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. One of my favorite attractions here is the butterfly observatory. Arrive in San Joss Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamara (most arrivals are in the evening) and head straight to one of the small hotels north of the city in the Central Valley. It involves sliding down the rope over the trees, giving you an aerial view of the densely populated forests. You can relax, rejuvenate or dip into the cool waters. You can check out some amazing deals here. Surprisingly, San Gerardo de Dota isnt yet a flourishing tourist attraction, so you can expect fewer crowds. Day three in Monteverde is free to relax or try out other listed activities. (22 hours by paved road from Manuel Antonio). Alternatively, you can relax for the rest of the day or visit Monteverde Butterfly Garden and El Trapiche. Afterward, you can actually walk back up the dirt trail and road and walk down to the north end of North Espadilla Beach. Dry season begins in December and runs through late April/ early May. This is typically considered the best time to visit Costa Rica, but I usually tell people to visit in May through July for lower prices and less crowds. However, early 2021 might actually be the perfect time to visit and enjoy the dry season weather. You can directly head to the designated area and pay an entrance fee of $40 for the hot springs. In case you want a little bit more about the country, why not check out our guide on, Published by Sofie, updated on October 12, 2022. Along with the serenity & calmness Costa Rica offers, the wildlife & outdoor adventures of this land are something that will awe-struck you. Other than the ones listed above, you can discover more at La Fortuna. The best for swimming is Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio. Everything about Emilios Cafe is simply wonderful from the caring staff to the food, desserts, wine, and coffee. A bus can take you to most of the places & inner regions of the country, with affordable ticket rates. Was an amazing 10 days and a great way to see Costa Rica, Lots of activities and Jurgen was so helpful. Late in the evening, you can explore the town, visit nightclubs & bars, and indulge in a delicious food experience. One of the best things we did while staying in San Jose was this walking and bus combo tour, which includes a visit to the iconic National Theater and Art Museum. The seven day itinerary includes beach, La Fortuna and Monteverde. After an adventurous day at Rio Celeste, there is no better way to unwind than soaking in a relaxing hot spring! If traveling on a guided tour, listen to all instructions received and keep a note of them. Hotel-to-hotel shuttle-van services can get you from Arenal to Manuel Antonio. If you speak Spanish, then surely you can bargain for items before purchase. You can see the expansive blue for miles on end with no obstruction at all. The country, while appearing small on a map, takes a long time to get around. Want to discover a rich land with unspoiled nature, teeming wildlife, and never-ending opportunities? Cruise along the coastal waterways and Pochette Mangroves before landing on the pristine white sands of Tortuga Island. If youre interested in a guided tour, this specific tour is a great option. The atmosphere is unique because the owners converted an old mansion into a magical place while maintaining stylish touches from the ancient building. 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. See more6-day tours in Costa Rica. If you drive instead, start out as early as possible. Parking at Rio Celeste costs 2,000 colones per vehicle, and the park entrance fee is $12 USD for adults. Enjoy scrumptious Costa Rican cuisines combined with international choices, including low carbs options for those on a diet. Mid-range Hotels Have a certain budget to spare for accommodation? The water is cold but super refreshing, and the entire area is gorgeous. Im so excited!! After all that hiking, if you arent too tired, its time to head to Mystico Adventure Park. This is my first reddit post. Alternatively, you can catch a public bus from downtown San Jos from Terminal 7-10 bus station this option costs as little as $5-10 USD but it will likely take up to 5 hours. Depart back to your hometown. The first bus is the La Fortuna to San Ramon bus which is 2 hours and will cost you $4 USD. 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. Free Gratuities on most 7+ Night Norwegian Cruises! It roughly takes 2 hours to reach, meaning you almost have an entire day to yourself to try some interesting activities. Even if you arent a coffee drinker, its worth sipping to relish the rich Costa Rican flavors. Feel free to dip in the outdoor pool or enjoy the refreshing scenery on the terrace and garden. 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. Spend the day in the Cao Negro Wildlife Refuge, a lowland forest reserve replete with waterfowl near the Nicaraguan border. For drinks, the fresh Costa Rican coffee will certainly put a spring in your step, but they also serve mimosas and fantastic smoothies too. 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. As soon as youve landed, rent a Learn how the locals prepare coffee beans, how the seed germination is done, and witness their preparation up close by helping them. Alas, riptides can make swimming risky here. If you prefer visiting Manuel Antonio Park with a guide, there are many options for guided tours through the park. Allow up to 5 hours for this experience, which we think is a must for first-timers to the city. Guided tour of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Head to San Gerardo de Dota for a serene bird-watching tour. The bridge got its name because the Tarcoles River that runs below it is home to one of the worlds largest crocodile populations. So, if youre wondering how to spend a week in Costa Rica, then is the guide for you. Not only because of its abundant travel opportunities, but also the fact the country is so beautiful that it will leave you mesmerized. Experience a canopy tour If you havent tried a canopy tour in San Jose, then you shouldnt miss out on experiencing this thrilling activity at Monteverde. Kids of all ages will beam on first seeing the tropical paradise that is the Nicoya Peninsula. The owner, a trained chef in Mexico, spares no ingredients so you can taste the authenticity in the soft savory tacos and the mezcal in margaritas. I should note that the cruise is available both in the morning and afternoon for $95 USD and leaves from Quepos. 