WebDay 15 - Nayauca waterfall tour in the morning, Villa afternoon and swimming for the kids. Costa Rica is paradise on earth this Central American gem is filled with lush green rainforest, golden sand beaches, plenty of adrenalin-fuelled activities, and of course, a nice sprinkling of Pura Vida!. Although this might feel like a short time to, Whether you are traveling solo, as an adventure or wildlife enthusiast, or with your family, check out our best. Then, you can walk all the way to the national park and get the bus back up to town. Day 1: San JosDay 2: San Jos MonteverdeDay 3: MonteverdeDay 4: Monteverde La FortunaDay 5: La FortunaDay 6: La Fortuna San JosDay 7: San Jos. 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. We welcome your questions or comments to this article. Its also the perfect place to see monkeys and sloths in the wild in Costa Rica! Is English spoken in Costa Rica?Yes, but not everywhere. Its safe to say that travel insurance has saved us thousands over the years! Day 1: From San Jose to La Fortuna Every trip to Costa Rica probably begins in San Jose, the capital For drinks, the fresh Costa Rican coffee will certainly put a spring in your step, but they also serve mimosas and fantastic smoothies too. 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. Arenal Volcano Walk and Hike One of the best things you could do in La Fortuna, is to take a guided walking tour of Arenal Volcano. It is one of the countrys biggest private wildlife sanctuaries and hosts five stunning waterfalls accessible via paved trails. Perched on the first floor of the building, Cafe Agua Azul offers a fantastic view of the ocean and is considered by many as one of the best eateries in Manuel Antonio. Costa Rica is also a relatively small country, making it the perfect destination to explore even on a week-long trip. Whats great is that Manuel Antonio National Park is literally right next to Manuel Antonio town, so you dont have to spend any time really traveling here! 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. 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. A week full of excitement awaits you on this adventure-packed tour that will take you from the cloud forests of Monteverde to the Pacific coast of Tortuguero. Once at the beach, you can sit anywhere and relax. Along with the serenity & calmness Costa Rica offers, the wildlife & outdoor adventures of this land are something that will awe-struck you. The cost might eventually go up or down, based on the Costa Rica trips you take. The mood here is quaint, casual, and authentic to the local surroundings outside. For more budget-friendly options around Costa Rica, check the catalog. In the end, head to the Coffee Lab to taste some of the finest samples of coffee. 4 DETAILED 7 DAYS COSTA RICA ITINERARY 4.1 DAY 1: SAN JOS 4.2 DAY 2: SAN JOS MONTEVERDE 4.3 DAY 3: MONTEVERDE 4.4 DAY 4: The French chef Francis, whos the owner, beautifully blends European dishes with his native specialties and Latin flavors, creating tasty dishes so hard to describe youve got to visit Grano to experience it. Other than the ones mentioned above, you can explore optional activities like hiking through Chirripo National Park, taking a beer tour, visiting Los Quetzales National Park, and taking free walking tours. The seven day itinerary (45 minutes by paved road from airport to Pos Volcano; 2 hours by paved road from airport to La Fortuna). A full-service bar is also on hand, so you can enjoy a glass of champagne while relaxing in the pools. We recommend allowing a half-day, or more specifically, 5-6 hours here. Theres even an interactive kids play zone within the property for families with small children, which is super convenient! You can directly head to the designated area and pay an entrance fee of $40 for the hot springs. The longest trail is the Waterfall Trail and its around 5.5 miles (9 km), and most are much shorter in that 1-mile (1.5 km) range. Conveniently located in the city center and just a 5-minute walk from the Costa Rica National Theatre and San Jos Cathedral. Along your way, expect to spot toucans, bellbird, parrots, and other species. 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. Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. We arrived over an hour early and there was already a huge line! Weve started this 7-day Costa Rica itinerary in San Jose because its where the large International Airport is located, and so is where most travelers begin their Costa Rica Adventure. This specific tour includes unlimited drinks, dinner, snorkeling, swimming, a really fun and knowledgeable guide, and a great crew. Be sure to get to the park when they open at 8 am so you have plenty of time to explore (you have other activities to on this day of your Costa Rica itinerary). In the evening, I recommend experiencing the local hot springs of La Fortuna. Along with that, its history and exquisite architecture add a whole discovery when youre traversing around the city. Day 1: San Jose to La Fortuna. For any Costa Rica trips, I advise you to carry a large rucksack and a convenient travel bag. This bridge crosses the river and is a popular gathering spot. If you dont have a rental car, you can book a shuttle that will pick you up from your hotel in San Jose, costing approximately $37 USD this will take 4 hours and 15 minutes. Shuttle vans have hotel-to-hotel service, usually from the Hampton Inn to many Arenal-area hotels. This blog may contain affiliate links. 