Day 1 - San Jos, Costa Rica's capital Rent a car Visit the most populated city in Costa Rica Where to stay in San Jos? If you have the time (i.e. The hotel has several private rooms ($40 to $110 per night) for those who want peace and quiet and lots of dorm beds ($10 to $30 per night) for those who like to meet new travel buddies. To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements. It departs every day at 8:40 am and it arrives at La Fortuna between noon and 1 pm. The walk is mostly downhill on the way there (depending on where you start, that is), and youll have to walk down a dirt trail to the beach. Especially, trying this activity in misty Monteverde is a special experience. Unfortunately, you cant buy your bus ticket online, and instead, you need to go to the bus terminal to purchase them they operate on a first-come-first-served basis, so aim to get to the terminal as early as possible! Fortify yourself with the fruits, jellies, and chocolates sold by vendors on the road up to the summit. Day 7: ATV Tour of the Countryside Head out for a thrilling From a weeks journey to a 15 to 18-day tour plan, you can discover the best of the countrys famous destinations & top-notch attractions. Having a small handy bag will also help to keep your day-to-day essentials. Related Read: Jaco is one of the more budget-friendly places in Costa Rica check out the best free things to do in Jaco while youre there! Your driver will pick you up from any hotel in La Fortuna, which is handy! Hot springs water park You can expect rains and a bit of chilly weather, but its ideal to experience most Costa Rican attractions. (45 minutes by paved road from airport to Pos Volcano; 2 hours by paved road from airport to La Fortuna). Its a vibrant place to hang out during the day with lots of vendors walking the beach with local coconuts and other food and drinks! There are also a couple of beaches within the park to enjoy. While on the, 7 days in Costa Rica offers the opportunity to explore some of this Central American nations most phenomenal natural sights. Related Read: Check out the best Restaurants in San Jose. Visit the Teatro Nacional and the Museo de Oro Precolombino, and save time for late-afternoon shopping. Cruise along the coastal waterways and Pochette Mangroves before landing on the pristine white sands of Tortuga Island. This 8-day Costa Rica trip takes you right into the heart of Costa Ricas most popular national parks such as Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and Manuel Antonio National Park. For more budget-friendly options around Costa Rica, check the catalog. However, for a tourist who wants maximum flexibility cozy cabins or mountain-side lodges become trendy. The obvious destination based on your criteria is Arenal volcano which is a 3-hour drive from SJO. We recommend allowing a half-day, or more specifically, 5-6 hours here. See more6-day tours in Costa Rica. If you are arriving late or very early and just want a place to rest your head, check out these amazing hotels near the SJO international airport. Mani also knew little gems to keep us occupied in free mornings/afternoons and was more than happy to use his free time to take us to them. The pools are nestled in beautifully landscaped gardens and are lit with multi-colored ambient lighting at night. You can also extend this itinerary to venture into other Costa Rican destinations. Theres no better way to indulge in Costa Rican tradition than to embrace the local pura vida the pure life. Costa Rica Eco Adventure 7 days from 1704 USD. All trails are well marked and there are signs and maps everywhere so you wont get lost. This depends on your travel stay, experiences you book, transfer costs, and other daily expenses. There are lounge chairs for rent as well as kayaks and snorkeling equipment. Bound, monkey-like, along specially built walkways that get you right up into the action in the tree canopies. In case you want a little bit more about the country, why not check out our guide on10 days or 14 days in Costa Rica? Along with the holiday season, the months of July & August are also popular. Other than the ones mentioned above, you can explore optional activities like hiking through Chirripo National Park, taking a beer tour, visiting Los Quetzales National Park, and taking free walking tours. Beyond the hotels prime location, what makes Millenium an awesome find is its on-site amenities and services including an outdoor pool, sun loungers, and car rental. See tours. Visited hot springs, sandy beaches, walked though lush cloud forest, did some amazing exhilarating activities and met some amazing people Thoroughly enjoyed the holiday!, Hike through the rainforests of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, 5 days in Costa Rica : Our Recommendations, Two Weeks in Costa Rica: Top 5 Recommendations, 10 Days in Costa Rica: Top 3 Recommendations. Arenal Volcano Walk and Hike One of the best things you could do in La Fortuna, is to take a guided walking tour of Arenal Volcano. Click Here! If you want to