Giles Laurent (CC BY-SA 4.0)La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park · Arenal Volcano National Park · Sarapiqui River White Water Rafting · Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve · Monteverde Hummingbird Garden · Manuel Antonio National Park Exploration
Reviewed by Shobhit Shrivastava · Founder
7-day Costa Rica trip — San José to La Fortuna to Monteverde to Manuel Antonio. Day-by-day route, attractions and food.
This itinerary threads together Costa Rica's Pacific volcanic interior and its lush Caribbean slopes, moving from Arenal's active peaks to Monteverde's misty cloud forests and Manuel Antonio's warm beaches. It offers a broader natural canvas compared to a trip solely focused on the Caribbean coast, which misses the volcanic vistas and high-altitude forest ecosystems of the central mountains. This combination is built for travelers wanting diverse ecosystems, intense adventure and direct wildlife encounters over extended coastal lounging or specific surf breaks.
San José
Day 1 · Iconic Volcanoes & Nature Parks
Day 1 · Relaxing in Natural Hot Springs
Day 1 · Immersive Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Experience
La Fortuna
Day 2 · Arenal Volcano & National Park Exploration
Day 2 · A Volcanic Hot Springs & Hiking Experience
Day 2 · A Thrilling Waterfall Rappelling & Canyoning Adventure
Day 3 · Tropical River Rafting or Kayaking Adventure
Day 3 · White Water Rafting on a Costa Rican River
Day 3 · A Nocturnal Wildlife Discovery Walk
Monteverde
Day 4 · Cloud Forest Exploration
Day 4 · Ziplining & Hanging Bridges Adventure
Day 5 · Wildlife & Birdwatching Immersion
Day 5 · A Sunset Viewpoint with Cocktails
Manuel Antonio
Day 6 · Exploring Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 6 · Immersive Rainforest & Wildlife Tours
Day 7 · Coastal Beach Relaxation & Snorkeling Trip
Day 7 · A Relaxing Pacific Coast Beach Day Trip
Pick travel dates to see the weather for your month.
San Jose and Monteverde offer refreshing mountain air, while La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio remain consistently warm throughout the year. Plan your outdoor activities for the morning across all locations to avoid the frequent afternoon downpours that characterize the longer rainy season. Pack a light windbreaker for the higher elevations of Monteverde and keep rain gear accessible regardless of when you visit.
San José
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26 °C (78 °F) | 16 °C (60 °F) | 9 | 5:57 AM – 5:33 PM |
| Feb | 26 °C (79 °F) | 15 °C (60 °F) | 7 | 5:56 AM – 5:44 PM |
| Mar | 27 °C (80 °F) | 16 °C (61 °F) | 8 | 5:43 AM – 5:47 PM |
| Apr | 27 °C (81 °F) | 17 °C (63 °F) | 16 | 5:26 AM – 5:46 PM |
| May | 27 °C (81 °F) | 17 °C (63 °F) | 26 | 5:15 AM – 5:49 PM |
| Jun | 27 °C (80 °F) | 17 °C (62 °F) | 27 | 5:16 AM – 5:57 PM |
| Jul | 27 °C (80 °F) | 17 °C (63 °F) | 25 | 5:23 AM – 6:01 PM |
| Aug | 27 °C (81 °F) | 17 °C (62 °F) | 26 | 5:27 AM – 5:53 PM |
| Sep | 27 °C (80 °F) | 16 °C (61 °F) | 28 | 5:26 AM – 5:36 PM |
| Oct | 26 °C (80 °F) | 16 °C (61 °F) | 27 | 5:24 AM – 5:19 PM |
