One Week Best of Costa Rica Itinerary

We designed this one-week Costa Rica itinerary to give you the best overview of the country in a short amount of time.

Some beach vibes and some jungle vibes. A bit of relaxing and a bit of action.

It’s all about the balance here!

Are you ready to swim under waterfalls, enjoy volcano views, relax on beautiful beaches, see unique wildlife up close, and more?

Itinerary Overview

San Jose International Airport Area (night 1) → La Fortuna (night 2, 3) → Manuel Antonio (night 4-6) → San Jose Airport Area (night 7)

This itinerary is great for families with kids of all ages, couples, and solo travelers.

Airport

Fly in and out of San Jose International Airport
You can book your flight here

Transportation

This itinerary is designed to be done by rental car
You can rent your car with 10% discount here

Destinations

This itinerary goes to…..

Transportation Info

We designed this Costa Rica itinerary to be done by rental car.

You most likely do not need to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle, but an SUV with decent clearance is necessary.

Save 10% on Your Car Rental! We have partnered with our favorite local rental car company, Adobe, to give you a 10% discount, free extra drivers, 0% deductible on Liability Insurance, and more!

Book Your Rental Car

Itinerary Map

We created a clickable map of this itinerary to help you easily plan. You can also open it up in Google Maps here.

Things to Do Before Your Trip

Book your flights to and from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). Do that here.
Book your rental car.
Book your hotels. Our suggested places are listed throughout this itinerary. We like Booking.com for the best deals.
Book all activities that need to be pre-reserved (read through the itinerary to get a better grasp on that)
Pre-purchase your tickets to Manuel Antonio National Park
Figure out how you will stay connected (we suggest an eSIM from Airalo)
Notify your bank and/ or credit card company that you will be using your account while in Costa Rica.
Download the free apps Google Translate (if you don’t know Spanish), XE Currency Exchange (to easily convert currency amounts), and Waze (the best app for directions in Costa Rica).
Purchase travel insurance to stay protected.
Make sure you have everything that you want pack. Here is our suggested packing list for this itinerary.
Make sure your passport is valid. If not, get it renewed.
Board your flight to paradise!

Day One: Land in San Jose

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

Arrival at San Jose Airport: After navigating through border control and collecting your luggage, exit the airport.

Complete Guide to San Jose International Airport

Note: The airport is called the San Jose International Airport, but it is actually closer to downtown Alajuela. Traffic can be really bad around here, so we strongly suggest spending the night in Alajuela rather than downtown San Jose.

Car Rental with Adobe: If you’re renting a car with Adobe, a representative will greet you and take you to their office, just five minutes away, in a comfortable shuttle van.

Rent Your Car with 10 % Discount Plus Other Perks Here

Hotel Check-In: Drive to your hotel in Alajuela and check in. We suggest opting to stay in downtown Alajuela for easier transportation.

Here are our favorite Alajuela area hotels:

High End Hotel: Pura Vida Hotel
Mid-Range Hotel: Alice y Juancito
Budget-Friendly Hotel: Lajuela BnB & Hostel

Afternoon Activity: Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a fun activity in the hills above Alajuela. We recommend a coffee farm tour:

Doka Estate Tour: Discover the comprehensive process of coffee production at this local farm. Check tour availability here.
Hacienda Alsacia Tour: Visit and tour the only working Starbucks coffee farm in the world. Enjoy a unique Starbucks beverage at their open-air shop with a stunning waterfall view. You can always just visit the coffee shop if you don’t want to take a tour. Reserve your tour here.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of our favorite Alajuela restaurants:

Taj Mahal: Delicious Indian restaurant
Pesqueria da Limonta: Great place for fish and seafood
El Chante: Vegetarian and vegan dishes

Rest up for your drive to La Fortuna tomorrow!

Alternative Activities: If you have more time or arrive early, consider these additional activities:

Poas Volcano: Explore one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes. Guide to Poas Volcano
La Paz Waterfall Gardens: Perfect for families, this spot offers a variety of Costa Rican wildlife and an incredible waterfall. Pre-book your La Paz Tickets. You can also check out the free waterfall viewpoint (it’s marked on this itinerary map)

For more ideas, check out our Alajuela (airport area) guide.

Our Favorite Hotels in Alajuela

#1 High-End

Pura Vida Hotel

Check Availability

#1 mid-range

Alice y Juancito

Check Availability

#1 Budget Hotel

Lajuela BnB & Hostel

Check Availability

Check out all the best hotels in this area here

Restaurant Suggestions

Taj Mahal: Delicious Indian restaurant
Pesqueria da Limonta: Great place for fish and seafood
La Calle: Beer and street food such as burger
El Chante: Vegetarian and vegan dishes
Ragu: Great place for Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta

Note: If your flight gets in late in the evening and you are really hungry, there is a Denny’s across from the airport that is open 24/7

Other Suggested Activities

Day Two: Drive to La Fortuna

Drive to La Fortuna / Waterfall Swimming / Hot Spring Chilling

Morning

After breakfast, pack your belongings and prepare for the scenic drive to La Fortuna. The journey will take approximately three to four hours.

