Hello Wanderer! Wondering if it’s possible to explore Costa Rica in just seven days? The answer is yes—if you follow this carefully planned itinerary.
This guide is designed to maximize your time without making the trip feel rushed. By focusing on the right highlights and building in moments to relax, you’ll feel like your seven days lasted much longer. That’s the magic of traveling smart and embracing Pura Vida—Costa Rica’s way of living simply and joyfully.
You’ll experience raw nature, diverse wildlife, lush rainforests, towering volcanoes, pristine beaches, and stunning waterfalls. You’ll also find practical tips on transportation (including options if you don’t rent a car), plus hotel and tour recommendations to make planning effortless.
By the end, all you’ll need to do is book, pack your colorful clothes, and get ready for the adventure. Pura Vida awaits!
Not sure how long to spend in Costa Rica? I also created detailed two week Costa Rica itinerary , 10 day Costa Rica itinerary and 5 day Costa Rica Itinerary to guide your trip.
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Quick Facts for Your Costa Rica Trip
- Best time to visit: December to April (the dry season, with plenty of sunshine)
- Official language: Spanish
- Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC)
- Exchange rates:
• 1 USD ≈ ₡509.29
• 1 EUR ≈ ₡580.99
- Exchange rates:
- Safety: Costa Rica is generally safe for travelers—just follow the usual travel precautions.
- Main religion: Roman Catholic
- Ideal trip length: 10–14 days for a well-rounded experience
- Budget: Mid-range to affordable. Costa Rica is great value for nature and adventure lovers. For up-to-date costs, check Numbeo’s Costa Rica cost of living page.
How to Get to Costa Rica
Costa Rica is well connected by air, making it easy to reach from many international hubs. The country has two main international airports:
- San José – Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
- Liberia – Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR)
Most travelers arrive through San José, which has the widest range of flights from North America, Europe, and Central America. Liberia, on the other hand, is a great option if your trip focuses on the Pacific Coast and nearby beach resorts.
Direct flights are available from cities like Miami, New York, Houston, Toronto, and Madrid. Once you arrive, getting around the country is straightforward with domestic flights, buses, shuttles, or rental cars.
How to Get Around Costa Rica
Whether you’re planning a 7-day Costa Rica itinerary or extending your stay, traveling between destinations is part of the adventure. Here are the main ways to get around:
1. Domestic Flights ✈️
A quick way to cover long distances and maximize your time.
- Sansa Airlines – Reliable and affordable
- Costa Rica Green Airways – Family-run with excellent safety standards
- Aerobell Airlines – Efficient flights to destinations like Quepos and Tambor
✈️ Compare and book domestic and international flights quickly on Trip.com.
2. Rental Cars 🚗
Perfect if you want total flexibility.
- Adobe Rent a Car – Trusted local company
- Alamo Costa Rica & National Car Rental – Internationally recognized brands
- For mountain or rural areas, a 4×4 is highly recommended.
🚗 Find and compare rental car prices on Trip.com from both local and international providers.
3. Public Buses 🚌
The most budget-friendly option, though slower.
- Empresa Alfaro – Caribbean coast
- Tracopa – Pacific coast and Guanacaste
- MEPE – Routes across the country
4. Shuttle Services 🚐
A comfortable and convenient way to move between popular destinations.
- Costa Rica Shuttle – Reliable service with Wi-Fi
- RideCR & Shuttle Express Tamarindo – Great for beach towns
- Tico Shuttle – Ideal for airport transfers
- Monkey Ride & Gecko Explorer – Personalized routes
🚐 Arrange a hassle-free airport pickup with Welcome Pickups for a relaxed start to your trip.
5. Taxis & Ride-Sharing 🚕
In San José and other cities, official red taxis with meters are common—just make sure the meter is running. Uber also operates in many urban areas and can be cheaper and more convenient.
Tips for Getting Around Costa Rica
- Check bus and shuttle schedules in advance.
- Drive carefully—many rural roads require a 4×4.
- Allow extra time when traveling during the rainy season.
With options for every style and budget, getting around Costa Rica is simple. Whether you’re following a 7-day itinerary or staying longer, choose the transport that fits your pace and enjoy the journey between each stunning destination.
Your 7 days Itinerary in Costa Rica
📅 Day 1 – Arrival at SJO → La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)
Morning/Afternoon
Welcome to Costa Rica! After landing at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), begin your journey to La Fortuna, the gateway to Arenal Volcano. The scenic drive takes about 3.5 hours, passing through small towns and green countryside.
