1 Week in Costa Rica: The Perfect First-Timer’s Itinerary
Costa Rica, with its rainforests, beaches, wildlife, and vibrant culture, has easily become one of my favorite places in the world. I only spent a week there, but I packed in so much relaxation and adventure, and had plenty of opportunities to connect with the local culture. I’m already planning my return.
This itinerary is everything I did during my week in Costa Rica, and it’s perfect if you’re looking to explore a little bit of everything this amazing country has to offer. Keep an eye out for my upcoming guide, where I’ll share all the travel tips, packing hacks, and lessons I learned from my trip.
Day 0: Arrival in San José
My Costa Rica adventure officially began late at night. After a smooth connecting flight through Fort Lauderdale, I landed in San José at 1:00 am. The arrival process was quick and painless—I just had to show my passport and proof of a return flight. From the airport, I hopped in a taxi to my first stop, Rivera Family Apartments (affordable and near the airport). Knowing I’d arrive at such an odd hour, I made sure to add their number to WhatsApp beforehand. That tiny step made late-night coordination so much easier. With nothing much to do except get some rest, I settled in for the night.
Day 1: From San José to La Fortuna
Shuttle to La Fortuna
After a restful sleep, I kicked off Day 1 with an 8 am shuttle pick-up from Rivera Family Apartments in San José. I’d booked a shuttle with Volcano Travel for $42.00 ahead of time, and they made the process so easy, even picking me up directly from my stay. (Tip: Shuttles in Costa Rica are a great way to travel between cities if you don’t want to drive. They’re reliable, comfortable, and perfect for solo travelers. Another tip would be to take public buses.)
The drive to La Fortuna was an adventure in itself, with a lush landscape and a peek into rural life in Costa Rica. Along the way, we stopped at a Soda called Mi Rancho for a quick snack. (Sodas are small family-owned restaurants that serve traditional Costa Rican food for affordable prices, you’ll find them almost anywhere.) I grabbed some sweet bread, which was simple and delicious.
Arrival and Rooftop Views
We arrived in La Fortuna around noon. With my Airbnb check-in not until 2 pm, I had lunch at The Open Kitchen, a spot just steps away from the center of La Fortuna, where I treated myself to a (much needed) iced coffee and a Turkish burek.
Afterward, I headed to my Airbnb and spent some time on their rooftop. The views of Arenal Volcano were unreal, and I was lucky to see it in its full glory, barely covered by clouds. It was the perfect moment to just take a breath, soak it all in, and get some great photos.
Coffee, Chocolate, and Sloths Tour
By 3 pm, I was on my first official tour: the Coffee, Chocolate, and Sloths Tour at the private Sloth Watching Trail. I found this on Viator (book the same tour Here) for $95 total. This turned out to be one of the most informative and memorable experiences of the trip.
Sloth Tour
In a small group, we learned about the two sloth species found in Costa Rica: two-toed sloths, which are more active at night, and three-toed sloths, which are active during the day and have adorable smiling faces. Our guide was fantastic and even set up a scope for us to get a close look at them in their natural habitat. The highlight was watching a three-toed sloth climb down for its weekly bathroom trip!
Coffee, Chocolate, and Sugar Cane Tour
This felt so personal since it was just two of us on the tour. I learned so much about Costa Rica’s coffee industry, from the harvesting process to how it’s roasted. We tried some coffee steeped in the traditional way, with a side of coconut butter cookies. We tasted different chocolates—dark, milk, coconut, and coffee-infused—and even participated in squeezing juice out of sugarcane. The grand finale was trying sugarcane moonshine, which was stronger than I expected but so fun to try.
At the Sloth Watching Trail they offer both tours as a bundle or you can opt to do one or the other. I’d personally recommend doing both, as they were both incredibly informative.
Day 2: Wildlife & Waterfalls at Arenal Volcano
Morning Pick-Up and First Impressions
My second day in Costa Rica started early, with a 6 am wake-up to get ready for a full day of exploring Arenal Volcano’s natural wonders. My tour guides from Green Vacations Costa Rica picked me up directly from my Airbnb. (Tip: if you’re booking tours, always confirm if they include pick-up because it saves so much hassle.) We picked up another couple on the way, and our small group made for an intimate, personalized experience. This was a full day of experiences with lunch included for $150. To me this was extremely worth it.
