Best Costa Rica 7-Day Tours & Itineraries - Compare 47 Trip Ideas

Best of Costa Rica in 7 Days: Explore Jungles, Volcanoes and Beaches

With a mix of rugged jungles, active volcanoes and world-class beaches, Costa Rica offers some of the best natural sights and experiences in the world, all conveniently packed into one country. Almost a quarter of the land is preserved within national parks, allowing a wide range of animals and plants to flourish, making Costa Rica an ideal destination for ecotourism. With this itinerary, you'll discover the best attractions Costa Rica has to offer in just a week.

Classic Costa Rica: 7-Day Self-Drive Tour

Taking a road trip through Costa Rica gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore where you want. You'll pass through stunning natural scenery — from lush cloud forests to picturesque beaches — in seven days of scenic driving. This tour can be extended or shortened depending on how much time you have.

Snorkel with the family along Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast

Family Fun on the Caribbean Side - 7 Days

With your kids in tow, get out and explore Costa Rica's capital city before making your way through the lush lowlands toward the Caribbean Coast in this adventure tour. From nature treks to river rafting to pristine beaches, this week-long itinerary is created for families who want to experience Costa Rica's splendid scenery, wildlife, and distinctly laid-back culture.

Costa Rica Pacific Coast Road Trip - 7 Days

This seven-day itinerary is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive beach holiday. You'll arrive in Liberia, the hub of Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province. From the airport, head south to Playa Sámara, a coastal village on the Nicoya Peninsula. Then, make the drive back north to the popular surf town of Tamarindo, where you'll spend your days riding the waves and taking part in nature excursions—you might even get to see nesting sea turtles, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast: Tortuguero & Puerto Viejo - 7 Days

Perfect for travelers looking to hike and observe wildlife, this itinerary starts and ends in San José and includes many of the Caribbean coast's best destinations—including a famous sea turtle nesting site in Tortuguero and Cahuita National Park. Compared to the Pacific Coast, the Caribbean side tends to be less crowded, with more cultural diversity. From nature treks to pristine beaches, this itinerary offers something for everyone who wants to experience splendid scenery with a laid-back feel.

Volcano & Pacific Beach Family Adventure - 7 Days

Experience a range of Costa Rica's top natural highlights on this family-oriented 7-day adventure. Beginning in Liberia, you'll explore Rincón de la Vieja National Park, home to a towering volcano of the same name. Next, you'll base yourself in the surf town of Tamarindo, a great jumping-off point for visiting the sun-kissed beaches and unspoiled rainforests of the Nicoya Peninsula. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities along the way, including waterfall hikes, kayak excursions, surf lessons, and whitewater rafting.

Beach scene at Manzanillo on the Caribbean coast

San José Highlights & Caribbean Side - 7 Days

Explore Costa Rica's culture from city to Caribbean Sea, starting with its contemporary art scene and ending with soul food and sea turtles. Leaving San José behind, the rain-nourished, undulating landscape of the country's center gives way to Costa Rica's distinct Caribbean coast.

Costa Rica's Whitewater, Beaches & Volcanoes - 7 Days

This fun weeklong itinerary highlights Costa Rica's incredible natural scenery through a thrilling series of adventurous activities, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, ziplining, and more. Starting in the nation's capital, you'll make your way to rivers, jungles, waterfalls, and cone-shaped volcanoes, culminating on the Pacific coast with time to relax on Manuel Antonio's four white-sand beaches—each one accessed by a hiking trail.

Take to the waves and learn to surf in Playa Tamarindo

Arenal & the Nicoya Peninsula - 7 Days

Experience the best of Costa Rica's tropical forests and beaches on this weeklong itinerary. You'll explore the rainforest via suspension bridges and zipline tours while spotting exotic birds, playful monkeys, and other wildlife. Then, it's on to the western Nicoya Peninsula for a few days spent snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing at the beach.

Osa Peninsula: Luxury Getaway and Jungle Adventure - 7 Days

Corcovado National Park, located on Costa Rica's remote Osa Peninsula, is one of the most biodiverse places on earth. It's the perfect spot for jungle exploration, and this six-day itinerary mixes rugged adventure with culture and luxury. It's designed for those who want an off-the-beaten-path nature experience featuring windswept Pacific beaches and trails that meander through virgin rainforest abounding with wildlife.

Enjoy a culinary-focused trip—and one that features chocolate making—in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Culinary, Nature & Beaches Tour - 7 Days

On this seven-day food-themed itinerary, you'll explore food stalls at San José's Mercado Central, learn how to make traditional dishes during a hands-on cooking class, and participate in chocolate making—one of Costa Rica's most important exports. You'll also experience the country's incredible natural surroundings with jungles, beaches, and plenty of relaxation.

