How To Spend One Week in Costa Rica

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Last Updated on December 27, 2023 by sydabroad

Keep reading to discover the perfect one week in Costa Rica itinerary. 

If you are spending one week in Costa Rica, then this 7 days in Costa Rica itinerary is for you! I spent a week traveling around this beautiful country with my family and I’m going to share all of the best things to see, how to get around, where to stay, and more.

Costa Rica offers something for everyone to enjoy. Here you can experience its lush jungles, abundant wildlife, beautiful beaches, and volcanoes. This guide covers San José (the country’s capital), Jaco, and La Fortuna – so you’ll get a taste of everything. 

Looking for More Central America guides? 

• The Ultimate Antigua, Guatemala Travel Guide 
• What to Know Before Hiking Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala

This post is all about how to spend one week in Costa Rica. 

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One Week in Costa Rica – The Basics

Currency = Costa Rican Colón

The currency in Costa Rica is the (CRC)

1 USD = 528 Costa Rican Colón

Although the local currency is the Costa Rican Colón, US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere. 

Language = Spanish 

The official language in Costa Rica is Spanish. English is spoken in some places however, I do suggest brushing up on your Spanish before visiting. I use the Duolingo app for language learning. Also, make sure to have Google Translate downloaded on your phone. 

 Phone & Internet 

Wifi and the Internet are readily available throughout the country. Many cafes, hotels, and restaurants will have wifi. I suggest purchasing an eSIM for affordable cellular data. I love using the Airalo app! Check it out here. 

Daily Budget 

Although Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America, it is still an affordable place to travel. Traveling to Costa Rica on a tight budget is doable. The average traveler spends about 65 USD per day. However, travelers have spent as little as 35 USD per day. 

Tipping in Costa Rica 

Tipping in Costa Rica is appreciated but not mandatory. 10% is the standard percentage and it’s always polite to leave a small tip for tour guides or at restaurants if you had a nice meal. 

Is the Tap Water Drinkable? 

In urban areas in Costa Rica, tap water is safe to drink. However, in more remote locations around the country, it’s advisable to drink bottled water. 

When is The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s high tourist season is from late November to late April. This is also the dry season. I recommend visiting during shoulder season which is either early November or May. 

I visited in May and this was ideal because there were not as many tourists and it wasn’t the rainy season yet. Prices also tend to be lower if you avoid traveling during high tourist season.

How to Get Around Costa Rica 

As for transportation in Costa Rica, you’ll need a car to get from place to place. We rented a car because this was the easiest option to get around the country on our own time, however, the car situation in Costa Rica is not ideal. 

Both my family and the family we were traveling with had issues with the rental cars. One car had a flat on the first day and the spare tire was also flat. Another horrible experience was that one of the cars ended up losing complete break functionality on our drive from La Fortuna to Jaco. 

It was quite honestly the most terrifying travel experience I’ve ever had because we were on the side of a mountain. Thankfully, we made it back safely. 

The road from Jaco to La Fortuna is one of the scariest roads I’ve been on. If you end up wanting to take this route, I suggest going the LONG way around the country to avoid these crazy mountainous roads. Honestly, next time I visit I will be using Uber the entire time. In my opinion, it’s not worth the risk of getting a shitty rental car 

One Week in Costa Rica Itinerary: San José, Jaco, & La Fortuna 

Day 1: San José, Costa Rica

Start your one week in Costa Rica off in the country’s capital,San José. Many people skip over San José, but in my opinion, it’s worth a day. 

It’s a relatively walkable city and there is just enough to see in a day. There are some amazing restaurants beautiful museums, and fun street art around the city. 

Coffee at Alma de Cafe in the National Theater 

First start your 7 days in Costa Rica off with a coffee at Alma de Cafe in the National Theater. This was one of the most beautiful coffee shops I have ever visited. And the coffee was delicious too! 

Explore The Markets

Depending on what day of the week you visit, there will be different markets around the city. A common market to visit in the city is the San José Central Market. This is one of the oldest places in the city. The market opened in 1880 and now many locals and tourists will visit to pick up local goods and souvenirs.  

National Museum of Costa Rica 

Next up on your day in Costa Rica’s capital is the National Museum of Costa Rica. In the past, the museum’s primary purpose was to preserve and showcase the cultural and natural heritage of Costa Rica. 