go snorkeling, theyll show you exactly where to go, and its the same snorkeling spot we went on the sunset cruise. Costa Rica is even safe for tourists willing to solo travel. Other highlights here include six hanging bridges, 14 tree platforms, one double belay rappel, and 9 other double-anchored zip lines. The water is cold but super refreshing, and the entire area is gorgeous. Manuel Antonio and its neighboring town, Quepos, have the best selection of restaurants of any beach community in the country. However, not all are budget-friendly. Feel free to dip in the outdoor pool or enjoy the refreshing scenery on the terrace and garden. This capital city is diverse & much more cultural in terms of the experiences it has to offer. The longest trail is the Waterfall Trail and its around 5.5 miles (9 km), and most are much shorter in that 1-mile (1.5 km) range. In the end, head to the Coffee Lab to taste some of the finest samples of coffee. Depart back to your hometown. Travel: Looking for other Costa Rica itineraries? Grab the adrenaline rush with both hands as you shoot through the jungle on one of the countrys best zip lines. Im a 22F taking my first solo trip to Costa Rica for one week in August. Days 1 through 5 were on-the-go days. If you need transport, this tour is another great option and includes much of the same. It is one of the countrys biggest private wildlife sanctuaries and hosts five stunning waterfalls accessible via paved trails. Some places in the country can cause immense heat, UV exposure, and water hazards. Ridiculous Burgers on Av Pastor Diaz offers the biggest, hottest, meaty, and most expensive burger in Jaco Costa Rica, with nearly 50 burger options on the menu. It all comes down to individual preference & travel style. This natural phenomenon is caused by mixing two rivers that turn the water into a Gatorade blue color Im not joking! For additional convenience, dressing rooms, showers, and lockers are available for guest use. See moreadventure tours in Costa Rica. When it came to the included and extra activities they were all well organised with pick-ups and drop-offs, some doing lunches and a diverse range for thrill seekers or non thrill seekers. Here, the family adventure continues as you explore the heavenly beaches, namely Tambor beach. It was established in 2000 and converted into two-level bars and a restaurant built in, around, and above the airplane with stunning views of the Manuel Antonio coastline below! Perched on the first floor of the building, Cafe Agua Azul offers a fantastic view of the ocean and is considered by many as one of the best eateries in Manuel Antonio. and is characterized by its acid blue lake crater, which is one of the worlds biggest craters. Hotel-to-hotel shuttle-van services can get you from Arenal to Manuel Antonio. Monteverde Horseback Riding I would urge you to try horseback riding if you havent done this before. This is just a high-overview, but Ill ensure to link you through some additional resources & helpful guides. It costs $67 USD per person. If you dont want to drive there yourself, consider this Manuel Antonio Canopy Tour ,which costs $90 USD, and includes your lunch, fruit snacks, water, and transport from Manuel Antonio. Volcanoes and beaches are two of the things Costa Rica does best, so the classic first-timers itinerary to Costa Rica takes in two of its most popular destinations: the impressive Arenal Volcano and the beaches of the Central Pacific coasts lovely Manuel Antonio. Its one of the most unique things to do during your 7 days in Costa Rica! Dont forget: the park is closed on Monday. I truly love this place! If you want a nice view of the crater, get there as early as possible to avoid the clouds that typically cover the volcano by late afternoon. Day 16 - Boat tour to Corcovado ranger station + Jaco is one of the most touristic places in Costa Rica so you can choose from hundreds of restaurants. The view of the volcano here is impressive! Home 7 Day Costa Rica Itinerary: How to Spend One Week in Costa Rica! La Fortuna Waterfall, Costa Rica: Everything you need to know. For us, it is important to have a home base and a place to settle into. Today's a traveling daya chance to really see the country's famous landscape. You will end your trip in the coastal haven of Manuel Antonio, where you can hike through one of the best National Parks in Central America and indulge in a sunset cruise! The kids will love being surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungles of Arenal Volcano National Park. Manuel Antonio National Park is open from 7 am to 4 pm every day. This two-star hotel is legitimately just 25 meters away from the park entrance and five minutes on foot from Playa Espadilla. All transport is included, and its far easier than trying to visit the refuge on your own. Well, theres plenty of them spread across the entire city. This day is packed with adventurous fun that will surely pump your adrenaline to experience Costa Ricas wild side. Beginning on January 8, Costa Rica will require