| Nov | 26 °C (78 °F) | 16 °C (61 °F) | 21 | 5:30 AM – 5:10 PM |
| Dec | 26 °C (78 °F) | 16 °C (61 °F) | 12 | 5:45 AM – 5:17 PM |
La Fortuna
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29 °C (84 °F) | 20 °C (69 °F) | 12 | 6:00 AM – 5:35 PM |
| Feb | 30 °C (86 °F) (hot) | 20 °C (69 °F) | 5 | 5:58 AM – 5:46 PM |
| Mar | 30 °C (87 °F) (hot) | 22 °C (71 °F) | 4 | 5:45 AM – 5:49 PM |
| Apr | 31 °C (88 °F) (hot) | 22 °C (72 °F) | 10 | 5:27 AM – 5:49 PM |
| May | 30 °C (87 °F) (hot) | 22 °C (72 °F) | 24 | 5:17 AM – 5:53 PM |
| Jun | 30 °C (86 °F) (hot) | 21 °C (71 °F) | 28 | 5:17 AM – 6:01 PM |
| Jul | 30 °C (86 °F) (hot) | 22 °C (71 °F) | 26 | 5:24 AM – 6:04 PM |
| Aug | 30 °C (86 °F) (hot) | 21 °C (70 °F) | 27 | 5:29 AM – 5:56 PM |
| Sep | 30 °C (87 °F) (hot) | 21 °C (69 °F) | 28 | 5:28 AM – 5:38 PM |
| Oct | 30 °C (86 °F) (hot) | 21 °C (69 °F) | 28 | 5:27 AM – 5:20 PM |
| Nov | 29 °C (83 °F) | 21 °C (69 °F) | 25 | 5:33 AM – 5:12 PM |
| Dec | 29 °C (84 °F) | 20 °C (69 °F) | 18 | 5:48 AM – 5:19 PM |
Monteverde
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 23 °C (73 °F) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 2 | 6:01 AM – 5:36 PM |
| Feb | 23 °C (74 °F) | 13 °C (56 °F) | 1 | 5:59 AM – 5:47 PM |
| Mar | 24 °C (75 °F) | 15 °C (59 °F) | 1 | 5:46 AM – 5:49 PM |
| Apr | 24 °C (76 °F) | 16 °C (60 °F) | 6 | 5:28 AM – 5:49 PM |
| May | 24 °C (76 °F) | 16 °C (61 °F) | 20 | 5:17 AM – 5:53 PM |
| Jun | 24 °C (75 °F) | 16 °C (60 °F) | 24 | 5:18 AM – 6:01 PM |
| Jul | 24 °C (75 °F) | 16 °C (61 °F) | 18 | 5:25 AM – 6:05 PM |
| Aug | 24 °C (75 °F) | 15 °C (60 °F) | 22 | 5:30 AM – 5:57 PM |
| Sep | 24 °C (75 °F) | 15 °C (58 °F) | 28 | 5:29 AM – 5:39 PM |
| Oct | 24 °C (74 °F) | 15 °C (58 °F) | 26 | 5:28 AM – 5:21 PM |
| Nov | 22 °C (72 °F) | 14 °C (58 °F) | 16 | 5:34 AM – 5:13 PM |
| Dec | 23 °C (73 °F) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 4 | 5:48 AM – 5:20 PM |
Manuel Antonio
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 °C (89 °F) (hot) | 21 °C (69 °F) | 25 | 5:57 AM – 5:35 PM |
| Feb | 32 °C (90 °F) (hot) | 21 °C (69 °F) | 16 | 5:55 AM – 5:45 PM |
| Mar | 33 °C (91 °F) (hot) | 22 °C (72 °F) | 20 | 5:43 AM – 5:47 PM |
| Apr | 33 °C (92 °F) (hot) | 23 °C (73 °F) | 28 | 5:26 AM – 5:46 PM |
| May | 33 °C (91 °F) (hot) | 23 °C (73 °F) | 31 | 5:16 AM – 5:49 PM |
| Jun | 32 °C (89 °F) (hot) | 22 °C (71 °F) | 30 | 5:17 AM – 5:57 PM |
| Jul | 32 °C (89 °F) (hot) | 22 °C (72 °F) | 31 | 5:24 AM – 6:01 PM |
| Aug | 32 °C (89 °F) (hot) | 22 °C (71 °F) | 31 | 5:28 AM – 5:53 PM |
| Sep | 31 °C (89 °F) (hot) | 21 °C (71 °F) | 30 | 5:26 AM – 5:36 PM |
| Oct | 31 °C (88 °F) (hot) | 22 °C (71 °F) | 31 | 5:24 AM – 5:19 PM |
| Nov | 30 °C (86 °F) (hot) | 21 °C (70 °F) | 30 | 5:30 AM – 5:11 PM |
| Dec | 31 °C (88 °F) (hot) | 21 °C (69 °F) | 30 | 5:44 AM – 5:19 PM |
Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela, clear immigration, collect baggage, and transfer to the Vara Blanca area, home of La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Expect approximately 1.5 hours for airport procedures.