Now, visitors can explore temporary exhibitions, botanical gardens, the Historical exhibition, the Colonial Religious Art Room, and more. Tickets currently cost 11 USD. 

Street Art in the City

San José is home to some of the most vibrant street art in the country. You’ll final murals throughout various neighborhoods that reflect the country’s rich culture and social issues. 

You can find street art in neighborhoods such as Barrio Escalante, Barrio Amón, La California, and Calles de la Amargura. You can also book guided graffiti tours in San José. 

Lunch at Cafe Otoya 

Cafe Otoya is the cutest cafe! We were wandering around the city and happened to stumble across this place. We ate here for brunch and it was delicious. The atmosphere was so cozy and filled with so many plants. The best vibe! I suggest at least stopping here for coffee. 

Museo Del Jade 

Next, visit the Jade Museum, or Museo del Jade. Jade has a cultural and historical significance in the country. 

Dinner at El Social 

End your one day in San José with a nice dinner downtown. There are so many great restaurants in the city, but El Social has such a fun vibe. El Social is right downtown with live music, great cocktails, and delicious food. It’s the perfect place to end your day in the capital of Costa Rica. 

Day 2: Jaco, Costa Rica  

Manuel Antonio National Park 

Begin your time in Jaco by visiting Manuel Antonio National Park. This is a highlight of Costa Rica – a must on your 7 days in Costa Rica itinerary. 

Manuel Antonio National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, beautiful beaches, and lush rainforest. I suggest booking a guided tour to learn about the rainforest and spot all of the unique animals. We got to see sloths, monkeys, birds, and all sorts of other wildlife. 

After the guided tour walk over to Playa Manual Antonio, a pristine beach with bright blue water and white sand. This is the most amazing way to spend half of your day. 

We booked our tour through the Manuel Antonio National Park information center which costs about $55 USD. Our guide, Beatrice, was incredibly knowledgeable about everything! 

Abandoned Mansion Hike

This hike is one of the best things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica. It’s a hike across from Puddle Fish Brewery (which is also in this itinerary). The hike took about 15 to 20 minutes to get to the top and I promise you this is the best view in Jaco. Visit during sunset! 

We had no idea this hike existed until the staff at Puddle Fish Brewery told us about it and wow it was so cool. There is this old abandoned mansion with graffiti everywhere. Also, the hike wasn’t too bad, you don’t necessarily need tennis shoes. 

PuddleFish Brewery

As mentioned above, PuddleFish Brewery is a must while in Jaco. We stumbled upon this place and ended up getting a mini tour of the brewery, which had the most amazing drinks and appetizers. The vibe here was perfect. 

Day 3: Jaco, Costa Rica

Jaco Farmers Market 

Start your morning in Jaco by visiting the Jaco Farmers Market. You’ll find all sorts of fresh produce. We picked up refreshing coconuts and fresh veggies and fruit to make breakfast with. It is pretty small but I enjoyed visiting. 

ATV and Zipline Tour 

An ATV and ziplining tour is a must in Costa Rica! This was a highlight during our one week in Costa Rica. I booked a zipline and ATV combo tour – I’ll link similar tours below. It was a perfect afternoon that included two hours of ziplining and two hours of ATVs in the jungle. 

This is seriously the perfect way to experience the beautiful jungles in the country. Keep in mind that you will get extremely muddy during your ATV tour so choose your clothing accordingly.  

Sunset at Jaco Beach

The sunsets are the best part of Jaco. If you are in Jaco for a few days, you have to stay on the beach and take in every sunset. 

Day 4: Jaco, Costa Rica  

Day Trip to Tortuga Island 

I suggest spending your last day in Jaco taking a day trip to Tortuga Island. If you want some time to relax and enjoy water activities, Tortuga Island is the perfect place. 

We booked a Tortuga island tour that included transportation to the island, all-you-can-drink margaritas and rum punch, lunch, banana boat rides, snorkeling, and beach chairs. This day was an absolute blast! 

Optional: If you aren’t one for relaxing on the beach, consider booking a deep-sea fishing trip. Costa Rica has some of the best fishing in the world. A few people in our group did this instead of Tortuga Island and they caught massive tuna.  

