Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for travelers who crave a mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation. Its appeal lies in its "Pura Vida" culture and incredible biodiversity, offering everything from lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes to pristine beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. This makes it an ideal spot for eco-conscious travelers, adventure seekers who love to hike and zipline, and anyone looking to reconnect with nature in a beautiful and laid-back setting.
A 7-day itinerary during the dry season is a great way to experience the best of Costa Rica. To get the perfect mix of adventure, surfing, and wildlife, a fantastic route is combining the Arenal Volcano region with the Pacific Coast.
TL;DR
Take a 7-day Costa Rican adventure and explore the Arenal Volcano region and the Pacific Coast's Manuel Antonio area. The trip features outdoor activities like volcano hiking, ziplining, wildlife spotting, surfing, and visiting national parks, while emphasizing Costa Rica's "Pura Vida" culture and biodiversity. This article also offers practical advice on local cuisine, essential gear to pack, and specific daily recommendations for maximizing your experience in both regions.
Days 1-3: La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano Region)
This area is the heart of adventure and nature in Costa Rica. It’s home to the famous Arenal Volcano and lush rainforest.
- Day 1: Arrival and Hot Springs. Catch an early flight into San José (SJO) and take a private shuttle or rental car to La Fortuna (about a 3-hour drive). After checking into your hotel, you can spend the afternoon unwinding in one of the many geothermal hot springs fueled by the volcano.
- Day 2: Volcano and Ziplining. Spend the morning hiking a trail with stunning views of the Arenal Volcano. In the afternoon, get your adrenaline fix by ziplining through the rainforest canopy, soaring over waterfalls and treetops.
- Day 3: Nature and Wildlife. Join a guided tour of the hanging bridges, which offer a unique perspective on the forest and are great for spotting wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds. You could also visit the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall.
Days 4-7: Manuel Antonio (Pacific Coast)
After your inland adventures, you’ll head to the Pacific coast. This region is a perfect blend of stunning beaches, surfing, and a national park teeming with wildlife.
- Day 4: Travel Day. In the morning, take a private shuttle or rental car from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio (around a 4-5 hour drive). You'll arrive in the afternoon with enough time to settle into your hotel and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
- Day 5: Wildlife and Beach. Get an early start and visit Manuel Antonio National Park. The park’s trails are filled with wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and toucans. After your hike, you can relax and swim at the park's pristine beaches.
- Day 6: Surf and Explore. This is your day to hit the waves. You can take a surf lesson at one of the local beaches. In the afternoon, explore the town of Manuel Antonio, which is known for its incredible restaurants and ocean views.
- Day 7: Departure. Enjoy a final Costa Rican breakfast before traveling back to San José (about a 3-hour drive) for your flight home.
The Costa Rican Food Scene
Don't miss out on local food! The staple is the casado, a plate with rice, black beans, a protein (like fish, chicken, or beef), and a side salad. For breakfast, you'll find gallo pinto (rice and beans mixed together) everywhere. Be sure to try a soda—these are small, family-run restaurants that offer delicious, authentic, and affordable meals.
Days 1-3: La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano Region)
- Day 1: For dinner, head to a local soda to try your first casado. They are a true taste of Costa Rican home cooking.
- Day 2: After your morning hike, grab a casual lunch near the volcano park. For dinner, many of the hot spring resorts have restaurants. You can also head back into town to find a spot with a view of the volcano at night.
- Day 3: Fuel up with gallo pinto for breakfast. For lunch and dinner, check out one of the many restaurants that line the main street, where you can find everything from traditional Costa Rican fare to international cuisine.
Days 4-7: Manuel Antonio (Pacific Coast)
- Day 4: After a long travel day, find a restaurant with a view of the ocean. The seafood here is incredibly fresh—be sure to try the ceviche.
- Day 5: After your hike in the national park, you'll be hungry. Grab a light lunch at one of the small cafes outside the park entrance. For dinner, treat yourself to a delicious meal at a restaurant with a panoramic sunset view.
- Day 6: Grab a fresh smoothie or a light breakfast before your surf lesson. For lunch, you can find small stands or cafes right on the beach.
- Day 7: Before you head back to San José, have a final breakfast at a local cafe and grab a few snacks for the road.
Essential Gear to Pack
- Clothing: Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is a must. Pack a few pairs of shorts, short-sleeved shirts, and a pair of long pants for the evenings.
- Outerwear: A lightweight, packable rain jacket is essential for sudden afternoon showers, even in the dry season.
- Footwear: Bring waterproof hiking shoes or boots for the trails, and a pair of sturdy sandals or water shoes for the beaches and hot springs.
- Bags: A small daypack is perfect for hikes and day trips. A collapsible wheeled duffel is a great main luggage option because it's easy to transport and can be stored compactly if your accommodations are small.
- Accessories: Don't forget sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, and sunglasses. A reusable water bottle is a must-have, and a phone lanyard can be a lifesaver for keeping your phone secure during activities like zip-lining or boat tours.
- Activity-Specific Gear: If you plan on surfing, most places offer boards and wetsuits for rent, so you don't need to pack your own.
