Costa Rica is the go-to adventure trip for US travelers: short flights, a famously friendly welcome, and an extraordinary concentration of wildlife in national parks that are easy to reach. In one week you can soak in hot springs beneath Arenal Volcano, cross hanging bridges through the cloud forest, and spot sloths and monkeys on the way to a Pacific beach.
The country rewards a loop rather than a single base. Most first-time itineraries combine Arenal (La Fortuna) with a beach area, either Manuel Antonio on the central Pacific or Guanacaste in the dry northwest, and sometimes Monteverde's cloud forest. Pick your airport to match: San José for Arenal and Manuel Antonio, Liberia for Guanacaste.
- Ideal trip length
- 7–10 days
- Main airport
- San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR)
- Currency
- Costa Rican colón (CRC)
- Best months
- Mid-December–April
Best time to visit Costa Rica
The dry season, roughly mid-December through April, is the most popular and the best for beaches. The 'green season' from May to November brings afternoon rain, lush landscapes and lower prices; September and October are the wettest months on the Pacific side, while the Caribbean coast is often drier then.
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Mid-December–April | Dry season: sunny, busy and the best beach weather, especially in Guanacaste. |
| May–August | Green season starts: sunny mornings and afternoon showers, with fewer crowds. July often has a drier spell. |
| September–October | Wettest months on the Pacific side; some roads and lodges are affected. A good time for the Caribbean coast instead. |
| November | Rains taper off and landscapes are at their greenest. |
Month by month, with weather, crowds and events: best time to visit Costa Rica.
Where to stay in Costa Rica
The right base saves hours of travel time. These are the areas we suggest most often, and what each one is best for.
La Fortuna (Arenal)
Good value Mid-range Luxury
The base for Arenal Volcano, hot springs, waterfalls and hanging bridges. Lodges range from simple to luxury hot-spring resorts.
Manuel Antonio
Good value Mid-range Luxury
Hillside hotels with ocean views above a small national park full of wildlife and beaches. About 3–3.5 hours' drive from San José.
Guanacaste beaches
Mid-range Luxury
The dry northwest, with the Papagayo Peninsula's resorts, surf town Tamarindo and quieter beaches. Closest to Liberia airport.
Monteverde
Good value Mid-range
A cool, misty cloud-forest town with reserves, night walks and canopy tours. Roads are slow, so give it at least two nights.
Ways to do Costa Rica: Essential, Signature or Luxury
Choose the comfort level that fits your budget. We'll quote flights, lodging and extras for your dates.
Essential
- A comfortable, well-reviewed 3-star hotel
- Economy flights at sensible times
- Shared airport transfers
- The plan's must-do tours, the rest at your own pace
Area to consider: La Fortuna (Arenal)
Request EssentialSignature
- A 4-star hotel in a well-located area
- Economy or premium economy, best-timed flights
- Private airport transfers
- Guided tours and reservations for the key days
Area to consider: La Fortuna (Arenal)
Request SignatureLuxury
- A 5-star hotel, with room upgrades where available
- Premium cabins where available
- Private transfers and guides
- Spa, dining and special-occasion reservations
Area to consider: La Fortuna (Arenal)
Request LuxuryPrices depend on your dates, departure city and hotel, so we quote each comfort level on request. You can mix and match, for example a Signature hotel with Essential transfers.
Top things to do in Costa Rica
Hot springs at Arenal
Soak in pools warmed by volcanic heat. Options range from free river spots to full resorts with landscaped pools and restaurants.
Relax · Romance · Nature · Evening
Arenal hanging bridges
Walk a series of suspension bridges through the rainforest canopy. Early-morning visits, ideally with a naturalist guide, are best for birds and wildlife.
Nature · Family · Morning
La Fortuna Waterfall
A steep staircase leads down to a 70-meter waterfall plunging into a jungle pool where you can swim at the side.
Nature · Adventure · Half day
Arenal Volcano National Park hike
Trails cross old lava flows with views of the cone. The summit is off-limits, but the lower trails are rewarding.
Nature · Adventure · Half day
Zip-lining
Fly over the forest canopy on cables. Arenal and Monteverde both have long, well-established courses.
Adventure · Family · Half day
White-water rafting
Rivers near Arenal offer beginner floats and rapids for the more adventurous. Go with a licensed outfitter.
Adventure · Half day
Manuel Antonio National Park
Spot sloths, capuchin and squirrel monkeys and iguanas on easy trails, then swim at beaches inside the park. Buy tickets online ahead; the park is closed on Tuesdays. A guide with a spotting scope helps enormously.
