22 Aug 2025 4 min read

Costa Rica in 7 Days — The Perfect Adventure

Costa Rica is compact but wildly diverse. Rainforest, volcanoes, cloud forest, and Pacific beaches fit neatly into a one-week route. This 7-day plan condenses my longer 21-day itinerary into a tight, feel-good circuit that balances thrill with downtime.

Arenal Volcano rising above lush rainforest — the perfect starting point for a one-week Costa Rica adventure.

Route at a Glance

Days 1–2: Arenal & La Fortuna
Days 3–4: Monteverde Cloud Forest
Days 5–6: Manuel Antonio on the Pacific
Day 7: San José & fly out

Day 1 — Arrive San José, transfer to La Fortuna

Land, clear formalities, and head to La Fortuna at the base of Arenal.
Stretch the legs with a short town walk and early night.
Optional: soak at hot springs or enjoy dinner with volcano views.

Rolling green hills and rainbows over Costa Rica’s breathtaking highlands

Day 2 — Arenal Volcano & Waterfalls

Morning: hike Arenal Volcano National Park trails.
Midday: swim at La Fortuna Waterfall.
Evening: hot springs reset.
Stay: two nights in La Fortuna near the park or springs.

Chasing waterfalls in Costa Rica — crystal-clear pools hidden in the rainforest.

Day 3 — Travel to Monteverde, cloud-forest intro

Scenic drive up into misty Monteverde.
Afternoon: hanging bridges walk for a gentle canopy intro.
Optional: night walk to spot frogs and nocturnal wildlife.

Hanging bridge in Costa Rica’s rainforest — offering breathtaking views above the jungle canopy.

Day 4 — Monteverde Adventure Day

Morning: zipline or guided naturalist hike.
Lunch in Santa Elena town.
Afternoon: hummingbird gardens or a second trail.
Tip: pack a light rain shell and quick-dry layers.
Stay: lodges near the reserves.

Ziplining through the Monteverde Cloud Forest — a highlight of any Costa Rica 7-day adventure itinerary, combining adrenaline with stunning rainforest views.

Day 5 — Pacific Bound: Manuel Antonio

Head down to the coast.
Sunset beach walk + early dinner.

Palm-fringed beach on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast — a perfect stop on a 7-day adventure itinerary combining rainforest, volcanoes, and ocean views.

Day 6 — Manuel Antonio National Park

Early entry = best chance to spot monkeys, sloths & exotic birds.
Midday swim at a park beach.
Optional: catamaran, kayak, or hammock time.
Stay: hillside boutique hotel with ocean views, or walkable beach lodging.

Three-toed sloth resting in the rainforest canopy of Costa Rica — a wildlife highlight in Manuel Antonio National Park.

Day 7 — Back to San José & Depart

Slow breakfast + one last beach glance.
Allow buffer time for coastal traffic.

Practical Notes

Getting Around

Easy: private transfer or rental car for flexibility.
Budget: shared shuttles.
City driving is hectic; mountain routes take longer than maps suggest.

Packing Cheat Sheet

Lightweight rain jacket
Quick-dry tops & shorts
Hiking shoes or rugged sandals
Reef-safe sunscreen & insect repellent
Refillable water bottle & small daypack
Compact binoculars or zoom camera

Health & Comfort

Hydrate often — humidity sneaks up.
Compression socks for long flights/drives.
Blister kit & antihistamines = time savers.

Best Time to Visit

Dry season: mid-Dec to April.
Shoulder months: fewer crowds, lush scenery.
Microclimates: expect cool, damp cloud forests.

Why This 7-Day Plan Works

One volcano hub, one cloud-forest hub, one beach hub = minimal unpacking.
Early starts = cooler hikes + better wildlife.
Built-in recovery time so the trip feels like a holiday.

Going Deeper Later

This weeklong plan is distilled from my full 21-Day Costa Rica Itinerary. Extend later for Caribbean beaches, Monteverde birding, or the Osa Peninsula for peak biodiversity.