One Week Best of Costa Rica Itinerary Preview
Dreaming of the ultimate Costa Rica adventure?
This itinerary guarantees you’ll see waterfalls, volcanoes, beaches, and wildlife – all stress-free!
Instant Download – Just $34.95
This Itinerary is Packed with Helpful Info!
- 🌿 Curated 7-Day Adventure – Waterfalls, volcanoes, beaches & more!
- 🗺️ Clickable Google Maps – Easy-to-follow routes & must-see stops
- 📖 Planning Packet – Packing lists, budgeting tips & travel hacks
- 📍 Insider Tips – Avoid tourist traps & discover hidden gems
✈️ This 7-day self-drive itinerary is designed for travelers flying in and out of San José International Airport (SJO).
You’ll explore lush jungles, volcanoes, waterfalls, and pristine beaches while driving between three incredible destinations:
- Alajuela – The perfect base near the airport for your first and last night
- La Fortuna – Experience Arenal Volcano, hot springs, and jungle adventures
- Manuel Antonio – Relax on world-class beaches and explore Costa Rica’s most famous national park
⚠️ Important: This itinerary is designed for a rental car trip. Public transportation is limited between these destinations.
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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 with 10% Discount
Things to Do Before Your Trip
- Book your flights to and from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). Do that here.
- Book your rental car with 10% discount.
- 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)
- Figure out how you will stay connected. We suggest an eSIM from Airalo. Use code NEWTOAIRALO15 at checkout.
- Notify your bank and/ or credit card company that you will be using your account while in Costa Rica.
- Purchase travel insurance to stay protected. Get a price quote
- Make sure you have everything that you want pack. Here are some things we think you should bring.
- Make sure your passport is valid. If not, get it renewed with plenty of time spare. These things can take awhile!
- Register with STEP if you are a United States citizen.
- Board your flight to paradise!
Note: This is just a sneak peek of the Best of Costa Rica itinerary!
Upgrade to the full version and get:
✅ A detailed, day-by-day itinerary
✅ Hidden gems & off-the-beaten-path spots
✅ Clickable Google Maps with driving routes, top restaurants, accommodations, and must-see attractions
✅ A fun planning packet with packing checklists, budgeting tips, and travel hacks to make your trip stress-free
Everything you need to plan your perfect Costa Rica adventure, all in one place!
Now just $34.95!
Day One: Land in San Jose
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, the length of your stay (Costa Rica allows stays of up to 180 days), and the name of your first-night hotel. Be sure to have this information ready to make the process smoother. They may also ask to see proof of your return ticket.
- 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 (I will direct you to one just after you pick up your car).
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.
Traffic can be heavy, so we recommend spending your first night in Alajuela to avoid unnecessary driving delays.
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 Activirties: 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.
⤷ Insider Tip: Unlock to Read this Tip🔑
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!
Before bed, you might want to:
🔑 Unlock for daily end-of-the-day checklists🔓
Hotels in Alajuela
Pura Vida Hotel
Alice y Juancito
Lajuela BnB & Hostel
Alajuela Restaurants
Costa Rican & International Cuisine
- Taj Mahal: A delicious Indian restaurant with vegetarian and meat options.
- Restaurante Jalapeños Central: A hidden gem serving excellent Mexican dishes such as burritos and quesadillas. A good place for lunch or dinner.
- Pesqueria da Limonta: If you’re a seafood lover, this is the place for fresh fish or seafood dishes in a cozy setting. They also make homemade pasta.
Coffee & Breakfast Spots
- Delicias: Pastries, eggs, delicious coffee, etc., with plenty of seating spots.
- Bon Appetit: Cute place for traditional breakfast, coffee, and pastries.
- FlatWhite Cafe: Good place to stop if you’re just looking for a quick coffee and pastry before hitting the road.
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.
🔓 Unlock the full itinerary for details on the drive 🔑
Ready for the Ultimate Costa Rica Adventure?
Your time in Costa Rica is limited. Don’t waste it on bad recommendations, overpriced tourist traps, or unnecessary stress.
With this itinerary, you get:
✔ A fully planned route – No need to research or second-guess
✔ Curated activities & hotels – The best experiences for every budget
✔ Easy-to-follow travel plan – Google Maps & booking links included
✔ Access on any device – Website & downloadable PDFs
✔ Lifetime access & updates – Plan now or use it for future trips
📥 Get the expert-backed Costa Rica itinerary that makes travel EASY!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Imagine stepping off the plane in Costa Rica, knowing every detail of your trip is already planned—no second-guessing, no wasted time, just pure adventure.
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🚗 No stress. No endless research. Just the best trip ever.
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