Having said that, its still important to be prepared before you travel to unfamiliar territory. Not all buses in Costa Rica travel directly from one point to the other; most of them make stops between places. If budget is a constraint for your Costa Rica trip, then the bus is the cheapest transport mode for you. 7 Days in Costa Rica: Our Recommended Itineraries | Bookmundi You can pitch your own tent on the 20-hectare property for as low as $10 USD per night. Day 1: From San Jose to La Fortuna Every trip to Costa Rica probably begins in San Jose, the capital Other highlights here include six hanging bridges, 14 tree platforms, one double belay rappel, and 9 other double-anchored zip lines. For a traveler looking to cut down expenses, all-inclusive hotels (with meals) are a preferable option. Traveling to Costa Rica? This bridge crosses the river and is a popular gathering spot. Dont forget: the park is closed on Monday. However, not all are budget-friendly. We saw so much wildlife, including a huge green lizard and even a bullet ant, which is known to have the most painful sting of any insect on the planet. 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This is my first reddit post. They specialize in Asian cuisines and Vietnamese-inspired dishes prepared with local ingredients and fresh products. All transport is included, and its far easier than trying to visit the refuge on your own. Related tailor-made travel itineraries for Costa Rica 12 days from 3324 USD. And finally you will hop on the bus from Quepos into Manuel Antonio which will take just 15 minutes and is $1 USD. WebOur top itinerary for 7 days in Costa Rica Day 1 & 2 & 3 - Monteverde - Situated on the continental divide under misty, magical clouds, Monteverde is one of the most biodiverse There are eight jacuzzi-style pools here that cascade down and lower in temperature as you get closer to the bottom. You will end your trip in the coastal haven of Manuel Antonio, where you can hike through one of the best National Parks in Central America and indulge in a sunset cruise! There was a time when a tour to Costa Rica in December is a great time to discover Costa Ri Sign-up now for special travel deals and insights available to members only. Budgeted stays If youre looking to cut down expenses for your trip, these budgeted stays in Costa Rica will help. Ridiculous Burgers on Av Pastor Diaz offers the biggest, hottest, meaty, and most expensive burger in Jaco Costa Rica, with nearly 50 burger options on the menu. Kids of all ages will beam on first seeing the tropical paradise that is the Nicoya Peninsula. A full-service bar is also on hand, so you can enjoy a glass of champagne while relaxing in the pools. Note: For this 7-day Costa Rica itinerary, we recommend visiting La Fortuna Waterfall the day that you arrive to free up time on your other days to check out the many different things to do in La Fortuna. Is Costa Rica expensive?Yes, Costa Rica is relatively an expensive destination when compared to other Latin & Central American places. With an outdoor pool, bar, garden, and complimentary wireless Internet access, Arenal Poshpacker is a low-budget stay in La Fortuna with excellent amenities. From tarantulas to armadillos and large bugs you can expect to hop across them every now & then.Price Starting entry fee is $30 approx. And if rustic camping is not your thing, there are plenty of room options to choose from. When it comes to rooms and amenities, the hotel provides free private parking, ticket service, and free Wi-Fi on-site. Ziplining and Tarzan swing Experience a canopy tour If you havent tried a canopy tour in San Jose, then you shouldnt miss out on experiencing this thrilling activity at Monteverde. Its one of the best restaurants in La Fortuna. Alternatively, you can spend the day sunbathing or even hiking one of the many trails through the forest on the island. You'll be notified about special travel deals world-wide via email. If you want a nice view of the crater, get there as early as possible to avoid the clouds that typically cover the volcano by late afternoon. During peak season, the early morning time slots book up days in advance. It's also one of two locales in the country where you'll see squirrel monkeys. Its free to visit the Crocodile Bridge and is just a nice quick stop where you can stretch your legs for a minute. Mercadito Arenal is a relatively new gourmet food court in La Fortuna, offering tasty meals from a variety of restaurants and an exclusive Voodoo Mixology Bar. These are the BEST Places to Visit in Costa Rica!Arenal A very cool place in Costa Rica to go for a day. Territorio de Zaguates. A mountainside dog sanctuary where you can interact with hundreds of mans best friends. Rio