The Ultimate 7 Days in Costa Rica Itinerary

There's one saying you'll hear everywhere in Costa Rica: pura vida. While it literally means "pure life", it has many meanings for Costa Ricans. They'll use it to say hello, to welcome someone, and even when saying goodbye in a friendly manner. This 7 days in Costa Rica itinerary showcases the island's pura vida lifestyle, from its lush forests to the warm people you'll meet on the way.

This one week Costa Rica itinerary highlights the must see spots around the country. We'll embark on a volcano hike, walk above the treetops in the cloud forest, relax on the shores of a beautiful beach, (hopefully) spot sloths in the wild, plus visit rescued native wildlife at a sanctuary.

This 7 days in Costa Rica itinerary is based loosely off a group guided tour offered by EF Go Ahead Tours. I traveled with Go Ahead Tours to Costa Rica on a small group trip that I helped create for Justin Plus Lauren / Ontario Hiking group trips. I've created the Costa Rica itinerary in this article so you can explore Costa Rica on your own.

However, if you'd rather travel in a group with a knowledgeable guide, be sure to book your trip with EF Go Ahead Tours. Another perk is that you won't need to plan your own transportation or even plan any aspect of the trip yourself.

When you're planning your 7 days in Costa Rica itinerary, it's important to note that some key places are closed on certain days of the week. This could totally put a wrench into your plans if you drove all the way to get somewhere only to find it closed.

Manuel Antonio National Park is closed every Tuesday. Make sure that you schedule your Manuel Antonio National Park day for any day other than Tuesday.

In addition, the Toucan Rescue Ranch is closed on Mondays, so you'll want that part of the trip to land on any day other than a Monday.

Getting There

Costa Rica has two international airports: San Jose (Juan Santamaria International Airport - SJO) and Liberia (Daniel Oduber International Airport- LIR). For this 7 days in Costa Rica itinerary, we'll be flying into SJO (San Jose). Here's where you'll find the best deals on flights to San Jose.

Once you arrive, pick up your rental car at the airport. You'll need to drive yourself around Costa Rica unless you're taking a fully guided tour.

There isn't much in the way of public transportation other than buses, but these can be very slow and inconvenient. I suggest renting a car in Costa Rica. Compare car rental prices here to find the best rates.

7 Days in Costa Rica Itinerary: San Jose (Day 1)

Fly to San Jose, Costa Rica. If you're tight on time, simply arrive in San Jose and spend the night here before starting your Costa Rica adventures. I suggest flying into San Jose, spending the night, and then taking an entire day to properly see the city.

For this situation, I'll provide you with an entire day's worth of activities and sights to see in San Jose. While San Jose is a big city and not exactly the natural spaces that Costa Rica is known for, the city has its charms and interesting places to visit.

A day in San Jose is enough to get a good feel for the city. Plus, if you feel as though you didn't have enough time here, you can always tack more time onto the end of your trip. We end up back in San Jose at the end of this Costa Rica 7 day itinerary.

La Sabana Metropolitan Park

La Sabana Metropolitan Park in San Jose is the closest way to get into nature within the city. It's Costa Rica's largest urban park and often referred to as "the lungs of San Jose". It is the biggest green space in San Jose and a wonderful place to go for a walk.

There are many trees and flowering plants to admire, as well as some works of public art. The national stadium and the Costa Rican Art Museum (Museo de Arte Costarricense) are on the outskirts of the park's property.

One interesting detail about La Sabana Metropolitan Park is that it was once a large park, then it became the site of La Sabana International Airport. After a couple of decades, the park could no longer handle the larger jet planes and expansion of air travel, so it became a park once again after the construction of Juan Santamaría International Airport.

Central Avenue (Avenida Central)

After a walk through La Sabana, continue towards Avenida Central, or Central Avenue. This is the main shopping street in San Jose that's pedestrian-only. Avenida Central is a lively spot in San Jose with many shops and even musical performances on the street.

This street runs from east to west across 12 city blocks in the heart of the city. Some locals set up small tables in front of the shops, peddling trinkets and lottery tickets. Making your way towards Plaza de la Cultura, visit the National Theatre (even if you only visit the cafe, it's worth stepping inside!) and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum.