Cross the Hanging Bridge in Monteverde Cloud Forest

Costa Rica's Natural Wonders: Volcanoes, Hot Springs, Cloud Forests & Beaches - 7 Days

See Costa Rica's outdoor highlights on this weeklong adventure around the country's volcanoes, hot springs, cloud forests, wildlife habitats, and beaches. After exploring Arenal Volcano and its surroundings for a few days, you'll move on to Monteverde to sip locally-produced coffee and trek through the cloud forest. Then finish the week in Manuel Antonio National Park for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.

Interact with parrots at a wildlife rehabilitation center

Family Adventure in Manuel Antonio National Park & La Fortuna- 7 days

Natural wonders await on this refreshing weeklong journey around Costa Rica. Highlights along the 7-day trip include the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, the awe-inspiring Arenal Volcano and the nearby Hanging Bridges, the pristine Damas Island Estuary, and much more. Mixing wildlife viewing and outdoor adventure, this itinerary captures the essence of the Costa Rican motto — Pura Vida!

Diverse Costa Rica: Arenal, Monteverde & Tamarindo - 7 Days

Combine lush rainforests and Pacific beaches on this relaxed, weeklong road-trip through Costa Rica. Starting in the vibrant capital of San José, you'll set out for the volcanic landscapes of Arenal, where scenic hikes and natural hot springs beckon. Continue to the rare cloud forests of Monteverde to zip-line through the canopy and discover nocturnal wildlife on an evening jungle tour. End your trip on the coast, where you can surf, snorkel, and relax on the tropical white sands of Tamarindo.

Hot Springs, Waterfalls, and Luxury Retreats in Costa Rica - 7 Days

All you need is a week to replenish your body and soul on the trip of a lifetime. The destination is Costa Rica and over seven days you'll enjoy whitewater rafting, waterfall hikes, and luxury accommodations in the best eco-lodges and wellness retreats in the country. You'll even take part in a hands-on course where you learn to prepare artisanal chocolate.

Costa Rica Exotic Birds and Natural Highlights - 7 Days

Costa Rica is home to a wildly diverse amount of wildlife, including over 850 species of birds. In a mere week, you'll take to the jungles, rivers, mountains, and coast of this tropical paradise in search of the best vantage points in which to view the most exotic specimens. It's an adventure that not only includes the highlights of Costa Rica's avian population but the highlights of the country itself.

Costa Rica Luxury Beaches & Rainforest Adventures - 7 Days

Escape to northern Costa Rica for a luxury vacation you'll never forget. You'll pack a lot of adventure into just seven days, and these active excursions include waterfall hikes, nocturnal nature walks, and river safaris. Throughout the trip, you'll travel between the inland rainforests to the sun-kissed beaches of Guanacaste Province—and each night you'll relax in the finest luxury accommodations in the country.

Active Week in Costa Rica: Pacuare River Rafting, Arenal & Monteverde - 7 Days

Spend an active week discovering some of the natural highlights of Costa Rica. Explore the capital city and then launch into an adrenaline-pumping rafting excursion along the Pacuare River. Next, explore Arenal Volcano on a nature walk, followed by a hot spring soak. Then, head to Monteverde to tour the incredible cloud forest on horseback and zipline through the canopy. Enjoy more time strolling historical San José before departure.

Discover Costa Rica: Arenal & Monteverde - 7 Days

Tour two of Costa Rica’s prized gems on this weeklong adventure. Begin in La Fortuna and embark on a floating safari, followed by a cultural experience day covering food, the arts, and education. Next, enjoy the rush of the hanging bridges and hike around Arenal Volcano, visit La Fortuna Waterfall and soak in the local hot springs. Then take a boat over to Monteverde to visit the Cloud Forest Reserve and join a local coffee tour to learn all about the crucial crop. The trip winds down back in San José to enjoy the sights of the capital city.

Ultimate Birding Road Trip in Costa Rica - 7 Days

In a mere week you can see some of the most exotic birds in the entire world. The destination is Costa Rica, home to over 850 different species. On an active journey through rainforests and over mountains, you'll see many of them, including macaws, toucans, motmots, aracaris, and more.

Costa Rica: Rincon de la Vieja to Tamarindo Beach - 7 Days

Enjoy the best of the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica in just one week. Upon arrival, head to Rincón de la Vieja to explore the national park—which hosts a plethora of volcanic activity—embark on a ziplining adventure over White River Canyon, and enjoy some relaxing downtime in your hotel’s spa and natural hot springs. Next, venture to stunning Tamarindo Beach for some fun in the sun. Go surfing and beach hopping, before boarding an unforgettable sunset catamaran—complete with reef snorkeling.

