Perfect 1 Week Itinerary Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of those places that has something for everyone. If you want to just hang at the beach, there are plenty of beautiful ones to chose from, or if you love to pack your schedule with activities (like I do) you will not be disappointed.

I will say that it is a bit expensive (prices are on par with the US) so just keep that in mind when planning. There also aren’t a ton of free things to do outside of enjoying the beach. Most activities are in the $60-100 range….with a few activities falling a little cheaper and some of the full day experiences more.

One of the nice things about Costa Rica is that it has great tourism infrastructure. It’s a place you could easily take children, grandparents, and those who aren’t as adventurous of travelers. Things are well organized, run on time, most people speak English very well, etc.

I spent over 2 weeks in Costa Rica and these are my top recommendations on things to do and how to plan your itinerary to make the most of your time. Notice that I have you flying into Liberia and out of San Jose. You could fly out of the same airport, you’ll just spend more time commuting one direction if so.

Langosta Beach, Tamarindo

Costa Rica One Week Itinerary

As always, make sure you are traveling safely with TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE

Day 1 - Arrive at Liberia Airport & Drive to Tamarindo

• If you arrive on a Thursday, make sure to check out the Night Market from 6-9PM (come hungry because you will want to each EVERYTHING! There’s live music, all types of international cuisine, boutiques selling gifts, etc.)

• If it’s not Thursday, grab dinner at Nogui’s - great for meat eaters and vegans alike (entire page of vegan options - and the dishes were SO good)

Day 2 - Tamarindo

• 9AM ATV Tamarindo ride taking you thru the countryside and to Playa Conchal. Makes sure to bring your swimsuit so you can test the waters! It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the area.

• Get back in time to change and head to Falafel Bar for a light lunch or snack.

• Then take off with Blue Dolphin’s Sunset Catamaran Cruise - great crew, chill vibes, unlimited drinks, and tasty dinner.

Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Blue Dolphin

Day 3 - Tamarindo—>Monteverde

• In the morning, go horseback riding with Casagua Horse Tours!

• Then the 2PM Tropical Tours Shuttle to Monteverde

• At 8pm, participate in Kinkajou’s Night Walk - where you get to explore the forest in search of nocturnal animals! See everything from scorpions to sloths to kinkajous!

Day 4 - Monteverde

• Get to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve early (they open at 7am) and explore the many trails. You can easily spend 3+ hours hiking and looking at the flora & fauna.

• Then do the 2pm Monteverde Extremo Zipline Tour - it’s a huge rush and offers 14 Ziplines, nearly 3.2 kilometers (2 miles), that range in distance from 40 meters (131 feet) to 750 meters (2,461 feet), including 4 cables that are longer than 425 meters (1,394 feet). Included in the Canopy tour is the superman, tarzan swing, a rappel and a new tunnel cable.

• Catch an Uber to Jaco (2 hours; approx $100)

  • Or I recommend contacting Esteban Jimenez (Private Driver) +506-7298-0585

• Once in Jaco, head to Graffiti Resto & Cafe for dinner and cocktails.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Day 5 - Jaco

• Day Trip to Tortuga Island with CostaCat - this was my favorite activity in Costa Rica! The entire crew is so fun and really makes sure you have a wonderful time….the beach is beautiful and drinks and activities included in the price! There’s even a little hiking trail on the island.

• Once you return to Jaco Town, hit Selina Jaco for sunset drinks - lively atmosphere right on the beach.

• Then depending on your appetite hit TacoBar for dinner or Jaco Bar for nightlife (or both!!)

Tortuga Island Day Trip with CostaCat

Day 6 - Jaco

• Manuel Antonio Day Trip with Odyssey Tours - you absolutely must visit Manuel Antonio when in Costa Rica! The wildlife and beach here are wonderful. Clear blue water and white sand….plus lots of monkeys around!

• Once returned to Jaco Beach, rest up a bit and then go to Clarita’s Beach Bar for sunset drinks (the oldest bar in town).

• Go to Green Room for dinner and live music.

Manuel Antonio Day Trip with Odyssey Tours

Day 7 - Jaco

• Depending on your flight time, I recommend the 12 Monas Waterfall Hike or taking a Surf Lesson.

• Then head to San Jose Airport for your flight home

  • I recommend contacting Esteban Jimenez (Private Driver) +506-7298-0585

Playa Langosta, Tamarindo

One week only begins to scratch the surface of this wonderful country - if you have a few more days it would be great to add in Arenal (on arrive or between Tamarindo & Monteverde) or if you just have an extra day—you could add a day trip to Arenal from Monteverde or even Jaco (albeit that’s a bit far). OR you could substitute a different beach for Tamarindo, like Santa Teresa or Nosara.

I hope this was helpful in your planning process.

xoxo

Lauren