Try out the thick, juicy steaks if you prefer dinner for two. Accommodations play a crucial role in deciding the price fluctuation. 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). The first bus is the La Fortuna to San Ramon bus which is 2 hours and will cost you $4 USD. A mix of nature and adventure, this trip allows you to combine the two best things about Costa Rica. We recommend allowing a half-day, or more specifically, 5-6 hours here. Im so excited for you to explore one of my favorite destinations in the world! Especially, trying this activity in misty Monteverde is a special experience. This bridge crosses the river and is a popular gathering spot. Agua Azul Caf is located on the main highway in a strip mall with an open parking lot. From San Jose, you will head to La Fortuna, where you can hike volcanoes and chase giant waterfalls. Shop at Mercado Central If you want to shop for souvenirs, then Mercado Central is a good starting point. Theres no better way to indulge in Costa Rican tradition than to embrace the local pura vida the pure life. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Hiking to a waterfall is one of the most popular things to do in Costa Rica and should not be missed. Entrance tickets to the park, which cost $18.08 USD for adults and $5.65 for children, NEED to be purchased online in advance. 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. Alternatively, head back to town and do a little shopping or have a relax in the main square before you nighttime adventure! Along your way, expect to spot toucans, bellbird, parrots, and other species. 7 DAY COSTA RICA ITINERARY - My Darling Passport. See tours. Im just 10 days I have been/done: Late in the evening, you can explore the town, visit nightclubs & bars, and indulge in a delicious food experience. 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. 2. We like Nayara Gardens with its terrific views of the volcano. On the final day, transfer to Alajuela to prepare for departure. Hotel-to-hotel shuttle-van services can get you from Arenal to Manuel Antonio. Costa Rica Eco Adventure 7 days from 1704 USD. Having said that, there are plenty of other Costa Rica itineraries you can book. 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). After witnessing the colorful fish underwater, you will hop back on board to cruise the coastline around Manuel Antonio. The entire reserve is festooned with orchid collections, big jungle cats, and unique wildlife species. Local water spot for swimming When we visited, we saw over 15 crocodiles! You can check out some amazing deals here. Costa Rica is also a relatively small country, making it the perfect destination to explore even on a week-long trip. Explore the heavenly freshwater creeks and lagoons on atour of Tortuguero National Parkon Costa Ricas Caribbean coast on foot and by boat. They are the easiest option if you need a quick place to sleep! The beach at Playa Biesanz is protected from ocean swells, so its pretty calm but just watch out for rocks as there is a reef nearby. If yours doesn't, taxis are plentiful and cheap. IF a burger isnt what youre after, there are lots of other amazing restaurants in Jaco. One of my favorite attractions here is the butterfly observatory. Costa Rica Eco Adventure 7 days from 1704 USD. See more volcano tours. Spend the day in the Cao Negro Wildlife Refuge, a lowland forest reserve replete with waterfowl near the Nicaraguan border. 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. 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. Here are a few places that I recommend you opt for when youre spending your day in the capital city . 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. Its one of the best restaurants in La Fortuna. The water is cold but super refreshing, and the entire area is gorgeous. A mix of nature and adventure, this trip allows you to combine the two best things about Costa Rica. However, for a tourist who wants maximum flexibility cozy cabins or mountain-side lodges become trendy. To cater to some of these requirements, look at the below table I created following the itinerary. There are lounge chairs for rent as well as kayaks and snorkeling equipment. Rock pool relaxing You will end your trip in the coastal haven of Manuel Antonio, where you can hike through one of the best National Parks in Central America and indulge in a sunset cruise! But, it all depends on individual preference. Hike through the rainforests of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, among the smoking fumaroles and hot springs of one of Costa Ricas few active volcanoes. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. Jaco is one of the most touristic places in Costa Rica so you can choose from hundreds of restaurants. Some places in the country can cause immense heat, UV exposure, and water hazards. Embark on a canoe ride through the jungle in Tortuguero and explore this fascinating nature reserve before it's time to head back to San Jose. Head out for an ATV tour or go for tours in the national park to see bats and frogs. Along the way, youll see Rio Celeste Waterfall, the Bubbling Hot Pot, and Tenidoros. Therefore we recommend departing early so that you can get to Manuel Antonio in time for a gorgeous beach sunset. There are two ways to reach La Fortuna from San Jose, but the quickest and easiest route takes you via San Ramon. You can book a Standard Double Room here for as low as US$48 per night with discounts available during the low season. When it came to the included and extra activities they were all well organised with pick-ups and drop-offs, some doing lunches and a diverse range for thrill seekers or non thrill seekers. Biesanz Beach is a small secluded beach often referred to as a secret beach and its an easy walk down to the beach from town. Youre lucky enough to be here with friends and family. This specific full-day tour to Rio Celeste is a top choice. Their travel medical insurance is very affordable at only $42 USD per every 4-weeks. Rincn de la Vieja National Park, Costa Rica: An Overview, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Explore the Rainforest, Costa Rica in February: Unforgettable Adventures, Amazing Weather, Costa Rica in November: Weather & Travel Tips, Costa Rica in July: Weather, Tips & Marine Life, Costa Rica in January: Weather, Tips & More, Costa Rica in March: Weather, Tips & Wildlife, Costa Rica in April: Weather and Wildlife Ventures, Costa Rica in May: Rainy Weather and Lush Greenery, Costa Rica in June: Weather, Tips & Water Adventures, Costa Rica in August: Explore Top Attractions During Low Season, Costa Rica in September: Weather, Tips & Better Rates, Costa Rica in October: Weather and Travel Tips, Costa Rica in December: National Parks at Their Best, Explore the hanging bridges in Arenal Volcano National Park, Drive past farmlands and forests as you head towards the Nicoya Peninsula, Sail to Tortuga Island and enjoy water sports, Bid farewell to the Nicoya Peninsula and make your way toward San Jose, Depart from San Jose towards your next destination, Start off the adventure at Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Explore Tamarindo beach and take a dip into its warm waters, Start the journey with sightseeing around San Jose, Pass throughBraulio Carrillo National Park to reach Tortuguero National Park, Visit the town of Guapiles for a local lunch on the way to La Fortuna, Spend the day exploring Arenal Volcano National Park, Optional adventure activity in La Fortuna before heading for San Jose, Enjoy a zip-lining canopy adventure in Monteverde, Take a boat from Monteverde to La Fortuna (Arenal), Spend the day exploring and hiking in Arenal, Explore San Jose and the Liberia area independently, Drive through the countryside to Arenal Volcano National Park, Hike the rainforest surrounding Arenal Volcano, Arenal discovery drive or boat ride, head to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with optional activities, and head to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast, Enjoy a leisurely day at the park with activities of your choice, Choose from a series of activities in Manuel Antonio National Park before heading off to Alajuela, Bid goodbye to Alajuela and prepare for your next adventure, Explore the streets and historic buildings of San Jose, Start the day with a scenic drive to La Cruz and paddle through the first section of Pacuare River, Spend another day rafting in Pacuare River and transfer to La Fortuna in the evening, Prepare for an adventurous day in Arenal Volcano National Park, Road trip to Manuel Antonio National Park and enjoy a day at the beach, Explore Manuel Antonio National Park and surroundings independently, Make time for some other activities in the national park before you head to San Jose. Below, Ill suggest a few stay options that will help you sort your hotels as well. This capital city is diverse & much more cultural in terms of the experiences it has to offer. As soon as youve landed, rent a All trails are well marked and there are signs and maps everywhere so you wont get lost. Upon your checkout, drive past winding roads to reach Monteverde. 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. Feel free to reach out to our local travel experts who can help you design your personalized trip to Costa Rica. 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. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. Im so excited!! Set out on the scenic driveturn north at San Ramnto La Fortuna, which sits at the foot of Arenal Volcano and is its hub. 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. To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements. Travelers who often visit this side of Costa Rica, are in complete awe of these mountains due to picturesque scenes. (44 hours by paved road from La Fortuna). Manuel Antonio and its neighboring town, Quepos, have the best selection of restaurants of any beach community in the country. 