Mistico Hanging Bridges
Our first stop was the Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Walking through the rainforest canopy was nothing short of magical. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and helped us spot all kinds of wildlife, from rufous motmots to eyelash vipers. The highlight for me was seeing monkeys swinging through the trees. It felt like a scene straight out of a nature documentary. We were lucky with the weather, as it didn’t rain much, making the trails even more enjoyable.
Tip: try to arrive to this park as early as you possibly can, whether with a guided tour or alone. The bridges have a limit so during busy hours, you may find yourself waiting up to 30 minutes just to cross a bridge. We arrived very early, so this was not a problem for us, though our guides mentioned this is a huge reason why they scheduled our day this way.
La Fortuna Waterfall
Next, we visited the La Fortuna Waterfall, one of the most iconic spots in the area. The waterfall was breathtaking, but I won’t lie, the hike down (and back up) around 500 steps was a workout! Once we got to the bottom, we were rewarded with crystal-clear water and the chance to take a dip. Swimming near the falls was such an invigorating experience, and despite the climb back up, it was absolutely worth it.
Traditional Costa Rican Lunch
After the waterfall, we were taken to a nearby soda to get some lunch. Lunch was a traditional Costa Rican casado—a hearty plate of rice, beans, plantains, vegetables, and meat. It was simple, delicious, and exactly what I needed to refuel. We also got it with a fresh pressed Maracuyá (passionfruit) juice.
Arenal Volcano Hike
After lunch, the guides took us to Arenal Volcano, where we hiked through trails surrounded by volcanic rock. Our guides shared the history of the volcano, including its eruptions and how it shaped the surrounding landscape and affected the local inhabitants. The views were incredible, and we even spotted a few more animals along the way.
Night Tour at Ecocentro Danaus
After a long but fulfilling day, I got dropped back at my Airbnb around 4 pm. I had just enough time to buy a poncho (because I’d forgotten to bring a rain jacket—learn from my mistakes please) and rest before heading out again for a Night Tour at 6:30 pm.
The night tour at Ecocentro Danaus was an entirely different vibe, so peaceful yet so alive. I saw several types of frogs, including the iconic red-eyed tree frog, as well as nocturnal birds, lizards, and more. The guides made the experience even better by explaining how these animals adapt to the rainforest at night.
Side note: There are many activities to do in La Fortuna, including the famous hot springs, ATV tours, ziplining, kayaking, and more. I personally wish I had stayed in the area a bit longer to experience more of these adventures, particularly the hot springs, which is a must do. (I’m telling myself that this is just a reason to come back to this amazing country.)
Day 3: Road to Manuel Antonio
Shuttle to San José and Airport Meet-Up
After two days in La Fortuna, it was time to head to the next destination: Manuel Antonio. The day began with an 8 am pick-up for the shuttle back to San José (also with Volcano Travel), where I planned to meet my brother at the airport. The timing worked out perfectly, as I arrived around noon, just as his flight landed.
Picking Up the Rental Car
Once reunited, we grabbed a shuttle to Adobe Rental Car, picked up our rental, and hit the road toward Manuel Antonio. The drive itself was a highlight, with stops along the way that turned an already scenic route into something truly magical. Tip: If you’re renting a car in Costa Rica, consider getting a 4×4, especially if you’re planning to visit more remote areas or beaches with unpaved access roads. It made all the difference during our trip. We went with Adobe Rental because, after some research, we found it had the least hidden fees.
Lunch Stop in Jacó
Our first stop was for lunch in Jacó, a lively beach town known for its surf culture. We ate at a cool bar/restaurant called La Garza, and I officially tried a bottle of Imperial, the unofficial “beer of Costa Rica.”
Sunset at Bejuco Beach
After this, we continued south, making a spontaneous stop at Bejuco Beach. It was easy for us to drive up to the treeline. Watching the sunset here was nothing short of majestic — it looked like it came straight from a dream.
Arrival in Manuel Antonio
From there, the drive became a bit more challenging as we navigated the narrow, winding roads to our Airbnb in Manuel Antonio. Despite the tricky route, we arrived safely, settled in, and went out for dinner at Restaurante Cerdo Feliz, a cozy spot not far from where we were staying.
Day 4: Discovering Manuel Antonio
A Slow Start in Quepos
Our day began at a much more relaxed pace, after the hours of being on the road the day before. We slept in a little before heading to Quepos, a nearby town, for breakfast at Bon Bonete. This is a cute French-inspired bakery with delicious coffee and great pastries. Being part French, I can say the food was pretty on point.
Stroll Along the Malecón
After our meal, we took a short walk along the Malecón, a waterfront stretch with gorgeous views of the Pacific.