Where to Eat in Jaco, Costa Rica 

• Cafe Bohia and Infusions are great spots for coffee. 
• Panchi’s Pan for pastries 
• For beek, cocktails, and healthy bar food visit Puddle Fish Brewery 
• Gaia Natural Food for the best acai bowls and smoothies. 
• Tsunami Sushi for amazing sushi. 
• Visit a local Soda for the best Costa Rican meal.

Day 5: La Fortuna, Costa Rica

La Fortuna Waterfall

Next, you’ll make the journey from Jaco to La Fortuna. This will take you about three and a half hours. As I mentioned earlier in the guide, our road trip was pretty bad – our rental car broke down on the side of a mountain. 

I’d honestly book some sort of private driver or Uber to La Fortuna. 

Anyways… one of the best things (if not the best) do to in La Fortuna, is visit La Fortuna waterfall. The photos don’t do it justice. The entrance fee is $18 for adults and you can swim in the falls and the surrounding pools. 

I suggest visiting early for fewer crowds. Also, keep in mind that it is a bit of a hike to get down to the waterfall and a lot harder to get back up. It’s 500 steps down to the waterfall and then you’ll have to go back up those 500 steps. Make sure you bring water! 

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges 

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is known for its suspension bridges that allow you to explore the rainforest. Here, you can take guided tours to learn about the ecology and wildlife of the region. 

The hanging bridges in La Fortuna need to be on your Costa Rica bucket list! This is such a beautiful park to explore. You can opt for a guided tour or walk the paths on your own. The entrance fee is $26 for adults and $16 for teens. 

Day 6: La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Sunrise Yoga 

There’s nothing better than starting your morning with a sunrise yoga sesh. There are a few different studios you can visit in town. Many hotels and resorts will offer yoga as well! 

Rio Celeste Waterfall 

Rio Celeste waterfall is located in Tenorio Volcano National Park about an hour and a half drive from La Fortuna. This waterfall is known for its Gatorade blue water. It gets this distinctive blue color from a chemical reaction between volcanic minerals in the water. 

Hot Springs in La Fortuna 

You have to experience the natural hot springs while you are in La Fortuna. I stayed at Arenal Springs Resort & Spa and enjoyed the hot springs on their property. 

Many hotels in the area will have hot springs for guests. Some hotels allow you to purchase a day pass if you aren’t staying on the property. 

Day 7: La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Try Local Costa Rican Cuisine at a Soda

A “Soda” is a local Costa Rican restaurant. So, if you are looking for delicious local cuisine, make sure to stop at a Soda! You can find them just about everywhere. Sodas are extremely affordable too, my meal was 4 USD. And you get a lot of food. 

Coffee and Chocolate Tour

Costa Rica is known for its exquisite coffee and tasty chocolate. I suggest booking a guided coffee tour, a chocolate tour, or both! There are all sorts of options in and around La Fortuna. I’ve linked a few below.  

Arenal Volcano National Park 

For the best view of Arenal Volcano (on a sunny day), visit Arenal Volcano National Park. Either way this National Park is such a great place to visit in La Fortuna. Here, there are a variety of different hiking trails and diverse wildlife.

Where to Eat in La Fortuna

•  Spectacolar Cantina for the best tacos. 
• Arábigos Coffee House 
• Local Sodas for authentic Costa Rican food. 
• Don Rufino 

Where To Stay in Costa Rica 

Where to Stay in San José

If you are looking to stay in San José on a budget, I recommend Capital Hostel de Ciudad. This is honestly one of the best hostels I’ve stayed at and it’s in the perfect location. If you are looking for a hotel, search for hotels in San José here. 

Where to Stay in Jaco

Find a place to stay in Jaco, Costa Rica here. I stayed in an Airbnb with some family and friends overlooking Jaco Beach and it was amazing. 

Where to Stay in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Find a place to stay in La Fortuna here. I stayed at Arenal Springs Resort & Spa and it was absolutely incredible! The rooms were nice, they had their hot springs and offered all sorts of activities in the area. 

Safety in Costa Rica 

I never felt unsafe in Costa Rica – Well, besides the whole car breaking down situation. La Fortuna is incredibly safe and I’d say San José and Jaco are very safe places during the day. I wouldn’t recommend going out at night by yourself in these cities. Use common sense and obey local customs.  

I hope you enjoyed this one week in Costa Rica itinerary! If you have any questions about visiting Costa Rica, feel free to comment below or DM me on Instagram. 

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