How to Plan a 1 Week Costa Rica Itinerary
If you’re planning a 1 week Costa Rica itinerary, keep reading for my best tips. I’ve been to Costa Rica a few times over the years, both by myself as a travel blogger as well as with my family one summer as part of an Adventures by Disney tour!
Whether you’re looking for the best things to do with kids or seeking adventure off the beaten path, Costa Rica is the perfect place.
The country has so many diverse regions to discover, from the heights of the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest to the streets of San José.
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What to Know Before Planning a Costa Rica Trip
Costa Rica is a gem of Latin America, filled with natural wonders and around 6% of the world’s biodiversity. There are active volcanoes, over 25 natural parks, rain forests, natural hot springs, and beaches so beautiful they belong on a magazine cover.
Expect to find quaint and beautiful mountain villages and beach towns where the party never stops. You can choose from rustic hostels and luxury resorts.
Basically, Costa Rica is full of things to discover! Even if you only have 5 days, you can experience a lot of Costa Rica’s beauty. However, it can be overwhelming to know where to start, and that’s why I’ve put together this list.
Below, you’ll find suggestions to help you make the most out of one week in Costa Rica, a few sample itineraries, and things you need to know before traveling to Costa Rica.
Tips for a 1 Week Costa Rica Itinerary
Here’s how to plan a 1-week trip to Costa Rica and the best places to go for an unforgettable experience.
1. Take advantage of both the San Jose and Liberia airports
San Jose is located roughly in the center of the country, while Liberia Airport (LIR) is in the Guanacaste province just an hour from the ocean.
If it’s possible to fly into one airport and out of the other, do so. This will allow you to see more as you won’t need to backtrack if you’re trying to cover several destinations on one trip.
We flew into San Jose Airport (SJO) and home from Liberia. It’s truly the best way to maximize your time in Costa Rica!
2. Beware: Transportation Can Take a While
Costa Rica is a small country, and destinations can look deceivingly close on a map. In reality, it will probably take longer than anticipated to get from Point A to Point B, regardless of transportation method.
If you’re thinking about renting a car, you can find them easily at both airports and in most cities. Getting a rental car allows you to explore at your own pace and opens up places that aren’t accessible via trains and buses.
Just beware that the traffic laws are different here and feel more like suggestions! Plus, it’s very difficult to drive in Costa Rica, especially when it starts to rain. Roads are narrow, GPS service can be spotty, and it takes longer than planned.
Photo: Sky Fisher
Planning on spending time in San José or another urban area? Parking gets a little tricky here. While you can drive freely with a US driver’s license, you have to be very aware of parking restrictions where you’re going.
Instead, if you can afford to have a driver, this is by far your best option and totally worth the extra cost. You can book everything from private transfers from the airport to your hotel to a local guide if you’re interested in a day trip to the mountains.
Public transportation is always a great option in Costa Rica! It can be a bit unpredictable, so I only suggest this for families with older kids who are self-sufficient. But if you plan ahead, buses are a cheap and comfortable choice.
3. Set Your Costa Rica Sightseeing Priorities
If there is one major activity that you’re most excited about doing on your 7-day Costa Rica itinerary, build your trip around that.
Some of the top bucket list things in Costa Rica include hiking Cerro Chirripó, white water rafting down the Rio Pacuare, or visiting the remote Corcovado National Park.
You could take an epic day trip with a guided hike through the Arenal Volcano Park, where you’ll see the La Fortuna Waterfall and cross the Mistico Hanging Bridges.
One of my favorite memories from Costa Rica was going zip lining through the lush rainforest! Or spend your days visiting all of the most beautiful beaches near San Jose.
You’ll find a lot of the most popular activities a little off the beaten path, so it’s typically easier to start there and plan back towards your arrival at the airport.
If you need help making a list of priorities, check out these other things to do in Costa Rica.
4. Keep the Weather in Mind
The winter (specifically December through April) is the dry season in Costa Rica. This also coincides with the high season in Costa Rica, for good reason! As a winter getaway, Costa Rica offers warm, sunny days and mild temperatures.
If you prefer fewer crowds, you could risk visiting during the rainy season (roughly May to October/November) but beware that the weather will likely affect your plans. The rain can be unpredictable and many activities depend on good weather.
The rain can also turn roads into rivers that are difficult to cross, especially in the Guanacaste region. If you plan on visiting during this time of year, you’ll need to be flexible and it’s a good idea to plan an extra day into your itinerary in case the weather disrupts your plans!
And yes, technically, Costa Rica does have a hurricane season, usually June through November. However, hurricanes rarely hit the island so far (think every 20-25 years).
5. Choose the Caribbean Coast or the Pacific Coast
With only a week to spend in Costa Rica, I highly recommend choosing either the Caribbean or the Pacific Coast, but not both. Driving between the two of them will mean losing at least one day’s worth of travel time and the roads aren’t always great.
Instead, I recommend sticking to the Pacific Coast. It’s very tourist-friendly, considered to be safer, and, in my opinion, prettier than the Caribbean side.
You’ll also find that there are a variety of activities available to you within a short driving distance along the Pacific Coast. This means you’ll have plenty of time to see the best of Costa Rica just a short distance from your hotel.
Surfers of all skill levels will find the best waves along the Pacific coastline, and the rainforests are the perfect destinations for outdoor lovers. The beaches offer tons of amenities for a relaxing day on the sand, and mangrove boat tours offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
Curious about the Caribbean Coast? This side of the country offers a more authentic and laid-back experience, with a rich Afro-Caribbean culture.
You’ll find plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun, but on the more affordable side! Spend your time exploring local communities and staying in smaller lodges and hotels. (These are some of our favorite Costa Rica resorts for families).
Suggested Activities for a 1 Week Costa Rica Itinerary
Beach Hop the Nicoya Peninsula
If you’re looking for some relaxing time in the sun, a week is the perfect amount of time to beach hop down Nicoya. Start by flying into Liberia and then head south.
Recommended stops: Playa Conchal, Playa Samara, and Playa Nosara.
Beach Hop the Pacific Coast
Perhaps you want to plan a little more for your 1 week Costa Rica itinerary than just laying on the beach. Instead, stay on the mainland Pacific coast.
Fly into Liberia and start in either Playas del Coco or Tamarindo for a day before heading south to Jaco or Manuel Antonio, both of which are popular tourist destinations.
Manuel Antonio National Park is stunning. If you’re interested in nature, a day spent exploring is a day well spent! From there, head even further south to Uvita or Dominical (or both).
Adventure Time near Arenal
If you’re more interested in nature and adventure, fly into San Jose and head to Turrialba where you can whitewater raft the famous Rio Pacuare.
Then, head to the Monteverde Cloud Forest for a few days, where you can enjoy the best ziplining in the country!
Finally, end the trip in La Fortuna, home of Arenal Volcano and many incredible hot springs.
A Bit of Everything
Want adventure AND the beach? If you’re flying into Liberia, spend the first full day in Playas del Coco or Tamarindo and then head to Manuel Antonio National Park.
However, if you’re flying into San Jose, I suggest you head straight to Manuel Antonio for fun in the sun with a side of nature at the national park.
For a little more beach time (or if you don’t care about the national park), you can also head further south to Uvita or Dominical.
Then, begin the adventure portion by going to Monteverde to zipline and ending with a visit to the Arenal Volcano National Park or a soak in the hot springs in La Fortuna.
If you’re looking for other Costa Rica ideas, don’t miss: What Not to Miss in Costa Rica with Kids
About the author: This article was originally written by Sky Fisher, a freelance writer who spent 5 years living in Costa Rica, and edited by Elizabeth Ramos.