Costa Rica – the land where “Pura Vida” is lived and tropical beaches, volcanic landscapes, and rainforests unite. This Costa Rica 7 Day Itinerary takes you to our favorite highlights of the country – from the Caribbean coast, through the central highlands, to the mystical cloud forests.
Are you looking for a longer travel route through Costa Rica? Then check out our favorite two-week route through the landscape of Costa Rica. <3
Day 1: San José | Arrival + Drive to Puerto Viejo
Once you arrive in San José, we don’t want to lose too much time, so on our Costa Rica 7 day itinerary, we head straight to the Caribbean coast to the lively town of Puerto Viejo.
By Car from San José to Puerto Viejo
The drive to Puerto Viejo leads through dense rainforest for most of the route and takes about 3.5 hours. With a rental car, you have great flexibility and can make a stop at one of the “Sodas” halfway – in one of these authentic, government-supported local restaurants, we had one of the best “Casados” of our entire trip (a Costa Rican dish with rice, black beans, plantains, salad, egg, etc. – a must-try! :)).
By Bus/Shuttle from San José to Puerto Viejo
Without a rental car, you can also reach Puerto Viejo by shuttle (about 50–60 USD per person) or public bus (multiple times daily for about 10-12 USD).
The MEPE bus takes around 5 hours from San José to Puerto Viejo and departs several times a day near Parque de la Merced. Shuttles, such as “Interbus” or “Gray Line,” also take around 5 hours and often offer airport pickup services.
Day 2: Puerto Viejo
Welcome to a very special place for us: In Puerto Viejo, you’ll experience relaxed reggae vibes, meet incredibly friendly locals, and enjoy paradise-like beaches.
This small village near the border with Panama impresses with stunning surf spots and beaches like Playa Cocles for surfers or Playa Punta Uva for swimming and relaxing.
You shouldn’t miss a trip to Cahuita National Park or the Jaguar Rescue Center, where rescued wildlife awaits you (no jaguars, but still super fascinating!).
Your Day at a Glance
- Morning | Visit the Cahuita National Park, located 15 minutes away – entrance costs 5 USD, and be sure to bring snorkeling gear and swimwear.
✍ Address: Cahuita National Park
💵 Entrance Fee: 5 USD per person (donation)
☀ Opening Hours: Mon – Sun | 8 am – 4 pm
- Afternoon | Snorkel in crystal-clear water or simply relax at Playa Punta Uva. If you’re up for some activity, book a surf lesson.
- Evening | Be sure to try the Afro-Caribbean cuisine, such as a Casado at Lidia’s Place, and enjoy reggae music at a local bar.
Find our 10 best highlights in Puerto Viejo further down! 🙂
Our Top 3 in Puerto Viejo
- Favorite Spot: Pirate Bar for sunset | Playa Punta Uva
- Accommodation: Sonora Jungle Retreat | Satta Lodge
- Food: Casado at Lidia’s Place!!!
➳ Also read: Our 10 Best Highlights in Puerto Viejo
Day 3: Drive from Puerto Viejo to La Fortuna
Day 3 starts with the trip to La Fortuna, in the country’s interior.
La Fortuna is a popular travel destination, located at the foot of the impressive Arenal Volcano, and is a must-see on your Costa Rica 7 day itinerary.
Fun Fact: Costa Rica is home to over 120 volcanoes, five of which are active, including Arenal.
The active volcano in La Fortuna provides hot springs in the region, with pleasant temperatures of 35–38 degrees Celsius, perfect for relaxing after an extended hike. Many of these hot springs are linked to hotels and can be accessed with a day pass or overnight stay – but there are also free springs.
La Fortuna offers dense rainforest, (free) natural hot springs, numerous hiking trails around the volcano, and plenty of sloths. More on this on Day 4! 🙂
By Car from Puerto Viejo to La Fortuna
The approximately 4.5-hour drive takes you through dense forests in the interior until you reach the Arenal Volcano. With some luck and clear weather, you can spot the volcano’s silhouette from afar.
By Bus/Shuttle from Puerto Viejo to La Fortuna
The shuttle ride is comfortable, costs 60–75 USD, and saves you stress. Public buses are cheaper but often require a stopover in San José (total time about 8 hours), costing 15-20 USD per person.
Day 4 of your Costa Rica 7 Day Itinerary: La Fortuna
La Fortuna, known for the impressive Arenal Volcano, is a highlight of any Costa Rica trip.
- Morning | Visit the Sloth Territory (highly recommended! <3)
- Afternoon | Go on an Arenal hike at sunset (find our favorite hike in the next section).
