For a 7-day trip to Costa Rica, I recommend spending three days on one of the coasts and four days in the rainforest interior.
So I’ve got two beach and two rainforest options for you. All four of these places will let you experience the iconic landscapes and activities that Costa Rica is famous for.
This region on the Pacific coast is the perfect place to experience the best of Costa Rica’s rainforest and coastline.
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Day 1
Arrive at your accommodation, check in, and enjoy your hotel’s amenities – pool, beach, spa, etc.
Day 2
Spend the morning at Diamante Eco Adventure Park ziplining and visiting an animal sanctuary where you can see jaguars, pumas, toucans, butterflies, and Lucy the Sloth.
Here, you can go ATVing, mountain biking, and nature hiking.
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Then head back to your accommodation to eat, drink, and sit pool or beachside. In the evening, do a sunset catamaran tour along the Peninsula’s coastline.
Day 3
Go river tubing (a leisure activity) or whitewater rafting (an adventure activity) in the morning. Then in the late-afternoon and evening, do a catamaran tour along the Peninsula’s coastline.
Day 4
Enjoy your hotel's pool or beach until you leave for your rainforest destination.
Where To Stay on the Papagayo Peninsula
Andaz Costa Rica Resort At Peninsula Papagayo - a Concept by Hyatt
This beachfront hotel is nestled on a jungle hillside, where you’ll see monkeys! Highlights of this stunning property are five pools (including one at the spa and an adults-only pool), three beaches, four restaurants, a bar in a converted VW bug, ocean views in every room, and close proximity to water and land activities.
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Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
You’ll love this all-Inclusive, more budget-friendly resort. There’s a beach, outdoor pool, spa, seven restaurants, three bars/lounges, a kid’s club, a poolside bar, a health club, and spacious rooms.
Get ready for one of the most luxurious hotel stays you’ll ever experience! There’s a private beach, complimentary water activities, opulent rooms, multiple pools, a spa, five restaurants, a golf course, a marina, and a bar/lounge.
This adults-only, all-inclusive resort is perfect for a romantic or girlfriend getaway! Your room will be a suite with a private balcony or terrace, and there are four restaurants, one cafe, five bars, a beach, land and water activities, live entertainment, two pools, and a spa.
A laid-back beach town on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast known for its animal sanctuary, snorkeling and diving, wellness retreats, and surfing.
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Day 1
Arrive at your accommodation, check-in, and enjoy your hotel’s amenities – pool, beach, spa, etc.
Day 2
In the morning, go whitewater rafting past waterfalls on the Pacuare River. Then head back to your accommodation to eat, drink, and sit pool or beachside for the rest of the day. Puerto Viejo is famous for its yoga and surf classes, so you could also do one of these this afternoon.
Day 3
Spend the morning at the Jaguar Rescue Center, where you can see most of Costa Rica’s iconic wildlife in one place.
This vibrant and colorful hotel is a member of the world-famous Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand, and it’s a true oasis of peace and serenity on the Caribbean coast.
You’ll love this beautiful boutique hotel on a remote part of the Caribbean coast. There’s an outdoor pool, a yoga instructor, a nearby beach, and an on-site restaurant. Your private suite or bungalow will have a minibar, living room, open-air shower, terrace, sofa, and desk.
This treehouse-inspired rainforest hotel is on the beach, ideally located for experiencing Puerto Viejo's restaurants, shops, attractions, and water activities.
A park with zip lining, a sky tram, hanging bridge hikes, and more adventure activities.
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Day 6
Spend the day at The Club Rio Adventure Center. Here, you can do a combination of river tubing (my favorite), horseback riding, rock climbing, river kayaking, a wildlife sanctuary tour, and soaking in natural hot springs. There’s a riverfront restaurant, lockers, changing rooms, and towels.
An adventure park with river tubing, horseback riding, rock climbing, river kayaking, a wildlife sanctuary, natural hot springs you can soak in, a riverfront restaurant, lockers, changing rooms, and towels.
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Then head back to your accommodation to watch the sunset behind the volcano.
Day 7
Enjoy your hotel’s pool and views until you have to head home.
You might recognize this hotel from an episode of The Bachelor and Keeping Up With The Kardashians. This world-renowned resort has multiple pools and hot springs, a swim-up bar, a spa, an epic waterslide, and an adventure center with on-site activities such as river tubing, horseback riding, and rock climbing.
Get ready for the ultimate glamping experience! At Nayara Tented Camp, your spacious luxury tent will have spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano, air-conditioning, and a private plunge pool. Plus, you’ll love the on-site restaurant and suspension bridges!
This rainforest lodge has views of Arenal Volcano from almost every room. Your luxury cabin will have tropical hardwood finishes, a warm mineral spring spa-plunge pool, air conditioning, a complimentary minibar, and (of course) views of the volcano. There’s also an on-site restaurant, spa, multiple pools, and a swim-up bar.
If you want a boho-chic hotel that embodies the pura vida lifestyle, this property is for you! You’ll love the two outdoor pools, on-site restaurant, poolside bar, hot tub, and natural hot springs to soak in.
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Rainforest Option 2 - The Cloud Forest in Monteverde
The mountain region of Costa Rica is famous for its hanging bridges, hikes, hot springs, birding, and wildlife sightings.
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Day 4
Arrive at your accommodation, check-in, and enjoy your hotel's amenities – pool, hot springs, spa, etc.
Day 5
Spend the day at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, hiking through the Cloud Forest and over its famous suspension bridges. Then head back to your accommodation to eat, drink, and sit poolside for the rest of the day while you enjoy views of the rainforest.
Day 6
Start your day at Selvatura Adventure Park, where you can go ziplining and visit a sloth sanctuary.
After lunch, spend the afternoon soaking in hot springs. If you're not staying at a hotel with hot springs on-site, you can get a day pass to a resort with natural hot springs. Then head to dinner or your accommodation to watch the sunset over the rainforest.
Day 7
Enjoy your hotel’s pool and views until you have to head home.
Chicago-based Travel Blogger and Creator specializing in adventure and boutique travel.
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