If you want a relaxed vacation with plenty of activities, nature, and a little relaxation, you have to go to Costa Rica. I’ve just returned from a week in the country, and to be honest, it completely changed my attitude. With rainforests as green as emeralds, live volcanoes, beautiful white-sand beaches, and some of the friendlier people I’ve ever encountered, Costa Rica definitely lives up to that “Pura Vida” phrase.
From zip lining over cloud forest to drinking coconut water by the sea, here’s a 7-itinerary with all the great things to visit in Costa Rica.
Day 1: Arrived in San José – Welcome to Pura Vida!
Arrival in San José, capital city, was a bit daunting initially. It’s really bustling, energetic, and absolutely alive. But after a couple of hours, I began to feel very comfortable. I was staying at this adorable little boutique hotel in the heart of the city, with nice colonial style and a rooftop area with a great viewpoint of the city skyline.
In the afternoon, I walked around downtown San José and ended up at the Mercado Central. It’s really bustling there—people are buying up spices, tropical fruits, and all kinds of trinkets while coffee wafts through the air. I grabbed a bite to eat from this adorable little soda (really a Costa Rican diner), and I got to have my first-ever casado, which is this great Costa Rican meal with rice, black beans, plantains, salad, and chicken that’s been grilled. It’s not much, but goodness, it’s full of flavor.
So, I found myself in Barrio Escalante, such a great place filled with outside patios and restaurants. I came across this adorable little wine bar and enjoyed a glass or two of Chilean red while I plotted out my week. I have to admit, Costa Rica was winning my heart.
Day 2: Exploring volcanoes and hot springs in La Fortuna
The following morning, I caught a shuttle to La Fortuna, the town that houses Arenal Volcano—honestly, it’s one of the coolest places in the entire country. The 3.5-hour ride went by quickly because we sped by these gorgeous hills, coffee plantations, and tiny fruit stands the entire time. The moment I caught a glimpse of that perfectly formed volcano cone, I knew I was in store for something amazing.
I spent a night at this eco-lodge which was literally surrounded by rainforest gardens and hot springs. Once I’d checked in, I set off to visit the Hanging Bridges of Arenal. Hiking along those misty, high bridges provided an incredible bird’s-eye perspective of the rainforest. I saw a toucan preening its feathers in a branch, a far-off sound of howler monkeys calling out, and even a sloth asleep in a nearby tree. No joke, I felt as though I’d leaped directly into a National Geographic special!
On that evening, I relaxed in Tabacón Resort’s hot springs. The natural hot pools, warmed by a volcano, are filled with flowers, ferns, and lots of greens. The stars above, combined with the sound of a nearby river, made it absolutely incredible. I spaced out and forgot I was even a human.
Day 3: Waterfalls, wildlife, and wonder!
Started off with a fantastic breakfast of gallo pinto (that rice, bean, egg mix) and then hit La Fortuna Waterfall by hiking up to it. Descending was ridiculously steep-more than 500 steps or more-but absolutely worth it. Once I reached the base, there was this enormous waterfall emptying into a wild blue turquoise pond, all hemmed in by jungle cliffs. I dove in for a cool swim and just floated on my back as butterflies whizzed by.
In the afternoon, I took a really cool guided hike at the volcano’s base. My guide was great—pointing out all kinds of things I likely would’ve otherwise overlooked. We visited tree frogs, these incredible blue morpho butterflies, and even saw a sloth lounge in a cecropia tree. I learned a lot about Costa Rica’s unbelievable diversity of flora and fauna, as well as conservation efforts with participation from tourists. It made hiking in those sensitive ecosystems feel all the more magical.
That evening, I visited a new restaurant in town which hosts a trendy open-kitchen atmosphere. I ordered coconut sauce-grilled tilapia with plantain chips, and I have to say, it was likely one of my top dinners during the entire trip.
Day 4: Visiting Monteverde’s Cloud Forest
After two wild days in La Fortuna jungle, I was absolutely set to change things up a bit and head to Monteverde’s cloud forests. I splurged a bit and took the totally scenic “Jeep-Boat-Jeep” transfer, which involves a boat ride across Lake Arenal, then a rough but stunning drive through the mountains. Seriously, you’ve got to try it—the lake views are simply mind-boggling!
Monteverde was like a different world. The air was incredibly refreshing, and there was a continuous mist in the air all over. I slept in this adorable little cabin in the mountains, and the noises of the woods knocked me out each evening.