🚖 Transport Options from SJO to La Fortuna
- Shared Shuttle – About $50 per person, door-to-door service.
- Private Shuttle – More comfortable and flexible, ~$150–$170 for up to 6 people.
- Car Rental – Ideal if you want more independence (4×4 recommended for rural roads).
Afternoon
Settle into La Fortuna and ease into your trip at El Choyín hot springs—a free riverside spot loved by locals—or upgrade to the world-famous Tabacón Hot Springs for a luxurious soak. Unwind with ease by reserving this convenient hot springs tour for a relaxing evening.
Evening
Enjoy your first Costa Rican dinner at a local soda (small family-run eatery).
Where to Stay in La Fortuna
- Budget-Friendly: Top-rated stay for budget travelers
- Mid-Range: Charming hotel with volcano views
- Luxury: Upscale resort with premium hot springs access
Recommended Tour
- Hot Springs Experience: Relax in La Fortuna’s best thermal springs
📅 Day 2 – Arenal Volcano + La Fortuna Waterfall
🌋 Full-Day Adventure in La Fortuna
Make the most of your day in La Fortuna with a guided combo tour that covers Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and the hot springs. The experience includes transportation, a knowledgeable naturalist guide, and plenty of time to relax in the thermal pools — perfect for seeing all the highlights in one stress-free day.
Prefer to Explore Independently?
Morning
Hike the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park, where you’ll explore lava flows, forest paths, and panoramic lookouts of the iconic cone-shaped volcano.
🚕 Transport: Taxi to park and waterfall (~$10–$20)
Afternoon
Cool off at the La Fortuna Waterfall. Descend 500 steps through lush jungle to a powerful 70-meter cascade where you can swim in the turquoise pool below.
Evening
Have a casual dinner at a local spot.
Recommended Combo Tour
- Arenal Volcano + La Fortuna Waterfall + Hot Springs: Book the full-day guided experience
📅 Day 3 – Day Trip to Río Celeste
Morning
Take a shuttle (about 1.5 hours each way) to Río Celeste, famous for its unreal turquoise-blue river created by volcanic minerals.
- Or skip the planning and join a full-day guided tour with pickup from La Fortuna — convenient and hassle-free.
Midday
Hike the Río Celeste Trail (2–3 hours), visiting the breathtaking waterfall, a bubbling lagoon, and natural hot springs along the way.
Afternoon
Return to La Fortuna and rest after your adventure.
Evening
Return to La fortuna and enjoy your dinner .
Recommended Tour
Río Celeste Full-Day Tour (with La Fortuna pickup): Book the guided experience with transport included
📅 Day 4 – Travel to Monteverde
Morning
Head to Monteverde, Costa Rica’s enchanting cloud forest region, famous for its rich biodiversity, misty mountains, and cool, refreshing air.
🚐 Transport Options:
- Shared Shuttle – Scenic and comfortable, around $75, taking 3.5–4 hours.
- Public Bus – Available but less convenient due to limited schedules and longer, indirect routes.
Afternoon
Choose between a coffee and chocolate tour or a visit to the Santa Elena Reserve for a gentle introduction to the area’s biodiversity.
Evening
Discover the magic of Monteverde after dark with a guided night tour, where you can spot sloths, glowing insects, tarantulas, frogs, and other nocturnal wildlife in their natural habitat. Prefer a more relaxed evening? Simply unwind at your lodge and enjoy a peaceful night surrounded by the misty cloud forest.
Where to Stay in Monteverde
- Budget-Friendly: Affordable eco-stay with forest vibes
- Mid-Range: Comfortable lodge with great views
- Luxury: Elegant retreat surrounded by nature
Recommended Tour
Monteverde Tropical Forest Night Walk (Guided): Book the nocturnal wildlife experience
📅 Day 5 – Monteverde Cloud Forest + Night Wildlife Walk
Morning
Explore the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, with trails winding through mossy jungle, orchids, and hanging bridges.
Getting There:
- A short taxi ride from most hotels costs around $5–$10.
- Alternatively, book a guided tour to gain expert insights into Monteverde’s unique ecosystem.
Afternoon
Choose between two unforgettable ways to explore Monteverde’s cloud forest:
- Hanging Bridges Guided Tour – Walk high above the forest floor on scenic suspension bridges and enjoy panoramic views of the lush canopy.