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. Read our disclosure policy for more info. I dont know about you, but I just love a good burger for lunch, and thankfully in the town of Jaco, theres an excellent burger joint. Im just 10 days I have been/done: Day 3: La Fortuna and Driving to Alternatively, you can spend the day sunbathing or even hiking one of the many trails through the forest on the island. Zoom through the treetops on a tandem zipline over 4,300 feet long! Feel free to reach out to our local travel experts who can help you design your personalized trip to Costa Rica. While on the, 7 days in Costa Rica offers the opportunity to explore some of this Central American nations most phenomenal natural sights. The trail is well-maintained and leads down to the waterfall via many steps. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. Traveling to Costa Rica? Its a vibrant place to hang out during the day with lots of vendors walking the beach with local coconuts and other food and drinks! You can even step a little further, and optional activities (which I will list down below) to the itinerary. 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. 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. Budgeted stays If youre looking to cut down expenses for your trip, these budgeted stays in Costa Rica will help. As you explore the museum, youll come across various galleries showcasing true Costa Rican artworks. Whats great about this road trip is that there are plenty of awesome stops along the way like La Paz Waterfall Gardens, which is about halfway between the two cities, and Poas Volcano, which is about 1.5 hours from San Jose. Within the national park, Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur offer more seclusion, but no real facilities. Our top tip for these trails is to walk them slowly, as the slower you go, the more chance youll have at spotting wildlife like monkeys, macaws, sloths, snakes, and more! Visit the Teatro Nacional and the Museo de Oro Precolombino, and save time for late-afternoon shopping. You could, however, plan your trip two weeks after the holiday season and still can have a great time in Costa Rica. Swimming in the ocean Hotel Cultura Plaza is a contemporary hotel nestled in the heart of the city center and close to the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Theater of Costa Rica, and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum.The rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and an attached bathroom. They have plenty of different food options ranging from tacos, sushi, burgers, pizzas, and more so everybody in your group can find something! If yours doesn't, taxis are plentiful and cheap. Here, you can walk across several hanging bridges in the jungle as a guide tells you about the jungle. From San Jose, you will head to La Fortuna, where you can hike volcanoes and chase giant waterfalls. Related Read: Check out the best Restaurants in San Jose. Menu Speak To A Vacation Planner Now 1-888-447-8459 This two-star hotel is legitimately just 25 meters away from the park entrance and five minutes on foot from Playa Espadilla. Our tour guide Manfredo was awesome, a very nice guy who made sure everyone got the best experience Costa Rica has to offer. For a traveler looking to cut down expenses, all-inclusive hotels (with meals) are a preferable option. Here are a few places that I recommend you opt for when youre spending your day in the capital city . In fact, this is a great, relaxing thing to do during your 7 days in Costa Rica! Its similar to glacier lakes that reflect rock flour. They specialize in Asian cuisines and Vietnamese-inspired dishes prepared with local ingredients and fresh products. This easy-going Costa Rica tour is great for travelers who want to experience the best of Costa Ricas pristine coasts and rainforests. Hotel Secreto La Fortuna is just a short drive from La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano. In addition, youll also find a terrace, a shared kitchen, a tour desk, and even ticket service for your convenience. You can also find below the estimated tour price for this 7 days Costa Rica itinerary. La Fortuna Waterfall Just across the Arenal Volcano, youll find a more serene natural spot La Fortuna Waterfalls. 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). Mercadito Arenal is a relatively new gourmet food court in La Fortuna, offering tasty meals from a variety of restaurants and an exclusive Voodoo Mixology Bar. If you come here during the day, we recommend walking along the beach and finding your vibe. Find a shady tree, check out some of the beach clubs, go for a surf or just enjoy the scenery. We recommend allowing a half-day, or more specifically, 5-6 hours here. The adventure ends on the pristine Pacific coast beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park with time for some well-earned sun, sea, and sand. 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. Moreover, you can book optional tours, flights & read more resources on this itinerary. This Rainforest Night Walk and Dinner tour is the same tour I did in La Fortuna with Ecoterra. Thats why weve carefully designed this 7-day Costa Rica itinerary to include three main destinations. You can stay here for as little as US$65/night with deals available during the low season. When it comes to rooms and amenities, the hotel provides free private parking, ticket service, and free Wi-Fi on-site. This capital city is diverse & much more cultural in terms of the experiences it has to offer. You can pitch your own tent on the 20-hectare property for as low as $10 USD per night. Visa & Documentation: Visa requirements will differ from country to country. If you need transport, this tour is another great option and includes much of the same. Seeing this massive crater with your own eyes is mesmerizing, and understandably, its one of the most popular day trips from San Jose. Along your way, expect to spot toucans, bellbird, parrots, and other species. The pools are nestled in beautifully landscaped gardens and are lit with multi-colored ambient lighting at night. For more budget-friendly options around Costa Rica, check the catalog. Arenal Volcano Walk and Hike One of the best things you could do in La Fortuna, is to take a guided walking tour of Arenal Volcano. When they finally tire of the exotic flora and fauna, enjoy a cooling dip beneath the cascade tiers of La Fortuna waterfall. 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