Celeste. Witchs Rock An unknown (but awesome!) place to see in Costa Rica! San Lucas Island Prison. Teatro Nacional. More items Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Expect the price to be around $40 $80 for suspension bridge tours & zip lining. Day 7: ATV Tour of the Countryside Head out for a thrilling Believe it or not, you can experience the best this country has to offer in only a week! These range in length; however, it is possible to complete a couple of trails here in half a day. Manuel Antonio and its neighboring town, Quepos, have the best selection of restaurants of any beach community in the country. You can also make the most out of the outdoor pool and garden, where you can relax and sunbathe. Alas, riptides can make swimming risky here. From exploring the stunning National Theater, which is one of the most prestigious buildings in Costa Rica, to learning about the citys fascinating history at the National Museum, its easy to spend several hours here and not get bored. Get instant access to lower prices. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. I dont know about you, but I just love a good burger for lunch, and thankfully in the town of Jaco, theres an excellent burger joint. San Jos serves as your entry point to this Costa Rican adventure youre about to embark on. Along with that, its history and exquisite architecture add a whole discovery when youre traversing around the city. They all line the road that runs west from La Fortuna around the north side of the volcano. You dont necessarily need to book a room to access the hot springs. Everything about Emilios Cafe is simply wonderful from the caring staff to the food, desserts, wine, and coffee. The obvious destination based on your criteria is Arenal volcano which is a 3-hour drive from SJO. It includes all your fees, water, transport, and a great guide. Arrive in San Joss Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamara (most arrivals are How much does it cost: If youre specifically traveling to Costa Rica during the holiday season, then prices may almost be twice as indicated. Kids of all ages will beam on first seeing the tropical paradise that is the Nicoya Peninsula. at Night Walks Santamaria. This 4-in-1 tour includes a visit to the hanging bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, a volcano hike as well as Tabacon Hot Springs. Hordes of tourists travel to Monteverde to indulge in bird-watching experiences or witness stunning cloud forests. Its safe to say that travel insurance has saved us thousands over the years! The bus holds 50 people seated and 20 standing so its important to be aware that you may have to stand for the journey. Costa Rica's 7 day Itinerary: Top picks for the best adventures! Its a place where you can use the bathroom too. A private room here costs from as low as $40 USD. Note: You can book the same tour through G Adventures from their official website. It is well-known for its natural hot springs and pools that wind through a luscious garden, giving guests the sense of being in the heart of a jungle. A mix of nature and adventure, this trip allows you to combine the two best things about Costa Rica. If you are arriving late or very early and just want a place to rest your head, check out these amazing hotels near the SJO international airport. We recommend allowing a half-day, or more specifically, 5-6 hours here. I truly love this place! Densely populated San Jos is home to friendly tourists, amazing nightlife scenes & local cuisine. There are bustling pool/bar areas and massive water slides that cater to social gatherings. Then opt for a change of pace by relaxing on the stunning Tamarindo Beach, capping the adventure with a spectacular sunset voyage onboard a 20-meter-long catamaran. Swimming in the ocean Pick your adventure! Some places in the country can cause immense heat, UV exposure, and water hazards. You can also opt for additional activities & even extend your stay to explore other tourist places. You should book the cruise online in advance as there are limited spots available. Gran Hotel Costa Rica has, in fact, been designated as a historical and architectural landmark by the government, the only hotel in San Jos to receive such a title. Is Costa Rica Safe?Absolutely yes! Its truly a fun way to indulge yourself in this cold-adventure sport, and I urge you not to miss it!Price You can expect a ticket fee of around $85 $90 per person. Then Costa Rica boasts high-end stays spread across the region. Head to San Gerardo de Dota for a serene bird-watching tour. Their bakery offers an array of fabulous pastries, especially the bagels and the flourless almond cookies! The area is famous for adrenaline activities such as a canopy zip-line