- Evening | Relax in one of the hot springs – we recommend one of the free hot springs since the prices for paid ones are a bit steep. However, note that the free springs are often busy at any time of day, and there are no changing facilities – also, parking might now cost a few dollars.
If you’re ready to spend 85 USD for a day ticket (from 70 USD for a half-day), we recommend the Tabacon Hot Springs.
Our Top 3 in La Fortuna
- Favorite Spot: El Arenal Hike “El Silencio” at sunset | Sendero El Tabacón (3) and onward via Sendero Las Cruces (8)
- Accommodation: Fortuna Retreat | AirBnb Tiny House (many come with a Jacuzzi)
- Food: We always cooked ourselves here and ate on the veranda with the most beautiful view.
Tickets for different Activities in La Fortuna
For day trips to Rio Celeste, the Hanging Bridges or night walks, head this way:
By the way: For accommodations, we love using Booking.com, where we’ve reached Genius Level 3. This gives us up to 20% discounts on participating stays, along with perks like free room upgrades or breakfast starting at Level 2. We highly recommend the platform to anyone still searching for the perfect place. 🫰🏼
If you are still looking for a suitable place to stay during your trip to Costa Rica, you are sure to find something here:
By the way, we’ve also summarized our absolute favorite accommodations in Costa Rica further down. 🙂
Day 5: Drive from La Fortuna to Monteverde
On Day 5, you head to the final stop of your Costa Rica 7 day itinerary: Monteverde.
By Car from La Fortuna to Monteverde
The drive from Fortuna to Monteverde leads over a varied, partially unpaved route and takes about 3 hours. If you’re driving, you can make a detour to the Hanging Bridges, a 30-minute drive away – if you’re without a car, consider booking a guided tour to experience the bridges.
By Bus/Shuttle from La Fortuna to Monteverde
Public buses from La Fortuna to Monteverde require a lot of time since there’s no direct connection, and you have to travel via San José (about 8-10 hours). The buses are cheap (around 10-15 USD) and offer an authentic way to experience the country.
With a shuttle, you can choose the popular “Jeep-Boat-Jeep” option across Lake Arenal. For 25–30 USD, you get a fantastic view of the lake and mountains.
Day 6: Monteverde
Monteverde stands for nature, nature, and more nature.
The inland town of Costa Rica is known for fine mist wafting through the treetops and countless plants and animals inhabiting the ecosystem.
While hiking through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (or alternatively the Santa Elena Cloud Forest), you can discover exotic birds like the quetzal, orchids, and ancient trees. You can also try ziplining or join a coffee tour to learn about the step-by-step process of coffee production.
For a bit more excitement, there are spots for night hikes where you might encounter vibrant green frogs or nocturnal snakes.
- Morning | Hike through the Santa Elena Cloud Forest “Bosque Nuboso” (less touristy than the Monteverde Cloud Forest). The mystical mist and the diversity of plants and animals make the visit unforgettable.
✍ Address: Santa Elena Cloud Forest
💵 Entrance Fee: 18 USD per person (self-guided tour)
☀ Opening Hours: Mon – Sat | 7 am – 4 pm
- Afternoon | Visit a coffee and chocolate tour (30–40 USD) to gain insight into sustainable farming’s importance for the region, and make a stop at Colibri Café.
- Evening | End the day with a dinner made from fresh, regional ingredients (10–20 USD).
Our Top 3 in Monteverde
- Favorite Spot: Santa Elena Cloud Forest
- Accommodation: AirBnb in La Lindora near Monteverde
- Food: San Lucas Treetop Dining if you’re in the mood for something fancy ($$$)
Tickets for Activities in Monteverde
If you are still looking for tickets for activities (or guided tours of the cloud forest), head this way:
Day 7: Monteverde to San José
As the seventh day dawns, your Costa Rica 7 day itinerary slowly comes to an end. Since you make the most of your short time, you’ll travel from Monteverde back to San José on your departure day.
By Car from Monteverde to San José
For the return trip to San José, plan enough time. The drive takes about 3.5 hours and leads once more through impressive mountain landscapes.
Be sure to allow extra time for traffic, car drop-off, and airport transfer – this way, you can end your Costa Rica trip stress-free.
By Bus/Shuttle from Monteverde to San José
A shuttle costs around 40 USD per person, while the public bus is cheaper but takes significantly longer.
Since precise planning is essential, you should double and triple-check the bus schedule and also plan enough buffer time.
Conclusion on your Costa Rica 7 Day Itinerary
Seven days in Costa Rica fly by so quickly – on this 7-day itinerary, you’ll see as much of the country, culture, and people as possible without feeling rushed. Every day counts, so if you can spare an extra day or two, make the most of it.