proof of vaccination for access to hotels, resorts, bars, museums and restaurants. Youre lucky enough to be here with friends and family. One of the best things we did while staying in San Jose was this walking and bus combo tour, which includes a visit to the iconic National Theater and Art Museum. The first bus is the La Fortuna to San Ramon bus which is 2 hours and will cost you $4 USD. Thats why weve carefully designed this 7-day Costa Rica itinerary to include three main destinations. WebDAY 1: Arrive & settle into San Jos Arrive and get settled in San Jos. However, it takes a lot of time! Mercadito Arenal is a relatively new gourmet food court in La Fortuna, offering tasty meals from a variety of restaurants and an exclusive Voodoo Mixology Bar. This part of the river is really hot, and youll smell the sulfur before seeing it! You can check out some amazing deals here. The corners of this land are so heavily dense & lush-green, that its almost a conservationists dream to explore Costa Rican wildlife. Just park your car at one of the ends of the bridge and walk over to see the crocs in the wild. You can even step a little further, and optional activities (which I will list down below) to the itinerary. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. Weve covered all bases with this itinerary culture, volcanos, waterfalls, wildlife, and the beach! This is very important because the clouds can completely obstruct your view of the volcano believe me, on this, I once went and saw nothing but clouds. They all line the road that runs west from La Fortuna around the north side of the volcano. Since, theres so much to explore keeping an extra day at this beautiful location does make sense! Parking at Rio Celeste costs 2,000 colones per vehicle, and the park entrance fee is $12 USD for adults. They are the easiest option if you need a quick place to sleep! For a traveler looking to cut down expenses, all-inclusive hotels (with meals) are a preferable option. Once in the park, you can wander the many different hiking trails, ranging in length. Tabacn Hot Springs is one of my favorite hot springs in La Fortuna. You can book a Standard Double Room here for as low as US$48 per night with discounts available during the low season. Plus, La Fortuna Waterfall is never that busy later in the afternoon. 7 DAY COSTA RICA ITINERARY - My Darling Passport. This bridge crosses the river and is a popular gathering spot. Start with a trip to Arenal Volcano National Park and explore the jungle on foot, with the option to crash through the regions white water on a rafting trip or repel down mighty waterfalls. Approximately 40-minutes from Poas Volcano National Park is La Paz Waterfall Garden, and we think this should be your next stop on your drive from San Jose to La Fortuna. Spend the day in the Cao Negro Wildlife Refuge, a lowland forest reserve replete with waterfowl near the Nicaraguan border. The Costa Rican government has led the world in the protection of this natural paradise, designating a quarter of the country's landmass to be protected national parks. WebDay 15 - Nayauca waterfall tour in the morning, Villa afternoon and swimming for the kids. You dont necessarily need to book a room to access the hot springs. You can see the expansive blue for miles on end with no obstruction at all. They also offer a self-drive option with the meeting point in Puntarenas. This 7 day Costa Rica itinerary for families has maps and photos to help you plan and is perfect to fit into a 1 week spring break. Having said that, its still important to be prepared before you travel to unfamiliar territory. White water rafting When it comes to rooms and amenities, the hotel provides free private parking, ticket service, and free Wi-Fi on-site. Whether its hiking through the rainforest, a leisurely beach time, a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs, or an exciting session of whitewater rafting, we know youll join the host of travelers who has already fallen for this incredible country. Luckily, our guide kept us safe! If traveling heavily on a certain budget, expect to spend $30 $45 per day. Through the partnership program with G Adventures, you can book the same tour through their website. However, an average one-week Costa Rica itinerary can cost you somewhere around $890 $1500. How to book add-ons for the above itinerary?For accommodation, you can explore a plethora of options from Tripadvisor. Mid-range Hotels Have a certain budget to spare for accommodation? This stunning 230-foot (70 meters) waterfall shoots out from a tall cliff into a pool below thats surrounded by lush forest. You'll be notified about special travel deals world-wide via email. Read our disclosure policy for more info. Visit the National Center of Art & Culture This sprawling museum houses modern contemporary art, dance, and theatre. You can pitch your own tent on the 20-hectare property for as low as $10 USD per night. Due to the different regions of Costa Rica offering a variety of experiences, this 7-day itinerary includes