How to Spend One Week in Costa Rica: The Perfect 7-Day Itinerary for La Fortuna & Manuel Antonio
Have you ever felt an unexplainable pull toward a destination you’ve never been, yet you just knew it would resonate with you on a deep level? For me, that place is Costa Rica. After years of wanting to travel there, I finally made it happen. If you know me, then you know I’m a sucker for natural wonders, wildlife and a sandy beach, and that’s exactly what I found during my visit to this beautiful country in Central America. It’s safe for me to say that Costa Rica is one of my favorite places I have ever traveled to.
Costa Rica is a top travel destination known for its stunning biodiversity, adventure activities, and eco-friendly tourism. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the country consists of lush rainforests, active volcanoes, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, and vibrant bird species. Visitors can explore cloud forests in Monteverde, relax on the beaches of Manuel Antonio, or go whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, friendly locals, and a laid-back “Pura Vida” lifestyle, Costa Rica offers something for every traveler, from thrill-seekers and beach bums to nature lovers.
So why La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio?
Costa Rica’s diverse regions make it tough to choose where to go. You could easily spend weeks adventuring through the country. But if you’re short on time and want a mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation, La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio are two of the best must-see destinations, and those are the two locations I visited during my 7-day trip.
La Fortuna, home to the iconic Arenal Volcano, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike through lava fields, soak in natural hot springs, go waterfall rappelling, or spend hours birdwatching. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
On the Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio offers some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches alongside incredible biodiversity. The Manuel Antonio National Park is famous for its scenic hiking trails, white sand beaches, and abundant wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds. Whether you want to snorkel, surf, or just soak in the views, this coastal destination has it all.
Both La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio highlight Costa Rica’s beauty in different ways. In this 7-day itinerary, I will share the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, including the best activities, must-visit spots, and helpful travel tips to make the most of your time in both locations. From hiking around Arenal Volcano and soaking in hot springs to spotting wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park and unwinding on pristine beaches, this itinerary will help you experience the best of Costa Rica in just one week. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover, or first-time visitor, get ready for an unforgettable journey through two of Costa Rica’s top destinations!
The Best Time to Travel to Costa Rica
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season (December to April) when you’ll get the most sunshine and minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor adventures and beach days. However, the rainy season (May to November) offers fewer crowds, lush green landscapes, and lower prices, though you may experience afternoon showers. If you don’t mind a little rain, this is a great time to see waterfalls at their fullest, spot more active wildlife, and enjoy a quieter, more affordable trip. I went during the beginning of February and only encountered rain one afternoon while in La Fortuna.
As a rule, you should always pack waterproof gear when traveling to a rain forest – no matter what time of year!
Getting Around Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers a few different transportation options depending on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility and freedom to explore at your own pace, especially if you’re comfortable navigating winding mountain roads and unpredictable weather conditions. Just be aware that road conditions can vary, and driving in more remote areas might require a 4×4 vehicle.
Another option is taking public buses, which are the most budget-friendly but also the slowest and least convenient, especially if you’re short on time or traveling between popular destinations like La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio.
I personally opted for private transfers during my trip. While this is the priciest option, it was by far the most convenient and stress-free for me. I’m not someone who enjoys driving in foreign countries (especially when I don’t know the terrain or road conditions), so having a professional handle the transport let me relax and enjoy the trip even more. Most hotels are happy to assist with booking reliable private shuttles in advance, or you can use reputable services like Costa Rica Shuttle.
The Basics: What to Know Before You Go
Mapping Your Costa Rica Adventure
San José → La Fortuna → Manuel Antonio → San José
To help you visualize the route, here’s a map highlighting the key regions featured in this itinerary. You’ll see pins for San José (where most international travelers fly in), La Fortuna (home to Arenal Volcano and natural hot springs), and Manuel Antonio (famous for its beaches and national park). La Fortuna is located in the Alajuela Province in the northern highlands, known for its volcanic landscapes and lush rainforest. Manuel Antonio, on the other hand, sits along the central Pacific coast in Puntarenas Province, famous for its stunning beaches and diverse wildlife.
This route offers a scenic mix of rainforests, volcanoes, and coastline, giving you a great sense of Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, all within a week’s time.
Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica and Head to La Fortuna
- Day 2: Explore La Fortuna
- Day 3: Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Hanging Bridges
- Day 4: Travel to Manuel Antonio
- Day 5: Manuel Antonio National Park
- Day 6: Whitewater Rafting & Poolside Relaxation
- Day 7: Beach Time & Unwinding
- Day 8: Head Home
The Perfect 7-Day Itinerary for La Fortuna & Manuel Antonio
Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica & Head to La Fortuna
Fly into Costa Rica. There are two major international airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela and Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. I suggest flying into San José (SJO). My direct flight from Chicago took approximately 5 hours.
