With volcanoes crowned in cloud forests and shores brushed by two oceans, Costa Rica rewards every sense. The country abolished its army in 1949 and invested in education and nature, so you’ll find pristine national parks, hummingbird-bright biodiversity, and a friendly welcome summed up in two words: Pura Vida.

This 7-day itinerary focuses on two ideal bases: San José for urban culture and an unforgettable Tortuga Island cruise, and La Fortuna for the Arenal Volcano, hanging bridges, waterfalls, hot springs, and high-adrenaline fun. Distances are manageable, food is fantastic (think gallo pinto, ceviche, and world-class coffee), and wildlife is everywhere.

Practical notes: The currency is the Costa Rican colón, and cards are widely accepted. Expect microclimates—pack a light rain jacket, quick-dry clothes, and sturdy shoes. Driving is straightforward on main routes; otherwise, shared shuttles and tours are easy and reliable.

San José

San José is the capital’s cultural heartbeat, with Belle Époque architecture, storied theaters, and vivid markets between pocket parks and vibrant neighborhoods like Barrio Escalante and Amón. It’s the best launchpad for day trips and the country’s coffee scene.

• Top sights: National Theater, Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Jade Museum, Mercado Central, La Sabana Park.
• Food & drink: From refined Costa Rican tasting menus to sodas (home-style diners) serving casados, plus craft coffee and beer in Escalante.
• Fun fact: The National Theater was funded by a coffee tax—proof of how much java shaped Costa Rican history.

How to arrive: Fly into San José (SJO). Compare fares on Trip.com, Kiwi.com, and—if you’re flying to/from Europe—Omio. Roundtrip fares from major US hubs often range ~$300–800 depending on season.

Where to stay: Boutique classic at Hotel Grano de Oro (beloved for its leafy courtyard and Costa Rican-French restaurant), stylish budget-friendly digs at Selina San José, or park-view convenience at Hilton Garden Inn San José La Sabana. Browse more stays on Hotels.com or VRBO.

Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica — Museums and Markets

Afternoon: Land at SJO and settle into your hotel. Stretch your legs around Plaza de la Cultura and the National Theater, an opulent 1897 showpiece built with “coffee baron” money. Pop into the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum to see delicate goldwork and learn how trade routes once linked these valleys.

Evening: For a refined first meal, book Silvestre for a storytelling tasting menu that elevates regional ingredients. Other great picks: Sikwa (modern dishes honoring Indigenous Bribri and Cabécar foodways), La Esquina de Buenos Aires (Argentine cuts, house-made pastas), or the Grano de Oro Restaurant (classic Costa Rican dishes and fine desserts). Finish with a nightcap at Stiefel Pub (craft beer) or Apotecario (cocktails) in Barrio Escalante.

Day 2: Pacific Bliss — Tortuga Island Day Cruise

Trade the city for turquoise water and white sand on a full-day catamaran adventure. Snorkel, watch for dolphins and seabirds, and savor a beachside lunch under the palms.

Tortuga Island Full Day Tour from San José with Lunch

Tip: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, and a dry bag for your phone. It’s a long but unforgettable day on the Pacific.

Day 3: Coffee, Art, and Escalante Eats

Morning: Fuel up with specialty pours at Cafeoteca or Franco (excellent pastries and savory breakfast plates). Explore the Jade Museum’s striking collection, then stroll Barrio Amón to admire early 20th-century mansions restored as galleries and cafés.

Afternoon: Grab lunch at Mercado Central—try a casado plate at a traditional soda, then a cup at La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora (a century-old cinnamon-vanilla ice cream). If the sun’s out, wander La Sabana Park and the Costa Rican Art Museum in a former airport terminal.

Evening: Return to Barrio Escalante, the city’s culinary hub. Book Sikwa or Silvestre if you missed them, or try Somos (creative Costa Rican flavors) or Costa Rica Beer Factory (burgers, wings, and local brews). Call it a night—tomorrow, you head for the volcano.

La Fortuna (Arenal)

La Fortuna sits below the perfect cone of Arenal Volcano, surrounded by rainforest, lava fields, waterfalls, and natural hot springs. It’s Costa Rica’s adventure capital—yet easy to enjoy at any pace.

• Top sights: La Fortuna Waterfall, Mistico Hanging Bridges, Arenal 1968 lava trails, Ecocentro Danaus or Bogarin Trail for sloths and birds, hot springs like Tabacón and EcoTermales.
• Activities: Ziplining, canyoning, white-water rafting, night wildlife walks, ATV rides, and coffee/chocolate tours.
• Dining: From homestyle sodas (Soda Víquez) to contemporary favorites (Don Rufino) and wood-fired pizzas (Anch’io).