overnight stays in three major cities: La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. We think the best way to get to Tortuga Island is on an organized tour from San Jose such as this one. Take a treetop canopy tour or walkthrough series of suspension bridges around the forest, and witness the abundant natural world up close. Through my partnership program, all additional activities & experiences will be available through G Adventures. Rincn de la Vieja National Park, Costa Rica: An Overview, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Explore the Rainforest, Costa Rica in February: Unforgettable Adventures, Amazing Weather, Costa Rica in November: Weather & Travel Tips, Costa Rica in July: Weather, Tips & Marine Life, Costa Rica in January: Weather, Tips & More, Costa Rica in March: Weather, Tips & Wildlife, Costa Rica in April: Weather and Wildlife Ventures, Costa Rica in May: Rainy Weather and Lush Greenery, Costa Rica in June: Weather, Tips & Water Adventures, Costa Rica in August: Explore Top Attractions During Low Season, Costa Rica in September: Weather, Tips & Better Rates, Costa Rica in October: Weather and Travel Tips, Costa Rica in December: National Parks at Their Best, Explore the hanging bridges in Arenal Volcano National Park, Drive past farmlands and forests as you head towards the Nicoya Peninsula, Sail to Tortuga Island and enjoy water sports, Bid farewell to the Nicoya Peninsula and make your way toward San Jose, Depart from San Jose towards your next destination, Start off the adventure at Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Explore Tamarindo beach and take a dip into its warm waters, Start the journey with sightseeing around San Jose, Pass throughBraulio Carrillo National Park to reach Tortuguero National Park, Visit the town of Guapiles for a local lunch on the way to La Fortuna, Spend the day exploring Arenal Volcano National Park, Optional adventure activity in La Fortuna before heading for San Jose, Enjoy a zip-lining canopy adventure in Monteverde, Take a boat from Monteverde to La Fortuna (Arenal), Spend the day exploring and hiking in Arenal, Explore San Jose and the Liberia area independently, Drive through the countryside to Arenal Volcano National Park, Hike the rainforest surrounding Arenal Volcano, Arenal discovery drive or boat ride, head to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with optional activities, and head to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast, Enjoy a leisurely day at the park with activities of your choice, Choose from a series of activities in Manuel Antonio National Park before heading off to Alajuela, Bid goodbye to Alajuela and prepare for your next adventure, Explore the streets and historic buildings of San Jose, Start the day with a scenic drive to La Cruz and paddle through the first section of Pacuare River, Spend another day rafting in Pacuare River and transfer to La Fortuna in the evening, Prepare for an adventurous day in Arenal Volcano National Park, Road trip to Manuel Antonio National Park and enjoy a day at the beach, Explore Manuel Antonio National Park and surroundings independently, Make time for some other activities in the national park before you head to San Jose. You can also find below the estimated tour price for this 7 days Costa Rica itinerary. We recommend spending at least 3 hours here! Its a full-day tour at 12 hours long but is highly recommended. Day three in Monteverde is free to relax or try out other listed activities. 7 Days in Costa Rica: Our Recommended Itineraries, Costa Rica is a veritable nature wonderland, largely regarded as one of the world's last unspoiled wildernesses. Chat with a local travel specialist in Costa Rica who can help organize your trip. Here are a few places that I recommend you opt for when youre spending your day in the capital city . Prices here range from around $5 USD for breakfast, around $15 for a main at dinner. Planning a perfect Costa Rica tour can be daunting, however, this guide is all about taking you on a journey through a 7-day itinerary. Known as one of the most spectacular national parks in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park is a place you dont want to miss, which is why it has to be your first stop during your time in Manuel Antonio. However, tourist guides & local information will be in English only, or in bilingual. This is my first reddit post. Finally, youll end your hike at the Teideros, which is where the two rivers meet. Our travel experts will respond within 48 hours. Its not possible to try out everything in a single day, but you can span out some of these experiences for day three. A week full of excitement awaits you on this adventure-packed tour that will take you from the cloud forests of Monteverde to the Pacific coast of Tortuguero. To cater to some of these requirements, look at the below table I created following the itinerary. How much will the above curated itinerary cost?The above Costa Rica itinerary 7 Days will cost you $900 $1200. Menu Speak To A Vacation