Take a private shuttle to La Fortuna. The drive takes between 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive yourself. A lot of people prefer that route for the flexibility, but I personally don’t feel very comfortable driving in foreign countries. If you go the private shuttle route, I recommend reaching out to your hotel to help book. Otherwise, check out the Costa Rica Shuttle company, which has great reviews.
Stay at Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs. Technically located in Palma (just outside of La Fortuna), Arenal Manoa is a beautiful resort that offers stunning views of Arenal Volcano, lush tropical gardens, and a relaxing atmosphere. The resort includes natural hot spring pools, a full-service spa, and an on-site restaurant.
If you’re looking for something even more luxurious, Nayara Tented Camps are the ultimate tropical oasis (located in the same vicinity as Arenal Manoa Resort).
Grab dinner at the resort’s on-site restaurant, La Saca, which serves up delicious Costa Rican cuisine and a free buffet breakfast in the mornings. Since you’ll most likely be pretty tired from the long travel day, rest up and relax before an exciting week of adventure and exploration.
Where I Stayed
Arenal Manoa Resort
I absolutely loved my stay at Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs. The views of Arenal Volcano were stunning, the rooms were spacious and surrounded by lush gardens, and the on-site hot springs were the perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure. Highly recommend booking a few nights here for a peaceful, scenic base in La Fortuna!
Day 2: Explore La Fortuna
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, spend the day in La Fortuna town. A 10-minute Uber or taxi ride will get you from Palma to the heart of La Fortuna. Once there, take in the picturesque views of the town square with the Arenal Volcano in the background.
Look for sloths along the Bogarin Trail. This easy, well-maintained trail in La Fortuna is one of the best places to spot sloths in their natural habitat, along with vibrant birds, frogs, and other wildlife. You can walk through by yourself (go slow and look all around if you do), but a guided tour will increase your chances of seeing more animals.
Pro Tip
Want a closer look at sloths, monkeys, and toucans? Pack a lightweight monocular or travel-friendly binoculars. It makes spotting wildlife way more exciting! Check out this great entry-level monocular here.
Visit the La Fortuna Butterfly Garden: Explore this quaint butterfly garden in La Fortuna town, where you’ll encounter a variety of native butterflies, including the striking blue morpho. While there, treat yourself to one of their fresh tropical fruit smoothies, made with fruit grown onsite.
Check out El Salto rope swing. Just minutes from downtown La Fortuna, this local favorite features a rope swing over a refreshing river surrounded by lush jungle. It’s the perfect hidden gem for a free, adrenaline-filled adventure or a relaxing swim in crystal-clear waters.
Eat dinner at Travesia. For a delicious and hearty meal in La Fortuna, head to Travesia, a local favorite known for its flavorful Costa Rican cuisine with a modern twist. One of the highlights is their tabletop grills, which are loaded with a sizzling selection of meats and vegetables, for a fun dining experience.
Digest dinner in the natural hot spring ponds at Arenal Manoa. After a delicious meal, unwind in the serene hot spring pools at Arenal Manoa. The warm waters are the perfect way to end a day of adventure in La Fortuna.
Alternate: If your accommodations don’t have hot springs, get a day pass to Tabacón, EcoTermales, or The Springs Resort, or visit the free natural hot springs across from Tabacón for a budget-friendly soak in a scenic setting.
Day 3: Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Hanging Bridges
Go on a group tour to Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and the Hanging Bridges. I don’t always recommend day tours, but this tour is worth it because it maximizes your time, ensuring you see three of the region’s highlights without worrying about logistics. Plus, with a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about the area’s history, ecosystems, and wildlife. If you book with Green Vacations Costa Rica through Viator, you will:
After the tour drops you back off at your hotel, end the day by relaxing and recharging in the hot springs.
Book Your Tour Now
Day 4: Travel to Manuel Antonio
After breakfast, take one last dip in the hot springs before departing La Fortuna.
Take a private shuttle to Manuel Antonio for a comfortable and convenient ride, which takes about 5 hours. Along the way, consider stopping at the Río Tárcoles Bridge to see wild crocodiles or taking a break in Jaco for a quick beach stop or lunch with ocean views.
Stay at Shana by the Beach hotel in Manuel Antonio. This hotel offers a perfect blend of luxury and relaxation, with easy access to beautiful beaches, lush jungle surroundings, and modern amenities for a relaxing stay.