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. Well, theres plenty of them spread across the entire city. Not only do you feel the rich bio-diversity of the region, but can also indulge in various voluntary activities.Operational timings Sunday to Saturday (7 am 4 pm)Entry Fee $25 for adults, $12 for children, and an additional $5 for parking. As you rappel down the waters, be excited to witness exotic birds and wildlife. IF a burger isnt what youre after, there are lots of other amazing restaurants in Jaco. Meanwhile, secluded pools in the lower section offer a spectacular view of the Arenal Volcano. This restaurant/bar has an interesting history that stretches way back to the eighties. Further along, youll see the Borbollones or Bubbling Hot Pot. Chat with a local travel specialist in Costa Rica who can help organize your trip. During your tour, you will expand your knowledge in understanding the process of the sustainable farming process. Get instant access to lower prices. A burger here will cost you between $10-$12 USD! Without a tour, entry to the park is $15 USD for adults and $5 for children its one of the best cheap things to do in La Fortuna. Campervans are mostly meant for backpackers, but nowadays families opt for the same to set everything within a budget. Read our 7-day itinerary or 2-week Costa Rica itinerary Day 1: San Jose (Arrival) Arrive in the capital of Costa Rica on day 1, a bustling city surrounded by luscious green nature. 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. From San Jose, you will head to La Fortuna, where you can hike volcanoes and chase giant waterfalls. The salads and vegetables are of the highest quality and are delivered daily with every detail planned to create a heavenly, delicious tall, rich burger. Restaurante Tierra Mia is situated on a side street off of the main road, its a quiet place and very comfortable. The owner, a trained chef in Mexico, spares no ingredients so you can taste the authenticity in the soft savory tacos and the mezcal in margaritas. 2. Grab the adrenaline rush with both hands as you shoot through the jungle on one of the countrys best zip lines. Day 16 - Boat tour to Corcovado ranger station + As you explore the museum, youll come across various galleries showcasing true Costa Rican artworks. Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Manfred always had different places lined up for us to eat so we could eat together as a group which had a wide variety to cover all dietary needs and tastes. San Jos. They also have different types of cheesecakes and other healthy brunch options. Alternatively, you can catch a public bus from downtown San Jos from Terminal 7-10 bus station this option costs as little as $5 USD (2,600 colones) each way. For important safety guidelines & tips, visit the site to learn more. The entrance ticket is $48 USD for adults and $32 USD for kids aged 3-12, and the park is open from 8 am to 5 pm. Their travel medical insurance is very affordable at only $42 USD per every 4-weeks. If you need transport, this tour is another great option and includes much of the same. Other highlights here include six hanging bridges, 14 tree platforms, one double belay rappel, and 9 other double-anchored zip lines. The water is cold but super refreshing, and the entire area is gorgeous. It is truly a spectacular place to hang out for couples as well as families. Fortify yourself with the fruits, jellies, and chocolates sold by vendors on the road up to the summit. Start with a trip to Arenal Volcano National Park and explore the jungle on foot, with the option to crash through the regions white water on a rafting trip or repel down mighty waterfalls. Alas, riptides can make swimming risky here. Poas is also one of the most famous volcanoes to visit in Costa Rica. Their state-of-the-art guest rooms have elegant furnishings, updated facilities, and top-of-the-line technology. After checking into your accommodation in La Fortuna and provided its not getting dark, we recommend checking out La Fortuna Waterfall before you head out for dinner. Browse through some of these articles via the below links. Pick your adventure! Im just 10 days I have been/done: One of my favorite attractions here is the butterfly observatory. This easy-going Costa Rica tour is great for travelers who want to experience the best of Costa Ricas pristine coasts and rainforests. It departs at 2 pm, and you may even be lucky enough to see some whales and dolphins on your way to the snorkelling spot. Best of Costa Rica in 7 Days: Explore Jungles, Volcanoes and Beaches View Map With a mix of rugged jungles, active volcanoes and world-class beaches, Just park your car at one of the ends of the bridge and walk over to see the crocs in the wild. La Mariposa has a lot more in store for its guests, too. WebDAY 1: Arrive & settle into San Jos Arrive and get settled in San Jos. Great Costa Rica Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend? 15 BEST All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica (Our Unbiased Opinion! When they finally tire of the exotic flora and fauna, enjoy a cooling dip beneath the cascade tiers of La Fortuna waterfall. However, it takes a lot of time! Costa Rica Family Itinerary: 7 to 8 Days Costa Rica is easy to access via two international airports, Liberia and San Jose. The only catch here is, that you can expect a large number of tourists flocking to the country to experience activities. If a burger isnt what youre after, there are lots of other amazing restaurants in Jaco highlights. For families with small children, which is super convenient for families with small children which. And a great crew along with that, its a quiet place and very comfortable your in. One double belay rappel, and the entire area is gorgeous interesting history that stretches way back to summit! 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