Enjoy a typical Costa Rican Casado, a hearty plate featuring rice, black beans, plantains, salad, and a choice of meat (chicken, beef, or fish) at a local 'soda' in the Vara Blanca area.
Enjoy scenic views as you transfer from the La Paz area through the picturesque Costa Rican countryside to La Fortuna, the gateway to Arenal Volcano.
Check into your accommodation in La Fortuna and settle in after your scenic journey.
arrives about 2:00 PM
about 3 hrs door to door
Savor a hearty Casado, a quintessential Costa Rican 'plate of the day' featuring rice, beans, salad, fried plantains, and your choice of protein at a local 'soda' in La Fortuna.
Enjoy an authentic Costa Rican dinner at a local restaurant in La Fortuna, exploring different traditional dishes.
m.prinke (CC BY-SA 2.0)Embark on an exhilarating white water rafting adventure down the Sarapiqui River, navigating rapids and enjoying the lush rainforest scenery.
Enjoy a hearty Casado, a typical Costa Rican plate with rice, beans, salad, fried plantain, and your choice of meat or fish, at a local soda in La Fortuna.
Travel by shared shuttle or private transfer from La Fortuna across Lake Arenal and up to the cloud forest region of Monteverde.
Check into your accommodation in Monteverde, settle in, and prepare for the evening's activities.
Savor authentic Costa Rican flavors for dinner at a local restaurant in Santa Elena, Monteverde's main town.
arrives about 2:00 PM
about 4 hrs door to door
Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican Casado, a complete meal with rice, beans, salad, plantain, and your choice of meat or fish, in the bustling town of Santa Elena.
Savor authentic Costa Rican flavors for dinner at a local soda or restaurant in Santa Elena, concluding a day of adventure and natural beauty.
Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican casado, a hearty plate with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of protein, in the town of Santa Elena.
Embark on an inter-city transfer from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio, traversing scenic Costa Rican landscapes.
Check into your accommodation in the Manuel Antonio area and prepare for an afternoon of coastal exploration.
Take a leisurely walk along the scenic coastline, enjoying the warm sand and ocean breeze in the Manuel Antonio area, a perfect introduction to its famous beaches.
Savor the flavors of the Pacific with fresh, locally sourced seafood at a restaurant in the Manuel Antonio area, featuring dishes like ceviche.
arrives about 2:00 PM
about 4 hrs door to door
Enjoy a refreshing ceviche, made with local seafood and citrus, at a casual eatery near the national park entrance.
Savor authentic Costa Rican dishes in a local 'soda' further up the road from the park, away from the immediate tourist hub.
Browse the various local shops and stalls in Manuel Antonio for unique Costa Rican crafts and souvenirs, finding mementos to remember your trip.
Savor a final authentic Costa Rican Casado at a local soda, a hearty and complete meal featuring rice, beans, salad, plantains, and your choice of protein.
Take a relaxed final stroll along the scenic coastal road of Manuel Antonio, soaking in the tropical atmosphere before heading to the airport.
Check out from your hotel and collect your luggage, preparing for the transfer to the airport.
Mariordo Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz/Mario Duran Valerio (CC BY-SA 3.0)Begin your transfer from Manuel Antonio to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) near San Jose, a scenic journey of approximately 3.5 hours.
Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), complete check-in and security procedures, and depart for your flight home.
Same destination, your dates, group, and pace. Generated free in about 2 minutes.
Customize this tripFreeFood, shopping & festivals
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San Jose
La Fortuna
Quepos
Monteverde
Manuel Antonio
San José
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Feb 26 – Mar 1
Mar 8
Apr 11
Sep 15
Costs
Estimated total · For 2 travelers · 1 room · 7 days
USD 2,390Flights from your city not included.
| City | Simple | Comfortable | Upscale |
|---|---|---|---|
| San José | USD 60 | USD 100 | USD 140 |
| La Fortuna | USD 60 | USD 100 | USD 140 |
| Monteverde | USD 60 | USD 100 | USD 140 |
| Manuel Antonio | USD 60 | USD 100 | USD 140 |
Not included: visas, travel insurance, SIM cards, tips, shopping.
Moderate overall -- expect $80-120/night for decent hotels and $10-20 for sit-down meals in tourist areas. Local 'sodas' offer filling meals for $5-8. Tap water is generally safe in most developed areas, but stick to bottled water in rural spots, and watch for fast traffic in San Jose.
