Approximately 40-minutes from Poas Volcano National Park is La Paz Waterfall Garden, and we think this should be your next stop on your drive from San Jose to La Fortuna. WebDay 15 - Nayauca waterfall tour in the morning, Villa afternoon and swimming for the kids. Related Read: Jaco is one of the more budget-friendly places in Costa Rica check out the best free things to do in Jaco while youre there! Day 1 - San Jos, Costa Rica's capital Rent a car Visit the most populated city in Costa Rica Where to stay in San Jos? The seven day itinerary After all that hiking, if you arent too tired, its time to head to Mystico Adventure Park. Entrance tickets to the park, which cost $18.08 USD for adults and $5.65 for children, NEED to be purchased online in advance. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. And if rustic camping is not your thing, there are plenty of room options to choose from. For us, it is important to have a home base and a place to settle into. Is Costa Rica Safe?Absolutely yes! The easy trail goes around the mirrored lakes to a frog sanctuary where you can spot the red-eyed tree frog and the tiny dart frog. Related Read: Check out the best Restaurants in San Jose. The Jac exit takes you on the fairly good road to Manuel Antonio. 7 DAY COSTA RICA ITINERARY - My Darling Passport. 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. 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. Alternatively, you can relax for the rest of the day or visit Monteverde Butterfly Garden and El Trapiche. 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. It makes an ideal weeklong family vacation for American families who need to work around limited school holiday periods. Tourists need to be fully vaccinated, along with a valid travel policy to enter the country. This is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna, and exploring the park is an adventure that takes you to the volcanos base and slightly up its steep face. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Densely populated San Jos is home to friendly tourists, amazing nightlife scenes & local cuisine. There are also a couple of beaches within the park to enjoy. Zoom through the treetops on a tandem zipline over 4,300 feet long! Bear in mind that portions of the route twist and turn and fog over by noon. We recommend allowing a half-day, or more specifically, 5-6 hours here. La Luna Restaurant is snuggled atop the Gaia Hotel & Reserve in a clubhouse, just minutes away from Manuel Antonio National Park and the Pacific Ocean. The springs feed dozens of pools at temperatures ranging from 72 F to 105 F (22 C to 40 C), so no matter your preference, you will surely find the perfect pool. If you have the time (i.e. Thanks for subscribing. Today, prepare to get up early (we recommend leaving before 7 am) and head to the stunning Rio Celeste which is a 1 hour and 45-minute drive from La Fortuna, or 104 km (65 miles). Moreover, you can book optional tours, flights & read more resources on this itinerary. There are lounge chairs for rent as well as kayaks and snorkeling equipment. (90 minutes by paved road from La Fortuna). Also, be sure to check out more of our in-depth guides including: Is Costa Rica Safe? Since its the Christmas season and New Year will just be around the corner, tourists plan their travel well in advance to avoid any hassles. When it came to the included and extra activities they were all well organised with pick-ups and drop-offs, some doing lunches and a diverse range for thrill seekers or non thrill seekers. One of the best ways to get around Costa Rica in 7 days is by rental car. Other than the ones listed above, you can discover more at La Fortuna. Its not possible to try out everything in a single day, but you can span out some of these experiences for day three. Rio Celeste is best explored by hiking the Rio Celeste Trail, which is 3 kilometers/1.9 miles each way. These destinations provide the biggest variety of activities and attractions and are also fairly easy to get to so that you wont spend your entire holiday driving. As you explore the museum, youll come across various galleries showcasing true Costa Rican artworks. Espadilla Beach (aka North Espadilla Beach) is a stunning stretch of beach that is a 30-minute walk from town. If traveling heavily on a certain budget, expect to spend $30 $45 per day. 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. Having said that, its still important to be prepared before you travel to unfamiliar territory. Try to get a seat near the front of the plane, and don't dawdle when disembarking. No other activity is planned for today, so its completely up to you to spend your final few hours in San Jose. It includes all your fees, water, transport, and a great guide. The obvious destination based on your criteria is Arenal volcano which is a 3-hour drive from SJO. Once at the bottom, you can get some great pictures and swim in the pool below the waterfall or visit the calmer pools downriver for a more relaxing swim. Horseback riding Along with that, its history and exquisite architecture add a whole discovery when youre traversing around the city. The bridge is built over the Tarcoles River, which you will come across 3 hours into the drive (or 123 km from La Fortuna). 