Although the roads are in decent condition, be prepared for some curvy sections that may cause car sickness.

Hotel Check-In: Upon arrival, check into your hotel. There are several great hotel choices in La Fortuna. Here is a comprehensive list of our favorite places.

High End Hotel: Amor Arenal (adults-only) | The Springs Resort and Spa (family-friendly)
Mid-Range Hotel: Suwa Villa Arenal
Budget-Friendly Hotel: Roca Negra Del Arenal

Afternoon

Visit the La Fortuna Waterfall: Visit the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall. Full guide to La Fortuna Waterfall. Depending on the water levels you can sometimes even swim under the waterfall, so bring your bathing suit! Pre-Book Your Tickets Here

Relax at a Hot Spring: Unwind at one of the area’s renowned hot springs. Check out our Arenal Hot Springs Guide for recommendations that suit all budgets and interests.

Evening

Some hot springs have on-site restaurants, but if you prefer something different, explore our La Fortuna Restaurants Guide for dining options.

A few of our favorite dinner spots are:

Night

After a relaxing evening at the hot springs, return to your hotel to rest up for an action-packed day tomorrow.

For more ideas, check out our La Fortuna guide.

Our Favorite Hotels in La Fortuna

#1 High-End

Amor Arenal

Check Availability

#1 mid-range

Suwa Villa Arenal

Check Availability

#1 Budget Hotel

Roca Negra Del Arenal

Check Availability

Note: Amor Arenal is an adults-only hotel. For a high-end family-friendly experience we suggest The Springs Resort and Spa.

Check out all the best hotels in the La Fortuna area

Restaurant Suggestions

Organico Fortuna: They serve up super fresh organic food which tastes amazing! They also have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
Restaurante Tierra Mia: Great Costa Rican food located in the town of La Fortuna.
Chifa La Familia Feliz: They serve a delicious fusion of Asian, Peruvian, and Costa Rican meals.
Red Frog Coffee Roasters: A great coffee shop
Soda Viquez: Good traditional Costa Rican food at a very reasonable price.

Check out our guide to La Fortuna restaurants for more great places

Day Three: Enjoy La Fortuna

Enjoy all the best that La Fortuna has to offer

Morning

If your hotel does not offer breakfast, we have a few cafe and restaurant options for you.

Travel Tip: We definitely suggest trying a traditional Costa Rican breakfast. Typically this breakfast includes a mix of rice and beans (Gallo Pinto), eggs, fried plantains, coffee, and a fresh fruit drink. Yum!

Daytime

La Fortuna is made for adventure! We suggest combining a few different activities into one fun-filled day. Some of our favorite things are:

Nature & Wildlife

Arenal Volcano National Park
Multiple trails with varying difficulty. Best time to visit is early morning. Enjoy hiking trails with views of the volcano, old lava fields, and diverse wildlife.
- Recommended For: Hikers, nature enthusiasts, wildlife watchers.
Arenal Hanging Bridges
- Info: Guided tours available for better wildlife spotting. Suitable for all ages. Walk through the rainforest canopy on a series of hanging bridges.
- Recommended For: Families, bird watchers, photographer
Day Trip to Río Celeste
- Info: Located in Tenorio Volcano National Park. The hike to the waterfall is about 3.7 miles round trip. The stunning blue waterfall is a must-see.
- Recommended For: Hikers, photographers, nature lovers.

Adventure Activities

Zip-Lining
- Info: Multiple companies offer zip-lining tours. Check age and weight restrictions. Experience the thrill of flying through the rainforest.
- Recommended For: Adventure seekers, families with older children.
Canyoning
- Info: Requires physical fitness. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Rappel down waterfalls in the surrounding canyons for an adrenaline rush.
- Recommended For: Adventure seekers, thrill enthusiasts.
White-Water Rafting
- Info: Choose between different river difficulty levels. Safety gear provided. Enjoy an exciting rafting trip on the Balsa or Sarapiquí River.
- Recommended For: Adventure seekers, groups, families with older children.
ATV Tours
- Info: Guided tours available. Wear appropriate clothing and be prepared for muddy conditions. Explore the rugged terrain around La Fortuna.
- Recommended For: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers.
Caving
- Info: Venado Caves require guided tours. Wear comfortable clothes and prepare to get wet and muddy. Explore underground passages and see unique rock formations.
- Recommended For: Adventure seekers, explorers.