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. Alas, riptides can make swimming risky here. Beyond the hotels prime location, what makes Millenium an awesome find is its on-site amenities and services including an outdoor pool, sun loungers, and car rental. For more budget-friendly options around Costa Rica, check the catalog. For additional convenience, dressing rooms, showers, and lockers are available for guest use. Just park your car at one of the ends of the bridge and walk over to see the crocs in the wild. Chat with a local travel specialist in Costa Rica who can help organize your trip. Shuttle vans have hotel-to-hotel service, usually from the Hampton Inn to many Arenal-area hotels. For us, it is important to have a home base and a place to settle into. I personally loved my stay here, and all thanks to the green surroundings it presents when you touchdown this beautiful town. If you have any other questions about how best to spend 7 days in Costa Rica or traveling to Costa Rica in general, dont hesitate to reach out. Related Read: Check out the best Things to do in Manuel Antonio! Brief Itinerary Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Downtown San Jos Costa Rica's National Theater Welcome to Costa Rica, the land of pura vida ! Costa Rica Family Itinerary: 7 to 8 Days Costa Rica is easy to access via two international airports, Liberia and San Jose. It offers an outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace, and complimentary Wi-Fi in public spaces. Its one of our top choices for any Costa Rica itinerary! Tourists need to be fully vaccinated, along with a valid travel policy to enter the country. The final activity on your 7 days in Costa Rica is this epic sunset cruise! Manuel Antonio National Park is open from 7 am to 4 pm every day. Home stay with amazing families which including a cooking demo, cycle ride, swim in a river, a home cooked evening meal with locally sourced fresh food and one of the funniest games of football in the pouring rain with the local village children Ive ever played. Heres your map of your 7 days in Costa Rica . You'll be notified about special travel deals world-wide via email. San Jose. Its a full-day tour at 12 hours long but is highly recommended. The trail is well-maintained and leads down to the waterfall via many steps. Its also the perfect place to see monkeys and sloths in the wild in Costa Rica! When I visited Costa Rica for the first time, the glimpses of rainforest areas and cloud forests really caught my attention. Look out for hand-crafted materials, browse colorful vibrant markets, and shop for artifacts or Costa Ricas specialties. and is characterized by its acid blue lake crater, which is one of the worlds biggest craters. The best for swimming is Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio. Throughout the park, there are many short hiking trails that lead through specific vegetation where youll find lots of local species of wildlife. The pools are nestled in beautifully landscaped gardens and are lit with multi-colored ambient lighting at night. Here, you can literally see the water turn blue as the streams meet its so cool! Because the drive is so long, we dont recommend stopping much along the way, except for what we term to be must-stops the Crocodile Bridge and lunch in the lovely town of Jaco. However, tourist guides & local information will be in English only, or in bilingual. Allow up to 5 hours for this experience, which we think is a must for first-timers to the city. How to book add-ons for the above itinerary?For accommodation, you can explore a plethora of options from Tripadvisor. For more details on documentation, visit here. And if you dont want to drive, the hotels area shuttle also makes it easy for you to reach nearby attractions at an affordable surcharge. The kids will love being surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungles of Arenal Volcano National Park. This blog may contain affiliate links. Known as one of the most spectacular national parks in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park is a place you dont want to miss, which is why it has to be your first stop during your time in Manuel Antonio. 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. Rio Celeste is famous for its bright blue color and has to be added to your Costa Rica itinerary! 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. Plentiful and cheap 44 hours by paved road from La Fortuna out best. Travel experts who can help you design your personalized trip to Costa Rica family itinerary 7... With a valid costa rica itinerary 7 days policy to enter the country before you nighttime adventure and boat... 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