From Avenida Central, pop into the Central Market (Mercado Central). While this can be a busy and crowded space, it's a must visit attraction in San Jose. Check out the booths piled high with fresh produce and browse the displays of souvenirs.

Just a quick note about safety: while I found San Jose to be quite safe (I walked on my own as a solo female traveler), I wouldn't walk around Central Avenue by myself at night. While Costa Rica is a safe country to visit, petty crime does exist in San Jose, especially in the downtown core at night.

Street Art in San Jose

San Jose has so much street art and public art. I love seeking out colorful murals when I travel, so I had to visit a couple of key street art locations in San Jose while I was there.

As you approach the east side of Avenida Central, walk down Calle 17 around the back of the National Museum of Costa Rica. This is known as the City of Color Murals where many works of art connect downtown parks, roads and government buildings.

Aside from this wall of murals stretching across two city blocks, there are many other places in San Jose where you'll see street art, public art, statues and more. Check out the sides of buildings, parking lots and houses as you walk around the city.

Jade Museum (Museo del Jade)

Museo del Jade, or the Jade Museum, is one of several informative and interesting museums in San Jose. If you only have one day in San Jose, I suggest choosing either the Jade Museum or the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, which features a collection of historic gold artifacts.

The Jade Museum is an archaeological museum with the world's largest collection of American jade. There are five permanent exhibitions and two temporarily exhibition rooms for other art and archaeology displays from Costa Rica or other places around the world.

The Jade Museum covers the ancient history of Costa Rica through uncovered artifacts while highlighting the daily lives of the people who once lived here. Learn about the social, religious and economic affairs of those living in Central America.

I love how everything is labeled in both English and Spanish, making it easy for tourists to fully understand and appreciate the exhibits.

Where to Stay in San Jose

I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana for two nights at the beginning of my trip to Costa Rica, and one night at the very end of it. This hotel is located right near the national stadium at La Sabana Park, making it about a 20 minute walk to the downtown core.

Other than its central location, I fully appreciated the delicious breakfast buffet offered each morning, as well as the friendly and kind service. There is a swimming pool on the rooftop with amazing city views. Plus, I really enjoyed similar city views right from the window of my room.

7 Days in Costa Rica Itinerary: Manuel Antonio (Day 2)

From San Jose, let's make the drive to Manuel Antonio. Give yourself plenty of extra time when driving between San Jose and Manuel Antonio. It can take anywhere from three to four hours to get there.

If you're looking for somewhere to stop along the way, add El Jardín Orotina to your travel plans. This is a popular rest stop with traditional Costa Rican food, snacks, restrooms, and a massive souvenir shop. They open really early in the morning and stay open until about 8:00pm, and it'll be right on the way.

Sailing Tour from Manuel Antonio

Once you arrive in Manuel Antonio, embark on an afternoon / sunset catamaran excursion. First, you'll cruise along the coast where you might have the chance to see dolphins and whales (if it's whale watching season: December to April and July to October).

Enjoy complimentary soft drinks, cocktails and light snacks as you admire the scenery. After you sail for a while, the boat will stop near Biesanz Beach where you can do some snorkeling. Don't worry about bringing your own snorkeling gear as the staff will provide you with everything you need.

Then, enjoy a hot meal on board and watch the beautiful sunset. This is a fantastic introduction to the beaches, views and wildlife of the area surrounding Manuel Antonio and Quepos. Book this tour here.

El Avion

Still hungry or how about some beer and appetizers? El Avion is a unique restaurant and bar in Manuel Antonio that's truly one of a kind as it's built around an airplane.

The C-123 Fairchild cargo plane is now an actual pub and there's dining for the restaurant around the aircraft. I highly recommend going inside the plane to check it out, and be sure to sit inside the cockpit for photos.

I love how there's a plant-based section of the menu with a burger, cauliflower wings, pasta, nachos, a poke bowl and stir-fried rice. The owners of El Avion have another interesting establishment in town called El Wagon. It's a pizzeria where you dine in an antique rail car.

Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio

In Manuel Antonio, I stayed at the perfectly located Hotel San Bada. It's right at the park entrance to the Manuel Antonio National Park, you can't get much closer than that. This is super key because it's hard to find parking around the national park. Leave your car at the hotel and walk into the park.

Hotel San Bada has spacious and comfortable rooms. Your room comes with a small patio or balcony, and you'll feel like you are right in the middle of the jungle. The wildlife might even pay you a visit with monkeys and iguanas regularly hanging out just outside the room.

