Costa Rica is a country that has so much to offer. From the beautiful rainforest to the white sandy beaches there is endless nature and wildlife to explore. It is the only destination I have yet to see monkeys swinging from the trees while I enjoy my breakfast. The Costa Rican way of life “Pura Vida” definitely rings true for those that inhabit it. The 7 days that you visit will be packed with adventure that you won’t soon forget.
Day 1-2: Land in San Jose & drive to La Fortuna
La Fortuna is known for the impressive Arenal Volcano. The last major eruption was in 1968 but continued to stay active until 2010. The eruptions were what made this area such a popular destination for scientists and tourists. Left in the wake on the Arenal Volcano eruptions are beautiful natural hot springs, Lake Arenal, and hanging bridges overlooking the rainforest.
Day 1: Book a full day tour that includes a hike around the Arenal Volcano base, Rio Fortuna’s Waterfall, and the Mistico Hanging Bridges.
The tour we booked was through 7 Tours which included all 3 experiences and transportation that picked us up outside of our accommodation. In the early afternoon we also sat down for a delicious lunch which was included in the package. I advise doing this early in the trip so that you can meet people, get recommendations on other things to do or places to eat from the tour guides. The cost of the full day tour was 140$ per person and I believe was well worth it.
Day 2: Explore a Hot Spring
If you want to visit a free, natural hot spring then check out El Chollin next to El Tabacon resort. Since it is free, it can get really busy so try to go early in the day.
You can also visit El Salto swimming hole which is another free experience with a rope swing that people swing off into the river. Or if you’re not feeling as brave, you can sit on the rocks and watch the craziness!
If you want to spend time a Hot Springs Resort, there are many to choose from. They range from very basic ($10 for a day pass) to more luxurious (80$ a day)There are some that are just 10$ a day to 80$ a day per person.
Baldhi Hot Springs– 24 Pools range in temperature from 150 degrees to 68 degrees. Water slide & area for kids as well. Swim up bars. 40$ for a day pass.
Ectothermales Fortuna– This resort day must be booked in advanced. This is a true natural hot spring. It is a 45$ entrance fee.
El Tabacón– This is a luxury thermal experience and spa. A one day pass is 80$. The river pools range in temperature from 72 degrees to 105.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna:
Arenal Rooms– We booked this accommodation through Air bnb (#16 Stylish Rustic Studio & Outdoor Jacuzzi). It is listed for about $150 per night. This was one of my favorite places I’ve ever stayed. The room had a full kitchen and a shared rooftop. We also had a private rooftop jacuzzi that overlooked the Arenal Volcano. It was walking distance from everything you could need downtown. I can’t recommend this stay enough.
El Tabacón– This is a luxury style resort and tends to be much more expensive, but for good reason. The location is about 10-15 minutes from downtown La Fortuna however many of the attractions are close by. They have their own spa and thermal experience which is included in the reservation. Rooms can range from about $400-$800 a night depending on the type of room and the date of the stay.
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa– This lodge is located inside the national park and seems to have the closest view of the volcano. This accommodation has a lake, a swimming pool, an onsite bird sanctuary, and an onsite resturant. This lodge can be very inexpensive depending on the time of travel and can range from around $85-$500 a night.
Day 3-4: Monteverde
Monteverde is best known for its dense cloud forest which is one of the most popular attractions in the country. Along with the biological preserve, it is also known for zip-lining experiences and adventures parks.
Day 3: Drive about 3.5 hours to Monteverde from La Fortuna. Book a guided tour through the to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
I recommend renting a car to travel through Costa Rica. With that being said, the drive from La Fortuna to Monteverde is no easy feat. The roads are winding, hilly, and mostly unpaved. If you get stuck behind a tour bus it’s almost impossible to pass on the narrow roads. However, having a car gives you the flexible to go where you want, when you want.
If you want the best possible chance to see any wildlife or learn about the history of the cloud forest, you should book a tour. We did not and basically ended up just hiking through mud and trees for a few hours. Which was still awesome, but would recommend the tour. You can book through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Website or you can schedule it when you get there.
Day 4: Book a Zip Lining Excursion & a night tour
100% Adventura– This course has the longest zip line in Central America- 1590m! It also has the Tarzan swing which is included in the package. This is the zip lining park we chose to go to during our day 4. The workers made you feel really safe and comfortable. It was awesome AND scary. My heart was racing after the Tarzan swing drop for a long time!!
Selvatura Adventure Park– This adventure park offers zip lining, hanging bridges, and a butterfly exhibit. We were told that if we did the hanging bridges in La Fortuna to skip them here because they are virtually the same.
Monteverde Extremo Park– This zip lining course also offers rappelling, bungee jumping, and the superman zip line.
