Upon your checkout, drive past winding roads to reach Monteverde. Manuel Antonio and its neighboring town, Quepos, have the best selection of restaurants of any beach community in the country. After the tour, youre free to enjoy the beaches and relax. Ridiculous Burgers on Av Pastor Diaz offers the biggest, hottest, meaty, and most expensive burger in Jaco Costa Rica, with nearly 50 burger options on the menu. South of Atenas, hook up with the Pacific Highwayfollow the signs directing you to Caldera. I should note that the cruise is available both in the morning and afternoon for $95 USD and leaves from Quepos. The first bus is the La Fortuna to San Ramon bus which is 2 hours and will cost you $4 USD. Alternatively, skip the bustling city altogether and head straight on a day trip to Tortuga Island, a beautiful island paradise that is only accessible by boat. Health & Safety: Costa Rica is a safe country. In the afternoon depart back to San Jose. Weve started this 7-day Costa Rica itinerary in San Jose because its where the large International Airport is located, and so is where most travelers begin their Costa Rica Adventure. Head out for an ATV tour or go for tours in the national park to see bats and frogs. If you want a nice view of the crater, get there as early as possible to avoid the clouds that typically cover the volcano by late afternoon. The Basic Double Room here costs as low as $119 USD per night, while the Deluxe King Suite starts at $165, both for double occupancy and inclusive of breakfast. Kids of all ages will beam on first seeing the tropical paradise that is the Nicoya Peninsula. See tours. Agua Azul Caf is located on the main highway in a strip mall with an open parking lot. This happens because acidic and neutral waters combine, creating enough particle concentration to reflect light. Note: Booking a canopy tour can vary from company to company. The pools are nestled in beautifully landscaped gardens and are lit with multi-colored ambient lighting at night. If you dont have a rental car, you can book a shuttle that will pick you up from your hotel in San Jose, costing approximately $37 USD this will take 4 hours and 15 minutes. Not all buses in Costa Rica travel directly from one point to the other; most of them make stops between places. For important safety guidelines & tips, visit the site to learn more. 15 BEST All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica (Our Unbiased Opinion! However, important COVID-19 guidelines & government protocols need to be followed. You can relax, rejuvenate or dip into the cool waters. When we are going on a longer trip (more than a month) the insurance provider we always use is SafetyWing. It roughly takes 2 hours to reach, meaning you almost have an entire day to yourself to try some interesting activities. It includes all your fees, water, transport, and a great guide. Its a place where you can use the bathroom too. Heres your map of your 7 days in Costa Rica . Thats why weve carefully designed this 7-day Costa Rica itinerary to include three main destinations. However, it takes a lot of time! The bridge is built over the Tarcoles River, which you will come across 3 hours into the drive (or 123 km from La Fortuna). In fact, this is a great, relaxing thing to do during your 7 days in Costa Rica! The best for swimming is Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio. This is especially true in Costa Rica because things are not very cheap here. Along your way, expect to spot toucans, bellbird, parrots, and other species. The former one is rather the busiest, with long immigration lines and security check-in. Rio Celeste Waterfall is located around a 30-minute walk from the entrance, and you reach the waterfall via a stunning staircase that makes for some pretty spectacular photos. Cruise along the coastal waterways and Pochette Mangroves before landing on the pristine white sands of Tortuga Island. (1020 minutes from most area lodgings). During your tour, you will expand your knowledge in understanding the process of the sustainable farming process. If you have the time (i.e. There are also lots of awesome restaurants in San Jose too, like Restaurante Grana DOro and Cafe Rojo, but we loved tasting the local cuisine at the Central Market. You can directly head to the designated area and pay an entrance fee of $40 for the hot springs. Youll learn a ton about the park and volcano! If youre interested in a guided tour, this specific tour is a great option. The longest trail is the Waterfall Trail and its around 5.5 miles (9 km), and most are much shorter in that 1-mile (1.5 km) range. All trails are well marked and there are signs and maps everywhere so you wont get lost. Its also home to a large international airport Juan Santamaria Airport, so its where most people start and end their trip to Costa Rica. Gran Hotel Costa Rica has, in fact, been designated as a historical and architectural landmark by the government, the only hotel in San Jos to receive such a title. This Costa Rica 6-day itinerary is perfect for kids and adults alike! If you dont want to drive there yourself, consider this Manuel Antonio Canopy Tour ,which costs $90 USD, and includes your lunch, fruit snacks, water, and transport from Manuel Antonio. The area is famous for adrenaline activities such as a canopy zip-line tour, ATV tour, or canyoning. Prices here range between $150 and $350 USD a night. San Jose. Visited hot springs, sandy beaches, walked though lush cloud forest, did some amazing exhilarating activities and met some amazing people Thoroughly enjoyed the holiday!, Hike through the rainforests of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, 5 days in Costa Rica : Our Recommendations, Two Weeks in Costa Rica: Top 5 Recommendations, 10 Days in Costa Rica: Top 3 Recommendations. Having a small handy bag will also help to keep your day-to-day essentials. 