Costa Rica · Trip plan
7 days in Costa Rica
Volcanoes, cloud forests, sloths and two coasts.
- Best time
- Dec – Apr
- Ideal length
- 7 days
- A day, mid-range
- $200 per person
- Trip for two
- about $2,800
Planning a 7-day trip to Costa Rica? Here's a day-by-day Costa Rica itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
December to April is the dry season, with sunny days for hiking, wildlife and the Pacific beaches.
Costa Rica is a small Central American country with a huge share of the world's biodiversity, and a 'pura vida' attitude.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec: a good time to go
December to April: 22–32°C, dry.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Costa Rica
- 01
Arenal Volcano
Hot springs, waterfalls and hanging bridges.
- 02
Monteverde
A misty cloud forest of quetzals and ziplines.
- 03
Manuel Antonio
Beaches and wildlife in one national park.
- 04
Wildlife
Sloths, monkeys, toucans and frogs.
Day by day
Costa Rica itinerary for 7 days
- D1
Day 1: San José to Arenal
- Morning
- Land in San José and drive about 3 hours to La Fortuna, at the foot of Arenal Volcano.
- Afternoon
- Hike down to La Fortuna Waterfall and swim in its pool.
- Evening
- Soak in volcanic hot springs at Tabacón or a free river spot.
Rent a 4x4; mountain roads can be rough.
- D2
Day 2: Arenal
- Morning
- Hike in Arenal Volcano National Park across old lava flows.
- Afternoon
- Cross the Arenal Hanging Bridges through the rainforest canopy.
- Evening
- Night wildlife walk to spot red-eyed tree frogs and sloths.
Guides spot far more wildlife than you will alone.
- D3
Day 3: To Monteverde
- Morning
- Drive around Lake Arenal to Monteverde (about 3.5 hours).
- Afternoon
- Walk the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, looking for the resplendent quetzal.
- Evening
- Night tour to see tarantulas and kinkajous.
Monteverde is cool; bring a layer.
- D4
Day 4: Monteverde
- Morning
- Zipline over the cloud-forest canopy.
- Afternoon
- Coffee and chocolate farm tour.
- Evening
- Dinner in Santa Elena.
Bring a rain jacket; mist is common.
- D5
Day 5: To Manuel Antonio
- Morning
- Drive to the Pacific coast (about 4 hours).
- Afternoon
- Afternoon on the beach.
- Evening
- Sunset over the Pacific.
Stop at the Tárcoles bridge to see giant crocodiles.
- D6
Day 6: Manuel Antonio
- Morning
- Visit Manuel Antonio National Park with a guide to see sloths, monkeys and iguanas.
- Afternoon
- Swim at the park's beaches.
- Evening
- Seafood dinner.
The park is closed on Tuesdays.
- D7
Day 7: Home
- Morning
- Morning swim.
- Afternoon
- Drive back to San José.
- Evening
- Fly home.
Allow 3–4 hours to the airport.
Shorter or longer
Costa Rica in 6, 7 or 9 days
6 days in Costa Rica
Follow days 1 to 6 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
9 days in Costa Rica
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.
What it costs
Costa Rica trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 7 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $90 | $1,260 |
| Mid-range | $200 | $2,800 |
| Luxury | $500+ | $7,000 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Costa Rica is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Costa Rica for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Costa Rica
Gallo pinto
Rice and beans for breakfast.
Casado
A plate of rice, beans, meat and plantains.
Coffee
Excellent and local.
Getting there
How to reach Costa Rica
- Travel
- Fly into San José or Liberia.
- Getting around
- Rent a car, or use shuttle buses between towns.
- Rent a 4x4 for the mountain roads.
- Hire guides in national parks; they spot more wildlife.
Before you go
What to pack for Costa Rica
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Swimwear and flip-flops
- Binoculars
- Muted, earth-coloured clothes
- A small first-aid kit
- A reusable water bottle
Good questions
Costa Rica trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Costa Rica?
7 days are enough to see the highlights: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 7-day Costa Rica trip cost?
Roughly $90 a day per person on a budget, $200 mid-range and $500+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $2,800 for 7 days.
What is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Dec – Apr. December to April is the dry season, with sunny days for hiking, wildlife and the Pacific beaches.
Where should I stay in Costa Rica?
Budget: Selina hostels (Various), from about $50 a night. Mid-range: Eco-lodges near Arenal (La Fortuna), from about $200 a night. Luxury: Nayara Springs (Arenal), from about $900 a night.
How do I reach Costa Rica?
Fly into San José or Liberia.
Is 6 days enough for Costa Rica?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 6 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 7 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Costa Rica?
December to April: 22–32°C, dry.
What food should I try in Costa Rica?
Gallo pinto: Rice and beans for breakfast. Casado: A plate of rice, beans, meat and plantains. Coffee: Excellent and local.
How do I get around Costa Rica?
Rent a car, or use shuttle buses between towns.
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