This particular route is 130 km (80.7 miles). This easy-going Costa Rica tour is great for travelers who want to experience the best of Costa Ricas pristine coasts and rainforests. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. After the tour, youre free to enjoy the beaches and relax. Whether its hiking through the rainforest, a leisurely beach time, a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs, or an exciting session of whitewater rafting, we know youll join the host of travelers who has already fallen for this incredible country. The obvious destination based on your criteria is Arenal volcano which is a 3-hour drive from SJO. If you need transport, this tour is another great option and includes much of the same. Then these mid-range hotels are a nice option. Costa Rica Family Itinerary: 7 to 8 Days Costa Rica is easy to access via two international airports, Liberia and San Jose. Heres your map of your 7 days in Costa Rica . Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. The private Deluxe Room here costs fromUS$152 per night, while a bed in the Small Dorm costs around US$26 per night. Franco offers a range of fresh food options that blend the best of Costa Rican coffee, confectionaries, smoothies, egg combinations, meats, and so much more. Within the national park, Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur offer more seclusion, but no real facilities. Plus, they offer beautiful private rooms with private bathrooms, or if youre on a tight budget, a bed in one of their dorms is an ideal choice. I truly love this place! Related Read: Check out the best Restaurants in San Jose. Boats leave from nearby Jaco or Puntarenas, both about 90 minutes from San Jose. Basically, there are two international airports from where you can arrive in Costa Rica. You can stay here for as little as US$65/night with deals available during the low season. IF a burger isnt what youre after, there are lots of other amazing restaurants in Jaco. In the evening, I recommend experiencing the local hot springs of La Fortuna. San Gerardo de Dota Want a more peaceful experience? You could, however, plan your trip two weeks after the holiday season and still can have a great time in Costa Rica. Further along, youll see the Borbollones or Bubbling Hot Pot. The tour is also more than just ziplining and lasts for 5 hours. 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. It departs every day at 8:40 am and it arrives at La Fortuna between noon and 1 pm. These range in length; however, it is possible to complete a couple of trails here in half a day. Some were as big as 15 feet too. Here, you can walk across several hanging bridges in the jungle as a guide tells you about the jungle. Our travel experts will respond within 48 hours. Seeone-week tours to Costa Rica. It gives you the maximum freedom to stop anywhere you want and visit places at your own pace. 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). WebItinerary Duration:8-11 days (7-10 nights) Custom Costa Rica Itineraries You never know when youll be back to visit, so we suggest making your trip to Costa Rica the absolute Explore this rich catalog of G Adventures special trips, ranging from family experiences to hard adventures. Why We Recommend this 7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary, Best for fine dining Restaurante Grano de Oro, Visit La Fortuna Waterfall in the afternoon after arriving in La Fortuna, Best value-for-money (local soda) Restaurante Terra Mia, Getting to La Fortuna without a Rental Car, Catch a sunset at the beach in Manuel Antonio, Getting to Manuel Antonio without a Rental Car, Tour through Manuel Antonio National Park, What to Pack for a 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary, renting a car when we travel around Costa Rica, amazing hotels near the SJO international airport, the best areas to stay in Costa Rica with a selection of hotels, the best cheap things to do in La Fortuna, This Rainforest Night Walk and Dinner tour, This specific full-day tour to Rio Celeste, This 4-in-1 tour includes a visit to the hanging bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, a volcano hike as well as Tabacon Hot Springs, check availability and book Hotel La Mariposa online here, 15 BEST Beach Towns in Costa Rica that you should Visit. Youre lucky enough to be here in paradise. The springs feed dozens of pools at temperatures ranging from 72 F to 105 F (22 C to 40 C), so no matter your preference, you will surely find the perfect pool. This depends on your travel stay, experiences you book, transfer costs, and other daily expenses. We recommend limiting your itinerary to two destinations for a 7-10 day itinerary. Get instant access to lower prices. Many tourists chose to skip San Jose altogether and