After traveling to Costa Rica in different seasons and regions, this is the 7-day itinerary we recommend most for first-time visitors. It balances adventure, wildlife, and beach time - with minimal packing and only one long travel day.
Why this itinerary works
✅Volcanoes, waterfalls, wildlife, and beaches AKA the full Costa Rica experience!
✅One major travel day - less driving, more time to enjoy where you are!
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Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica → Travel to La Fortuna
Fly into San José (SJO) and head straight to La Fortuna by rental car or shuttle. (Why we go rental car)
This is a transition day. Grab dinner, get settled, and call it an early night, the next few days are active. We love eating at The Open Kitchen for dinner and Vanilla for Ice Cream!
Day 2: Coffee & Chocolate Tour + Hot Springs
Start your day with the Don Juan Coffee & Chocolate Tour. (Plus they have free coffee & chocolate tastings). We did this tour. It was super fun and we learned A TON, especially about how to make chocolate from bean to bar. Plus now I know the difference between arabica & robusta beans! Coffee snobbery here I come!
Want to try before you fly? Here's a list of my Costa Rica Favorites.
In the afternoon or evening, visit a hot springs. You don’t need the most expensive option, mid-range spots are often quieter and more relaxing, especially later in the day. Hot Take (pun intended): book a hotel with hot springs and enjoy them! We stayed at Los Lagos and definitely took advantage!
Dinner: Go to one of the many fabulous restaurants in downtown La Fortuna, walk around and enjoy the atmosphere!
Day 3: Adventure Day + Night Hike (Don’t Skip This)
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Pick One Adventure for the Day
👉Hanging bridges (Mistico is a great option)
In the evening, book a guided night hike - one of our favorite Costa Rica experiences!
We did Night Hike La Fortuna and saw a huge amount of wildlife, including frogs, snakes, insects, and a sloth. A guide is essential here.
Book the La Fortuna Night Hike We Recommend
Night hikes were a clear yes for us in both green season and dry season.
Day 4: La Fortuna → Manuel Antonio
Drive from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio (about 4–5 hours).
Arrive by late afternoon, unpack, and take in the salty air. Manuel Antonio is all about joy!
Eat Dinner at the famous El Avion restaurant. (Especially if you can arrive by sunset)
Day 5: Manuel Antonio National Park (Hire a Guide)
This is non-negotiable for first-timers — and yes, hire a guide.
With a guide in Manuel Antonio National Park, we saw far more wildlife than we would have on our own, including sloths and monkeys we would have completely missed.
Tickets must be reserved online in advance, and mornings are best.
→ Book the Manuel Antonio guided tour we used
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the park beach or nearby Playa Biezanz - one of my faves! (careful Monkeys will go through your backpack)
Day 6: Beach Time and ATV Adventure
Choose your own adventure:
👉Beach day: Pool, ocean, repeat - the ocean is gorgeous and it has LOTS of monkeys! (If you didn't make it to Playa Biezanz the day before, go today!
👉ATV the day away: We had SO MUCH FUN on this off road tour and waterfall adventure.
Day 7: Depart Costa Rica
Drive back to San José and stay the night at the Pura Vida Hotel! It's so lovely.
Planning Notes for First-Timers
Less moving = more time for adventure, rest, and actually enjoying Costa Rica.
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