Planner Now 1-888-447-8459 Home stay with amazing families which including a cooking demo, cycle ride, swim in a river, a home cooked evening meal with locally sourced fresh food and one of the funniest games of football in the pouring rain with the local village children Ive ever played. You can directly head to the designated area and pay an entrance fee of $40 for the hot springs. Pura Vida!, Manfred was an extremely friendly and knowledgeable guide, certainly making the trip , Manfred was an extremely friendly and knowledgeable guide, certainly making the trip the amazing experience it was. Its truly a fun way to indulge yourself in this cold-adventure sport, and I urge you not to miss it!Price You can expect a ticket fee of around $85 $90 per person. Along with that, discover other places like Lake Arenal and Cerro Chato (extinct volcano).Price $59 approx. Along the way, you can enjoy the magnificent views and even see where the lava from the last major eruption oozed down the side of the volcano. Believe it or not, you can experience the best this country has to offer in only a week! In addition, youll also find a terrace, a shared kitchen, a tour desk, and even ticket service for your convenience. Make sure you book a ticket online on the SINAC website in advance since a limited number of tourists are allowed per time slot to visit the crater. Prices here range from $20 to $40 USD for mains. Franco offers a range of fresh food options that blend the best of Costa Rican coffee, confectionaries, smoothies, egg combinations, meats, and so much more. Head to San Jose to spend a final day exploring the city with its many things to do suited for children, such as the Childrens Museum. The drive from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio is a long one at 221 km (137 miles) and will take 5 hours without stops. Here, you can walk across several hanging bridges in the jungle as a guide tells you about the jungle. Theres definitely more but I think Ive named enough Plus, they offer beautiful private rooms with private bathrooms, or if youre on a tight budget, a bed in one of their dorms is an ideal choice. Its a place where you can use the bathroom too. In my opinion, its a must-visit during your 7 days in Costa Rica! Hot Tip: If you have an extra day or two to spare, add a stay in Jaco theres lots to do in this quirky town. For major African countries, a mandatory yellow fever certification will be required. From tarantulas to armadillos and large bugs you can expect to hop across them every now & then.Price Starting entry fee is $30 approx. WebOur top itinerary for 7 days in Costa Rica Day 1 & 2 & 3 - Monteverde - Situated on the continental divide under misty, magical clouds, Monteverde is one of the most biodiverse My ideal suggestion would be to visit the Baldi Hot Springs Hotel & Spa. You can also opt for additional activities & even extend your stay to explore other tourist places. If you dont have a rental car you can book a shuttle that will pick you up from your hotel in San Jose, costing approximately $37 USD this will take 4 hours and 15 minutes. A mix of nature and adventure, this trip allows you to combine the two best things about Costa Rica. Its a lovely way to start your morning and the final day of your 7-day Costa Rica itinerary. Otherwise, get going to the Arenal area right away. Its also home to a large international airport Juan Santamaria Airport, so its where most people start and end their trip to Costa Rica. There are also endless amounts of things to do in Costa Rica, and in 7 days you just cant see and do it all. Day 1: San Jose to La Fortuna. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. When we are going on a longer trip (more than a month) the insurance provider we always use is SafetyWing. From exploring the stunning National Theater, which is one of the most prestigious buildings in Costa Rica, to learning about the citys fascinating history at the National Museum, its easy to spend several hours here and not get bored. The Costa Rican government has led the world in the protection of this natural paradise, designating a quarter of the country's landmass to be protected national parks. The tour includes a 90-minute hike (more of a leisurely walk), a visit to a frog sanctuary, and ends with a Costa Rican dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove. The path is not at all strenuous, and can easily be completed with the help of nature guides. San Gerardo de Dota Want a more peaceful experience? Enjoy casual dining, a wide-ranging menu, and views of incredible sunsets over the Pacific Ocean while sipping on an ice cold beer or a delicious cocktail. South of Atenas, hook up with the Pacific Highwayfollow the signs directing you to Caldera. Is Costa Rica expensive?Yes, Costa Rica is relatively an expensive destination when compared to other Latin & Central American places. Prices here range between $150 and $350 USD a night. Youll learn a ton about the park and volcano! You can drive yourself or book a tour which will pick you