head straight for La Fortuna, which is a shame as there are a lot of cool things to do in the city. Read our disclosure policy for more info. Hotel Cultura Plaza is a contemporary hotel nestled in the heart of the city center and close to the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Theater of Costa Rica, and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum.The rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and an attached bathroom. With its wooden furniture and tropical decor, its brimming with Costa Rican charm everywhere you look. Its a great introduction to San Jose and also allows you to explore busy markets and plazas with a knowledgeable guide. Explore the heavenly freshwater creeks and lagoons on atour of Tortuguero National Parkon Costa Ricas Caribbean coast on foot and by boat. Day 2 - Santa Elena, your base for the Monteverde rainforest Where to stay in Santa Elena Day 3 - Visit the Monteverde rainforest A few facts Visiting the rain forest and driving on the same day? You can find an impressive lobby here, as well as an executive lounge, conference space, and an innovative restaurant. Through my partnership program, all additional activities & experiences will be available through G Adventures. Costa Rica is also a relatively small country, making it the perfect destination to explore even on a week-long trip. The cost might eventually go up or down, based on the Costa Rica trips you take. You can also find below the estimated tour price for this 7 days Costa Rica itinerary. 15 BEST All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica (Our Unbiased Opinion! Manuel Antonio is home to the longest twin zipline in Costa Rica. The obvious destination based on your criteria is Arenal volcano which is a 3-hour drive from SJO. Enjoy casual dining, a wide-ranging menu, and views of incredible sunsets over the Pacific Ocean while sipping on an ice cold beer or a delicious cocktail. Day 3: La Fortuna and Driving to They all line the road that runs west from La Fortuna around the north side of the volcano. Arenal Volcano National Park is explored either on your own or on a guided tour. There are lounge chairs for rent as well as kayaks and snorkeling equipment. Try out the thick, juicy steaks if you prefer dinner for two. Costa Rica is even safe for tourists willing to solo travel. Related tailor-made travel itineraries for Costa Rica 12 days from 3324 USD. A burger here will cost you between $10-$12 USD! Pura Vida!, Manfred was an extremely friendly and knowledgeable guide, certainly making the trip , Manfred was an extremely friendly and knowledgeable guide, certainly making the trip the amazing experience it was. Its undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in San Jose. Day three in Monteverde is free to relax or try out other listed activities. They sell amazing burgers from prime beef supplied by grass-fed animals on a nearby farm. You can start with the Tuna Tostadas and finish with a large healthy Shrimp Salad! La Fortuna (nights 1 and 2) Volcano Lodge Hotel and Thermal Experience. However, it takes a lot of time! Whats great about this road trip is that there are plenty of awesome stops along the way like La Paz Waterfall Gardens, which is about halfway between the two cities, and Poas Volcano, which is about 1.5 hours from San Jose. However, an average one-week Costa Rica itinerary can cost you somewhere around $890 $1500. These destinations provide the biggest variety of activities and attractions and are also fairly easy to get to so that you wont spend your entire holiday driving. Then Costa Rica boasts high-end stays spread across the region. Kids of all ages will beam on first seeing the tropical paradise that is the Nicoya Peninsula. Great Costa Rica Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend? Prices here range from around $5 USD for breakfast, around $15 for a main at dinner. Is Costa Rica open for travel?At the current time of writing, yes Costa Rica is open for tourism. They have plenty of different food options ranging from tacos, sushi, burgers, pizzas, and more so everybody in your group can find something! Day 4: Embrace Pura Vida and Relax! Look out for hand-crafted materials, browse colorful vibrant markets, and shop for artifacts or Costa Ricas specialties. It is open every day from 12 pm 10 pm. Click Here! Your trip to Costa Rica most likely starts in San Jose, the countrys capital city and one of the only two Day 2: Hot Springs and Volcano Arenal. The trail is well-maintained and leads down to the waterfall via many steps. This is my first reddit post. Other than the ones listed above, you can discover more at La Fortuna. Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Costa Rica Eco Adventure 7 days from 1704 USD. The salads and vegetables are of the highest quality and are delivered daily with every detail planned to create a heavenly, delicious tall, rich burger. If you are short on time, check out our guide on5 days in Costa Rica instead. It involves sliding down the rope over the trees, giving you an aerial view of the densely populated forests. Set out on the scenic driveturn north at San Ramnto La Fortuna, which sits at the foot of Arenal Volcano and is its hub. After witnessing the colorful fish underwater, you will hop back on board to cruise the coastline around Manuel Antonio. Here are a few places that I recommend you opt for when youre spending your day in the capital city . Given the small size of Costa Rica and how accessible it is by vehicle, you'll be able to visit the jungle, volcanoes, and great beaches in the same 7-day trip. Its also slightly longer at 3 to 4 hours. And if rustic camping is not your thing, there are plenty of room options to choose from. One of Costa Ricas most popular strands of sand, Playa Espadilla hums with activity on weekends and holidays. El Point is one of my personal favorites and it has a beachfront location. For more budget-friendly options around Costa Rica, check the catalog. Its worth noting that Poas is a very active volcano (39 eruptive episodes since 1828!) Note: You can book the same tour through G Adventures from their official website. Theres also a thrilling surprise at every step, on what you encounter during your entire exploration. Fortunately, you will find plenty of hot spring options outside downtown La Fortuna. Ultimate 7-day Costa Rica Itinerary. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. This 4-in-1 tour includes a visit to the hanging bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, a volcano hike as well as Tabacon Hot Springs. If you need to book this activity, I recommend doing it through Horse Trek Monteverde.Price In the range of $45 $50 (depends on the package). This is very important because the clouds can completely obstruct your view of the volcano believe me, on this, I once went and saw nothing but clouds. WebOur top itinerary for 7 days in Costa Rica Day 1 & 2 & 3 - Monteverde - Situated on the continental divide under misty, magical clouds, Monteverde is one of the most biodiverse They have around 25 thermal pools around the property, surrounded by lush vegetation & clean amenities. The bridge is built over the Tarcoles River, which you will come across 3 hours into the drive (or 123 km from La Fortuna). The menu represents bold indigenous flavors, herbs, local products, and peppers reminiscent of the different global cuisines.The interior dcor has stunning murals that uplift this roadside restaurant to a charming dining experience. Its conveniently located only a few minutes from the National Park entrance. The only catch here is, that you can expect a large number of tourists flocking to the country to experience activities. When I visited Costa Rica for the first time, the glimpses of rainforest areas and cloud forests really caught my attention. Its one of the best restaurants in La Fortuna. Note: Booking a canopy tour can vary from company to company. If youre interested in a guided tour, this specific tour is a great option. There are also endless amounts of things to do in Costa Rica, and in 7 days you just cant see and do it all. Head to San Gerardo de Dota for a serene bird-watching tour. Upon your arrival, you have free time to relax and explore the surroundings. You can directly head to the designated area and pay an entrance fee of $40 for the hot springs. Jaco is one of the most touristic places in Costa Rica so you can choose from hundreds of restaurants. 2. 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. La Mariposa has a lot more in store for its guests, too. Manuel Antonio and its neighboring town, Quepos, have the best selection of restaurants of any beach community in the country. Day 1: San JosDay 2: San Jos MonteverdeDay 3: MonteverdeDay 4: Monteverde La FortunaDay 5: La FortunaDay 6: La Fortuna San JosDay 7: San Jos. Start with a trip to Arenal Volcano National Park and explore the jungle on foot, with the option to crash through the regions white water on a rafting trip or repel down mighty waterfalls. Local water spot for swimming 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. El Avin is a famous restaurant in Costa Rica, and because of its location, its also one of the best spots in Manuel Antonio to watch the sunset. Day 7: ATV Tour of the Countryside Head out for a thrilling Besides the volcano this area also has hot springs, hanging Before I get to the itinerary part, its important to understand a few essential planning points before you plan any Costa Rica trips. When we are going on a longer trip (more than a month) the insurance provider we always use is SafetyWing. Visit the Cloud Forest Reserve reconnects you with nature in a serene way. San Jos. Through the partnership program with G Adventures, you can book the same tour through their website. Alternatively, head back to town and do a little shopping or have a relax in the main square before you nighttime adventure! For more details on documentation, visit here. One of my favorite attractions here is the butterfly observatory. 