7-Day Costa Rica Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Costa Rica tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Costa Rica, incl. San Jose and Arenal

  Natural wonders await across San Jose, Arenal Volcano, and Monteverde Cloud Forest. The week features Pacuare River rafting, Paradise Hot Springs, hanging bridges walks, and zip-lining. Nights are spent at Country Inn San Jose, Arenal Montechiari, and Monteverde Country Lodge.

  

  View itineraryCompare 7 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    San Jose Arrival

    A driver will meet you at San Jose International Airport for the quick 15-minute trip to your hotel. Spend your evening exploring downtown San Jose, the cultural center of Costa Rica. One traveler shared: "The central avenue is perfect for interacting with locals and getting a feel for Costa Rican daily life." Book a late afternoon flight to avoid the busy rush hour traffic from the airport.

    
  • Day 2

    Pacuare River Rafting to Arenal

    Leave early at 6 AM for a 3-hour drive to Siquirres through Braulio Carrillo National Park. Start your day with traditional "Gallo Pinto" breakfast before hitting the Class III-IV rapids on the Pacuare River. You'll tackle the challenging Upper and Lower Huacas rapids. Pack quick-dry clothes and secure water shoes. The day ends with a 2.5-hour drive to Arenal Volcano. A recent visitor noted: "The rafting was perfectly balanced between exciting rapids and calm stretches to catch your breath."

    
  • Day 3

    Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs

    Take the morning to explore La Fortuna town at your own pace. Join an afternoon guided walk in Arenal Volcano National Park on mostly flat trails that can get slippery in wet weather. Your guide will point out wildlife like toucans and coati. Finish your day relaxing in the volcanic hot springs. Visit before 4 PM or after 6 PM to avoid peak crowds.

    
  • Day 4

    Arenal to Monteverde

    Take the scenic taxi-boat-taxi route across Lake Arenal in the morning. The full journey takes about 3 hours with a 30-minute boat ride where you might spot ospreys and kingfishers. In the afternoon, ride horses through a working coffee plantation into the cloud forest. The horses are gentle but expect some steep terrain. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are essential.

    
  • Day 5

    Monteverde Adventures

    Begin with a guided walk across hanging bridges in the cloud forest canopy. The trail has some steep parts but moves at an easy pace. After lunch, experience the famous zipline course with cables stretching up to 1km. One traveler advised: "The Tarzan swing at the end is a must-do but prepare yourself mentally - it's quite the adrenaline rush!" Bring warm layers since Monteverde stays cool and wet throughout the year.

    
  • Day 6

    Monteverde to San Jose

    Head back to San Jose on a 4-hour mountain drive. Bring motion sickness pills if you need them. Your afternoon is free to visit the National Museum or Gold Museum downtown. Stay near the airport since most international flights leave early morning.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    Quick 15-minute drive to the airport. Remember you need to arrive 3 hours before international flights.

    

  View itinerary

• 7 Day Costa Rica Itinerary, incl. Rincon de la Vieja and Tamarindo

  Liberia, Rincon de La Vieja volcano, and Tamarindo Beach create an exciting week-long adventure. The itinerary includes volcano hikes, canyon zip-lining, and a sunset catamaran cruise with 3 nights each at mountain and beach accommodations.

  

  View itineraryCompare 7 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Arrival in Liberia

    Take a private transfer from Liberia International Airport to your lodge near Rincon de la Vieja (about 1.5 hours). Try to book a morning arrival since afternoon thunderstorms are common in Guanacaste, especially from May to November during green season.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Rincon de la Vieja National Park

    Two full days let you explore this active volcano area properly. Take a guided hike through the national park to see steaming vents and bubbling mud pots. A recent visitor said: "The walking tour was like a mini Yellowstone—we saw steam holes, mud pots, wild monkeys, and a beautiful waterfall. The guide adapted the trail route perfectly when one member of our group had mobility issues." On your second day try the Canyon Canopy zipline tour. The guides take safety seriously and ensure proper equipment fitting. If you prefer something more relaxed, visit the natural hot springs instead. Stay at Hacienda Guachipelin where you'll get spacious rooms with private verandas and good dining options.

    
  • Days 4-6

    Tamarindo Beach

    It's about a 2-hour transfer to Tamarindo Beach. Spend your first day getting to know the area but stay out of the intense midday sun between 11 AM and 2 PM. While Tamarindo is developed it offers plenty of life with good restaurants and shops along the main street. Book a sunset catamaran cruise for day 6. You'll get snorkeling equipment and the trip includes an open bar and lunch on the 66-foot boat. Book through your hotel to get the right meeting point about a mile down the beach.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    The trip back to Liberia airport takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Get there at least 3 hours before your flight since the airport gets busy especially from December to April.

    

  View itinerary

• 7 Days in Costa Rica, incl. San Jose and Arenal

  Cultural San Jose, wildlife-rich Monteverde Cloud Forest, and volcanic Arenal National Park form a perfect triangle. The week includes 9 meals, luxury coach transport, and guided activities for approx. $240 per day.

  

  View itineraryCompare 7 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    San Jose

    Start your journey in Costa Rica's capital. Visit the historic Barrio Amon area with its beautiful colonial mansions. For dinner, go to Barrio Escalante where local restaurants start buzzing around 6 PM. A previous visitor shared: "Everything was wonderfully organized from the moment we landed in San Jose. Our guide's knowledge of the city really helped us get oriented that first evening."

    
  • Day 2

    San Jose to Monteverde

    Take a morning city tour before driving to Sarchí (1 hour away), known for its local crafts and artisans. Buy souvenirs here since prices are lower than in tourist spots. The 3-hour drive to Monteverde goes through the Tilaran Mountains. If you get motion sickness take medicine before the trip and try to sit up front.

    
  • Day 3

    Monteverde Cloud Forest

    Get to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve early when visibility is best. The morning fog usually lifts by 9 AM letting you spot more wildlife. The trails can be slippery so wear good shoes with grip. Watch for quetzals near the wild avocado trees. In the afternoon you can visit local plantations to learn about Costa Rican farming. Bring a light rain jacket since afternoon showers happen even in dry season.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Arenal Volcano Area

    It takes about 3 hours to reach Arenal. This area offers both volcanic features and wildlife watching opportunities. Take the lava trails at Mirador 1968 where you'll find fewer people than in the national park. Visit the hanging bridges first thing to avoid crowds and heat. One traveler noted: "The sky walk through the jungle canopy was incredible - we spotted three different species of toucans and even a sloth with her baby."

    
  • Day 6

    Peñas Blancas River Safari

    The morning river float lasts 2 hours and gives you great chances to see wildlife. Wear clothes that dry quickly and bring binoculars. Spend the afternoon visiting local families to experience the culture. End your day relaxing in the hot springs which feel great after all the hiking.

    
  • Day 7

    Return to San Jose

    Plan for a 3.5-hour drive back to San Jose airport. Book flights after 2 PM since morning traffic can add an extra hour to your trip. Remember the airport is in Alajuela about 30 minutes from downtown San Jose.

    

  View itinerary