Water Activities

Hot Springs
- Info: Various options from luxury resorts to public springs. Check for day pass options. Relax at hot spring resorts like Tabacón, Baldi, or Eco Termales.
- Recommended For: Couples, families, anyone seeking relaxation.
Kayaking on Lake Arenal
- Info: Guided tours available. Early morning is the best time to avoid wind. Paddle on the scenic lake with views of the volcano.
- Recommended For: Outdoor enthusiasts, families, couples.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
- Info: Suitable for all skill levels. Wear sun protection. Enjoy a peaceful SUP session on Lake Arenal.
- Recommended For: Outdoor enthusiasts, water sports lovers.
Fishing
- Info: Guided fishing tours available. Best times are early morning or late afternoon. Go fishing in Lake Arenal, known for its rainbow bass.
- Recommended For: Fishing enthusiasts, families.

Evening

Dinner: Enjoy a meal at one of our recommended restaurants in La Fortuna.
Night Tour: Consider a night tour to experience the rainforest’s nocturnal wildlife.

For more ideas, check out our La Fortuna guide.

Other Suggested Activities

Check out our guide to the best things to do in La Fortuna for more great ideas

Want to add an extra day in La Fortuna?

With so many fun things to do in this area. You can definitely add an extra day and be completely entertained.

Check out our guide to the best things to do in La Fortuna for more great ideas

Day Four: Drive to Manuel Antonio

Morning: After enjoying breakfast, head to the Rainforest Chocolate Tour.

This is something you need to reserve in advance, so go do that right now!

⤷ Reserve the Rainforest Chocolate Tour

If you’ve reserved in advance, you’ll enjoy an immersive 1.5-hour tour complete with unlimited chocolate tastings.

Drive to Manuel Antonio: Following the tour, begin your drive to Manuel Antonio, which takes approximately four hours. The journey includes some notable stops:

Rio Tarcoles: Pause to see crocodiles sunning themselves below the crocodile bridge (on map).
Jaco Sign: Take a quick stop for a photo at the Jaco sign (marked on the map). Look out for macaws. You can often spot them in the trees in this area.
Lunch Options:
- Road Side Restaurants: Along the drive you will come across several roadside restaurants if you need lunch. Most serve typical Costa Rican food at a decent price.
- Esterillos Town Center: About 30 minutes before Manuel Antonio, you’ll see Esterillos Town Center on the left (I marked it on the map). There are several lunch options here without deviating from the highway. I suggest just pulling in and seeing what appeals to you. I like Pizzeria Y Restaurante El Maná for paninis, pizza, or salad. Pro Tip: There is also a grocery store here that is great for stocking up on things before getting to Manuel Antonio.

I created a map on Google Maps for you with all these places marked so you can easily find them on your drive.

Hotel Check-In: After enjoying Playa Biesanz, check into your hotel. Our top three suggested hotels in Manuel Antonio are:

High End Hotel: Tulemar Resort
Mid-Range Hotel: Hotel Naoz
Budget-Friendly Hotel: Planet B Hostel

Visit Playa Biesanz:

Parking: There isn’t a sign indicating Playa Biesanz, but you’ll see cars lined up along the road and a parking attendant. If you reach Hotel Parador, you’ve gone too far—backtrack about 30 seconds down the road. Pay the parking attendant (approximately $4) for watching your car. They will direct you to the path to the beach.
Beach Activities:
- Wildlife: Look up in the trees on your walk down to the beach; you may spot howler monkeys.
- Local Feel: While not the most beautiful beach, Playa Biesanz has a cool local vibe with extremely calm waters.
- Rentals: Locals rent out lounge chairs, snorkel masks, and sea kayaks.
- Swimming and Snorkeling: It’s a great spot to swim out and see some fish.

Late Afternoon: Head back to your hotel and get ready for dinner.

Evening:

Dinner: Aim to dine around 5 or 5:30 pm to enjoy the sunset views at one of the many great restaurants in Manuel Antonio.
Bug Spray: Remember to bring bug spray. It can get quite buggy after sunset.
Cocktails: After dinner, relax at your hotel or grab a cocktail at El Avion, a unique bar located in an old cargo plane. While the food is average, the bar atmosphere is worth a visit.

Night: Go to bed early to be ready for an early start at Manuel Antonio National Park, which opens at 8 am.

Note: You need to pre-book your national park tickets. We suggest doing that as far in advance as you can. Also, the park is closed on Tuesday’s. Check out our guide to Manuel Antonio National Park for all the details.

Our Favorite Hotels in Manuel Antonio

#1 High-End

Tulemar Resort

Check Availability

#1 mid-range

Hotel Naoz

Check Availability

#1 Budget Hotel

Planet B Hostel

Check Availability

Check out all the best hotels in this Manuel Antonio

Restaurant Suggestions

La Luna Restaurant– Located in Gaia Hotel, this restaurant serves up very fresh food with a view.
Rico Tico Jungle Grill– A great place for dinner. Get here around 5:15 to enjoy the sunset with your meal.
El Arado Restaurant– This place has a really fun relaxed atmosphere. There is often live music.
Claro Que Si Seafood: Their seafood is what they are known for but there are plenty of other amazing options as well.