Man, you have no idea how great my day was at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve! I was just walking up and down more or less forever among these enormous moss-covered trees with orchids sprouting literally all over the place. I was incredibly lucky to have seen a resplendent quetzal—a really rare bird that people come from far and wide to see. I literally gasped as I saw its gleaming green tail feathers flying through the trees.
If you want to have a thrill, Monteverde’s got great zip-lining as well as those amazing bridges that hang in mid-air. I wasn’t sufficiently bold to attempt to zip-line (perhaps I’ll next time!), but I did walk over many of those bridges, way up in the air over the trees. It really was like floating in a dream.
Day 5: Chilling by the Pacific coast in Manuel Antonio
I left the frigid mountain ridges behind and descended to the Pacific coast, stopping at a beachfront hotel in Manuel Antonio overnight. The ambiance was radically different—lush jungle gave way to palm trees swaying in the wind along with beaches.
Manuel Antonio National Park is absolutely one of Costa Rica’s top places. Sure, it’s a small park, but it’s teeming with wildlife, and it’s got great trails. I woke up ridiculously early to avoid the crowds, and before I knew it, I was spotting capuchin monkeys, iguanas, and even a deer eating leaves along the trail. I concluded my hike at Playa Manuel Antonio, this totally mellow white-sand beach that was a little slice of heaven.
I spent my afternoon at the beach, soaking up some sun, swimming, and enjoying a cool coconut from a street vendor. When it began to get dark, I walked along the shore, watching surfers catch the dying waves of the day. Truly, I could have spent an eternity there.
Day 6: Sunset Sailing and Seafood in Quepos
On my final day, I visited nearby Quepos, which was a complete contrast to Manuel Antonio. It was much more local, not touristy in the slightest, and a great place to immerse myself in a little Costa Rican everyday life.
Hey, after a pleasant morning stroll along the water, I decided to try out this adorable little family-owned place with ocean views for a seafood lunch. I opted for the mahi-mahi, which was perfectly grilled in garlic butter, along with some yuca fries as a side, and it was incredible. Wow, Costa Rica certainly does seafood right!
We set sail that evening on an amazing sunset cruise. We sailed along the shoreline, sipping rum punch and viewing dolphins literally having a blast in the wake of the boat. When the sun began to set, the horizon erupted in wild colors such as orange, pink, and purple. It was a great ending.
Day 7: Returning to San José to say goodbye
My return flight wasn’t until that afternoon, so I chose to drive back to San José along the pretty way to get in a final coffee in the hills. When I arrived in the city, I visited the National Museum of Costa Rica, which is housed in an old fortress still sporting bullet marks in the wall—a reminder that Costa Rica once experienced a brief civil war in 1948.
Finished off my trip with a great cup of Costa Rican coffee at a cafe by the airport and reflected on the week. Truthfully, I was much lighter, revitalized, and much more in sync with what was around me than I’ve been in years.
The 6 need-to-know tips for your Costa Rican adventure
1. Pack for All Climates
Costa Rica has microclimates, so bring layers. You’ll want shorts for the beach and a light jacket for the cool cloud forests. A rain jacket is a must—even in the dry season, brief showers can pop up.
2. Take Local Transport or Shuttles
Not in the mood to drive along those curvy mountain roads? Simply hop aboard private or communal shuttles to transport you. It’s economical, secure, and very convenient!
3. Rise and Shine
Wildlife is extremely active during the morning. Additionally, starting your day early allows you to avoid the heat and the throngs of people at hotspots such as Manuel Antonio.
4. Pack bug spray and sunscreen
That equatorial sunlight isn’t to be trifled with, and those insects are no joke—particularly in rainforests. Choose DEET-free bug spray and reef-friendly sunscreen to protect yourself as well as the planet.
5. Pick Up Some Spanish
Even though a lot of people at tourist areas talk English, it’s great to have some Spanish. Just saying “gracias” or “¿cuánto cuesta?” can make a big difference, and people really appreciate it.
6. Support Sustainable Tourism
Opt for eco-lodges, local guides, and restaurants that actually prioritize sustainability. Costa Rica is all about conservation, and being a responsible tourist keeps its nature safe and beautiful.
Costa Rica really stays with you way after you’ve left
It’s not a vacation, it’s a different way of feeling, rejuvenating, and it really makes you want to kick back and live a little. Whether you zip through a cloud forest, swim in a waterfall, or simply hang out at the beach while the sun sets, one thing’s certain: you’ll be saying “Pura Vida” as you set out—and you’ll really feel it.