What to do in Costa Rica in a week
Are you planning a trip to Costa Rica but only have a week? Don't worry! You can still make the most of your time and visit incredible tourist places. To do so, define what interests you the most and plan your travel itinerary. And for the best experience, our first recommendation is to download the OTT travel app on your phone. It's completely free to use and will help you plan your trip effectively.
This travel app enables you to customize your trip based on your interests and plan optimal routes to maximize your vacation experience in Costa Rica.
However, to provide you with further assistance, we also offer a suggested travel itinerary that includes a diverse selection of destinations, giving you a well-rounded taste of what Costa Rica has to offer.
Day 1: Arrival in San José
Start your trip with a tour of San José, the capital of Costa Rica. You can also enjoy a coffee on the top floor of the Gran Hotel Costa Rica and take in the city view. This tour will give you a taste of what the Costa Rican capital has to offer.
Visit the National Theater, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, the Jade Museum, and/or the Central Market.
Day 2: Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano
Rent a vehicle and head to Fortuna de San Carlos, home to the famous Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica.
Explore the National Park and admire the view of the active volcano next to the vast lake of the same name. You can also take a boat or kayak tour on the lake to enjoy not only the volcano but also the surrounding landscape.
Day 3: Arenal Area
Since you're already in the area, take advantage of the many activities available, such as canopy tours, horseback riding, or quad bike tours. Don't miss the opportunity to visit one of the hot spring establishments in the Arenal area. These places offer a well-deserved and relaxing experience after a day of tourism and adventure.
Day 4: Monteverde
Head to Monteverde and explore the cloud forest. You can also visit private reserves for canopy tours or walk across majestic hanging bridges in the cloud forest. In the town of Monteverde, you'll find butterfly gardens, frog gardens, snake gardens, and the hummingbird sanctuary, all of which are fascinating places to learn about the native species in the area.
Day 5: Manuel Antonio, Quepos
Drive to Manuel Antonio, Quepos, known for its wide range of hotels and stunning sea views. We highly recommend visiting Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can enjoy beautiful white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, palm trees, and tropical jungle. Keep an eye out for monkeys, sloths, macaws, and other representatives of the tropical fauna that frequent these beautiful beaches.
Day 6: Manuel Antonio Beaches
Take time to fully enjoy the beaches of Manuel Antonio! We suggest staying an extra day to swim in the sea or partake in water activities such as surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the shore.
Day 7: San José
Return to San José.
Take advantage of the opportunity to visit any places you missed on your arrival before your return flight.
This is a suggested travel itinerary, but feel free to tailor it to your preferences and budget. Also, remember that Costa Rica has many other interesting places to explore. Consider exploring other routes with OTT to customize your trip and make the most of your vacation in this beautiful country.