Costa Rica is well known for its tropical landscapes and wildlife, but where do you start planning the ultimate week in Costa Rica? This itinerary focuses on Northwestern Costa Rica, including the Golden Coast of Guanacaste, the rainforest, and La Fortuna Volcano . Keep reading for everything you need to know to plan your 7 days in Costa Rica, including additional things to do.
There are many amazing things to do in Costa Rica! The top two must-see attractions in Costa Rica are the La Fortuna Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, take a day trip to Nicaragua. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you will not want to miss the Rio Celeste Waterfall. Be sure to spend time soaking in a hot spring before leaving. As you can see, you will have no problem filling your Costa Rica itinerary with amazing experiences. Here is how to make the most out of your week in Costa Rica. Enjoy your time out of the office!
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The Perfect One Week Costa Rica Itinerary
Day One: Arrival and Resort Check-in
Arrive at Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia and transfer to your resort. Grab a cocktail at the swim-up bar, go for a walk on the beach, and enjoy the resort’s evening entertainment. I stayed at Hotel Riu Guanacaste and booked my airport transfer from the hotel. This all-inclusive resort was inexpensive, and I had a great time. Check it out below.
Day Two: Resort Day
Spend the morning enjoying the resort and book excursions. Walk down to watch the monkeys play after breakfast and take a walk along the beach on the way back. Spend some time in the water before lunch at the resort. In the afternoon, grab the hotel shuttle to Coco Beach. Spend a couple of hours shopping for souvenirs, and stop for a cocktail or stay for dinner.
Day Three: Volcanoes, Hanging Bridges and Thermal Springs
Book an excursion to Arenal Volcano, Mistico Hanging Bridges Park and Eco Termales hot springs. Take in views of Arenal Volcano during a boat ride across Lake Arenal. Hike through the rainforest and cross six hanging bridges at Mistico Hanging Bridges Park. Relax in a thermal hot spring before a sunset dinner. Lunch and dinner are included in the excursion. Alternatively, book a day trip to the cloud forest.
Day Four: Beach Day
Take the 8am hotel shuttle to Tamarindo. Take a surf lesson, splash in the water, and wander the surf town. Shuttle returns to the hotel at 3pm. Alternatively, book a private shuttle to visit the surfing town of Tamarindo with stops at Playa Concho’s shell beach and the white sand beach of Playa Flamingo.
Day Five: Jungle, Waterfalls and Sloths
Book an excursion for Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth Sanctuary & Llanos de Cortes Waterfall. Begin with a rainforest hike through Parque National Volcan Tenorio to the Rio Celeste waterfall known for its brilliant turquoise blue color. Wear comfortable shoes for the 250 steps down to viewing platform. Next, see sloths, colorful frogs, and toucans with Spring Paradise Bijagua Tours. End the day with a swim in the Llanos del Cortés Waterfall.
Day Six: Jungle Waterfall Hike and Hot Spring
Book an excursion for Oropendola Waterfall and Rio Negro Hot Springs. Take a short hike through the rainforest looking for monkeys on the way. Cool off during a swim in the crystal clear Oropendola waterfall. Have a volcanic mud skin treatment before soaking and relaxing in a natural hot spring with temperatures between 94 and 114 degrees Fahrenheit. Lunch is included in the excusion.
Day Seven: Palo Verde National Park
Take a 2-hour jungle safari boat cruise through Palo Verde National Park and interact with playful monkeys. Most tours combine the cruise with a cultural experience.
Day Eight: Return Flight
Take one last walk on the beach and grab breakfast before taking the return shuttle to the airport.
Looking for more options? Continue reading for additional things to do in Costa Rica to supplement this itinerary.
Things to Do in Costa Rica
- Explore the lava fields at Arenal Volcano National Park
- Hike through the Cloud Forest
- Search for sloths on the Mariolas Trail
- Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
- Swim to the secluded La Leona Waterfall
- Rappel down a waterfall
- Book a jungle night walk to see bright colored frogs and nocturnal animals
- Check out the Tarcoles River Bridge, famous for the crocodiles that live below
- Take a turtle nesting tour
- Zipline, ATV, and walk the hanging bridge at Diamante Eco Park
- Relax on the white sand beach at Playa Flamingo
- Enjoy a snorkel and sunset cruise
- Collect shells at Playa Conchal
- Visit a coffee plantation or take the Don Juan coffee and chocolate tour
- Whitewater raft the Rio Balsa or Rio Sarapiqui
- Take a full day trip into Nicaragua
Check the Costa Rica Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Bookmark and Pin Things to Do in Northwest Costa Rica in One Week: From Beaches to Jungle
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Enjoy your time out of the office!