If you are looking for a destination where you can see an active volcano in the morning and be sipping a coconut on a turquoise beach in the afternoon, Costa Rica is the answer.
This small Central American country concentrates 5% of the biodiversity of the entire planet. What does that mean? That you will see more monkeys, sloths, toucans and colorful frogs in one week than in the rest of your life. You only have a week? Don’t worry. Here we put together the classic “Arenal + Manuel Antonio” route, the winning combination for an unforgettable vacation. Discover Costa Rica in 7 days.
Days 1-3: La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano
Land in San Jose (SJO) and drive 3 hours north to La Fortuna.
El Gigante: The Arenal Volcano is the king of the landscape. It is a perfect cone that dominates the whole town. Although it no longer spits visible red lava as before, it is still imposing and beautiful.
Hot springs: Thanks to the volcano, the area is full of natural hot water rivers.
The luxury option: Tabacón. It is a natural spa inside the jungle with hot waterfalls. Expensive, but worth every penny.
The local option: The Chollín River. It’s the same river as Tabacón, but it’s the public part and it’s free. Bring your cooler!
Adventure: This is the zipline capital. Flying over the canopy of the trees, looking at the volcano and the lake is a must experience.
Day 4: The road to the coast
📍Río Tárcoles, Costa Rica pic.twitter.com/DkVc0vHzOQ
– Maria (@LupitaPonce07) May 26, 2024
On the way to the beach, you will cross the famous Crocodile Bridge on the Tárcoles River.
The show: Get out of the car and walk across the bridge (it’s safe). Below you will see dozens of giant American crocodiles basking in the sun. It’s creepy and fascinating at the same time.
Days 5-7: Manuel Antonio (Where the jungle touches the sea)
Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica 2023 🌴
Salt in the air, jungle all around, waves rolling in slow.
Pure surfy calm, zero rush, just vibes. IMO some places stay with you forever. 🌊☀️ pic.twitter.com/9O0yCyvckH– Miko Brathwaite (@miko_bwaith) January 1, 2026
You arrive at the Central Pacific. Manuel Antonio National Park is the jewel of Costa Rica.
The Beach: Imagine white sand and turquoise water, but instead of palm trees and hotels, you are surrounded by virgin jungle. Trees reach all the way to the shore.
The neighbors: You don’t need binoculars here. Capuchin (white-faced) monkeys come down to the beach to steal your fruit (watch out for your backpack!), raccoons stroll peacefully and, if you look up, you’re sure to see a sloth sleeping on a branch.
The sunset: Enjoy the best sunsets of the Pacific with a “guaro sour” (typical drink) in your hand in one of the restaurants overlooking the sea on the main road.
What to eat?
Costa Rica is a paradise of flavors and traditions. In this second installment, discover six must-visit restaurants for foodies that combine history and gastronomy. Don’t miss them!
➡️https://t.co/v9HRVk6ZBW pic.twitter.com/1EhoD262cB
– Food and Travel MX (@FoodandTravelMX) July 23, 2024
In Costa Rica you can eat delicious and healthy food.
Breakfast: Order Gallo Pinto. Rice and black beans mixed with spices, served with eggs, fried ripe plantain and natilla (cream). It is the breakfast of champions.
Lunch: El Casado. A huge plate with rice, beans, salad, plantain and your choice of meat, chicken or fish. Good, nice and cheap.
Pura Vida” Traveler’s Tips
Currency: The currency is the Colon, but Dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Don’t stress yourself changing a lot of money.
Climate: Costa Rica is tropical. It can rain suddenly and the sun can come out 10 minutes later. Wear a light raincoat at all times.
Driving: Renting a car is the best way to get around. Use Waze (they invented it there, so it works perfect), Google Maps sometimes fails on rural routes.
Costa Rica is the digital and natural detox your family needs, Pura Vida!
Filed under: Costa Rica in 7 days
