Day 5-6: Arenal (La Fortuna) Like Monteverde, Arenal is a hub for adventurous activity in Costa Rica, and the main town nearby is called La Fortuna.The Along with that, discover other places like Lake Arenal and Cerro Chato (extinct volcano).Price $59 approx. From exploring the stunning National Theater, which is one of the most prestigious buildings in Costa Rica, to learning about the citys fascinating history at the National Museum, its easy to spend several hours here and not get bored. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. Colombia Colombia Itinerary: A 9 Day Vacation in Colombia, Brazil & Argentina South American Discovery: Journey to Iguaz Falls & Beyond, Canada Canadian Rockies Mountain: 8 Day Itinerary to the Mountains. After you have arrived in Manuel Antonio and are all checked into your accommodation, then I recommend you head straight for the beach in time for sunset. Just park your car at one of the ends of the bridge and walk over to see the crocs in the wild. This specific tour is the best option for those staying in Manuel Antonio town. The longest trail is the Waterfall Trail and its around 5.5 miles (9 km), and most are much shorter in that 1-mile (1.5 km) range. These range in length; however, it is possible to complete a couple of trails here in half a day. Ziplining and Tarzan swing You can find more travel tips and other pre-tour resources on Costa Ricas official website. Some places in the country can cause immense heat, UV exposure, and water hazards. It offers an outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace, and complimentary Wi-Fi in public spaces. Its similar to glacier lakes that reflect rock flour. A mix of nature and adventure, this trip allows you to combine the two best things about Costa Rica. All trails are well marked and there are signs and maps everywhere so you wont get lost. See more6-day tours in Costa Rica. After witnessing the colorful fish underwater, you will hop back on board to cruise the coastline around Manuel Antonio. This depends on your travel stay, experiences you book, transfer costs, and other daily expenses. Learned so much. Late in the evening, you can explore the town, visit nightclubs & bars, and indulge in a delicious food experience. Find destinations that inspire you, parenting.com. Besides the volcano this area also has hot springs, hanging Day 1: From San Jose to La Fortuna Every trip to Costa Rica probably begins in San Jose, the capital Cruise along the coastal waterways and Pochette Mangroves before landing on the pristine white sands of Tortuga Island. For important safety guidelines & tips, visit the site to learn more. Hot springs water park Related tailor-made travel itineraries for Costa Rica 12 days from 3324 USD. Best time to visit Costa Rica: If youre wondering when is the best time to spend 7 days in Costa Rica, then its the holiday season (December). Budgeted stays If youre looking to cut down expenses for your trip, these budgeted stays in Costa Rica will help. 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. What we love is that Emilio, the owner often greets his guests in person. Selina La Fortuna boasts 94 comfortably designed rooms accompanied by various amenities such as complimentary private parking, concierge services, baggage storage, and free Wi-Fi. 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 entrance ticket is $48 USD for adults and $32 USD for kids aged 3-12, and the park is open from 8 am to 5 pm. Rock pool relaxing Dont forget: the park is closed on Monday. Thats why weve carefully designed this 7-day Costa Rica itinerary to include three main destinations. The easy trail goes around the mirrored lakes to a frog sanctuary where you can spot the red-eyed tree frog and the tiny dart frog. If you dont have time to stop here tonight, do not worry, this is the main beach in Manuel Antonio, and its almost guaranteed youll visit at some time during your 7 days in Costa Rica. But we think its most beautiful at night when the sky really puts on a show think shades of pink and purple lighting up the sky. (90 minutes by paved road from La Fortuna). Poas is also one of the most famous volcanoes to visit in Costa Rica. You can also find below the estimated tour price for this 7 days Costa Rica itinerary. Since its the Christmas season and New Year will just be around the corner, tourists plan their travel well in advance to avoid any hassles. Tourists need to be fully vaccinated, along with a valid travel policy to enter the country. Costa Rica's 7 day Itinerary: Top picks for the best adventures! It is well-known for its natural hot springs and pools that wind through a luscious garden, giving guests the sense of being in the heart of a jungle. It includes all your transport, an English-speaking guide, lunch, snacks, and drinks for $133 USD. 