Nature · Beach · Family · Morning
Pacific beach afternoon
Swim and watch the sunset at Playa Espadilla in Manuel Antonio or at the Guanacaste beaches. Mind rip currents and swim where others are swimming.
Beach · Relax · Half day
Catamaran snorkel cruise
Sail along the coast with snorkeling, lunch and sunset; offered from Manuel Antonio and Guanacaste.
Beach · Romance · Nature · Half day
Monteverde cloud forest reserve
Misty trails rich with orchids, hummingbirds and, if you're lucky, the resplendent quetzal. Early guided walks see the most.
Nature · Morning
Guided night walk
After dark, guides find tree frogs, tarantulas, sleeping birds and sloths. Offered in La Fortuna, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio.
Nature · Family · Adventure · Evening
Coffee and chocolate farm tour
Learn how beans become coffee and chocolate on a family farm, with tastings.
Food · Culture · Family · Half day
Río Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park
A day hike to a waterfall and river colored a striking sky blue by natural minerals. Swimming isn't allowed.
Nature · Adventure · Full day
Surf lesson in Tamarindo
Tamarindo's beach breaks are a classic place to learn, with many surf schools.
Beach · Adventure · Half day
Book tours & activities
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7-day Costa Rica itinerary
Sample itinerary. The classic first trip: volcano, hot springs and hanging bridges, then rainforest wildlife and Pacific beaches. Suggested base: La Fortuna (3 nights), Manuel Antonio (3 nights). See the full 7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: Arenal & Manuel Antonio or the 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: Arenal, Monteverde & Beaches.
Arrive in San José, transfer to La Fortuna
A scenic 3-hour drive, rewarded with a hot-springs soak.
- Hot springs at Arenal
Hanging bridges and waterfall
Wildlife early, a waterfall swim after.
- Arenal hanging bridges
- La Fortuna Waterfall
Volcano hike and zip-lining
Lava-field trails, canopy flights and a night walk.
- Arenal Volcano National Park hike
- Zip-lining
- Guided night walk
Transfer to Manuel Antonio
Shuttle or drive to the coast; sunset on the beach.
- Pacific beach afternoon
Manuel Antonio National Park
Book tickets and a guide; the park is closed Tuesdays.
- Manuel Antonio National Park
Catamaran day
Snorkeling, lunch and sunset at sea.
- Catamaran snorkel cruise
Departure
Return to San José for your flight, with a coffee stop if time allows.
- Coffee and chocolate farm tour
What to eat in Costa Rica
- Gallo pinto (rice and beans)
- Casado (the classic lunch plate)
- Ceviche
- Fresh tropical fruit and batidos (smoothies)
- Costa Rican coffee
Getting there and getting around
Most travelers fly into San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR). Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC); US dollars are widely accepted.
- A rental car (4x4 recommended in green season) gives the most freedom; mandatory local insurance adds significantly to quoted rates.
- Shared shuttle vans connect the main tourist areas comfortably and are a good alternative to driving.
- Distances look short on a map but roads are slow; plan around 3–4 hours between most regions.
Budget tips for Costa Rica
- The green season (May–November, excluding July) often brings big lodging discounts.
- Budget for national park entry fees and guides; a guide makes wildlife viewing much more productive.
- Shuttles can cost less than a rental car once insurance is included.
- Sodas (small local restaurants) serve generous casados at a fraction of resort prices.
How to book a Costa Rica trip with RoamPlanned
Use the Trip Planner to build a Costa Rica itinerary around your dates and interests, or request one of our sample itineraries. We'll help you compare flights, hotels and tours from trusted travel partners. You approve everything first and pay the provider directly. Here's how booking works.
Costa Rica travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Costa Rica?
Seven days covers two regions, such as Arenal and Manuel Antonio. Ten days lets you add Monteverde or a beach in Guanacaste without rushing.
Is Manuel Antonio or Guanacaste better?
Manuel Antonio combines rainforest wildlife with beaches; Guanacaste has drier weather, larger resorts and more beaches. For a first trip with Arenal, Manuel Antonio is a classic pairing; Guanacaste is easier if you fly into Liberia.
Do I need a car in Costa Rica?
Not necessarily. Shared shuttles and private transfers connect the main areas. A car helps if you want to explore at your own pace.
When is the rainy season in Costa Rica?
Roughly May to November on most of the country's Pacific side, with September and October the wettest. Rain usually falls in the afternoon.
Do I need a passport for Costa Rica?
Yes. US citizens need a valid passport. Check the US State Department's country page for current requirements.
Last reviewed November 2026. Seasons, reservation systems and entry rules change, so confirm details with official sources before you travel.