Other Suggested Activities

Visit Poas Volcano
Check Out La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Day Five: Visit Manuel Antonio National Park

Visit Manuel Antonio National Park

Morning

Visit Manuel Antonio National Park:
- Guided Tour: Consider a guided tour for the best experience. Guides can help you spot wildlife like sloths, monkeys, and various bird species.
- Hiking Trails: Explore the park’s well-maintained trails, including the Main Trail, Punta Catedral, and Playa Gemelas.
- Beaches: Enjoy the beautiful beaches within the park, such as Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur.
- Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for the diverse flora and fauna, including the endangered squirrel monkey.

Afternoon

Playa Espadilla:
- Relax and Enjoy: Spend some time on Playa Espadilla, the big beach in Manuel Antonio.
- Quieter Experience: For a more tranquil experience, walk to the far end of the beach where you can find large rocks and fewer people.

Midday

Relax or Activities:
- Hotel Rest: Head back to your hotel to relax.
- Additional Activities: Check out one of the activities listed in our Manuel Antonio guide, such as a canopy tour, kayaking, or a catamaran tour.

Evening

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at one of our recommended places in Manuel Antonio.

Tips for Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park

Entrance Fee: Be prepared to pay the entrance fee; it’s best to book tickets online in advance.
Opening Hours: The park is open from 7 AM to 4 PM, closed on Tuesdays.
What to Bring: Water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera.
Prohibited Items: Avoid bringing plastic bottles, single-use plastics, and food that could attract wildlife.

For more ideas, check out our La Fortuna guide.

Day Six: Free Day in Manuel Antonio

Morning

Flexible Schedule: Enjoy a relaxed morning at your own pace.

Activity Suggestions

Catamaran Cruise:
- Details: Enjoy a half-day cruise along the coast, with opportunities for snorkeling and spotting marine life.
- Timing: Morning or afternoon tours available.
- Includes: Lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear.
Day Trip to Nauyaca Waterfalls:
- Details: A short drive from Manuel Antonio, this waterfall is one of Costa Rica’s most stunning natural attractions.
- Activities: Swimming, hiking, and horseback riding options to reach the falls.
- Timing: Plan for a full day to fully enjoy the experience.
Beach Day:
- Playa Biesanz: A quieter, more secluded beach perfect for relaxing and swimming.
- Activities: Snorkeling, sunbathing, and paddleboarding.
Adventure Activities:
- Zip-Lining: Experience the thrill of zip-lining through the rainforest canopy.
- ATV Tours: Explore the lush landscapes and hidden trails around Manuel Antonio.
- Surfing Lessons: Take a surfing lesson at Playa Espadilla Norte.
Nature Walks:
- Rainmaker Park: A nearby private reserve offering hanging bridges, waterfalls, and lush rainforest trails.
- Mangrove Tour: Explore the Damas Island Estuary by boat or kayak, spotting diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems.

Evening

Dinner: Enjoy a meal at one of our recommended restaurants in Manuel Antonio.
Relax: Spend a leisurely evening at your hotel or exploring the town.

Tips for the Day

Booking: Book activities in advance to secure your spot, especially for popular tours.
Packing: Bring essentials like sunscreen, water, insect repellent, and comfortable clothing for your chosen activities.
Flexibility: Feel free to adjust the day based on your interests and energy levels.

Day Seven: Drive Back to Alajuela (Airport Area)

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

Morning

Check-Out: Depart from your hotel.
Drive to Alajuela: Approximately 4 hours.
Route: First half same as from Jaco.

Tips

Start Early: Avoid afternoon rush hour near the airport.

Afternoon

Arrive in Alajuela: Check into your hotel.
Relax: Take some time to unwind.

Optional Activities

Explore Alajuela: Refer to our Alajuela guide for activities.

Evening

• Dinner: Enjoy a meal at one of our recommended restaurants.

• Rest: Get a good night’s sleep before your flight.

Hotels in Alajuela

• Suggested Hotels: (Insert hotel recommendations here)

Nearby Activities

• City Tour: Explore the historic sites of Alajuela.

• Poás Volcano: Visit this active volcano for stunning views.

• La Paz Waterfall Gardens: A beautiful nature park with waterfalls and wildlife.

Extending Your Stay

• Extra Day Suggestions:

• Day Trip to San José: Explore the capital city.

• Visit Sarchí: Known for its arts and crafts, particularly painted oxcarts.

• Coffee Tour: Experience a tour of a local coffee plantation.

Feel free to relax and enjoy your final moments in Costa Rica!

For more ideas, check out our Alajuela (airport area) guide.