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. This is definitely one of the best hotels in Manuel Antonio town. The third bus is from Puntarenas to Quepos which is 2.5 hours and will cost you $5 USD. WebTropical Costa Rica (Mar 2023) - 9 day tour from San Jose roundtrip Book NOW to receive Free Gratuities on almost ALL 7+ Night Norwegian Cruise Line sailings through March 11th! Kids of all ages will beam on first seeing the tropical paradise that is the Nicoya Peninsula. As we said, if you love wildlife and especially crocodiles, you must stop at the famous crocodile bridge during your 7 days in Costa Rica. Our travel experts will respond within 48 hours. The 1968 trail, which is popular of all, provides ample opportunity to grab striking views of the volcano from all angles. Youre lucky enough to be here with friends and family. The Tabacon Hot Springs is located within the Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, one of the most luxurious non-all-inclusive resorts in the Arenal area. Youll need at least 2 hours here if you want to climb the volcano as its an hour and 40-minute return trail to the viewpoint. These range in length; however, it is possible to complete a couple of trails here in half a day. Along the way, you can enjoy the magnificent views and even see where the lava from the last major eruption oozed down the side of the volcano. Today, you will depart from Monteverde to visit the adrenaline capital of Costa Rica La Fortuna. Costa Rica's 7 day Itinerary: Top picks for the best adventures! If youre interested in a guided tour, this specific tour is a great option. Prices start from as low as $8 for a main. Day 3: La Fortuna and Driving to What to do in San Jose. Hot springs water park Whats great about this road trip is that there are plenty of awesome stops along the way like La Paz Waterfall Gardens, which is about halfway between the two cities, and Poas Volcano, which is about 1.5 hours from San Jose. The hotel has several private rooms ($40 to $110 per night) for those who want peace and quiet and lots of dorm beds ($10 to $30 per night) for those who like to meet new travel buddies. In my opinion, its a must-visit during your 7 days in Costa Rica! If you come here during the day, we recommend walking along the beach and finding your vibe. Find a shady tree, check out some of the beach clubs, go for a surf or just enjoy the scenery. However, important COVID-19 guidelines & government protocols need to be followed. 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. Free Gratuities on most 7+ Night Norwegian Cruises! Experience Whitewater Rafting, visit the Hanging Bridges, and explore Proyecto Asis. Enjoy casual dining, a wide-ranging menu, and views of incredible sunsets over the Pacific Ocean while sipping on an ice cold beer or a delicious cocktail. Just follow the guidelines, stay away from isolated/no-entry zones, and dont showcase your valuables around. Kids of all ages will beam on first seeing the tropical paradise that is the Nicoya Peninsula. Before I get to the itinerary part, its important to understand a few essential planning points before you plan any Costa Rica trips. You can get a taxi or drive from La Fortuna town to this parking lot, where youll pay the entrance fee ($18 USD) and begin hiking. Alternatively, head back to town and do a little shopping or have a relax in the main square before you nighttime adventure! Your driver will pick you up from any hotel in La Fortuna, which is handy! Health & Safety: Costa Rica is a safe country. 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A mix of nature and adventure, this trip allows you to combine the two best things about Costa Rica. We arrived over an hour early and there was already a huge line! There are eight jacuzzi-style pools here that cascade down and lower in temperature as you get closer to the bottom. So, experience Costa Rica through our eyes by following this amazing 7-day Costa Rica itinerary! It only takes 15 minutes to get down but a little longer on the way up its 500 steps! There are also shops and restaurants on one side of the bridge get a fruit smoothie, they are delicious. You can book a Standard Double Room here for as low as US$48 per night with discounts available during the low season. Teideros is 3 kilometers from the entrance. It makes an interesting start to your first full day in Costa Rica. Selina La Fortuna boasts 94 comfortably designed rooms accompanied by various amenities such as complimentary private parking, concierge services, baggage storage, and free Wi-Fi. Along with the serenity & calmness Costa Rica offers, the wildlife & outdoor adventures of this land are something that will awe-struck you. Rock pool relaxing After witnessing the colorful fish underwater, you will hop back on board to cruise the coastline around Manuel Antonio. Bound, monkey-like, along specially built walkways that get you right up into the action in the tree canopies. San Jose. Known as one of the most spectacular national parks in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park is a place you dont want to miss, which is why it has to be your first stop during your time in Manuel Antonio. This depends on your travel stay, experiences you book, transfer costs, and other daily expenses. 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. Agua Azul Caf is located on the main highway in a strip mall with an open parking lot. If you dont want to drive there yourself, consider this Manuel Antonio Canopy Tour ,which costs $90 USD, and includes your lunch, fruit snacks, water, and transport from Manuel Antonio. Believe it or not, you can experience the best this country has to offer in only a week! Grab the adrenaline rush with both hands as you shoot through the jungle on one of the countrys best zip lines. Its highly rated and includes lunch, transport, and an expert guide. Its a vibrant place to hang out during the day with lots of vendors walking the beach with local coconuts and other food and drinks! Below, Ill suggest a few stay options that will help you sort your hotels as well. You can pitch your own tent on the 20-hectare property for as low as $10 USD per night. There are also endless amounts of things to do in Costa Rica, and in 7 days you just cant see and do it all. You should book the cruise online in advance as there are limited spots available. 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