15 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Tortuga Island, Costa Rica, 10 Tips to KNOW Before Visiting the Costa Rica Crocodile Bridge. Therefore we recommend departing early so that you can get to Manuel Antonio in time for a gorgeous beach sunset. Is Costa Rica open for travel?At the current time of writing, yes Costa Rica is open for tourism. Are we saving the best for last? The Costa Rican government has led the world in the protection of this natural paradise, designating a quarter of the country's landmass to be protected national parks. If you are arriving late or very early and just want a place to rest your head, check out these amazing hotels near the SJO international airport. Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. (45 minutes by paved road from airport to Pos Volcano; 2 hours by paved road from airport to La Fortuna). Medical bills add up very quickly if you end up in hospital, not to mention, if you are a victim of theft, travel insurance will replace your items. Four hours' drive from Arenal takes you to fabled Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific coast. This easy-going Costa Rica tour is great for travelers who want to experience the best of Costa Ricas pristine coasts and rainforests. This specific full-day tour to Rio Celeste is a top choice. Its similar to glacier lakes that reflect rock flour. WebDAY 1: Arrive & settle into San Jos Arrive and get settled in San Jos. If you come here during the day, we recommend walking along the beach and finding your vibe. Find a shady tree, check out some of the beach clubs, go for a surf or just enjoy the scenery. Its a great introduction to San Jose and also allows you to explore busy markets and plazas with a knowledgeable guide. Youll need at least 2 hours here if you want to climb the volcano as its an hour and 40-minute return trail to the viewpoint. Within the property, you can find five different springs with mineralized, naturally heated water. A bus can take you to most of the places & inner regions of the country, with affordable ticket rates. Its truly a fun way to indulge yourself in this cold-adventure sport, and I urge you not to miss it!Price You can expect a ticket fee of around $85 $90 per person. Check out the best day-trips from San Jose! You have plenty of dishes to try, like the Ginger and Panko-crusted Tuna (my favorite) in sesame salad dressing, Shrimp, Tequila-lime Scallops, and Tenderloin Steak, and tasty Mushroom Risotto for vegetarian selections. Its highly rated and includes lunch, transport, and an expert guide. The adventure ends on the pristine Pacific coast beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park with time for some well-earned sun, sea, and sand. Your driver will pick you up from any hotel in La Fortuna, which is handy! However, not all are budget-friendly. During peak season, the early morning time slots book up days in advance. A mix of nature and adventure, this trip allows you to combine the two best things about Costa Rica. I personally loved my stay here, and all thanks to the green surroundings it presents when you touchdown this beautiful town. Situated in the Grano de Oro Hotels central courtyard, this beautiful restaurant provides visitors with a relaxed fine dining experience. Rio Celeste is open from 8 am to 4 pm, and its best to visit early in the morning when it is less crowded. Save up to 50% on tours and trips. There is even a small bar on the beach selling fresh coconuts, soft drinks, beers, and cocktails. Moreover, you can book optional tours, flights & read more resources on this itinerary. at Night Walks Santamaria. They have a beautiful on-site restaurant and bar where you can enjoy a view of the garden or the pool. ), and stunning beaches to enjoy. Travel Tip: To enter the country, youll first need to show your return ticket (proof of exiting the country). You can get a taxi or drive from La Fortuna town to this parking lot, where youll pay the entrance fee ($18 USD) and begin hiking. This restaurant/bar has an interesting history that stretches way back to the eighties. Note: You can book the same tour through G Adventures from their official website. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. We recommend spending at least 3 hours here! Unfortunately, you cant buy your bus ticket online, and instead, you need to go to the bus terminal to purchase them they operate on a first-come-first-served basis, so aim to get to the terminal as early as possible! Perched on the first floor of the building, Cafe Agua Azul offers a fantastic view of the ocean and is considered by many as one of the best eateries in Manuel Antonio. Boats leave from nearby Jaco or Puntarenas, both about 90 minutes from San Jose. Teideros is 3 kilometers from the entrance. Hotel-to-hotel shuttle-van services can get you from Arenal to Manuel Antonio. Costa Rica Eco Adventure 7 days from 1704 USD. For us, it is important to have a home base and a place to settle into. Youll then explore the unique cloud forest habitats of Monteverde where you can select optional activities. Day 4: Embrace Pura Vida and Relax! What to do in San Jose. Kids of all ages will beam on first seeing