Our 7-day trip plan
The Best of Costa Rica: our exact 7-day route, ready to follow
Skip the 20 hours of planning. Land at SJO and follow the day-by-day plan we give friends visiting for the first time: coffee country, La Fortuna’s volcano and hot springs, then Manuel Antonio’s beaches and wildlife. Hotels for every budget, the restaurants we eat at, drive times, gas stops and a map with every pin.
$27 · instant download · by Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
The route
Where you’ll go in 7 days
Alajuela & Poás Volcano
Start with a coffee farm visit and the spectacular Poás Volcano, close to the airport.
La Fortuna & Arenal
Natural hot springs, rainforest hikes, waterfalls and big views of Arenal Volcano.
Manuel Antonio
End on white sand beaches, with the national park trails and sloths and monkeys.
What you get
Everything that’s included
Detailed PDF guide
Day by day
Must-see stops and hidden gems for every day of the trip.
Hotel & restaurant picks
Every budget
Options for every budget, with menu highlights and our favorite local spots.
Pre-travel tips
Before you go
Season-specific advice, language tips, driving advice and more.
Interactive Google Map
Routes & pins
All the driving routes, plus pins for attractions, restaurants and hotels.
Look inside
What you’ll download
The 7-day itinerary
Every day planned morning to night, with drive times, tips and options to make it yours.
Hotel, restaurant and activity guide
Our picks for every stop and every budget, from sodas to splurges.
Planning printables
Packing lists, a budget planner, a wildlife scavenger hunt and more.
Inside the full plan
Tips that save you a bad day
Don’t drive to La Fortuna late
Land after noon? We explain why to stay near the airport instead, and what to do with your first afternoon.
Mind the gas gap
There’s a long stretch with no gas between San Ramón and La Fortuna. We tell you exactly where to fill up.
Skip the carsick road
The mountain road past Poás looks shorter. We map the route that won’t ruin your first drive.
Pick the right hot springs
Five hot springs compared, from $ to $$$, so you find the one that fits your crew and budget.
The details
Is it right for you?
Good to know
Who it’s for
First-timers
Explore a new country with confidence, on a pre-planned route that covers all the essentials.
Adventure seekers
See the best of Costa Rica, from rainforests to beaches, plus some hidden spots.
Self-drive fans
Designed for a rental car, so you have the freedom of a road trip with a plan to follow.
Any budget
Recommendations for every type of traveler, whether you’re saving or splurging.
Good to know
Good to know
8 days / 7 nights, flying in and out of San José (SJO). About 300 miles (480 km) of driving. You’ll get a 2MB PDF plus a link to our private hub with maps and printables.
Get the itinerary · $27
FAQ
Itinerary FAQ: your questions
How will I receive the itinerary?
You’ll get an instant download by email after purchase, plus a link to our private website hub where you can access maps, printables, and any future updates.
Do I need a rental car?
Yes, this itinerary is designed to be done by rental car.
Can I fly into Liberia instead of San José?
This itinerary is designed for travelers flying in and out of San José (SJO). If you’re flying into Liberia, we recommend choosing a different itinerary better suited to that airport.
What time of year is best for this itinerary?
This itinerary works year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences:
- December – April (Dry Season): Ideal for sunny weather, less rain, and perfect beach days. However, it’s also the busiest (and most expensive) season.
- May – November (Green Season): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Expect afternoon rain, and possibly very rainy days especially in September and October.
Is this itinerary good for solo travelers?
Yes! However, since this itinerary is designed for rental car travel, it may be more expensive for solo travelers since there’s no one to split costs with. If you’re comfortable driving alone and budgeting for it, you’ll still have an incredible trip!
Is this a good itinerary for couples?
Absolutely! This itinerary includes a mix of adventure, relaxation, and romantic settings, making it perfect for couples looking to explore Costa Rica together.
Is this a good itinerary for families?
I think this itinerary is perfect for families. It can easily be customized to be more kid friendly as needed.
I have limited mobility or physical restrictions. Is this itinerary suitable?
Some activities in this itinerary include moderate physical activity (hiking, swimming, etc.), but there are also plenty of low-impact alternatives like wildlife tours, scenic drives, and beach relaxation.
Do you offer refunds?
Due to the digital nature of this product, all sales are final and we do not offer refunds. Please read the full itinerary details before purchasing.