Still, we rarely felt so at home and comfortable on a trip and settled in right away. That’s always a bonus when you’re short on time, and Costa Rica is worth every second! 🙂
Important information for your trip through Costa Rica
Here you’ll find compact information on travel time, arrival, safety, transportation, and costs for your trip to Costa Rica.
Best Time to Travel to Costa Rica
The best travel time in Costa Rica depends on the region you’re visiting.
- Dry Season (December to April) | Ideal for the Pacific coast and popular spots like Santa Teresa or Uvita. The weather is typically sunny and warm – perfect for activities and beach time.
- Caribbean Coast | The climate is different here, and it can rain even during the dry season. The best months are September and October, as they are comparatively dry.
- Rainy Season (May to November) | Expect heavy rainfall, especially in October. The landscapes, however, are lush and green, and there are fewer tourists. A 4×4 vehicle is especially helpful during this time to reach remote destinations safely.
Tip: May and November often offer a good balance between pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
➳ Also read: Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
Arrival in Costa Rica
Most travelers land at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. If you plan to explore the north or the Nicoya Peninsula, the international airport in Liberia (LIR) is a good alternative.
Flight prices vary based on departure location, travel time, and booking period. For round-trip flights with luggage, expect to pay around 850–1050 USD – we paid 1000 USD per person for our trip from Cologne, Germany.
Flights to Costa Rica
Safety in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries in Central America, especially for tourists. Nevertheless, you should follow general safety precautions:
- Don’t display your valuables openly and be mindful of your backpack in crowded places like markets or bus stations.
- Avoid walking alone in remote areas after dark unless necessary.
Generally, you can travel Costa Rica with ease. The locals, known as “Ticos,” are incredibly hospitable, and you can feel safe here.
Getting Around Costa Rica
You can choose between different transport options in Costa Rica, depending on your budget and comfort preferences.
Driving in Costa Rica
We highly recommend renting a car for your Costa Rica 7 day itinerary. Especially if you’re short on time, having a rental car allows you to avoid bus or shuttle schedules and gives you the flexibility to explore remote spots.
Many roads in rural areas are unpaved. A 4×4 vehicle is necessary during the rainy season – and while not mandatory in the dry season, it can still be handy for off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Tip: Use the Waze app. It is often more accurate than Google Maps in Costa Rica, especially in remote regions.
Buses in Costa Rica
The cheapest transport option. Buses connect almost all places in the country, but they are often slow and crowded.
Don’t underestimate travel times in Costa Rica, as longer routes often involve transfers through San José, costing you extra time.
Shuttles in Costa Rica
Shuttles are more comfortable and faster than buses and take you directly to tourist hotspots. Companies like Interbus, Gray Line, or Caribe Shuttle are reliable, especially during peak season. Prices for longer routes range from 70-90 USD.
Costs in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is comparatively more expensive than many other Central American countries. Here’s an overview:
- Accommodation:
Budget Hostels: 10-30 USD per night
Hotels: 50-150 USD per night - Transportation:
Bus: about 5-15 USD for longer trips
Shuttle: about 70-90 USD for longer trips
Rental Car: about 70-130 USD - Activities: About 20-80 USD
- Food:
Local “Sodas”: about 10 USD
Restaurants: 15-30 USD - SIM Card in Costa Rica: 3-5 USD
Our fav accommodation: Where to stay in Costa Rica
- San José: $ Cata Bed Breakfast | $$ Posada del Quijote | $$$ Hotel Grano de Oro
- Puerto Viejo: $ La Tica y la Gata | $$ Sonora Jungle & Yoga Retreat | $$$ Satta Lodge
- La Fortuna: $ Arenal Descanso | $$ Fortuna Retreat | $$$ Sangregado Lodge
- Monteverde: $ Hospedaje Mariposa | $$ Cabinas Capulin & Farm | $$$ Way To Heaven Glamping
- Santa Teresa: $ Surf Vistas Villas | $$ Ohana Villas (highly recommended <3) | $$$ Vista del Alma Boutique
- Uvita: $ Tropical Beach | $$ Tamandua Homes | $$$ Alma Tierra Mar (AirBnb)
Do you think we’ve missed a stop on our 7-day itinerary through Costa Rica? We look forward to your comments! <3
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Looking for more wanderlust?
➳ You can spare a few extra days and have two weeks for Costa Rica? Check out the perfect 2-week Costa Rica itinerary!
➳ Thinking about adding Puerto Viejo to your itinerary? Don’t miss our guide to the Top 10 Things To Do in Puerto Viejo!
➳ Planning to head north to Nicaragua? We’ve got you covered with our ultimate Nicaragua travel guide!
➳ Need more adventure after Costa Rica? Check out The Perfect Mexico Travel Itinerary.
