Here is the itinerary I developed after having visited 3 times and spent over 10 weeks here. With just 7-10 days, this schedule gives you a sample of the variety of experiences this country can offer! This is the itinerary I did when my brother visited me while I was studying abroad. It’s aggressive, but manageable!

Here was our lineup:

DAY 1 – The City of San Jose

Since almost all visitors fly into the SJO airport, this is a good place to start! While this city can provide a somewhat dismal view of the country as a first impression, it really isn’t so bad. I actually lived and studied in San Jose for 7 weeks, and there are some nicer areas to explore. Depending on when your flight gets in, you can visit the Teatro Nacional, the many wonderful museums (Museo de Jade is a personal favorite), the lively tourist market, or grab some dinner and a churro from a street vendor. Check this link for more ideas! Costa Rica itinerary. 

LODGING: Hotel Colonial – Budget hotel in a great location

DAY 2- La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs

Leave San Jose in the morning, and head to this central part of the country. Getting here can be a bit rough, but it is all worth it upon arriving! We did a day-trip here through Viator , but it was too much driving in one day and not enough time at the location. So, I recommend taking a shared shuttle through Easyride CR, and checking into a hotel in the town of La Fortuna. Once there, book a day tour, or visit Arenal Volcano on your own. Then, be sure to visit the natural volcanic hot springs for a dip. I’ve been to the thermal spa and resorts at both Baldí and Tabacón, and each were amazing- Just research what better fits your budget.

Read my detailed post on more things to do in the La Fortuna / Arenal Region

Tabacon Hot Springs

Tabacon Hot Springs

LODGING: Hotel Colonial – Budget hotel in a great location of San Jose

DAY 3 – Monteverde Cloud Forest: Santa Elena Town

In the morning, take a shuttle from La Fortuna to the coniferous cloud forest of Monteverde. Just a heads up- this drive is not for the faint of heart! With narrow, one way, mountain roads and cliff-side views the entire way, it is certainly a little scary, but all part of the experience. The base of exploration for the Monteverde Cloud Forest is the town of Santa Elena, and after arriving and exploring the town, head to the national park entry and spend the day hiking the beautiful trails and walking across the suspended bridges above the forest canopy. We also chose to do a night-hike tour through our hostel (with the company Kinkajou) for some extra exotic wildlife sightseeing. If only for the thrill of being in the jungle at night and seeing lots of giant insects, it was worth it!

LODGING: Cabinas Vista al Golfo : A rustic place with a gorgeous, sweeping view

DAY 4 – Monteverde: Zip Lining

Since zip-lining or doing a “canopy tour” is a quintessential part of any Costa Rica visit, its best to do it here in Monteverde, the place with the best views. We went with the company Selvatura (which I highly recommend!), and did a 3 hour canopy tour ($45US). Despite the rain, we all had a blast, and the company provided round-trip transportation from our hostel. When we returned to town in the afternoon, we had a relaxed evening and got dinner at a tree-house restaurant. This itinerary is pretty aggressive, and by this point you will want the rest!

LODGING: Cabinas Vista al Golfo : A rustic place with a gorgeous, sweeping view

DAY 5 – Manuel Antonio: Quepos Town

 Using the shuttle service from EasyrideCR, we left town at 8:30am and arrived to Quepos (the base point for exploring Manuel Antonio National Park) at 2pm. I would advise this shuttle service as it is another long, treacherous drive (and on a backpackers budget this is the best way to do it)! Spend the afternoon exploring the plethora of restaurants and shops in Quepos, and visit the public beach for a swim. The national park closes early, so I say save it for the following day so you can get the most out of your ticket.

LODGING: Hostel Plinio : A tree-house style hostel with great views and a beautiful pool

DAY 6 – Manuel Antonio National Park

This park is crowded and full of tourists, but for good reason. It is pure jungle, and you are almost guaranteed several wildlife sightings. We did not hire a naturalist guide (which you will be hounded by near the entry!), and still saw 3 wild sloths, many Capuchin monkeys (babies too!), as well as several reptiles while walking the trails. Walk slow, explore, swim in the warm ocean, watch out for thieving raccoons on the beach, and you’ll have a fantastic time! Costa Rica itinerary

LODGING: Hostel Plinio : A tree-house style hostel with great views and a beautiful pool

DAY 7 – Manuel Antonio National Park

We originally had not scheduled two days here, but since we loved it so much we re-arranged our schedule- and I am glad we did! With this extra day you can explore additional parts of the park, the town, or participate in various ocean activities. There are plenty of companies offering kayaking, surfing lessons, boating, fishing trips, etc. – the opportunities here are endless! Leave town on a shuttle late at night (this must be arranged in advanced), and you can sleep through the boring drive back to San Jose.

LODGING: Hostel Plinio : A tree-house style hostel with great views and a beautiful pool

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DAY 8 – Tortuguero National Park

Leave your San Jose hotel early in the morning, and jump on a van to the Caribbean province of Limón. Because the area where the Tortuguero National Park lies is extremely remote, and in the middle of a somewhat dangerous region, I would really recommend scheduling a tour company to get you there and back. You can go it alone, but with limited time and flexibility this is the best option. We went with the company Exploradores Outdoors, and had a great experience. The journey there is full of  wildlife, and the ride on the tiny boat you have to take out into the canals towards the park is an unforgettable experience.

Photo Credit: Matt Curtin (my brother!)

DAY 9 – Tortuguero National Park

 Wrap up your hiking, boating, and wildlife sighting and begin the drive back towards the big city. Once back in San Jose, relax, and eat some casado with a side of Imperial beer for the final time.

LODGING: Hotel Colonial – Budget hotel in a great location

DAY 10- Airport – Adios to Costa Rica

Head to the airport, and back home. If you leave on Day 11 – I would recommend extending the trip by taking a cultural day-trip out of the San Jose area, perhaps to visit the stunning nearby Poas Volcano, or spending another day in the fascinating and remote Tortuguero National Park.

LODGING: Hotel Colonial – Budget hotel in a great location

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As always, all reviews and opinions are my own. However, should you choose to book any of the hotels or tours linked above please know that I will receive a small commission.