7 Days in Costa Rica Itinerary: Manuel Antonio National Park (Day 3)

Today, we'll stay in Manuel Antonio for a full day at Manuel Antonio National Park. Our hotel is directly beside the entrance to the national park, so you really can't get much closer than that.

The national park is open from 7:00am to 4:00pm daily (including holidays), except for Tuesdays. The park is closed on Tuesday to give the wildlife a break from the tourists. Access to the national park includes its beaches and its trails.

Do not bring food of any kind into the park. Your bags will be searched by security at the gates and any food will be thrown out. You can bring water, soda or juice in a reusable container into the park (no disposable plastic water bottles). Pets are not allowed in the park, and neither are drones.

I suggest buying tickets at the official website for the Manuel Antonio National Park in advance because they limit the amount of visitors each day. You can only buy your ticket for that day, and it cannot be used for multiple days. Purchase your ticket far in advance as they only allow a certain amount of visitors to enter the park each day.

When you buy your entrance tickets to the park online in advance, you will need to register with your passport number. Be sure to bring your passport (or a copy of the photo page) with you to the park.

If you book a guided tour at the official website, it includes your entrance fee and your guide will have your ticket. You can also book your guided tour here, which includes the park entrance ticket.

Wildlife at Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most biodiverse parks in the country with 352 bird species, 109 different mammals, 346 species of plants and a wide array of underwater sea creatures. When I entered the park gates, I embarked on my first walk within the park towards the beach.

It's a long, flat and relatively straight path surrounded by trees. Keep an eye out for birds, monkeys and both two and three-toed sloths. I spotted macaws, titi monkeys (squirrel monkeys) and even some sloths from this trail.

Helpful hint: if you see a group of tourists huddled by a scope or gazing up into the trees, take a closer look as they've likely spotted something pretty cool!

If you walk into the park with a guide, your guide should be able to help you find wildlife. That's one main reason to hire a guide. If you don't see any capuchin monkeys on the way to the beach, don't worry.

They're not in any short supply and you'll see plenty down by the beach. Don't lose sight of your backpacks or belongings while you're swimming in the water. The monkeys will often steal your bags and rifle through them in search of food.

Beach Day at Manuel Antonio National Park

Visit one or several beaches inside Manuel Antonio National Park. It's the perfect place for a beach day. I soaked up gorgeous views, warm sunshine, and gently floated in the wavy waters.

Playa Manuel Antonio is the main beach that will be the most crowded, though it wasn't busy at all when I visited Costa Rica in May. There's a lengthy stretch of soft sand surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery.

There are some rocks and pretty scenery on either end of the beach. There are some waves here that can have you drinking salt water if you aren't paying attention, but it's not very rough at all.

Some other beaches to visit at Manuel Antonio National Park include Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Gemelas. It takes a bit more of an effort to reach Playa Gemalas as it's only accessible from a hiking trail, but it's a sure way to beat the crowds during the busier tourist season.

Hiking the Trails at Manuel Antonio National Park

Aside from the main hiking trail (Sendero Principal / Main Trail), there are quite a few trails within the park: Playa Gemelas Trail, Punta Catedral Trail, Miradores Trail, Catarata Estacional Trail, and Puerto Escondido Trail. They're all great places to look for wildlife and get some exercise in between time spent lounging at the beach.

One trail that I highly recommend is the path and boardwalk trail alongside Playa Espadilla Sur (Espadilla South Beach) back up towards the main gate. From this trail, we saw many capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, iguanas and crabs down below the boardwalk. It's also a really pretty walk that's not to be missed.

After your day at the Manuel Antonio National Park, spend some time at the hotel pools or go for a walk around Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Day 3 of our 7 days in Costa Rica itinerary is in the books! Next, we depart Manuel Antonio and venture up to Monteverde.

7 Days in Costa Rica Itinerary: Tarcoles, Coffee Plantation & Night Walk (Day 4)

From Manuel Antonio, it's time to make our way to Monteverde, famous for its cloud forest. While tomorrow will be a day dedicated entirely to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, we will stop at a few places on the way to see native wildlife and the local flavors of Costa Rica.

