7 Perfect Days in Costa Rica

You could spend a lifetime in Costa Rica and never run out of reasons to love it here. We firmly believe that, but we also know most unlucky non-Costa Ricans can only spend a limited time in this beautiful country.

So, how do you make the most out of your time here? It can be difficult to narrow down the list of things you want to do — and even harder to know which things are the must-dos and must-sees and which are not.

The team at Adventure Tours Costa Rica is here to help. We have put together the perfect week-long itinerary that will have you reeling in blue marlin, relaxing on the beach, flying through the rainforest canopy, enjoying unbelievable food, and much more.

Here’s your guide to seven perfect days in Costa Rica:

Day 1: See the Cloud Forests

Costa Rica is one of just a handful of places on the planet where you can see the unique natural wonder known as a cloud forest. Plan to visit the Monteverde area so you can make plenty of room for the Monteverde Cloud Forest reserve on your itinerary.

You can enjoy the cloud forest by simply walking through it, but that’s not the only way. There are plenty of guided tours that will help you learn more about this breathtaking ecosystem. For the adventurous among us, you can also zipline through the cloud forest canopy or walk on one of dozens of hanging bridges with the forest floor far below.

Day 2: Hit the Countryside on Horseback

Costa Rica and horses are like peanut butter and jelly — they just go together. The Central American country has a long and storied history of equestrianism. Once the primary mode of transportation and an important economic driver in the area, horses remain an important part of daily life and culture throughout Costa Rica, particularly in the more rural areas.

That long history with horses has bred some incredible horses in Costa Rica, as well as some incredibly talented riders. Visitors can get in on the fun by scheduling a guided horseback tour of the mountainous countryside or even a romantic beachside trot.

Day 3: Get Some Sun on the Beach

If you walk east or west long enough when you’re in Costa Rica, you’ll hit a beach. The question is which ocean you’ll dip your toes into — the Atlantic or Pacific? Costa Rica has the unique distinction of bordering the two largest oceans on the planet, and that has led to the birth of a nation of beach lovers.

When you’re here, you’re going to want to get in on that. The sun and surf will begin calling to you around day three, when you’re starting to need some rest from all the fun you’ve been having. Lay out on the sand all day if you like, but if you’re ready to expend a little more energy, affordable and fun beginner’s surfing classes are easy to find.

Day 4: Snag a Big One

The fishing in Costa Rica is, in a word, superb. Even for non-anglers, the prospect of hooking a hard-fighting roosterfish or reeling in a massive blue marlin is a thrill.

Inshore and offshore fishing are both a great time for fishers of any experience level, and you’ll want to make the most of it by booking a private fishing charter.

Day 5: Experience La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a small, almost sleepy Costa Rican town, but it’s home to two of the most incredible sights the country has to offer: the Arenal Volcano and the La Fortuna Waterfall.

The Arenal Volcano is a live volcano that you can watch spew hot lava (from a safe distance) after dark.

La Fortuna Waterfall is a 200-foot roaring waterfall with a cool and deep pool at its base. Hike into the rainforest to see the falls and even take a swim if the conditions are right.

Day 6: Experience Costa Rican Cuisine

Costa Rican cuisine is known around the world for its ingenious use of local, simple ingredients to create complex, fresh, and utterly satisfying flavors. If you’re a foodie, you’ll need to make a day of the local cuisine while you’re here.

The can’t-miss dishes include gallo pinto, casado, tamal, patacones, and sopa negra. You can find these dishes at plenty of sodas (small Tico eateries) in most Costa Rican towns and cities, but if you want a truly unforgettable experience, look into dining in one of the rainforest canopy restaurants near Monteverde.

Day 7: Learn About Butterflies and Coffee

Costa Rica is famous for a lot of things, but two of the most memorable claims to fame are butterflies and coffee. On your last day in Costa Rica, you’ll want to make time to get to know both of these.

Butterfly sanctuaries dot the Costa Rican countryside, and if you tour one, it’s almost a sure thing that a dazzlingly colored butterfly will land on your hand or nose if you sit still long enough. And if you think you know coffee, you’re wrong unless you’ve already toured one of Costa Rica’s coffee plantations.

The best coffee tours take you through the life cycle of a Costa Rican coffee bean and end with a tasting that will ruin you for the coffee back home.

How to Book Your Perfect Costa Rica Getaway

That all sounds nice, but how do you make it actually happen? It’s simple: Contact Adventure Tours Costa Rica. You don’t have to put on your travel planning hat — you just have to make a phone call, and we’ll help you book seven perfect days (or more!) in Costa Rica.

Our friendly and helpful team is ready to connect you with great deals and even greater Costa Rica vacation memories. Reach out today by calling us at 1-800-761-7250 or contacting us online.