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. 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. A private room here costs from as low as $40 USD. We welcome your questions or comments to this article. Rio Celeste is famous for its bright blue color and has to be added to your Costa Rica itinerary! Our top tip for these trails is to walk them slowly, as the slower you go, the more chance youll have at spotting wildlife like monkeys, macaws, sloths, snakes, and more! Not only do you feel the rich bio-diversity of the region, but can also indulge in various voluntary activities.Operational timings Sunday to Saturday (7 am 4 pm)Entry Fee $25 for adults, $12 for children, and an additional $5 for parking. What we love is that Emilio, the owner often greets his guests in person. Chat with a local travel specialist in Costa Rica who can help organize your trip. To add some thrill to your Costa Rica journey, opt for a 44 jeep or a campervan. This easy-going Costa Rica tour is great for travelers who want to experience the best of Costa Ricas pristine coasts and rainforests. Save up to 50% on tours and trips. Theres definitely more but I think Ive named enough Especially, when a country like Costa Rica is abundantly filled with luxury stays, budget-friendly hotels & fancy lodges. Here, you can literally see the water turn blue as the streams meet its so cool! Conveniently located in the city center and just a 5-minute walk from the Costa Rica National Theatre and San Jos Cathedral. While on theMonteverde Cloud Forest Reserve tour, take a stop at the cheese factory before heading to the Pacific coasts Manuel Antonio National Park, an idyllic tropical beach landscape with activities including snorkeling and sea kayaking. When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?Weather in Costa Rica: December, January, February, March, and April. These months make up the Dry Season, which is also peak tourist season. Travelling to Costa Rica in May and June. Visiting Costa Rica in July and August. Weather in Costa Rica: September, October and November. Be part of a volunteer program in Costa Rica. More so, for our 7 days Costa Rica itinerary we recommend getting a rental car. You need around 3 hours to hike the return trail and enjoy the waterfall. During your tour, you will expand your knowledge in understanding the process of the sustainable farming process. Located in the Central Americas region, Costa Rica is a top-rated tourist destination amongst travelers. If you prefer visiting Manuel Antonio Park with a guide, there are many options for guided tours through the park. The pools are nestled in beautifully landscaped gardens and are lit with multi-colored ambient lighting at night. Approximately 40-minutes from Poas Volcano National Park is La Paz Waterfall Garden, and we think this should be your next stop on your drive from San Jose to La Fortuna. Follow up with a visit to one of many hot-springs complexes in the area as the sun sets behind Volcn Arenal. Room rates here start as low as US$81 per night what a steal! You should book the cruise online in advance as there are limited spots available. We think the best way to get to Tortuga Island is on an organized tour from San Jose such as this one. From tarantulas to armadillos and large bugs you can expect to hop across them every now & then.Price Starting entry fee is $30 approx. After an adventurous day at Rio Celeste, there is no better way to unwind than soaking in a relaxing hot spring! Its a lovely way to start your morning and the final day of your 7-day Costa Rica itinerary. 15 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Tortuga Island, Costa Rica, 10 Tips to KNOW Before Visiting the Costa Rica Crocodile Bridge. 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. You can expect rains and a bit of chilly weather, but its ideal to experience most Costa Rican attractions. When it comes to rooms and amenities, the hotel provides free private parking, ticket service, and free Wi-Fi on-site. 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From nearby Jaco or Puntarenas, both about 90 minutes from San Jose is the butterfly observatory these in. A private room here costs from as low as $ 40 USD trail and enjoy the and.

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