One Week in Costa Rica offers the perfect balance of adventure, nature, and relaxation. With just seven days, you can experience the country’s rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. A typical one-week itinerary includes visits to some of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations.
Start in La Fortuna, home to the majestic Arenal Volcano. Spend your first two days soaking in natural hot springs, hiking rainforest trails, and visiting La Fortuna Waterfall.
Next, head to Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you’ll zipline through misty treetops, walk across hanging bridges, and spot exotic birds and wildlife.
For your final three days, relax along the Pacific Coast in places like Manuel Antonio or Tamarindo. Manuel Antonio offers a national park filled with monkeys and sloths, while Tamarindo is known for great surf and lively beach vibes.
Getting around Costa Rica is relatively easy with shuttle services or car rentals. Expect a mix of sunny beaches, lush jungles, and cool mountain air. Pack light, breathable clothing, a rain jacket, and sturdy shoes.
Why Visit Costa Rica for One Week?
Costa Rica is one of the best destinations in the world for a one-week getaway thanks to its compact size, diverse ecosystems, and wide range of activities.
In just seven days, you can explore volcanoes, cloud forests, beaches, and rainforests—all without traveling long distances. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or wildlife encounters, Costa Rica offers it all in a short, manageable time frame.
Nature lovers will be amazed by the country’s incredible biodiversity—home to sloths, toucans, monkeys, and vibrant marine life.
Adventure seekers can go ziplining, white-water rafting, surfing, and hiking, all in one trip. If you prefer a slower pace, unwind in natural hot springs or enjoy tranquil sunsets on palm-lined beaches.
Costa Rica is also safe, tourist-friendly, and known for its commitment to sustainability and eco-tourism. With well-developed tourism infrastructure and English widely spoken in many areas, planning and navigating your trip is easy.
Getting to Costa Rica
Reaching Costa Rica is easy, with two major international airports and numerous flight options from North America, Europe, and Latin America. The two main entry points are:
- Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) – Located near San José, the capital, this is the most commonly used airport and ideal for travelers heading to central or northern destinations like La Fortuna, Monteverde, or Manuel Antonio.
- Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) – Located in Liberia, Guanacaste, this airport is perfect for travelers visiting the Pacific coast, including Tamarindo, Nosara, and Playa Flamingo.
Most major airlines—including American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Southwest, and Copa—offer direct flights from cities like Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, New York, Toronto, and Madrid. Flight times from the U.S. are typically 2–6 hours, depending on your departure city.
Visa requirements are simple for most visitors. Citizens from the U.S., Canada, EU countries, and many others can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months.
7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary Overview
This 7-day Costa Rica itinerary blends adventure, wildlife, and relaxation—perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience the country’s natural beauty and exciting activities without rushing.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what a balanced week could look like:
Day 1: Arrival in San José
Arrive at Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO), settle into a nearby hotel, and rest up for the adventure ahead.
Day 2–3: La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano
Travel to La Fortuna. Explore Arenal Volcano National Park, hike rainforest trails, soak in natural hot springs, and visit La Fortuna Waterfall.
Day 4–5: Monteverde Cloud Forest
Head to Monteverde for cloud forest adventures. Enjoy ziplining, hanging bridges, and spotting wildlife like howler monkeys and resplendent quetzals.
Day 6–7: Manuel Antonio Beach & National Park
Wrap up the trip on the Pacific Coast. Relax on white-sand beaches, visit Manuel Antonio National Park, and look for sloths, monkeys, and colorful birds.
Day 7: Return to San José & Departure
Travel back to San José for your flight home or spend one final night in the capital.
How to Get Around Costa Rica in One Week
Getting around Costa Rica in one week is easier than you might think, but choosing the right mode of transportation can make a big difference in how much you enjoy (and see during) your trip.
Here are the main ways to travel efficiently during your 7-day stay:
Rental Car (Best for Flexibility)
Renting a car is ideal if you want full control over your schedule. It’s perfect for reaching remote areas or scenic stops along the way. Roads can be mountainous or unpaved, so a 4×4 vehicle is recommended for certain routes like Monteverde or the Nicoya Peninsula.
Shuttles are a convenient and comfortable option. Shared shuttles connect popular tourist destinations like La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. Private shuttles offer door-to-door service and are great for groups or families.
Public Buses (Budget-Friendly)
Public buses are cheap and fairly reliable, but they can be slow and require transfers. They’re better suited for budget travelers with flexible schedules.
Domestic Flights (Time-Saving)
Short on time? Consider flying with local airlines like Sansa or Aerobell to cover long distances quickly—especially between San José and remote regions like the Osa Peninsula or Guanacaste.
What to Pack for One Week in Costa Rica
Packing for a week in Costa Rica means preparing for tropical rain, sunshine, and a range of outdoor activities. Lightweight, breathable clothing is a must—think quick-dry shirts, shorts, and at least one pair of long pants for hiking or cooler areas like Monteverde.
A rain jacket or poncho is essential, as sudden downpours are common even in the dry season. Bring a swimsuit or two for beaches, hot springs, or water activities, and a light sweater for chilly mountain evenings.
For footwear, pack comfortable hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers, sandals or flip-flops for the beach, and water shoes if you plan on visiting waterfalls or doing river activities.
Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, personal toiletries, and any necessary medications.
Useful accessories include a small daypack, a waterproof phone case or dry bag, and a travel adapter (Costa Rica uses 110V, same as the U.S.).
A camera or GoPro, quick-dry towel, and even binoculars can enhance your experience, especially in wildlife-rich areas.
Costa Rica Budget Tips for 7 Days
Traveling Costa Rica on a budget is very doable with the right planning. While the country is more expensive than some of its Central American neighbors, you can enjoy a week of adventure, nature, and relaxation without overspending.
Choose destinations that are close together to save on transport—La Fortuna and Monteverde, for example, are well-connected and packed with activities. Instead of flying into Liberia, stick to San José (SJO), where flights are often cheaper and buses more frequent.
Opt for local buses or shared shuttles instead of private transfers. They’re slower but far more affordable. When booking accommodations, go for guesthouses, hostels, or Airbnbs—many offer great comfort and kitchen access at a fraction of hotel costs.
Eat like a local by visiting “sodas”, small family-run restaurants that serve generous portions of Costa Rican food at low prices. Meals often cost $5–8 and are both tasty and filling.
Limit tours to a few must-do experiences (like ziplining or hot springs), and enjoy free or low-cost activities like hiking, swimming, and wildlife watching.
Final Tips for Planning Your One Week Trip
Planning a one-week trip to Costa Rica is exciting, but a few smart tips can make it smoother, more enjoyable, and stress-free.
Start by narrowing down your destinations—stick to two or three spots max to avoid spending too much time in transit. Costa Rica may look small on the map, but winding mountain roads can make travel slow.
Book your accommodations and major activities in advance, especially during high season (December to April). Tours like ziplining or guided wildlife hikes can fill up quickly. Consider using a mix of local and private transportation based on your schedule and budget.
Pack light, but come prepared for both sunshine and rain—weather can change quickly, especially in the jungle or mountains. Always have cash in colones for small purchases, tips, or rural areas where cards aren’t accepted.
