The Ultimate 7 Day Itineary to Costa Rica

Here is how to make the most out of your 7 day vacation in Costa Rica! This itineary is based only on the Pacific side to make travel distances minimum.

Arriving to San José Costa Rica

When arriving to Costa Rica, you will most likely be arriving to the international airport of San José. In order to not waste any precious time of your vacation, I recommend booking a flight that arrives to San José early in the morning so you can continue the journey right on from there. San José has amazing tourist attractions as well but for the sake of this specifc itineary to the Pacific coast, skipping the night in San José is for the best. If you are staying longer than 7 days, check out my tips for a day in the city in San José!

Transportation

Bus

For the cheapest option, there are many buses operating to all around Costa Rica and Nicaragua from the Terminal 7-10 in San José

• Book online to ensure your place on the bus, this adds a little additional fee to the price but it is worth it to not risk it
• In the bus station there is mini market, café and panadería to buy snacks for the road
• https://terminal7-10.com/es/

Private shuttles

For more time convienient option, shuttles are a great way to travel inside the country. Shuttles will pick up and drop you off at the hotel/hostel you are staying at.

Few shuttle companies operating in Costa Rica:

• https://www.interbusonline.com/
• https://tropicaltourshuttles.com/
• https://www.costaricashuttle.com/

Days 1-3 From San Jose to Monteverde

First stop of the trip is the super lush and evergreen town called Monteverde. Located at 1 440 m above sea level in the Northwest of Costa Rica and just a 4 hour drive from San José. Here you are surrounded by the misty jungle and picturesque mountain scenery. These lushious jungles offer an incredible scale of biodiversity which makes it a great place for nature lovers and outdoor active people, even the adrenaline junkies will find it a true paradise. It is truly the ecotourism center of Costa Rica.

What to do in Monteverde

1. Book a coffee and chocolate tour on the local farm

One of the not to miss out on activities of Monteverde is definitely the coffee and chocolate tours. Coffee is one of the biggest and most important exported goods that Costa Rica produces. Costa Ricans take pride in the quality of their coffee and for this reason Costa Rica produces only the best quality of coffee beans which is Arabica and it is 100 % just that.

Arabica beans are a very specific type of coffee bean that requires certain conditions and special care in order to thrive. Arabica plants thrive in 900 – 1800 m above sea level. In this altitude the hot days and cold nights give the best conditions for the plant to reach full potential. Arabica is a very delicate plant so each coffee bean is picked by hand by the farmers which makes it even more valuable.

Not to forget, Costa Rica produces quality cacao as well due to the ideal climate conditions. In the tour you get to see and taste the cacao bean. Or to be more specific, the pulp coverin the cacao bean. Later on with the introduction of the tour guide you can make rich cacao paste from grinding cacao nibs and taste the differences in each paste with different added spices such as cayanne pepper and cinnamon.

2. Zip lining through the jungle

Ready to get adrenaline pumping? It’s time for zip lining! This activity is for the adrenaline junkies. Imagine sorrowing through the evergreen forests in the freshest air while enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery Monteverde has to offer. Or if you dare, the highest bungee jump you can find in the country is located in Monteverde! You can book your tour with a few different companies and expect to pay between 60-80 USD$ for the tour.

Companies offering zip line tours:

• https://www.aventuracanopytour.com/tours-adventures/monteverde-zipline-canopy-tour/
• https://selvatura.com/tours/canopy-tour/
• https://elbosquemonteverde.com/blog/best-ziplines-in-monteverde/

3. Hike Cloud forest and El Tigre waterfall

This hike is one for the books. Hiking through the Cloud forest could be done by yourself to save some extra coins or by guided tour to get the full experience from it.

Days 3-6 in Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa, the paradise for surfers and sunset enthusiastics. This surf town has gained a lot of popularity over the past few years, and for a good reason. Santa Teresa combines the perfect combination of natural palm-tree-lined-beaches with the most aesthetic cafés and butiques. This coastal town’s main street runs along the beach line for 4 kilometers. Santa Teresa is truly a gem that makes it the perfect place to enjoy the last days of the 7 day itinieary!

What to do in Santa Teresa?

1. Take a surf class

First and foremost, taking a surf class in Santa Teresa is essential since that’s what the town is all about! This town has a constant swell for the whole year. Wheter you are a beginner or advanced surfer, there are different beaches with different types of breaks for each learning level. Playa hermosa is the most beginner friendly one because of the safest conditions: all sand and no rocks hiding under water. So get ready and book your surf class in town!

2. Horseback riding on the beaches of Santa Teresa

This is definitely one of the most iconic things you can do while in Santa Teresa. Imagine galloping on a horse at a beautiful beach during sunset. You do not want to miss out on this!

Important

3. Visit tide pools in Mal Pais

Ready to play mermaids? These beautiful tide pools are located just a 15 minute ride from Santa Teresa in a town called Mal Pais. You can drive here by yourself or take the local bus for less than 1000 Colones.

4. Daytrip to picturesque beach town Montezuma