Hike to Playa La Macha
From there, we set off to Playa La Macha, a secluded beach that felt like a hidden paradise. The journey to get there wasn’t easy it required navigating rough roads (thankfully we had a 4×4) and hiking down a steep trail. Tip: If you’re planning to visit Playa La Macha, bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes for the hike, and pack light. The trail can be challenging but it’s absolutely worth it.
Secluded Beach Bliss
But once we arrived, it was all worth it. The beach was practically empty, giving us hours of peace and quiet to swim, relax, and take in the breathtaking scenery. We even spotted some local wildlife: dozens of hermit crabs scuttling around and an iguana sunbathing on a nearby rock.
Afternoon Reset
After hiking back up (which was a workout in itself), we were wiped out. We grabbed a quick sandwich for lunch, picked up some groceries, and headed back to the Airbnb to recharge.
Dinner at El Lagarto
That evening, we treated ourselves to dinner at El Lagarto, a grill restaurant with an incredible menu. I had a seafood plate that was absolutely delicious and a perfect way to end the day.
Day 5: Manuel Antonio National Park and Playa Linda
Morning at Manuel Antonio National Park
We kicked off the day with a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic spots. We booked our tour through Jade Tours for $45, not including the $18 entrance fee to the park. It was definitely crowded (as expected), but that didn’t take away from the experience. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and helped us spot wildlife we likely would’ve missed on our own — monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds among them.
Tip: If you’re planning to visit Manuel Antonio National Park, go early to beat the crowds and increase your chances of spotting wildlife. A guide is 100% worth it. And during high season, book your tickets at least a week in advance since the park has a 3,000-person daily limit.
Lunch with a View at El Avión
After a few hours in the park, we grabbed lunch at El Avión, a quirky restaurant built around a vintage airplane. The view overlooking the Pacific was as good as the food.
Beach Afternoon at Playa Linda
Craving some beach time, we headed about 40 minutes south to Playa Linda. What made it extra special was how easily accessible it was, we were able to drive right up to it. The beach itself was stunning and nearly empty. We spent the whole afternoon swimming, relaxing, and sipping on fresh coconuts from a local vendor.
Dinner at El Patio de Café Milagro
After soaking up the sun, we freshened up and had dinner at El Patio de Café Milagro, a charming spot in Manuel Antonio with great food and a cozy, local vibe.
Day 6: Mangroves, Beach Vibes, and Upscale Dining
Breakfast Surprise
Day 6 started with a little surprise that felt like a sign of good things to come. As we sat down for breakfast at our Airbnb, we spotted toucans perched in the trees nearby. Their vibrant colors and graceful movements were the perfect start to the day.
Mangrove Boat Tour with Jade Tours
Our guides picked us up from our accommodations around 8, our tour guides picked us up for the and brought us to the mangroves for the boat tour through the mangroves. We also booked this with Jade Tours and it cost $70 per person.
The mangroves were full of wildlife, and we spotted monkeys, iguanas, sloths, birds, crabs, and the famous “Jesus lizard” which can run on water. It was fascinating to learn about the delicate ecosystem and how it supports so much life in the region.
During the mangrove tour, we were lucky enough to see a troop of white-faced capuchins swinging through the trees, including one named Maria carrying a tiny baby on her back. It literally felt like we were in the middle of a nature documentary.
Tip: For the mangrove tour, consider booking a morning slot. The lighting is beautiful, and wildlife tends to be more active. Also, bring a rain jacket just in case, the boats are covered, but you never know when the weather will turn.
Also, make sure to keep your belongings close, and do not bring food onto the boat. Monkeys are not afraid to jump on the boats and will grab hats, food, bags, etc. so be careful.
Local Lunch Break
After the tour, we stopped for lunch at a local soda, where the simple, homemade dishes were as comforting as they were delicious.
Relaxing at Playa Biesanz
Once we were dropped back at our Airbnb, we decided to make the most of the afternoon by visiting Playa Biesanz, a picturesque beach with a tucked-away feel. The walk down was a bit of a trek (not as bad as Playala Macha), but the soft sand, clear water, and tropical vibes were worth every step. We treated ourselves to cocktails, swam, and relaxed—exactly what you’d want from a beach day.
Tip: At Playa Biesanz there are various vendors, from drinks, hair braiding, bracelets, and even an option to rent some of the beach chairs. Make sure to have cash, they take dollars or colones.
A heavy rainstorm rolled in, forcing us to pack up and head back to dry off. Even getting soaked couldn’t dampen the mood, though. We were there during the end of the rainy season, so it wasn’t unexpected.