Where I Stayed
Shana by the Beach
Shana by the Beach was the perfect place to relax in Manuel Antonio. Nestled in the jungle with ocean views, it offered a peaceful escape just minutes from the beach. The rooms were modern and comfortable, the pool area was beautiful, and the on-site restaurant and happy hour were an added bonus. I’d definitely stay here again!
Unwind with some pool time and settle into your hotel, soaking up the tropical surroundings. Don’t miss happy hour at the pool bar from 3-6 PM, the perfect time to enjoy a refreshing drink and watch the sun set while relaxing in paradise!
Day 5: Manuel Antonio National Park
Take a morning guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. You can purchase admission tickets and go on a self-guided hike of the park, but I highly suggest hiring an expert guide to maximize your chances of seeing hard-to-spot wildlife you might miss on your own. I recommend signing up with Jade Tours. They offer hotel pickup for nearby locations, and their guides are highly skilled and knowledgeable. I couldn’t believe how our guide spotted some of the animals that he did! We were even lucky enough to spot a baby sloth with its mom!
Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun at one of Manuel Antonio’s beautiful beaches. Playa Manuel Antonio, located inside Manuel Antonio National Park, is a stunning white-sand beach with calm waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing after your park tour. To access it, you’ll need to enter the park and walk about 30 minutes along scenic trails. Just outside the park, Playa Espadilla is a longer, more open beach with gentle waves, great for surfing or lounging. This public beach is easily accessible and lined with local vendors offering drinks, snacks, and rentals for umbrellas and chairs.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at Emilio’s Café. Known for its fresh seafood, flavorful Costa Rican dishes, and breathtaking ocean view, you can soak in the stunning sunset while you dine.
Book Your Manuel Antonio National Park Tour Now
Day 6: Whitewater Rafting & Poolside Relaxation
Go on a whitewater rafting adventure with Amigos del Rio, where you’ll paddle through lush jungle landscapes and exhilarating rapids. The Savegre River offers a thrilling yet beginner-friendly ride with Class II-III rapids, while the Naranjo River provides a more intense challenge with Class III-IV rapids, perfect for adventure seekers. Along the way, enjoy stunning scenery, waterfalls, and the chance to spot wildlife like toucans and iguanas! The tour I did ended with a delicious lunch of Arroz con Pollo, a traditional Costa Rican comfort food of chicken and rice.
Pro Tip
Whitewater rafting is one of the most thrilling parts of this itinerary. Capture every splash with a waterproof action camera like a GoPro! Just make sure it’s securely mounted or strapped before hitting the rapids.
Spend a relaxing afternoon by the pool, unwinding after your morning adventure. Enjoy the tropical surroundings, take a refreshing dip, or sip on a cocktail during happy hour as you soak up the Manuel Antonio sunshine. Be sure to be on the lookout for colorful toucans and macaws flying by!
Book Your Whitewater Rafting Adventure Now
Day 7: Beach Time & Unwinding
Enjoy a slow morning in paradise. Start your final day in Manuel Antonio with a leisurely buffet breakfast at your hotel, savoring fresh tropical fruits, local coffee, and a delicious spread while taking in the lush surroundings.
Spend the afternoon at Playa Biesanz, a small, secluded beach with calm waters perfect for swimming or relaxing. You can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear to explore the clear waters, or grab a fresh coconut from a local vendor to sip on while soaking up the peaceful surroundings. A short jungle path from Shana at the Beach leads to this hidden gem, offering a quieter alternative to the busier beaches.
Have dinner at El Avion. End your trip with a memorable dinner at a unique restaurant built around a historic cargo plane, offering delicious seafood, refreshing cocktails, and stunning sunset views over the Pacific Ocean. As you dine, you might see and hear wildlife like toucans and howler monkeys in the surrounding jungle.
Day 8: Head Home
Take a private shuttle from Manuel Antonio to San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). The drive takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic.
Relax in the VIP Airport Lounge. If you have extra time before your flight, head to the VIP Lounge to enjoy comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a peaceful atmosphere before your departure. Access is available for purchase, or you can enter for free with your American Express Platinum card through the Priority Pass program.
Catch your flight home!
Final Thoughts
This trip was truly a dream come true for me! La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio perfectly showcase Costa Rica’s diverse beauty, from volcanic landscapes and adventure activities to pristine beaches and incredible wildlife encounters. This itinerary balances thrill and relaxation, ensuring you experience the best of both destinations. Whether you’re soaking in hot springs, spotting sloths in the jungle, rafting down a scenic river, or sipping on a fresh coconut at the beach, every moment in Costa Rica is unforgettable. Embrace the pura vida lifestyle, travel responsibly, and enjoy every adventure this incredible country has to offer!
Tips for Your Costa Rica Trip
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