Sky Adventures Monteverde Park– This park has the zip lining, the sky walk which includes hanging bridges and trails as well as a sky tram that offers amazing views without the physical efforts.
We booked our night tour through our hotel- El Establo Mountain Hotel. During our group guided tour we were able to see a variety of wildlife like tarantulas, frogs, olingos, and sleeping birds that we would not have been able to see during the day time.
You can also book a night tour through Night Walk & Monteverde Night Tours.
Day 4 *Bonus: Hike to El Tigre Waterfall
We were totally exhausted and needed an afternoon of rest after the zip lining excursion but if you have the time and energy, El Tigre is the perfect spot. You can complete the hike on your on which is a 3 mile loop or book with a tour guide. You can also book horseback riding packages as well as bike zip lining. El Tigre park has the most beautiful waterfalls in Monteverde.
Where to Stay in Monteverde:
Chira Glamping Monteverde– This was where we stayed for a night in Monteverde. Chira Glamping is definitely a get what you pay for type of resort. The service and the views were amazing. We stayed in a tent style room and our patio space included an outdoor shower, a hot tub, bathroom and a full kitchen. This was one of the most amazing hotels I’ve ever stayed at. The views themself were worth the price. This resort ranges from $350-$470 depending on the type of suite you book.
El Establo Mountain Hotel– This resort was huge! The amenities included a swimming pool, restaurant, The Green Leaf Spa, and hiking trails. The rooms were large and have a beautiful view overlooking the pacific waters. We were able to book our night walking tour through the front desk and it took place on the resort’s grounds on the walking trail. The staff was amazing as well. The prices range from $179-$300 a night depending on the style of the room.
Hotel Ficus– This hotel is similar style to El Establo Mountain Hotel. The location is walking distance from stores, coffee shops and restaurants. This hotel is more boutique style with only 20 rooms. The price of this accommodation ranges from $150-$200 a night.
Day 5-7: Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is famous for its national park that is home to a variety of animals like sloths, monkeys, and toucans. It is also known for its beautiful beaches and sport fishing.
Day 5: Drive 3 hours to Manuel Antonio and book a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
You can book your tour through the national park website but it does fill up so make sure to book ahead of time. If you want to have any wildlife sightings, you should definitely book with a tour guide. We ended up booking our tour through the Air bnb app. It was 30$ a person for the tour and cost an additional $18 each for tickets to get into the park. At the end of the park is a beautiful beach but it closes at 3pm so I recommend the earlier tour if possible so you can enjoy the afternoon on the beach.
You can book our same tour through the company’s website Costa Rica Jade Tours. Our tour guide was Andrew and he was extremely knowledgable and friendly.
Day 6: Take Surf Lessons & Enjoy your last day on Manuel Antonio Beach
We booked our surf lessons the night before once again using the Air bnb app. The lessons were 2 hours long and it was just the two of us with the instructor. The name of the company was Glen Castro Surf School. After you take lessons, you can use the surf boards for the remainder of the day. You can also buy chairs and an umbrella for just $10 to use for the entire day. You are definitely going to need to find shade at some point because the sun is very hot!
There are multiple restaurants right across the street for lunch. We were able to order food and beers through the surf company and they brought it right to our seats on the beach.
Day 7: Drive back to Jan Jose to catch your flight
Make sure to give yourself at least 3.5 hours depending on the time of day that you need to drive to the airport. There tends to be traffic.
Where to stay in Manuel Antonio/Quepos:
Casa Elsa– We stayed at Casa Elsa during our visit to Manuel Antonio. A few positives- the location was walking distance to the beach, restaurants, and a bus stop that takes you down to Manuel Antonio beach. The views from the property were beautiful and the wildlife that was just outside our window was amazing. We booked this property through Air bnb and it was only $250 a night. Not necessarily a negative but we felt like the Air bnb host was a little intense and the art work is definitely eccentric! I would stay here again just for the amazing wildlife & views.
Si Como No– This is a popular resort located in Quepos. It is located off the main road that leads to the beach. This means there are many bars and restaurants nearby as well as easy access to get down to the ocean. It is welcoming to adults and families. The views of the ocean here are amazing especially from their restaurants. This hotels ranges from $225-$285 a night. It definitely books up fast to if you know you want to stay here, try to book ahead of time!
The Falls Resort– This resort, like others in the area are surrounded by nature. With the nature brings the wildlife. Expect to see toucans, monkeys, butterflies, and sloths hanging out in the trees nearby this resort. It is about 2.5 miles from the beach. They offer a free breakfast and a number of tours in the area that are run through the resort. The tours include horseback riding, sunset kayaks, and zip lining. The nightly rate ranges are around $250.
