Pura Vida If there is one place that epitomises the spirit of pura vida, it’s Costa Rica. This small jewel of a country in Central America, situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, is nature’s masterpiece — and I’m not being hyperbolic. I spent one memorable week road tripping through its verdant jungles, volcanic valleys and tropical beaches — and I returned with muddy boots, sun-kissed skin and a heart full of tales.
Whether you seek adventure, nature or just pure relaxation, this 7-day Costa Rica itinerary will give you the best of everything — and it’s easily manageable for first-time visitors. From La Fortuna’s sweaty hot springs to Monteverde’s foggy cloud forests and Manuel Antonio’s beachy charm, this guide will help you get the most out of every precious minute.
Without further delay — this is how you can enjoy the magic of Costa Rica in one week.
🌋 Day 1: Arrival in San José → Journey to La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano Region)
Most international flights land in San José, Costa Rica’s capital. It’s a thriving gateway, although you won’t want to stay long — the actual adventure gets going in the countryside. I had arrived late at night, so I booked a comfortable overnight near the airport before heading north.
For sunrise, I got a Costa Rican coffee (trust me, you will be doing this daily) and a shuttle ride for La Fortuna, a small town at the feet of stunning Arenal Volcano. The road trip is approximately three hours, winding through green hillsides peppered with small villages and banana fields.
By mid-morning, I was staring up at the perfectly conical Arenal Volcano. It looked like something out of a National Geographic photo. After checking into my hotel, I grabbed lunch at The Open Kitchen, a local favorite for fresh smoothies and grilled plates, before heading to the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park.
Walking across 16 bridges suspended in the rainforest canopy was the perfect start to the trip. Monkeys swung overhead, toucans called from the treetops, and the smell of wet earth and orchids filled the air.
Later that evening, I soaked in the Tabacón Hot Springs, natural pools heated by the volcano itself. Imagine floating in warm, mineral-rich water surrounded by ferns and steam — pure bliss.
Travel Tip: Book your hot spring session in advance, especially during peak season (December to April).
🌿 Day 2: Exploring La Fortuna – Waterfalls, Coffee, and Chocolate
Costa Rican mornings start far too early, and it’s well worth the effort. Tropical birds serve as your alarm clock instead and all is backlit with the morning mist. I hit the La Fortuna Waterfall after breakfast (try the gallo pinto, a traditional morning rice and beans dish).
You’ll go down about 500 steps to get there — and believe us, that’s a workout. But when you see the turquoise pool tumbling beneath 70 meters (about 230 feet) of falling water, your burning calves will take second place. I jumped in, the cool water instantly refreshing after the humid hike down.
That afternoon, I joined a Coffee, Chocolate and Sugarcane Tour. One friendly family-run the farm and introduced us to the whole life cycle of coffee beans — from picking ripe coffee cherries, to the roasting of beans and grinding cacao. I’ll never forget eating molten chocolate straight out of the stone grinder above which parrots pecked at one another in trees.”
That night, I took a guided night tour at Ecocentro Danaus, where red-eyed tree frogs, armadillos, and glowing insects come alive under flashlight beams. If you want to truly understand Costa Rica’s biodiversity, don’t skip the night walks — it’s like stepping into another world.
Where to Stay:
- Budget: Arenal Poshpacker Hostel
- Mid-range: Hotel Los Lagos
- Luxury: Nayara Springs Resort
☁️ Day 3: Road Trip to Monteverde – The Cloud Forest Adventure
As we bid a bittersweet adios to La Fortuna, we were feeling somewhat torn but it was on to Monteverde. It’s a three-and-a-half- to four-hour drive — some good open highway and some potholed dirt roads winding past the rolling hills. If you want the luxury of convenience and freedom, rent a 4×4 vehicle.
Halfway there, I stopped at a roadside fruit stall for fresh pineapple slices (Costa Rican pineapple is on another level). As you climb higher into the mountains, the air cools and thick mist starts to roll in — a preview of the enchanting Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Monteverde feels like a dream. Tiny, arty and home to eco-lodges craft cafés and friendly locals. In the afternoon I walked in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, on trails covered with moss and mist. Accompanied by a local guide and some volunteers of whom I’d heard from several jungle lodges, we’d hiked through giant ferns and seen hummingbirds — even one of the most beautiful birds in the world, a resplendent quetzal.
For dinner, I stopped at Tree House Restaurant & Café, where you dine around a real tree growing through the building. With live music and candlelight, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Pro tip: Bring a light rain jacket and layers — Monteverde’s elevation makes it noticeably cooler than La Fortuna.
🐒 Day 4: Monteverde → Manuel Antonio (From Mist to Coast)
After breakfast (and one last cup of Monteverde’s famous coffee), it was time to trade the clouds for sunshine. The drive to Manuel Antonio itself is 4-5 hours there (on the Pacific side), but with a bit of strategy, it can be a fun day.
One such worth seeing is Crocodile Bridge, close to the town of Tarcoles. Scores of massive crocodiles sunbathe just below in the river — thrilling and eerily terrifying. Grab a drink from a café overlooking the bridge for a great view.
By afternoon, I rolled into Manuel Antonio, a vibrant beach town surrounded by jungle. My first stop? Playa Espadilla, a long, beautiful stretch of sand just outside the national park. I kicked off my shoes, grabbed a coconut from a beach vendor, and watched surfers chase the sunset.