up from your accommodation in La Fortuna. Yes, you get your accommodation, transport, and kitchen all sorted with a campervan. A mix of nature and adventure, this trip allows you to combine the two best things about Costa Rica. If yours doesn't, taxis are plentiful and cheap. Without a tour, entry to the park is $15 USD for adults and $5 for children its one of the best cheap things to do in La Fortuna. Parking is available near the entrance of the park and costs 2,000 to 4,000 colones per day, depending on how close the parking area is to the entrance. If you dont have time to stop here tonight, do not worry, this is the main beach in Manuel Antonio, and its almost guaranteed youll visit at some time during your 7 days in Costa Rica. As soon as youve landed, rent a Four hours' drive from Arenal takes you to fabled Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific coast. 7 Days in Costa Rica: Our Recommended Itineraries | Bookmundi If you have the time, set out early for Pos Volcano, where you can peer over the edge of the crater. Choose an adventure of your choice, whether it is a zip-line tour, an ATV tour, canyoning, caving, mountain biking, or even a chocolate tour. Youre lucky enough to be here in paradise. Here is a little overview of each destination in this itinerary: Your 7-day Costa Rica itinerary will more than likely start in San Jose, seeing as its the capital of Costa Rica and also the largest city with over 1.4 million people living here. This specific tour is the best option for those staying in Manuel Antonio town. Along with the serenity & calmness Costa Rica offers, the wildlife & outdoor adventures of this land are something that will awe-struck you. Heres your map of your 7 days in Costa Rica . Night tour of Mangroves on a boat. There are 30+ guest rooms on the property, and a private bathroom is included in every room! After an adventurous day at Rio Celeste, there is no better way to unwind than soaking in a relaxing hot spring! In the afternoon depart back to San Jose. La Fortuna Waterfall Just across the Arenal Volcano, youll find a more serene natural spot La Fortuna Waterfalls. Alternatively, skip the bustling city altogether and head straight on a day trip to Tortuga Island, a beautiful island paradise that is only accessible by boat. Situated near the lively San Jose Central Market, Hotel Colonial boasts neo-colonial architecture and a cozy vibe. This specific full-day tour to Rio Celeste is a top choice. Costa Rica heavily depends on its tourism business, meaning that it is one of the crucial sources of income the country expects. If you are short on time, check out our guide on5 days in Costa Rica instead. When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?Weather in Costa Rica: December, January, February, March, and April. These months make up the Dry Season, which is also peak tourist season. Travelling to Costa Rica in May and June. Visiting Costa Rica in July and August. Weather in Costa Rica: September, October and November. Be part of a volunteer program in Costa Rica. With that said, these hot springs are probably not the best choice for those looking for a relaxing and peaceful experience. Alternatively, you can drive and park at the trailhead, but youll still have to walk a few minutes to the beach through the jungle this is what keeps Biesanz Beach so quiet! When they finally tire of the exotic flora and fauna, enjoy a cooling dip beneath the cascade tiers of La Fortuna waterfall. With an outdoor pool, bar, garden, and complimentary wireless Internet access, Arenal Poshpacker is a low-budget stay in La Fortuna with excellent amenities. Shop at Mercado Central If you want to shop for souvenirs, then Mercado Central is a good starting point. Especially, when a country like Costa Rica is abundantly filled with luxury stays, budget-friendly hotels & fancy lodges. The caf is situated behind Plaza Vista in central Manuel Antonio and it overlooks the Pacific Ocean, plus the food is all homemade. The owner, a trained chef in Mexico, spares no ingredients so you can taste the authenticity in the soft savory tacos and the mezcal in margaritas. And finally you will hop on the bus from Quepos into Manuel Antonio which will take just 15 minutes and is $1 USD. Hey guys! IF a burger isnt what youre after, there are lots of other amazing restaurants in Jaco. Related Read: Not keen on staying in the city? You can check availability and book Hotel La Mariposa online here! Luxury Hotels Fancy up a stay? Your trip to Costa Rica most likely starts in San Jose, the countrys capital city and one of the only two Day 2: Hot Springs and Volcano Arenal. Embark on a canoe ride through the jungle in Tortuguero and explore this fascinating nature reserve before it's time to head back to San Jose. Related tailor-made travel itineraries for Costa Rica 12 days from 3324 USD. Head to San Gerardo de Dota for a serene bird-watching tour. Zipline over treetops in Monteverde before taking a boat to La Fortuna where you will hike trails around the iconic Arenal Volcano.