Costa Rica Indigenous Culture & Arenal Tour - 7 Days

In just a week you'll be able to experience two different aspects of Costa Rican culture. First, its a trip down an exotic river near the Caribbean coast to visit a traditional indigenous village. Then you'll travel to the famous Arenal Volcano region, where you'll spend a day on a local family farm where you'll milk cows, mill sugar cane, and even sample an exotic cocktail made with local liquor and chocolate.

Weeklong Adventure in Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest - 7 Days

On this weeklong trip, enjoy two stunning destinations in Costa Rica. From the capital, stop for a rafting trip on the Pacuare River, before reaching La Fortuna. Then, explore Arenal Volcano on a nature hike, along with a soak in the hot springs. Next, take a Jeep-Boat-Jeep to Monteverde to discover the hanging bridges, and go ziplining and horseback riding through the forest canopy. Circle back to San José to explore more of the city before departure.

Enjoy the vistas from your luxury hotel in the Osa Peninsula (photo courtesy of Lapa Rios Lodge)

Wildlife Luxury Adventure in Arenal & the Osa Peninsula - 7 Days

Get off the beaten path on this weeklong luxury adventure around Costa Rica's beautiful landscapes. After a day exploring the capital city, you'll travel to the Osa Peninsula for a sunset bird-watching tour around Drake Bay. Explore Corcovado National Park on a guided hike, then look for whales and dolphins in the wild on a boat tour. You'll sleep in luxury hotels throughout the week and finish the trip in the Arenal region with a visit to a sloth habitat and a wildlife rehabilitation center.

Wildlife, Jungles, & Volcanoes of Costa Rica - 7 Days

This easy week-long itinerary lets you experience some of Costa Rica's finest national parks and natural areas. Spot turtles on the beach at the Tortuguero National Park; hike, swim, canoe or cycle in the Arenal Volcano National Park, with the mighty volcano as your backdrop; learn about one of Costa Rica's most important crops, coffee, at a plantation, and much more. Travelers with a range of interests will enjoy this varied tour, which packs a lot into a week.

Active Costa Rica Adventure: Arenal, Monteverde, & Playa Hermosa - 7 Days

Embark on an active, weeklong adventure to three different regions of Costa Rica. The journey begins in La Fortuna—home to Arenal Volcano—where you can cross the hanging bridges, discover a beautiful waterfall, and soak in the natural hot springs. Then, head to Montverde to explore the Cloud Forest Reserve, along with an adrenaline-pumping excursion to Sky Adventures Monteverde Park. Next, spend some time lazing on Guanacaste's stunning Playa Hermosa. With some free time, soak up the sun, go kayaking, and board a sunset catamaran, before departing out of Liberia.

Explore Costa Rica: Monteverde & Manuel Antonio - 7 Days

With abundant wildlife, a nocturnal nature tour, a visit to the jungle in Manuel Antonio National Park, and time to relax on the beach, this trip captures the essence of Costa Rica's motto: Pura Vida! Starting in San José, you'll travel first to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you'll encounter Costa Rica's famed biodiversity. Continue on to Manuel Antonio National Park, where the forest meets the sea, for activities including a sunset catamaran cruise.

Costa Rica Cycling Adventure - 7 Days

Cycle from coast to coast on this epic adventure tour that will take you from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. See authentic Costa Rica as you bike past villages, farms, banana plantations, and sugar cane fields on your way toward the west coast. Stop to explore jungle rivers, mountains, an active volcano, and a famous coffee-growing region, then celebrate the end of the trip on the beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park.

Learn to surf in Manuel Antonio National Park

Outdoor Family Adventures in Costa Rica - 7 days

Snorkel with tropical fish, hike through the rainforest, and spot sloths hanging from the trees on this exciting week-long trip through the wilderness of Costa Rica. This itinerary leads you through three of the country's most beautiful destinations: Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio National Park, for a variety of outdoor excursions and hands-on activities. This lively adventure is fun for the whole family, featuring boat rides, wildlife viewing hikes, and a chocolate-making workshop.

Costa Rica Luxury Birding, Horseback Riding, and Wildlife - 7 Days

In a mere week, you can enjoy some major highlights of Costa Rica like riding around local farms on horseback, spotting exotic birds on nature walks, and hiking to exotic waterfalls. You'll even travel to the far south and the remote Osa Peninsula, which is one of the most biodiverse places on earth. And every night, you'll stay in the finest hotels and eco-lodges in the country.