We dined that night at El Avión, a funky restaurant built inside an old military cargo plane. The ocean views at sunset? Unreal.
Where to Stay:
- Budget: Selina Manuel Antonio
- Mid-range: La Mariposa Hotel
- Luxury: Arenas del Mar Beachfront Resort
🦥 Day 5: Wildlife & Beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park
Day five was pure magic. I woke up before sunrise and made my way to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Entrance opens at 7 a.m., and going early means fewer crowds and more wildlife sightings.
I joined a guided walk through the park — and within minutes, we spotted a family of capuchin monkeys, a three-toed sloth lazily clinging to a branch, and bright green iguanas sunbathing on rocks. The park’s trails are easy to walk, leading to stunning beaches like Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur.
I’d been swimming in calm, turquoise water and reading beneath palms all day. Your snacks should not be unattended — the raccoons out here are professionals.
For dinner, I chose El Patio de Café Milagro known for their fresh seafood and laid back tropical ambiance. Live music, candlelight, and a mojito in hand — perfection.
🐊 Day 6: Mangrove Boat Tour & Uvita’s Whale Tail Beach
By now, Costa Rica’s rhythm had sunk in — mornings full of exploration, afternoons of pure relaxation. I joined on a mangrove tour with Jade Tours, barely outside Quepos, and glided silently through canals hidden by interwoven roots. We spotted crocodiles, howler monkeys and even the mythical running on water basilisk lizard (the “Jesus Lizard” named for something!).
After lunch in a local soda (casual, inexpensive small family-run restaurants), I made the hour’s drive south to Uvita, home of Marino Ballena National Park. The beach here is famous for its unique sandbar formation shaped like a whale’s tail — visible only during low tide.
Standing at the tip of the “whale tail” with waves lapping on both sides was surreal. It’s also one of Costa Rica’s top whale-watching spots between July and October. I stayed until the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.
🏙️ Day 7: Back to San José – Coffee, Culture & Farewell
The drive back to San José took about 3 hours, and I made sure to stop for one last round of Costa Rican coffee at a roadside plantation café. After I arrived in the city, I spent an afternoon bopping around to a few cultural gems — the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Museo Nacional and festive Mercado Central.
Here, I picked up locally made chocolate, carved wooden souvenirs, and bags of fresh coffee beans to bring home. My last meal in Costa Rica was simple — casado (rice, beans, fried plantains, and grilled fish) with a local beer — but it felt like the perfect ending to an extraordinary week.
As I sat at the airport, scrolling through photos of volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches, I realized something: Costa Rica isn’t just a destination. It’s a feeling — an energy that lingers long after you’ve left.
🧭 Essential Travel Tips for Costa Rica
- Rent a 4×4 – Some roads, especially around Monteverde and rural beaches, are steep or unpaved.
- Pack smart – Bring walking boots, repellent for biting insects, microfiber towel and a lightweight rain coat.
- Early mornings are best – Wildlife is most active early, and afternoon rain is common.
- Eat local – I mean there are Small family-owned sodas that serve real food under $10.
- Book national parks early – Especially Manuel Antonio, as they usually sell out.
- Respect nature – Don’t feed animals, and stick to marked trails. Costa Rica takes conservation seriously — and that’s what makes it so special.
🌴 Final Thoughts: Living the “Pura Vida”
In just one week, Costa Rica introduced me to more diversity than some countries cover in a month — volcanoes, waterfalls, cloud forests, mountains and beach and wildlife around every corner. But what really stayed with me wasn’t the landscape itself — it was the people. Every “hola,” every smile, every pura vida reminded me that happiness is not constructed of luxury or speed. It’s about slowing down, breathing deeply, and appreciating what’s right in front of you.
So if you’re craving a trip that reconnects you with nature and reminds you how beautiful the world can be, pack your bags — Costa Rica is waiting.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is one week enough to see Costa Rica?
Yes! One week provides the perfect introduction to any visitor willing to experience precious gemstones of Costa Rica — volcanoes, cloud forests and beaches — without getting overwhelmed.
2. When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The best weather for outdoor excursions is in the dry season (December to April). The rainy “green” season (May to November) is quieter and even more lush — better for nature lovers.
3. Do I need to rent a car?
If you want flexibility, yes. A 4×4 lets you explore mountain regions like Monteverde comfortably. Otherwise, reliable shuttles connect major destinations.
4. Is Costa Rica expensive?
Turns out it’s more affordable than you’d expect. For a moderate 7-day trip travelling the states, visiting one city and exploring several national parks be prepared to spend anywhere in-between $1–$1.5K per person before spending money on food, accommodation and car-rental.
5. Is it safe for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America, with friendly locals and well-developed tourism infrastructure.
6. Can I drink the tap water?
In most of Costa Rica, yes — but always check locally. Bottled water already is plentiful in every place anyone can go.
7. What currency is used?
Costa Rican Colón (₡), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted.
Final Word:
After seven days in Costa Rica you will feel recharged and inspired — and maybe a touch sunburned too, but in the best way. You’ll come home saying what every traveler here ultimately does:
“Pura Vida.”
It’s not just a phrase. It’s a way of life. 🌺