Opt for public buses between cities; for example, a bus from San Jose to Manuel Antonio costs around $8-10, versus shared shuttles which typically run $50-70 per person per leg. This can save over $100 per person on round-trip inter-city travel.
Maximize your $250 activity budget by balancing expensive tours with free natural attractions. In La Fortuna, visit the free Rio Chollin hot springs instead of a resort (which can cost $70-90 per person), freeing funds for a Monteverde canopy tour ($50-60/person).
Always look for local 'sodas' for meals where you can find a generous 'casado' plate for $5-8. This is a substantial saving compared to the $15-20 typically charged for similar meals in tourist-oriented restaurants.
For an unforgettable adventure, consider allocating funds for whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River, which typically costs $90-120 per person for a full-day trip, a prime use of your adventure budget.
Before you go
Hotel in San José
Night 1 · La Fortuna · about USD 100 · Comfortable hotel range
Hotel in La Fortuna
Nights 2–3 · La Fortuna · about USD 200 · Comfortable hotel range
Hotel in Monteverde
Nights 4–5 · Santa Elena · about USD 200 · Comfortable hotel range
Hotel in Manuel Antonio
Night 6 · Manuel Antonio Area · about USD 100 · Comfortable hotel range
Pure Trek Canyoning Adventure
Day 2 · Book 2 weeks ahead · Adventure tours like canyoning have limited group sizes and specific guide availability, making advance booking essential to secure your spot and preferred time.
Sarapiqui River White Water Rafting Tour
Day 3 · Book 2 weeks ahead · White water rafting tours require specialized equipment and guides, and often have strict limits on participant numbers. Book in advance to confirm your slot.
Selvatura Adventure Park (Ziplining and Hanging Bridges)
Day 4 · Book 2 weeks ahead · Ziplining and hanging bridge tours often have timed entry slots and capacity limits. Booking ahead ensures your preferred time and availability.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park Admission
Day 1 · Book 7 days ahead · While often possible to buy tickets on arrival, advance booking guarantees entry and avoids potential queues, especially if a specific guided tour is desired.
Baldi Hot Springs with Dinner Package
Day 1 · Book 7 days ahead · To secure your preferred time slot for entry and dinner, especially during peak season, advance reservation is recommended for popular hot springs resorts.
Monteverde Night Walk Tour
Day 3 · Book 7 days ahead · Guided night walks are very popular for spotting nocturnal wildlife and have limited group sizes. Advance booking is crucial to ensure participation.
When asking for directions in San Jose or La Fortuna, locals often use landmarks instead of street names, so have your destination pinned on your map application.
At Manuel Antonio beach, never leave your bag unattended on the sand, even while you are swimming or walking near the water.
Always use the official SINAC website for national park bookings to avoid third-party agency markups.
If using ride-hailing apps in Manuel Antonio or La Fortuna, confirm your driver's identity and vehicle license plate through the app before entering.
Be aware of the Tilaran bus scam, where individuals may try to convince you to get off early at private, expensive tour sites.
Carry small denominations of local currency for minor purchases, as some smaller shops in Monteverde may not accept large bills or cards.
On your day 6 trip to the mangrove forests, apply insect repellent before you arrive, as these areas are heavily populated with mosquitoes.
When departing from the airport on day 7, check the status of your transport early, as traffic near the main terminal can be unpredictable.
Buy travel insurance and save the policy offline
Keep a backup card and emergency cash apart from your wallet
Get CRC cash / a no-forex-fee card
Check visa requirements for Costa Rica
Reserve thermal hot springs entry
Booking confirmation for national park
Reserve Manuel Antonio National Park tickets
Copies of passport and bookings (paper + phone)
Tell your bank your travel dates and check foreign transaction fees
Leave your itinerary, emergency contacts and a passport copy with someone at home
Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for US citizens)
Passport (valid 6+ months past your return)
Wallet with ID and payment cards
Pen for arrival forms
The trip opens with San Jose as a transit point, quickly moving to La Fortuna to front-load the most active volcanic and river adventures while energy is high. Monteverde sits mid-week, acting as a natural transition between the volcano and the coast, with its unique cloud forest canopy experiences. The final two full days in Manuel Antonio offer a deliberate wind-down; its beach access and less strenuous wildlife walks balance the earlier, more intense activities.
