7 days in Costa Rica Itinerary

Monteverde is all about natural attractions, not surprising for an eco-tourism hotspot known for its cloud forests and rich diversity of animal life.

On the 26th (Mon), stop by Hummingbird Gallery and then identify plant and animal life at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Monteverde online trip planner .

Portland, USA to Monteverde is an approximately 16-hour combination of flight and shuttle. You can also do a combination of train, bus, flight, and shuttle; or drive. You'll lose 2 hours traveling from Portland to Monteverde due to the time zone difference. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Mon) early enough to drive to La Fortuna de San Carlos.

Set against the backdrop of the imposing Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna de San Carlos offers visitors a chance to explore diverse natural landscapes and sample some delicious local produce.

Kick off your visit on the 27th (Tue): let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour, view the masterpieces at Onirica Art Gallery, then view the masterpieces at Galeria Estudio, and finally stop by Souvenir Leo.

To find photos, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, read our La Fortuna de San Carlos trip planner .

Traveling by car from Monteverde to La Fortuna de San Carlos takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Tue) so you can travel to Manuel Antonio.

The rainforest meets the sea at Manuel Antonio National Park, a small but scenic natural preserve on the west coast of Costa Rica.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Wed): kick back and relax at Playa Manuel Antonio, look for gifts at Super Joseth, then stop by Beso Loco Boutique de Playa, and finally tour the pleasant surroundings at Parque Nahomi.

To see other places to visit, ratings, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Manuel Antonio trip maker app .

Getting from La Fortuna de San Carlos to Manuel Antonio by combination of taxi and flight takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a shuttle. Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Wed) early enough to travel to San Jose.

A trip to San Jose, the capital, commercial center, and cultural hub of Costa Rica, gives you a chance to experience the lively atmosphere and rich cultural past of this vibrant country.

Start off your visit on the 29th (Thu): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Our Lady of the Angels Basilica (Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles), then hunt for treasures at Cartago Central Market, then get engrossed in the history at National Museum (Museo Nacional), and finally stop by Chieton Moren. On the 30th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the world behind art at Museo de Arte Costarricense, admire the masterpieces at Precolumbian Gold Museum, then look for gifts at Riish and Toosh Afro Costa Rican Paintings, then get engrossed in the history at Jade Museum, and finally view the masterpieces at Galeria Namu.

To find where to stay, ratings, maps, and tourist information, use the San Jose online trip maker .

You can do a combination of taxi, flight, and bus from Manuel Antonio to San Jose in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In November, daytime highs in San Jose are 79°F, while nighttime lows are 66°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 1st (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.