Tarcoles River Cruise

On the way north to Monteverde, make a stop by the Tarcoles River to experience a Tarcoles River Cruise. It's a great way to spot wildlife that lives around the river, like crocodiles, reptiles and birds.

The tour lasts around two hours and includes commentary from your guide. Drift along the river, spotting crocodiles on the way. We even saw some baby crocodiles in the water, too.

As we looked along the river banks, we spotted iguanas, lizards, and other birds like spoonbills. Up in the trees, we saw macaws, parrots, kingfishers and other species of birds. It's possible to see up to 100 species of birds if you're an experienced birder.

Continuing on the river cruise, we entered a mangrove forest and learned about this important ecosystem. They often function as nurseries for smaller fish, while also protecting the land from natural disasters or harsh weather. All in all, I loved embarking on this small boat trip on the Tarcoles River, especially to get up close to so many crocodiles. Book your tour here.

Don Juan Coffee Plantation Tour

Costa Rica is home to some delicious locally grown and produced products: coffee, chocolate and sugar cane. I'm sure that you're a fan of at least one of those, if not all three.

I'm a coffee fiend and who doesn't love chocolate? It didn't take much twisting of my arm to take this coffee, chocolate and sugar cane tour at Don Juan Tours.

We learned all about the coffee making process, from the plants themselves to the coffee cherries and finally, the roasting process. It's fun seeing the smaller plants and then the full grown trees as we walk the trails of the property.

The sugar cane experience was quite interactive. A few volunteers from our group handled the big pieces of sugar cane and managed to create juice out of it, which was all tasted. It's absolutely delicious and so refreshing. You need to try it!

Then, it was all about chocolate making, from bean to bar. Most people can't even fathom how chocolate starts out as a bit of a gooey mess inside a large pod. We sampled cocoa nibs, and someone from our group helped grind up nibs into a chocolatey paste. Tasting fresh chocolate and hot chocolate was such a treat.

There's a large shop at the end of the tour where you can buy their coffee, chocolate or other souvenirs to bring home. Book this tour with Don Juan Tours Monteverde.

Where to Stay in Monteverde

El Establo Mountain Hotel is the perfect place to stay in Monteverde. With many amenities, like a swimming pool and tennis courts, as well as nocturnal walks and ziplines, you might be tempted to stay here for a while.

My favorite part about staying at El Establo Mountain Hotel was the views. This hotel has separate buildings built up the side of the mountain, so try to stay in one of the higher buildings if you can. The rooms themselves are lovely, but the best part is walking out of your back patio to the most beautiful scenery.

Canopy Night Walk Tour at El Establo

El Establo Mountain Hotel hosts its own nocturnal walks each evening. We booked our tour through the hotel. Meet up at the sign for the "Canopy Night Walk Tour" and your knowledgeable guide will take you on a fascinating forest walk in pitch darkness.

As we walked around the jungle at night, our guide helped us see all sorts of nocturnal creatures: snakes, tarantulas, insects, and even little neon green frogs nearly camouflaged into the leaves. Even for those of us who don't love bugs on our best days (me), I found this tour to be incredibly fascinating.

It's a whole other world in Costa Rica under the shroud of darkness. Creatures you'd never guess lived there make subtle appearances, even if it means gazing into holes in the cliff face or beneath massive leaves. Your guide will know exactly where to look.

I also love how they split larger groups up into smaller groups. This allowed you to stay with your guide and listen to their commentary. It also doesn't disturb the animals and insects quite as much if there's only a small group admiring from a respectable distance.

7 Days in Costa Rica Itinerary: Monteverde Cloud Forest (Day 5)

This day is dedicated to Santa Elena and Costa Rica's world famous cloud forest. We'll experience the rich biodiversity of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve first hand. First, we'll go on a nature hike in a Costa Rica cloud forest. Then, we'll venture high above the treetops on the hanging bridges.

Hike at Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

La Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena, or the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, is one of the world's most popular and diverse cloud forests. On our morning hike at the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, we didn't see anyone else on the trail.

It was a little bit rainy, which can be expected in this environment. Cloud forests form when a high elevation forest has canopy-level cloud cover on a continual basis. There's a constant supply of rain, mist and moisture.

This results in a lush collection of mosses, ferns, flowers and vegetation both on the trees and hanging between them. This endless supply of mist totals over 12 feet of rain in one year.