the tropical paradise that is the Nicoya Peninsula. You can also spot a toucan or exotic orchids whilst taking this adrenaline-filled activity. Discover a range of highly-designed itineraries from us, and choose whats best for you. From San Jose, you will head to La Fortuna, where you can hike volcanoes and chase giant waterfalls. Our travel experts will respond within 48 hours. Experience Whitewater Rafting, visit the Hanging Bridges, and explore Proyecto Asis. Arrive in San Joss Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamara (most arrivals are If you dont have time to stop here tonight, do not worry, this is the main beach in Manuel Antonio, and its almost guaranteed youll visit at some time during your 7 days in Costa Rica. Below, Ill suggest a few stay options that will help you sort your hotels as well. This 8-day Costa Rica trip takes you right into the heart of Costa Ricas most popular national parks such as Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and Manuel Antonio National Park. Find destinations that inspire you, parenting.com. Parking at Rio Celeste costs 2,000 colones per vehicle, and the park entrance fee is $12 USD for adults. Then, you can walk all the way to the national park and get the bus back up to town. Guided tour of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Today, prepare to get up early (we recommend leaving before 7 am) and head to the stunning Rio Celeste which is a 1 hour and 45-minute drive from La Fortuna, or 104 km (65 miles). The Hampton Inn just across from the airport lets you ease into your Costa Rican experience in familiar surroundings; the Xandari Resort & Spa offers a far more local, and pricier, first night here. As you explore the museum, youll come across various galleries showcasing true Costa Rican artworks. Explore Arenal Volcano National Park and enjoy the phenomenal panoramas around the park, which boasts hanging bridges, striking waterfalls, and the famed Baldi hot springs. Sugar cane factory experience (making your own candy) This is just a high-overview, but Ill ensure to link you through some additional resources & helpful guides. The entire reserve is festooned with orchid collections, big jungle cats, and unique wildlife species. Experience a canopy tour Nearly 51% of the country is occupied by rainforest, making it an ideal place to indulge in a canopy treetop tour. Espadilla Beach (aka North Espadilla Beach) is a stunning stretch of beach that is a 30-minute walk from town. For additional convenience, dressing rooms, showers, and lockers are available for guest use. As we said, if you love wildlife and especially crocodiles, you must stop at the famous crocodile bridge during your 7 days in Costa Rica. Experience a canopy tour If you havent tried a canopy tour in San Jose, then you shouldnt miss out on experiencing this thrilling activity at Monteverde. Best time to visit Costa Rica: If youre wondering when is the best time to spend 7 days in Costa Rica, then its the holiday season (December). Explore the heavenly freshwater creeks and lagoons on a, The whole family will also love this full Costa Rica one-week itinerary. For any Costa Rica trips, I advise you to carry a large rucksack and a convenient travel bag. Waterfall trekking Best of Costa Rica in 7 Days: Explore Jungles, Volcanoes and Beaches View Map With a mix of rugged jungles, active volcanoes and world-class beaches, I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Visited hot springs, s, Lots of activities and Jurgen was so helpful. Its safe to say that travel insurance has saved us thousands over the years! As soon as youve landed, rent a We saw so much wildlife, including a huge green lizard and even a bullet ant, which is known to have the most painful sting of any insect on the planet. So, if youre wondering how to spend a week in Costa Rica, then is the guide for you. Here are a few places that I recommend you opt for when youre spending your day in the capital city . If traveling heavily on a certain budget, expect to spend $30 $45 per day. This 7 days in Costa Rica itinerary includes the countrys best sights, a visit to a sustainable farm, the striking cloud forest of Monteverde, and other thrilling outdoor activities. 11 Best Day Trips from San Jose, Costa Rica, Family Vacations in Costa Rica: Top 12 Destinations to Visit, Playa Hermosa: Costa Ricas Beautiful Beach, 10 Best Waterfalls to Visit in Costa Rica, 7 Best Places to view Wildlife in Costa Rica, Fishing Costa Rica: Where to Find the Best Catch, Honeymoon in Costa Rica: 8 Romantic Destinations, Ecotourism in Costa Rica: 10 Ways to Experience it, Planning a Trip to Costa Rica: Your Essential Guide to Costa Rica, 13 Best Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica, 5 Things to do in Santa Teresa in Costa Rica, 6 Best Ziplining in Costa Rica: Where to Go, 11 Things to Do in Jaco: Costa Ricas Liveliest Beach, 10 Things to Do in and Near Liberia, Costa Rica, Top 5 Things to Do in Cahuita, Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica: Things to Do, Whitewater Rafting in Costa Rica: 10 Best Rapids, Tortuga Island in Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know, Sarapiqui in Costa Rica: Adventure and Beyond, Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica: Beaches and More, Tamarindo Beach in Costa Rica: Attractions and Things to do, Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast: 5 Best Places to Visit, Costa Rica's Pacific Coast: 8 Best Places to Visit. 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