7 Days in Costa Rica

Arrive at Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO). Private transfer to Hotel Grano de Oro (4★, $130/night) — a converted Victorian mansion in the city center.

Explore the National Theater ($10 guided tour) — Costa Rica's architectural crown jewel, built in 1897 with Italian marble and gold leaf.

Walk through Mercado Central — a labyrinth of 200+ stalls. Try a traditional casado (rice, beans, plantains, protein, $6) at Soda Tala.

Drinks at the hotel's rooftop. Early night — tomorrow's adventure begins.

Shuttle van from San José to La Fortuna (3.5 hrs, $45/person). Scenic drive through cloud forests and coffee plantations.

Check into Arenal Observatory Lodge (3★, $120/night) — the only hotel inside Arenal Volcano National Park. Volcano views from every room.

Arenal 1968 Lava Trail hike ($15 entry) — walk across the cooled lava fields from the 1968 eruption. 3 km moderate trail with outstanding volcano views.

EcoTermales Hot Springs ($44/person, pre-booked) — natural thermal pools fed by the volcano. Only 100 visitors allowed at a time for an uncrowded experience.

Dinner at Don Rufino ($25/person) — La Fortuna's best restaurant. The coffee-crusted tenderloin and passion fruit cheesecake are outstanding.

Sky Adventures Arenal Park ($81/person) — gondola up, then 7 zip-lines down through the cloud forest canopy. The final line is 750m long with volcano views.

La Fortuna Waterfall ($18/person) — 70m cascade into an emerald pool. 500 steps down (and back up). Swim in the refreshing pool at the bottom.

Late lunch at Soda Viquez ($8/person) — a local family-run eatery (soda) with the best casado in town.

Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue ($35/person) — volunteer-run sloth and monkey sanctuary. See sloths, spider monkeys, toucans, and macaws being rehabilitated.

Dinner at Rain Forest Café ($20/person) — casual but reliable. Then night walk ($25/person) through the jungle to see red-eyed tree frogs, kinkajous, and nocturnal wildlife.

Morning hike on the hotel's private trails. Spot toucans and howler monkeys from the observation deck.

Shuttle from Arenal to Manuel Antonio (5 hrs, $55/person). Break for lunch on the way in Jacó.

Check into Tulemar Resort (from $200/night) — the best location in Manuel Antonio with private beach access. Wildlife everywhere: monkeys and sloths on your balcony.

Sunset at the resort's private beach or Playa Biesanz (5-min walk). Calm water perfect for swimming.

Dinner at Emilio's Café ($28/person) — cliff-top dining with ocean views. The seafood pasta and sunset are both spectacular.

Manuel Antonio National Park ($18/person, closed Mondays). Arrive at opening for the best wildlife viewing. Hire a guide at the entrance ($20/person) — they spot wildlife you'll miss (sloths, monkeys, toucans, iguanas).

Walk the park trails to Playa Manuel Antonio — one of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches. White sand, turquoise water, and rainforest right to the shore.

Picnic lunch on the beach (packed from resort) or walk out to the public beach area for ceviche at a beachfront stand ($8).

Catamaran sailing tour ($75/person, half-day) — snorkeling, dolphin watching, and open bar. The afternoon tour catches sunset on the return.

Dinner at Agua Azul ($25/person) — casual clifftop restaurant with cold beers and great burgers. The tuna steak sandwich is a local favorite.

Rainmaker Conservation Park ($25/person) — hanging bridges through the canopy, waterfall pools for swimming, and pristine primary rainforest. Less crowded than the famous parks.

Lunch at El Avión ($15/person) — a Fairchild C-123 plane converted into a bar/restaurant with ocean views. The plane has a fascinating Iran-Contra history.

Marina Pez Vela in Quepos — browse shops, watch fishing boats come in, and enjoy the waterfront atmosphere.

Spa afternoon: massage at Tulemar's bamboo treehouse spa ($85/hour) with ocean sounds and howler monkeys in the background.

Farewell dinner at La Luna ($35/person) at Gaia Hotel — fine dining with panoramic ocean views. The three-course tasting menu is excellent.

Final sloth-spotting from your balcony. Morning swim at the beach before the crowds.

Breakfast at Café Milagro ($12/person) — Costa Rica's best coffee roaster. Stock up on whole beans to take home.

Shuttle from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport (3 hrs, $50/person). Arrive 2.5 hours before international flights.