Upscale Dinner & Night Out
That evening, we dressed up for a special Thanksgiving dinner at Makada by the Sea, a stunning restaurant with ocean views (which we couldn’t see as it was night) and an upscale ambiance. The food was phenomenal, and it felt like the perfect way to reflect on and celebrate the trip.
To end the night, we grabbed drinks at a lively spot called The Drunken Monkey, where the atmosphere was fun and laid-back. There were plenty of locals and tourists here alike and there was a wide range of cocktail options.
Day 7: Day Trip to Uvita
Road Trip to Uvita
Our last full day in Costa Rica started with a drive down to Uvita, a coastal town known for its breathtaking beaches and surfing vibes. We hit a bit of traffic on the way, but by noon, we made it to Restaurante Nativo for a quick lunch. I went with a traditional casado, which was just as delicious as the first time I had it.
Marino Ballena National Park
After lunch, we headed to Marino Ballena National Park, home to the famous Whale Tail Beach. It’s a small fee to get in, but trust me, it’s worth every colón. The beach is stunning, with golden sands, clear waters, and the kind of tranquility that makes you lose track of time.
Tip: Marino Ballena is a must-visit if you’re in Uvita. Plan to stay for the whole day, and don’t forget water, sunscreen, and a camera for those postcard-perfect shots.
Sunset Reflections
We spent the entire afternoon there, soaking up the sun, watching surfers ride the waves, and walking along the beach. I made sure to take plenty of photos, trying to capture the magic of the place (though nothing beats seeing it in person). As the sun started to set, the beach transformed into an even more beautiful scene, the perfect goodbye to Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
Winding Down
The drive back to our Airbnb was quiet, partly because we were tired, but mostly because it was starting to sink in that our trip was almost over. We had a final dinner together, reminiscing about the past week and already planning our return.
Day 8: San José
Back to San José
The last day of a trip always hits differently, and this one was no exception. After checking out of our Airbnb, we packed up the car and began the drive back to San José. My brother’s flight was earlier in the afternoon, so we dropped him off at the airport around 2 pm.
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
With several hours before my late-night flight, I decided to make the most of my time in the city. First, I stopped at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, a hidden gem in the heart of San José. It was fascinating to see the intricate craftsmanship of the artifacts and learn more about Costa Rica’s rich history.
Café La Mancha
After the museum, I wandered into Café La Mancha, a cozy spot perfect for a quiet moment. I ordered their Henry Blend, a mix of cold brew and cáscara de café, a tea made from the dried skin and pulp of the coffee cherry. It light, refreshing, and a little fruity.
Artisanal Market
With time to spare, I headed to the Artisanal Market to pick up some gifts for friends and family. The market was packed with colorful trinkets, handmade goods, and plenty of opportunities to chat with local vendors. It felt like the perfect way to end the trip by connecting with the people who make this place so special.
Grateful Goodbyes
By the time I reached the airport, I was tired but content. Costa Rica had given me everything I could’ve asked for: adventure, relaxation, culture, and memories I’ll cherish forever.
Tip: If you have a layover or extra time in San José, don’t skip the city. It has its own charm, and spots like the Gold Museum and artisanal markets give you a glimpse of Costa Rican culture beyond the beaches and rainforests.
Reflections
Costa Rica is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. The lush landscapes, incredible wildlife, and warm, welcoming culture made this trip unforgettable. In just one week, I felt like I got a taste of everything that makes this country so special: adventure, relaxation, connection, and so much more.
This itinerary felt perfect for a first-timer like me. It struck a balance between seeing as much as possible without feeling rushed. La Fortuna’s mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences, paired with Manuel Antonio’s stunning beaches and laid-back vibe, gave me the best of both worlds. And while I know there’s so much more to explore in Costa Rica, places like Monteverde, Tamarindo, or the Osa Peninsula, I wouldn’t change a thing about how I spent this week.
This trip wasn’t just about the destinations, though. It reminded me to slow down, appreciate the world around me, and be open to new experiences. Whether it was watching sloths move lazily through the trees, swimming beneath a waterfall, or sipping on sugarcane moonshine, every moment felt intentional and grounding.
I’m already looking forward to my next visit. Costa Rica has a way of drawing you back, and I know there’s so much more waiting for me to discover. But for now, I’m just grateful for the memories I made and the impact this beautiful country had on me.
If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, I hope this itinerary inspires you to create your own unforgettable adventure. Pura vida!
