas

🔓 Want the full “done-for-you” version with the exact timing, maps, airport-area hotel picks, rental car return details, and every little step spelled out so you don’t have to think? Grab the complete itinerary here.