I adored the mysterious atmosphere that the rain and mist created as the fog materialized around the distant tall trees. At one point, we even crawled through a big space in a massive tree trunk. Partway through the hike, there's a lookout tower to climb. From the top, enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean side and Caribbean side of the Continental Divide.

For those keen on having a guide, I suggest booking this private guided tour of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest. Otherwise, it's easy to go hiking here on your own. There is a small fee to hike here, and you'll be provided with a map so you can choose your trail or trails.

Walk the Hanging Bridges

Selvatura Adventure Park is just down the way from La Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena. You're already right where you need to be. It's time to walk across Selvatura Park's treetop walkways on an exciting eco-adventure.

Their treetop suspension bridges allow you to experience the canopy of the cloud forest in a totally unique and fun way. It's so peaceful high up in the trees. Plus, it's suitable for all ages (including kids, ages 4 and up) and fitness levels.

Walk across eight suspension bridges of varying length. They're connected by a path that winds through the forest (1.9 miles in total). The longest bridge is 170 meters/560 feet, and the highest bridge is 60 meters/200 feet from the forest floor.

This is a very leisurely experience and this self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace. Admire the scenic views, the lush greenery, tropical plants and flowers, and perhaps even a wild animal or two. The tour takes about one to one and a half hours to complete, depending on your pace.

Tree House Restaurante

After adventuring through the cloud forest, spend a leisurely afternoon in Santa Elena. One notable place to go for lunch is the Tree House Restaurante. Much like the name suggests, there's a gigantic ficus tree right in the middle of the restaurant.

In fact, the restaurant was built around the tree. There are three levels to the restaurant and a staircase that winds around the tree trunk. You're practically dining inside a large tree house. Branches from the tree extend throughout the restaurant, adding a natural and alluring ambiance.

The menu features Costa Rican and international specialties, including some vegan-friendly dishes. There's also quite a few choices when it comes to aqua fresca drinks. This is my favorite beverage in Costa Rica (essentially, it's fruit blended with water, and it's so yummy).

7 Days in Costa Rica Itinerary: La Fortuna (Day 6)

From Monteverde, we travel to La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano National Park. This region is known for the volcano and for its natural hot springs. We'll take full advantage of these relaxing hot springs at a spa and at our own hotel.

Hike at Arenal Volcano National Park

A trip to Costa Rica isn't complete without seeing the Arenal Volcano. This conical-shaped volcano is 1657 meters (5437 feet) tall and it's been dormant since 2010.

While you can't actually hike the volcano itself (it's illegal), you can hike the trails surrounding the volcano for some epic views. There are six trails within the Arenal Volcano National Park.

From the main parking lot, we embarked on the most popular trail, Las Coladas. It's about 2km long in one direction, and it's an out-and-back trail (meaning that you'll turn around and hike back to the parking lot).

The trails at the park aren't too difficult. I'd say that overall they're pretty easy. Just be mindful of where you step as there are plenty of rocks along the way.

In fact, you'll hike past the lava fields from Arenal Volcano's eruption in 1968. Upon reaching the end of the trail, we were rewarded with an outstanding view of the volcano itself.

Visit La Fortuna

The nearest town to the Arenal Volcano is La Fortuna. It's easy to spend a couple of hours here, stopping for lunch. I dined at The Open Kitchen, a cute spot in town with great food and a fabulous patio.

Don't miss checking out the Chocolate Fusion store. They specialize in Costa Rica craft chocolate. This store is incredible and offers some of the most delicious, hand crafted chocolates, chocolate bars, truffles and more. They've also got amazing coffee, too.

Ecotermales Fortuna Hot Springs

Let's balance our hiking trip with one of relaxation. Ecotermales Fortuna Hot Springs is a luxurious spa in the middle of a tropical rainforest. Soak in the rejuvenating thermal waters that are naturally sourced and heated by the volcano.

Its minerals like calcium, magnesium and others work together to soothe muscles, stimulate circulation, and assist with overall wellness. Go for a soak in the hot pools, alternating with a dip in the cold pools.

You'll need to make a reservation in advance. There are two booking times: morning to afternoon (10:00am to 4:00pm) and evening (5:00pm to 9:45pm). Choose the later booking if you're following this 7 days in Costa Rica itinerary.

