The Ultimate Costa Rican Adventure: 7-Day Itinerary

There are two international airports in Costa Rica: Daniel Oduber Quirós in Liberia (LIR) and Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José (SJO). Both of these airports are just under a three-hour drive to your first stop, La Fortuna. I recommend renting a 4x4 vehicle, as the drive from place to place is part of the adventure! However, I do suggest planning a morning or early afternoon arrival, as driving in Costa Rica can be challenging, especially at night.

Once you get outside of the airport regions, you will travel along narrow and winding roads, rarely surpassing a speed of 30mph. As you drive, you will be treated to breathtaking views of lush rainforests, rolling hills and volcanic mountains. It's not uncommon to spot exotic animals like monkeys, sloths and various bird species along the way. Be prepared for potholes, especially during the rainy season (May to November), which can make driving more challenging.

The first stop on your itinerary is La Fortuna. La Fortuna offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and natural beauty, making it a favorite destination for travelers seeking an authentic Costa Rican experience. La Fortuna itself is a small, charming town with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The town square is a focal point, featuring a beautiful church and gardens. I suggest a meal at one of the numerous “sodas” (small local eateries) offering delicious Costa Rican dishes, including “casados” (traditional meals with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a choice of meat). Then settle into your hotel and take advantage of an evening soak in nearby hot springs. Get to bed early, as tomorrow will be an action packed day!

Today is a day for adventure! After enjoying a delicious and nourishing breakfast at the hotel, you’ll gear up for an exciting zip through the rainforest canopy. Then you’ll spend the second half-day rafting through class 2/3 Balsa rapids. After dinner at the resort, you will venture back out into the rainforest for a private guided night hike through a private reserve named Ecocentro Danaus.

Today is your last day in La Fortuna, so it’s time to see the main attraction: the volcanoes! You’ll leave after breakfast for a five-hour tour that includes hiking at Monteverde Cloud Forest, horseback riding, swimming in a waterfall and sightseeing at Arenal Volcano and Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. You’ll return back to the hotel around 4pm and enjoy some relaxing time by the pool, indulge in a well-earned massage at the spa and soak in the hot springs. Tomorrow it’s time to venture west to where the jungle meets the Pacific!

This morning, you’ll head out after breakfast and buckle up for a self-driven trip out of the mountains over to the Nicoya peninsula to enjoy yet another magnificent attraction of Costa Rica: beautiful beaches! Don’t be fooled by the relatively short distance of this ride and assume it will be quick. Plan on around six hours for the journey, but the drive will be broken up by a scenic ferry ride across the Gulf of Nicoya. The last leg of your ride will have frequent peek-a-boo views of the stunning coastline. You’ll know you’re getting close to Carmen / Santa Teresa when the paved road gives way to a bustling dirt road lined with parked cars, ATV riders and surfers on foot with their boards under their arms. There is no shortage of eateries, cafes, yoga studios and retail shops, bustling with people from around the world enjoying the laid-back atmosphere and vibrant surf culture. You’ll check into your oasis and enjoy a beachside cocktail as you await the sunset.

After morning yoga and cold pressed juice, the rest of today is dedicated to all things beach. You’ll quickly discover the international allure of this hard-to-reach town! Consider a surf lesson on Playa Hermosa, just north of Santa Teresa beach, where the gentle waves and clear waters provide the perfect conditions for beginners and experienced surfers alike. No need to wash up before dinner tonight; just stroll over in your beach attire to Rocamar for some yummy food and cocktails about an hour before sunset. This is a perfect spot to eat, drink and soak up the laidback Tico vibes while you take in the hues of pink and orange painting the sky over the sea.

Drive to Paquera (about an hour's ride) and board your reserved boat headed out to Isla Tortuga, a tropical paradise known for its pristine white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters and vibrant marine life. This island offers a tranquil escape with activities like hiking, kayaking and exploring its lush forests and coastal beauty. Your tour also includes snorkeling and lunch on the island. After a ride across the bay, you’ll return to the Paquera. I suggest adding a stop for a short hike in Montezuma to see the falls, or visit Curú Wildlife Refuge on your way back to Santa Teresa.

This morning you’ll soak up a few hours of early morning sunshine before checking out and heading back to the airport. Although your toes will no longer be in the sand, your heart will cling tight to that Pura Vida feeling.