Climb into the canopy of the Monteverde Cloud Forest

Luxury Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & Beaches - 7 Days

Experience Costa Rica's diverse landscapes in style on this weeklong luxury tour. You'll stay in 5-star resorts and enjoy private hikes through the showstopping Monteverde Cloud Forest and Arenal Volcano National Park, home to hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanic peaks. Sample Costa Rican treats on an exclusive coffee and chocolate tour, then head west to the rugged Guanacaste coast for a lavish beach-hopping tour and a dose of sun-soaked relaxation.

Luxury Adventure Tour: Rainforests and Rivers - 7 Days

In just seven days you can mix equal parts adventure and luxury for one unforgettable Costa Rican vacation. Regarding the adventure, this brisk itinerary includes visits to exotic national parks like Arenal and Corcovado as well as whitewater rafting excursions and river safaris. As a bonus, you'll even take a private guided hike to some of the most secluded and beautiful waterfalls in the country.

Costa Rica Cycling the Pacific Coast & Rafting the Pacuare River - 7 Days

In a mere week, you can enjoy one of the most physically demanding yet unforgettably beautiful excursions in the world: an overland journey across Costa Rica. It begins on the Pacific coast with mountain biking and finishes with whitewater rafting over the Pacuare River. In between, you'll experience incredible milestones like crossing over the Continental Divide.

Hike, Snorkel & Sail Family Adventure - 7 Days

This active weeklong journey around Costa Rica is perfect for families and lovers of the great outdoors! You'll base yourself in Arenal for the first few days, going on nighttime wildlife hikes through the rainforest, balancing high above the trees on the famed Hanging Bridges, spotting sloths in their natural habitat, and soaking in natural hot springs. Continue to the surf town of Tamarindo, your home base, to explore a gorgeous coastal landscape. Snorkel around a coral reef, sail on a catamaran at sunset, and cruise past mangroves on an estuary boat tour—these are just a few of the highlights of this thrilling seven-day trip.

Costa Rica Cycling Around Arenal & Rafting Adventure - 7 Days

On this combined week-long Costa Rica excursion, you'll enjoy adventures in two of its most famous locales: Arenal and the Pacuare River. First up are cycling excursions around the rainforests and lakes near Arenal Volcano, plus hikes to exotic waterfalls. The trip culminates with a rafting trip down the Pacuare, where you'll test your mettle on exciting class II/III rapids.

Experience unforgettable memories at Corcovado National Park

Luxury Costa Rica Eco-Escape to Corcovado National Park - 7 Days

Explore one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse regions on this luxury eco-escape to Corcovado National Park. The weeklong adventure begins and ends in the lively capital, San José, and includes a stay at an all-inclusive oceanfront resort in the Osa Peninsula's pristine rainforest. Spend your days trekking through Corcovado National Park to spot exotic wildlife and take a private boat trip to Caño Island Biological Reserve, where you'll snorkel among rainbow-hued marine creatures.

Take in unforgettable sunsets on the Gulf of Papagayo

Family Trip to Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Coral Reefs - 7 Days

Unforgettable outdoor experiences await on this colorful week-long journey around Costa Rica's beautiful landscapes. Spend the first part of the week exploring Rincón de la Vieja National Park, enjoying rainforest hikes and a dip in hot springs heated by a volcano. Then move on to the pristine Gulf of Papagayo for several days of boating through mangroves and snorkeling around a coral reef with tropical fish, manta rays, and sea turtles. Featuring a sunset catamaran cruise and several waterfall hikes, this family-friendly itinerary takes you to the best of Costa Rica's wilderness.

Family Tour of Wetlands & Caribbean Beaches - 7 Days

Idyllic beaches, quiet canals, jungle trails, and rushing waterfalls await on this outdoorsy seven-day itinerary around Costa Rica. Perfect for families, this action-packed trip takes you to historic San José and a pair of national parks for wildlife viewing, boating, and night hikes led by a naturalist guide. You'll also swim in a waterfall, see how chocolate is made, and learn how jaguars are rehabilitated at an animal rescue center.

Admire the views over Costa Rica's Gulf of Papagayo from your luxury accommodations

Luxury Costa Rica Romantic Escape: Arenal & Gulf of Papagayo - 7 Days

Enjoy a romantic Costa Rican getaway with this luxurious seven-day itinerary. Travel from the rainforests of Arenal to the beach-studded Gulf of Papagayo, staying in 5-star secluded cabins and private pool villas. Along the way, you'll explore pristine national parks with your beloved on foot and horseback, discovering crashing waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and healing hot springs. Highlights include couples' spa sessions, sunset catamaran cruises, and private surfing lessons.