After soaking in the hot springs, Ecotermales Fortuna has a healthy and delectable buffet of traditional Costa Rica dishes. Every creation is marked as to whether or not it's vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc, which is super helpful. It's easy to fill your plate again...and again, as I'm sure you've worked up an appetite.

Where to Stay in La Fortuna

Staying at Arenal Springs Resort and Spa is such a treat! First, you'll stay in your own cute and cozy cabin surrounded by tropical plants.

Each cabin has its own driveway and feels like a home away from home. You can also spot the Arenal Volcano off in the distance from the hotel, too.

The main draw of Arenal Springs Resort and Spa are the hot springs. This is a hot springs resort and you'll have non-stop access to the hot springs and pools throughout your stay. The water comes from underground sources of the Arenal Volcano, totally natural and rich in mineral salts.

7 Days in Costa Rica Itinerary: Waterfall and Toucan Rescue Ranch (Day 7)

It's the final day of our one week in Costa Rica itinerary. From La Fortuna, we'll make our way back down south towards San Jose for the night. First, we'll visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica. Then, it's all about protecting and saving Costa Rica's wildlife.

La Paz Waterfall

La Paz Waterfall is such a gorgeous place to visit. The waterfall is actually a series of five waterfalls in total, gently flowing over a series of cliffs all beneath one another.

There is a free place to park your car by the side of the road near the base of the waterfall. From there, walk across the bridge and you can even stand behind the waterfall for another amazing viewpoint.

Now, you might find La Paz Waterfall advertised online as part of the "La Paz Waterfall Gardens". This is a tourist attraction with a fee that offers paths and more views of the upper waterfalls. Unfortunately, you do have to pay up at their entrance to access the paths and upper waterfalls.

However, I don't suggest that you visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens. It is a zoo and not a sanctuary.

The animals live in cages that are too small. While the big cats are rescued from an animal sanctuary that no longer exists, sadly the cats are bred and the offspring lives in captivity. There are no plans to release these animals into the wild.

I would love to see La Paz Waterfall Gardens operate as a proper sanctuary. Perhaps they could speak to our friends over at the Toucan Rescue Ranch (which we'll be visiting later today in this Costa Rica itinerary) about how to properly operate a wildlife sanctuary.

Even if the animals are not suited for release back into the wild, they could stop breeding them, only accept animals that can no longer live in the wild, and provide bigger enclosures with more room for them. So, search for "La Paz Waterfall" on Google Maps when you're about to visit and not "La Paz Waterfall Gardens".

Restaurante El Recreo

There aren't too many restaurants outside of the main cities and small towns. Restaurante El Recreo is a local family's farm-to-table restaurant featuring Costa Rican specialties.

They make a strawberry aqua fresca here with fresh strawberries from their farm. I'm still thinking about this drink! It was so tasty and refreshing.

My vegan-friendly plate of food wasn't life changing, but everything was really fresh and full of flavor. I ate black beans, rice, avocado, and plantain. My meal also came with a small vegetable soup with a really flavorful broth.

Toucan Rescue Ranch

Toucan Rescue Ranch is an incredible organization that I'm pleased to feature as the last attraction in my 7 days in Costa Rica itinerary.

Save the best for last? If you love animals and helping wildlife, you will truly love the mission of the Toucan Rescue Ranch.

They aim to rescue, rehabilitate and release native animals back into the wild, working with government agencies. Toucan Rescue Ranch is a very educational place where visitors can learn about the perils of wildlife selfies and why you should never hug or hold a sloth.

On a tour of the property, I met the resident animals who are representatives for the wild creatures of Costa Rica. These animals aren't able to be reintroduced back into the wild, so they serve as ambassadors for all others. See sloths, toucans, parrots, monkeys, wild cats and so much more. Be sure to reserve your ticket ahead of time as you can only take a guided tour here.

7 Days in Costa Rica Itinerary: Return to San Jose

We've reached the end of our trip. It was a brilliant 7 days in Costa Rica, but all good things must come to an end. Return to San Jose for a restful night's sleep, back at the Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana. Then, it's off to the airport the following morning, easily reachable by Uber.

I hope you've found this 7 days in Costa Rica itinerary useful and use it to plan your adventures. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to leave them in the comments section below and I'll try my best to help. You are also welcome to reach out over social media (links are right below in the yellow box!).