Costa Rica in One Week: 3 Recommended 7-day Itineraries to Costa Rica

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Costa Rica 7-day itinerary options
Whether you're seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, or family-friendly experiences, our three 7-day Costa Rica itinerary ideas showcase the country's diverse attractions.
Itinerary #1: Volcanoes and beaches

Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Start off the adventure at Rincon de la Vieja National Park | |
Day 2 | Guided tour of Rincon de la Vieja National Park | National park exploration |
Day 3 | Zipline in Rincon de La Vieja | Outdoor adventure |
Day 4 | Explore Tamarindo beach and take a dip into its warm waters | Beach day |
Day 5 | Spend a free day at Tamarindo beach | Beach day |
Day 6 | Sunset sailing at Tamarindo | Outdoor adventure |
Day 7 | Return to Liberia |
This easy-going Costa Rica tour is great for travelers who want to experience the best of Costa Rica’s pristine coasts and rainforests. A mix of nature and adventure, this trip allows you to combine the two best things about Costa Rica. Hike through the rainforests of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, among the smoking fumaroles and hot springs of one of Costa Rica’s few active volcanoes. Take a specially built walkway that will get you right up into the action in the tree canopies. Get your fix of adrenaline as you whizz through the jungle on one of the country’s best zip lines. 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. See all 7-day Costa Rica tours.
Itinerary #2: Monteverde and Tortuguero Explorer


Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Travel from San Jose to Monteverde | |
Day 2 | Enjoy a zip-lining canopy adventure in Monteverde | Outdoor adventure |
Day 3 | Take a boat from Monteverde to La Fortuna (Arenal) | Boat transfer |
Day 4 | Spend the day exploring and hiking in Arenal | Hiking |
Day 5 | Travel from La Fortuna to Tortuguero | Outdoor exploration |
Day 6 | Depart from San Jose towards your next destination | Transfer |
Day 7 | Travel from Tortuguero to San Jose |
Embark on a week of thrilling exploration through Costa Rica’s wild landscapes. Begin in the cloud forests of Monteverde, where you’ll soar above misty treetops on an exhilarating zip-line adventure. Then, take a scenic boat ride to La Fortuna, home to the majestic Arenal Volcano. Spend a day hiking lush trails with views of the volcano, surrounded by dense rainforest and the calls of tropical birds. Continue to the coastal jungle of Tortuguero, a serene wildlife haven accessed by boat, where you’ll paddle through winding canals teeming with exotic flora and fauna. Conclude your adventure back in San Jose. See all Costa Rica adventure tours.
Itinerary #3: Coast to Coast Costa Rica Adventure

Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Arrive in San José, explore the capital | City sightseeing |
Day 2 | Travel to Manuel Antonio National Park | National Park exploration |
Day 3 | Wildlife spotting and beach time in Manuel Antonio | Wildlife exploration |
Day 4 | Whitewater rafting on the Savegre River | Rafting |
Day 5 | Transfer to the Caribbean coast, visit Puerto Viejo | Transfer |
Day 6 | Snorkeling at Cahuita National Park | Water adventure |
Day 7 | Return to San José via Braulio Carrillo National Park |
This 7-day Costa Rica itinerary plan blends thrilling adventure with peaceful coastal escapes. Start in San José, exploring the vibrant capital, before heading to Manuel Antonio National Park. Here, enjoy a blend of wildlife spotting and pristine beaches, with chances to see monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds. Next, tackle the rapids of the Savegre River on a whitewater rafting adventure. Then, journey to the Caribbean coast’s lively town of Puerto Viejo. Dive into Cahuita National Park’s turquoise waters for a snorkeling experience among coral reefs and tropical fish. Conclude your journey back in San José via the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Planning 7-day Itinerary of Costa Rica?
One week in Costa Rica is the recommended duration for a fulfilling trip. You can jump on a ready-made one-week Costa Rica vacation package with expert guides. For a bespoke Costa Rica holiday, feel free to reach out to our local travel experts. If you have less than a week, check out our guide on 5-day Costa Rica itineraries. For those with more time at hand, 10 days in Costa Rica is a great time frame.
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