Sunset over the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Luxury Costa Rica National Parks & Cloud Forests - 7 Days

Discover Costa Rica's show-stopping national parks and cloud forests on this weeklong luxury tour. You'll chase waterfalls and glimpse exotic wildlife at La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park, then explore volcanic landscapes in Arenal Volcano and Tenorio Volcano National Parks. Finally, ascend to Monteverde's famous cloud forest, where you'll zipline through the canopies and stay in a luxe mountain lodge.

Explore the rainforests and beaches of Costa Rica

Luxury Costa Rica from Rainforest to Beach: Turrialba & Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - 7 Days

Explore Costa Rica's lush rainforests and Caribbean beaches on this weeklong luxury tour. Head straight for the natural wonders of Turrialba, where you'll stay at a boutique forest hotel and take a thrilling whitewater rafting trip on the Río Pacuare. Next, escape to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean coast, where honey-hued beaches and rainforest spa sessions await. Adventures include snorkeling and hiking in Cahuita National Park and taking an authentic Afro-Caribbean cooking class.

Meet sloths and other wildlife on this family-friendly Costa Rica Tour

Family-Friendly Costa Rica Adventure: La Fortuna & Gulf of Papagayo - 7 Days

Discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Costa Rica on this fun-filled, weeklong family tour. Start in La Fortuna, where you'll hike around the impressive Arenal volcano and take a refreshing dip in the pools of La Fortuna waterfall. Do some spelunking at Venado Caves, then continue to the pristine coastlines of the Gulf of Papagayo. Stroll white-sand beaches, meet sloths, pumas, and monkeys at an animal sanctuary, and end with a sunset sailing excursion around the gulf.

Relax in hot springs and hike to waterfalls on this road trip through Costa Rica's off-the-beaten-path gems

Romantic Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip Through Costa Rica - 7 Days

Get behind the wheel and venture off the tourist trail in a country that exudes romance and adventure: Costa Rica. After marveling at golden artifacts in the capital of San José, you'll journey deep into the jungles of Sarapiquí for nature hikes. Then, spend a day on a friendly farm where a decadent chocolate tasting awaits. Then, combine relaxing in hot springs with thrilling inner tube rides in Rincón de la Vieja, a national park right out of a fairy tale.

Indulge in the romance of Costa Rica on this seven-day honeymoon

Cloud Forests to the Caribbean: A Costa Rica Honeymoon - 7 Days

Combine cloud forest adventures with dreamy Caribbean beaches on this romantic getaway to Costa Rica. It starts in the lush mountains of La Fortuna, where you'll soak in natural hot springs and follow hanging bridges through the forest canopy. Then, it's off to the Caribbean beaches of Puerto Viejo, where you'll master Afro-Caribbean flavors in a cooking class, spot wildlife in Cahuita National Park, learn how to make chocolate with an Indigenous family, and take a dip in the Río Catarata Waterfall.

Stroll on the beaches of Costa Rica in between outdoor adventures

Romantic Beach & Cloud Forest Escape in Costa Rica - 7 Days

Head to the beaches and cloud forests of northern Costa Rica for a week of outdoor adventures and romantic experiences. Begin in the surf haven of Tamarindo, where you'll enjoy sailing trips up and down the famed Gold Coast. Then turn inland, where powder-blue rivers and misty cloud forests beckon you on thrilling zipline tours and nature hikes. Round out this memorable journey with tasty outings to discover the country's famous coffee and chocolate and an intimate dinner in the forest canopy.

Take in the beauty of Costa Rica on this seven-day honeymoon

Love & Adventure in Costa Rica: Tamarindo, Rincón de la Vieja & Monteverde - 7 Days

This seven-day getaway in Costa Rica is ideal for newlyweds searching for an equal parts romantic and adventurous honeymoon. Start on the Pacific beaches of Tamarindo with a sunset catamaran cruise and snorkeling around the Catalina Islands, then venture inland to the volcanoes and hot springs of Rincón de la Vieja. End your week among the cloud forests of Monteverde, ziplining through the canopy and spotting nocturnal creatures on a night hike.

Spot playful dolphins on your catamaran tour in Manuel Antonio

Costa Rica Honeymoon for Wildlife Lovers - 7 Days

Embark on the honeymoon of a lifetime as you explore the great natural menagerie that is Costa Rica. This adventure will take you up and down the country's Pacific coast, where you'll swim with exotic marine life at Isla del Caño, go on waterfall hikes, and perhaps glimpse the elusive jaguar in Corcovado National Park. Then, head up to the powdery white-sand beaches at Manuel Antonio, where, between swimming and sunset catamaran rides, there will be ample time for luxurious spa treatments.