See more options below, or read our overview of the best itineraries for 7 days in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Travel Insights
Best of Costa Rica: Explore Jungles, Volcanoes & Beaches - 7 Days
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.
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.
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'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.
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.Â
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1 Week in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With a week in Costa Rica, you can explore two to three locations. Nature lovers will delight in a natural wonders trip, complete with visits to La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manual Antonio National Park, while those looking for an uninterrupted time at the beach will love a Caribbean coast itinerary. Or, if you're looking for a slice of luxury, base yourself at elegant lodges and get well off the beaten path while searching for unique wildlife.
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists
Olman Romero
I was born in Turrialba, a region rich in history and natural beauty, home to the Guayabo National Monument, the most important pre-Hispanic archaeological site in the country, as well as the...
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Elena Mora
"I was born in Costa Rica and grew up on my family's sugar and coffee plantation farm in the mountains of Turrialba. From an early age, I learned from my family to deeply cherish and respect our...
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Bryan Leon
Growing up in a coffee plantation area near San Jose, Costa Rica's vibrant capital, I was fortunate to have parents who instilled in me a deep love and appreciation for nature. As a certified...
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Yuliana Valverde
For over a decade, my passion for creating unforgettable trips in Costa Rica shines a deep understanding of the country's diverse attractions and activities, as well as a genuine commitment to...
read more...Trip Reviews for Costa Rica
Good experience
Costa Rica
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May 2 - May 9, 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊
It was truly a pleasure helping you plan your Costa Rica adventure, and I’m very happy to hear you had a great experience.
Thank you again for trusting me with your vacation, and I hope Costa Rica left you with amazing memories. Pura Vida!
Kimkim put a wonderful family trip together!
Costa Rica
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Apr 22 - Apr 30, 2026
Hello Helen,
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was truly a pleasure helping you and your family plan your Costa Rica adventure. I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed the destinations, activities, and resort stays, and that Costa Rica created such wonderful memories for your family.
It means a lot to know this was your second trip with Kimkim, and we are incredibly grateful for your trust and support. I would be delighted to assist you again in the future and help you discover even more of the beauty and hidden gems that Costa Rica has to offer.
Pura Vida!
Yuliana
Our First Visit to Costa Rica is Nothing but PURA VIDA
Costa Rica
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Apr 21 - Apr 30, 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m happy to hear your trip to Costa Rica was such a memorable experience for you and your family. 🙌
It sounds like you truly got a taste of everything—from the unique vibes of Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio to the adventure of zip lining and spotting wildlife, I know you wanted to see sloths and glad you got to see 20!!!! 🦥
I really appreciate your continued trust in kimkim, and I’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to Kate as well.
Pura vida, and we’d love to help you plan your next adventure whenever you’re ready! 🤙