- Zipline Canopy Tour – Soar over the treetops for an exhilarating, adrenaline-filled adventure.
Many tours include hotel pickup, making it easy to get there and back. Book in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
Evening
Relax at your hotel or stroll into town for a cozy dinner, savoring warm local dishes while enjoying the cool mountain breeze and the enchanting Monteverde mist all around.
Recommended Tours
📅 Day 6 – Travel to Playa Sámara (or Manuel Antonio)
On Day 6, it’s time for some sun, sand, and sea. You can choose between Playa Sámara or Manuel Antonio, depending on whether you want a relaxed vibe or a lively beach experience.
Destination Tip
- Playa Sámara: Laid-back vibe with calm waters — perfect for swimming and relaxing.
- Tamarindo: Lively surf town with nightlife, bars, restaurants, and music.
Option 1: Playa Sámara
Morning
Take a shared shuttle (~3.5 hours) to Playa Sámara, you’ll find calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming and surfing.
🚖 Getting There:
- Shared Shuttle – About 3.5–4 hours, $50–$60, door-to-door service with scenic stops along the way.
- Private Shuttle – Around 3–4 hours, $200–$300, direct and flexible to match your schedule.
- Public Bus – 4–5 hours, $8–$12, typically requires a transfer in Nicoya or Cañas.
Afternoon
Unwind on the sand, swim in the warm Pacific, or rent a surfboard for a relaxed session.
Evening
Catch a stunning sunset, then enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant with your toes in the sand.
Where to Stay
- Budget-Friendly: Affordable beachside stays
- Mid-Range: Comfortable hotels near the shore
- Luxury: Upscale resorts with ocean views
Option 2: Manuel Antonio
🚖 Transport Options:
- Shared Shuttle: 4–5 hours, $60–$70, door-to-door with possible stops.
- Private Shuttle: 3.5–4.5 hours, $250–$350, direct and flexible.
- Public Bus: 6–7 hours, $10–$15, multiple transfers (Monteverde → Puntarenas → Quepos → Manuel Antonio).
Afternoon
Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon at Playa Espadilla, a wide, scenic beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or spotting wildlife. You can also book a water adventure tour for a fun-filled afternoon.
Evening
Relax at your hotel or enjoy a sunset dinner at a cliffside restaurant overlooking the ocean
Where to Stay
- Budget-Friendly: Affordable stays near the beach
- Mid-Range: Comfortable hotels with great amenities
- Luxury: Upscale resorts with ocean views
Recommended Tour
- Quepos Wooden Sail Yacht Cruise with Watersports & Food: Enjoy this fun water adventure
📅 Day 7 – Full Beach Day → Return to SJO
Morning
Spend your last day soaking up the beach paradise or simply relax under the palms.
Afternoon
Take a shared shuttle (~4.5 hours) back to San José International Airport (SJO) for your evening departure.
🚖 Getting from Playa Sámara to San José Airport:
- Shared Shuttle – About 5½ hours, $60–$65, comfortable door-to-door service.
- Private Shuttle – Around 4 hours, $250–$280 per vehicle, flexible and stress-free.
- Public Bus – 5½ hours via Nicoya or Hojancha with transfers, $65–$85, best for experienced budget travelers.
🚖 Getting from Manuel Antonio to San José Airport:
- Shared Shuttle – 4½–5½ hours, $60–$70, comfortable door-to-door ride with hotel pickup.
- Private Shuttle – 3½–4½ hours, $200–$280 per vehicle, direct, flexible, and hassle-free.
- Public Bus – 6–7 hours, $10–$15, budget-friendly but requires transfers via Quepos or San Isidro.
Evening
Departure—¡Pura Vida!
Conclusion
Costa Rica is truly a magical place with unforgettable attractions. For first-time visitors, it can feel a little tricky to navigate—but this 7 Days in Costa Rica Itinerary makes it simple. With clear daily plans and easy transport options—whether by shuttle, taxi, bus, or rental car—you’ll explore stress-free while enjoying the perfect mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation across the country’s most captivating destinations.
Following this guide will make your week feel much longer than seven days. You’ll return home recharged, inspired, and carrying the essence of Pura Vida with you. Whenever life feels overwhelming, I hope the memories of Costa Rica bring a smile to your face and keep you going.
If you found this guide helpful, save it for later and share it with your fellow travelers. And tell me in the comments—what’s the trip that always brings a smile to your face?