Getting there (San José → La Fortuna): Morning departure recommended. By shared shuttle: ~3–3.5 hours, ~$55–70 per person. By rental car: ~3–3.5 hours (Route 1/702; watch for rain and occasional fog). By public bus: ~4–5 hours from Terminal 7–10, ~$6–10. You can always check flight options to SJO on Trip.com and Kiwi.com, then connect overland to La Fortuna.

Where to stay: Browse a wide range—from springs-focused resorts to rainforest villas—on Hotels.com and VRBO. Popular choices include Tabacón Thermal Resort, Nayara Gardens, Arenal Springs Resort & Spa, and Hotel Los Lagos (verify availability and day-pass policies for hot springs).

Day 4: Transfer to La Fortuna, Town Stroll, and Hot Springs

Morning: Depart San José after breakfast (aim for 8–9am). Expect a scenic drive past coffee fields, cloud-forest foothills, and roadside fruit stands—try sweet pejibayes (peach palm) if in season.

Afternoon: Check in and have a casual lunch at Soda Víquez (satisfying casados, natural juices) or Organico Fortuna (bowls, smoothies). Walk the central park for volcano views and visit the chocolate shop Chocolate Fusion for treats.

Evening: Soak in hot springs: Tabacón (lush rivers of thermal water), EcoTermales (intimate, reservation-only), or Baldi (large, lively). Dine at Don Rufino (contemporary Costa Rican plates and a strong wine list) or La Parrilla de María Bonita (grilled meats, big portions).

Day 5: Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Arenal Volcano

Hit the region’s three icons in one well-paced day: canopy bridges, a jungle waterfall swim, and an Arenal lava field hike with sunset views.

La Fortuna Waterfall, Hanging Bridges, Arenal Volcano Combo Tour

Expect guided wildlife spotting on Mistico’s bridges (look for toucans and eyelash vipers), a 500-step descent to the waterfall pool, and a late-afternoon walk on the Arenal 1968 trails over old lava flows. Pack water shoes, quick-dry clothes, and a lightweight rain jacket.

Day 6: Zipline, White-Water Rafting, and a Night Walk

Morning: Soar through rainforest and canyon scenery on a multi-cable zipline course, flying past the La Fortuna Waterfall gorge and primary forest.

Arenal 12 Zipline Cables Experience Fly over La Fortuna Waterfall

Grab a late breakfast at Red Frog Coffee Roasters (cold brew and hearty toasts) or a bakery stop for empanadas.

Afternoon: Paddle the Balsa River’s class II–III rapids—a fun, family-friendly run that still brings the splash and adrenaline. Most trips include a fruit stop and transport.

Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica

Refuel with a casual lunch at Nene’s (fresh fish and ceviche) or Chifa La Familia Feliz (Peruvian-Chinese comfort dishes).

Evening: After dark, the forest wakes up. Join a naturalist-led night walk to spot frogs, insects, sleeping birds, and (with luck) sloths and armadillos.

Night Walk Around The Arenal Volcano

Celebrate the day with pizza from Anch’io (wood-fired, thin crust) or a relaxed dinner at Restaurante Tierra Mía (local dishes with a view).

Day 7: Coffee & Chocolate, Farewell Hot Springs, and Departure

Morning: Learn how Costa Rican beans go from cherry to cup—and how cacao becomes chocolate—on a beloved family-run farm tour.

North Fields Cafe: Craft Specialty Coffee and Chocolate Tour

Afternoon: Early lunch in town—try a Caribbean-style rice and beans plate if you see it on the specials—then drive or shuttle back to SJO (allow 3–3.5 hours; add buffer for traffic and rain). Search flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com, and if you’re Europe-bound, compare on Omio.

Evening: Departure day. If time allows, squeeze in a quick soak at a springs property offering morning day passes or grab coffee to-go for one last taste of Pura Vida.

Additional Ideas (if you swap or extend)

• Canyoning and waterfall rappelling in lush canyons if you crave more adrenaline: Arenal Volcano Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling.
• Prefer one mega-day near Arenal with hot springs included? Consider this full-day option: Volcano Hike, Fortuna Waterfall, Hanging Bridges and Hot Springs.
• ATV through forest and learn about the Maleku culture: Arenal Volcano ATV Guided Experience.

Good to know (2025): Most activities run rain or shine; sudden showers pass quickly. Reserve hot springs and popular tours in advance during December–April. Tipping 10% at restaurants is appreciated when service isn’t included. Driving after dark is not recommended on unfamiliar mountain roads—use daytime transfers.

In one week you’ll have sipped award-winning coffee, hiked lava fields beneath Arenal, swum below a jungle waterfall, drifted over the Pacific, and unwound in mineral-rich hot springs. Costa Rica packs a lot into short distances—enough to make you start planning your return before you’ve even left.