7 Day Trip to Costa Rica Highlights for First-Time Visitors

Costa Rica is famous for its incredible biodiversity and thrilling adventures and has a warm welcoming culture that makes you feel right at home.

Make sure your passport has at least six months of life left on it before you hit the road. Vaccinations for tetanus and hepatitis A are generally a smart idea to have in your corner. Pack light clothes, but don’t forget to toss in some rain gear and insect repellent—nature likes to keep you on your toes.

Day 1 Beginning Your 7 Day Trip to Costa Rica: Touching Down in San José and Getting Comfortable

When you land at Juan Santamaría International Airport, grab a taxi or shuttle to whisk you off to your hotel in San José. Once you’ve dropped your bags and caught your breath, I’d recommend a leisurely stroll around downtown to soak in the local markets and admire the architecture—there’s a certain charm you just can’t rush.

Day 2 Dive Into the Wonders of Arenal Volcano and Unwind in the Soothing Hot Springs

Get an early start with a drive to Arenal Volcano National Park, famous for its classic conical shape and lush green surroundings that feel like a nature lover’s daydream. You can wander along several well-marked hiking trails such as the Las Coladas trail where you’ll catch glimpses of hardened lava flows and spot local wildlife like colorful toucans and playful monkeys swinging about. After working up a sweat on the hike, kick back and relax at one of the area’s natural hot springs like Tabacón or Baldi.

Breathtaking view of Arenal Volcano with surrounding rainforest and relaxing hot springs.

Day 3 Diving Into Adventure Activities Around Arenal

1. Feel the thrill as you zip line through the canopy, soaring just above the treetops and winding rivers—an absolute rush that never gets old.
2. Try your hand at waterfall rappelling, carefully descending lush cliffs with professional guides keeping a close eye on your safety every step of the way.
3. Saddle up for a horseback riding tour along Arenal's stunning trails, perfect for riders of any skill level—whether you’re a seasoned pro or a total beginner.
4. Dive into a whitewater rafting adventure down the lively Sarapiquí River, tailor-made for anyone who’s itching for a bit of heart-pumping excitement.

Pick activities that match your fitness and comfort levels—it's no fun biting off more than you can chew. For example, zip lining offers courses with different intensity levels to suit your pace. Horseback riding usually leans toward the more relaxed side of things.

Day 4 Off to Explore the Misty Magic of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Set off from Arenal in the morning by shuttle or rental car and make your way to Monteverde. The journey usually takes around three hours and includes a charming scenic boat ride across Lake Arenal that’s hard not to enjoy. The roads can be bumpy—rough is putting it mildly—so I’d recommend a 4x4 vehicle or a guided shuttle to keep things smooth.

Day 5 Unveiling the Wonders of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

• Join a guided early morning walk to catch a glimpse of rare birds like the dazzling resplendent quetzal. If you’re an early riser, this one’s worth setting the alarm for.
• Stop by the hummingbird gallery where you can get up close and personal with these vibrant little speedsters fluttering around like tiny jewels.
• Experience a night wildlife tour to spot nocturnal creatures such as frogs and insects. There’s something magical about the forest after dark that really gets under your skin.
• Explore hanging bridges that wind through the canopy and offer a fresh perspective of the misty forest as if you’re walking among the clouds.

Monteverde tends to be on the cooler side and often wrapped up in a gentle mist. It’s wise to dress in layers, plus do not forget your trusty waterproof jacket and a pair of sturdy shoes that can handle a bit of mud.

Day 6 Dive Into the Wonders of Manuel Antonio National Park

Traveling from Monteverde down to the Manuel Antonio area on the Pacific coast typically takes around three and a half to four hours depending on traffic. It is smart to hit the road early in the day if you want to squeeze every last drop of beach time out of your trip. As you drive you will notice the scenery gradually shift from the misty green cloud forests to the wide-open coastal plains that seem to stretch on forever. When it comes to places to stay eco-friendly resorts and boutique hotels near the park entrance are top-notch choices.

Day 7 Diving into the Wild Side and Sandy Shores of Manuel Antonio National Park

1. Rise and shine with an early morning stroll along the park trails where you’re likely to spot sleepy sloths and lively capuchin monkeys plus a kaleidoscope of colorful birds putting on a show.
2. Kick back in the afternoon on spotless white sand beaches—perfect for a refreshing swim or simply soaking up the sun like there’s no tomorrow.
3. Dive into calm coves for some snorkeling and catch a glimpse of vibrant marine life playing hide and seek beneath the Pacific waves.
4. Don’t miss stopping by local artisan markets to snag unique souvenirs and soak up the genuine vibe of Costa Rican culture—you might even leave with a story or two.

Respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance and resisting the urge to feed the animals. When you are at the beach, opt for reef-safe sunscreen to do your bit in protecting those delicate marine creatures. Don’t forget to stay hydrated, plus keep an eye out for ocean currents while you’re swimming.

If you're planning a 7 day trip to Costa Rica, you might want to think about extending your stay a bit to check out other gems like the Nicoya Peninsula, famous for its surfing vibes or the Caribbean coast which is great for cultural tours that dive into Afro-Caribbean history.