This structure minimizes backtracking and builds from high-octane exploration to coastal relaxation. This itinerary prioritizes the central mountain adventures and Pacific coast wildlife, offering deep dives into Arenal's volcanic activities, Monteverde's cloud forest canopies, and Manuel Antonio's beaches. To cover these diverse regions in seven days, the plan forgoes the remote biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula's Corcovado National Park, which requires more travel time and a different pace.
It also skips the distinct cultural rhythm and isolated beach towns of the Caribbean coast like Puerto Viejo, known for its Reggae-infused vibe and sloth rehabilitation centers. This trip is the right cut if you seek active nature and diverse wildlife across different ecosystems; the wrong one if you want deep immersion in a single, more remote region or a slower beach-centric trip. To extend your trip, add two nights to explore Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast.
Access it by boat from La Pavona and spend days navigating its freshwater canals, spotting caimans and monkeys. This allows a glimpse into a distinct ecosystem and culture not covered on the Pacific side.
| Visa & entry | US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens typically do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Indian citizens require a visa, which must be obtained in advance from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate. All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended departure date and possess a round-trip ticket or proof of onward travel. Other nationalities should check official immigration requirements via the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. |
|---|---|
| US risk level | Exercise increased cautionUpdated Apr 1, 2026 |
| Official advice | US State Department · UK Foreign Office |
| Emergency | Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911911 for all emergencies |
Petty theft from parked cars is a risk, especially at remote trailheads; never leave bags visible inside a vehicle. In San Jose, avoid walking alone in the city center after dark, particularly near the Coca-Cola bus terminal area. If you need help, look for the tourist police who wear distinct uniforms and patrol high-traffic areas.
| Tipping: restaurants | 10% usually included; add 5% for great service |
|---|---|
| Tipping: taxis | Not expected; round up |
| Tipping: hotels | $1–2 per bag |
| Cards | Accepted at hotels and tourist businesses |
| Contactless | Limited |
| Cash | Cash useful outside San José |
| Payment tip | USD widely accepted at tourist spots. Carry colones for local businesses. |
| Plugs | Type A, B120V · 60Hz |
|---|
| SIM | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Kolbi | $10 to $20 for 30 days | Any Kolbi branch or official retailer at Juan Santamaria International Airport |
| Airalo eSIM | $10 to $25 depending on data volume | Airalo website or app |
Most locals use WhatsApp for business and personal communication, so have it installed before you arrive.
Use the greeting 'Pura Vida' to acknowledge others or say goodbye. When asking for directions, expect locals to provide landmarks rather than street names, as official addresses are rarely used. Don't tip at restaurants; a 10% service charge is mandatory and already included in the bill.
About USD 2,390 for 2 travelers · 1 room · 7 days: hotels, food, activities, local transport and travel between places. Flights from your city not included.
Travelers from the United States, Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom generally do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 180 days. Passport holders from other nations should check the official entry requirements of their home country before booking. Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
Costa Rica is relatively safe, but theft remains a risk in popular areas. Never leave bags unattended on the sand at Manuel Antonio, especially after dark. Use the same street smarts you would in any major city.
Most local addresses rely on landmarks rather than official street names, which are rarely signed. Ask locals for directions by naming a nearby building, park, or house color. Carry a reliable offline map to help you get your bearings.
Public buses are the most affordable option for connecting these regions, though they take longer. Shuttles are a popular alternative that offer door-to-door service at a higher price point. If you prefer to drive, rental cars provide flexibility, but account for winding mountain roads.
A 10 percent service tax is mandatory and included in all restaurant bills. You can leave an additional tip if the service was exceptional, but it is not expected by staff. Being well-mannered is the most important part of local etiquette.
The local currency is the colon, but United States dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas like La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. Use ATMs to withdraw local cash for small purchases, as change for large bills can be difficult to find. Credit cards work at most hotels and larger restaurants.
Be cautious, as many buildings labeled as tourist information offices are actually commission-based tour agencies. They will try to sell you excursions, which you can often book yourself for less money. Use them for brochures, but do your own research before committing to a price.
The climate varies wildly based on your elevation and region. Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothing for the coast and humid rainforests, but bring a sturdy raincoat and a warm fleece for the cooler, misty conditions in Monteverde. A pair of comfortable, water-resistant hiking shoes is essential for park trails.
Download this San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica itinerary — day-by-day plan, maps, budget, and more.
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