tour, ATV tour, or canyoning. The buns are also freshly procured and made every day, and the cheese is handmade by a trusted farmer who has supplied them for over ten years. Beyond the hotels prime location, what makes Millenium an awesome find is its on-site amenities and services including an outdoor pool, sun loungers, and car rental. Beaches and Volcanoes 7 days from To add some thrill to your Costa Rica journey, opt for a 44 jeep or a campervan. The bridge is built over the Tarcoles River, which you will come across 3 hours into the drive (or 123 km from La Fortuna). Look out for hand-crafted materials, browse colorful vibrant markets, and shop for artifacts or Costa Ricas specialties. Mid-range Hotels Have a certain budget to spare for accommodation? You can also spot a toucan or exotic orchids whilst taking this adrenaline-filled activity. The final activity on your 7 days in Costa Rica is this epic sunset cruise! Whether its hiking through the rainforest, a leisurely beach time, a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs, or an exciting session of whitewater rafting, we know youll join the host of travelers who has already fallen for this incredible country. Its a lovely way to start your morning and the final day of your 7-day Costa Rica itinerary. This Costa Rican adventure tour offers an unmatched way to discover the countrys sublime rainforests, with an unforgettable whitewater rafting experience extending 3 days along the Pacuare River. When they finally tire of the exotic flora and fauna, enjoy a cooling dip beneath the cascade tiers of La Fortuna waterfall. My ideal suggestion would be to visit the Baldi Hot Springs Hotel & Spa. You can see the expansive blue for miles on end with no obstruction at all. Related Read: Check out the best Restaurants in San Jose. Allow up to 5 hours for this experience, which we think is a must for first-timers to the city. Im so excited for you to explore one of my favorite destinations in the world! Within the property, you can find five different springs with mineralized, naturally heated water. There are also a couple of beaches within the park to enjoy. They have around 25 thermal pools around the property, surrounded by lush vegetation & clean amenities. On the way, keep an eye out for monkeys we saw around 15 in the trees here as well as toucans! Due to the different regions of Costa Rica offering a variety of experiences, this 7-day itinerary includes overnight stays in three major cities: La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. The Hampton Inn just across from the airport lets you ease into your Costa Rican experience in familiar surroundings; the Xandari Resort & Spa offers a far more local, and pricier, first night here. Reward yourself today with lots of relaxation. Whether its hiking through the rainforest, a leisurely beach time, a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs, or an exciting session of whitewater rafting, we know youll join the host of travelers who has already fallen for this incredible country. The path is not at all strenuous, and can easily be completed with the help of nature guides. Therefore we recommend departing early so that you can get to Manuel Antonio in time for a gorgeous beach sunset. Costa Rica is also a relatively small country, making it the perfect destination to explore even on a week-long trip. Hike through the rainforests of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, among the smoking fumaroles and hot springs of one of Costa Ricas few active volcanoes. One of the best day trips (or half-day trips) from Biesanz Beach is a small secluded beach often referred to as a secret beach and its an easy walk down to the beach from town. I personally loved my stay here, and all thanks to the green surroundings it presents when you touchdown this beautiful town. Feel free to dip in the outdoor pool or enjoy the refreshing scenery on the terrace and garden. Besides the volcano this area also has hot springs, hanging bridges, a waterfall & a nearby wildlife sanctuary. As soon as youve landed, rent a (90 minutes by paved road from La Fortuna). Explore the heavenly freshwater creeks and lagoons on atour of Tortuguero National Parkon Costa Ricas Caribbean coast on foot and by boat. The rooms and suites here are cozy and homey andhave a ceiling fan, cable TV, and an en-suite bathroom. Travel Tip: To enter the country, youll first need to show your return ticket (proof of exiting the country). Days 1 through 5 were on-the-go days. During your tour, you will expand your knowledge in understanding the process of the sustainable farming process. The park to enjoy and adventure, this trip allows you to the... 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