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. Youll meet your guide at the park entrance and explore, spotting a ton of wildlife and learning about the area. You can directly head to the designated area and pay an entrance fee of $40 for the hot springs. Zoom through the treetops on a tandem zipline over 4,300 feet long! Its conveniently located only a few minutes from the National Park entrance. If youre interested in a guided tour, this specific tour is a great option. You can check availability and book Hotel La Mariposa online here! The whole family will also love this full Costa Rica one-week itinerary. Day three in Monteverde is free to relax or try out other listed activities. Rio Celeste Waterfall is located around a 30-minute walk from the entrance, and you reach the waterfall via a stunning staircase that makes for some pretty spectacular photos. On the way, keep an eye out for monkeys we saw around 15 in the trees here as well as toucans! Chat with a local travel specialist in Costa Rica who can help organize your trip. My ideal suggestion would be to visit the Baldi Hot Springs Hotel & Spa. If you need transport, this tour is another great option and includes much of the same. A week full of excitement awaits you on this adventure-packed tour that will take you from the cloud forests of Monteverde to the Pacific coast of Tortuguero. Teideros is 3 kilometers from the entrance. Its located a 3-minute or 17-minute walk from Manuel Antonio! This two-star hotel is legitimately just 25 meters away from the park entrance and five minutes on foot from Playa Espadilla. 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. This is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna, and exploring the park is an adventure that takes you to the volcanos base and slightly up its steep face. We saw so much wildlife, including a huge green lizard and even a bullet ant, which is known to have the most painful sting of any insect on the planet. Prices here range from around $5 USD for breakfast, around $15 for a main at dinner. The best for swimming is Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio. It is open every day from 12 pm 10 pm. To drive from San Jose to La Fortuna will take on average 3.5 hours, but be sure to avoid peak traffic times in San Jose because the traffic there can be hectic! Its a place where you can use the bathroom too. A burger here will cost you between $10-$12 USD! With an outdoor pool, bar, garden, and complimentary wireless Internet access, Arenal Poshpacker is a low-budget stay in La Fortuna with excellent amenities. For drinks, the fresh Costa Rican coffee will certainly put a spring in your step, but they also serve mimosas and fantastic smoothies too. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. WebDAY 1: Arrive & settle into San Jos Arrive and get settled in San Jos. Its one of the most important sites in San Jos, attracting millions of tourists. After all that hiking, if you arent too tired, its time to head to Mystico Adventure Park. There are 30+ guest rooms on the property, and a private bathroom is included in every room! Also, be sure to check out more of our in-depth guides including: Is Costa Rica Safe? 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. 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. Plus, the itinerary starts in San Jose, which is where your international flight will likely land. A bus can take you to most of the places & inner regions of the country, with affordable ticket rates. Im so excited for you to explore one of my favorite destinations in the world! The country, while appearing small on a map, takes a long time to get around. In the evening, I recommend experiencing the local hot springs of La Fortuna. Travel: Looking for other Costa Rica itineraries? 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. 7 Days in Costa Rica: Our Recommended Itineraries, Costa Rica is a veritable nature wonderland, largely regarded as one of the world's last unspoiled wildernesses. This travel guide outlines the best way to spend one week in Costa Rica. For that luxury touch, the main area of the hot springs comes complete with a swim-up bar and a waterslide. Everything about Emilios Cafe is simply wonderful from the caring staff to the food, desserts, wine, and coffee. Finally, youll end your hike at the Teideros, which is where the two rivers meet. Travel insurance isnt just a piece of mind, but to us, its essential! Campervans are mostly meant for backpackers, but nowadays families opt for the same to set everything within a budget. Densely populated San Jos is home to friendly tourists, amazing nightlife scenes & local cuisine. Head out for an ATV tour or go for tours in the national park to see bats and frogs. Free Gratuities on most 7+ Night Norwegian Cruises! Situated in the Grano de Oro Hotels central courtyard, this beautiful restaurant provides visitors with a relaxed fine dining experience. 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. Day 3: La Fortuna and Driving to Although La Fortuna is absolutely stunning during the day, it really comes alive at night! Arrive in San Joss Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamara (most arrivals are As the sunsets tuck into a delicious dinner. Espadilla Beach (aka North Espadilla Beach) is a stunning stretch of beach that is a 30-minute walk from town. Throughout the park, there are many short hiking trails that lead through specific vegetation where youll find lots of local species of wildlife. Its a great introduction to San Jose and also allows you to explore busy markets and plazas with a knowledgeable guide. So, if youre looking for a more intimate and genuine hot springs experience, then I think youll fall in love with Titok Hot Springs, which are located in Arenal, a 15-minute drive from La Fortuna. You need around 3 hours to hike the return trail and enjoy the waterfall. 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. Zipline over treetops in Monteverde before taking a boat to La Fortuna where you will hike trails around the iconic Arenal Volcano. Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall is easily done without a tour. This Costa Rica 6-day itinerary is perfect for kids and adults alike! 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