Epic 7 Day Costa Rica Travel Guide

(updated March 2024)

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the lush rainforests of Central America, Costa Rica is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its pristine beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant wildlife, this region offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation for travelers seeking an authentic experience off the beaten path. In this travel guide, we will explore the best destinations, activities, and accommodations that Southern Costa Rica has to offer, ensuring you make the most of your time in this tropical paradise.

We visited Costa Rica with a large group and tried a variety of thrilling jungle activities. Keep reading for the ultimate seven day itinerary covering the Southern Pacific region of Costa Rica!

DISCLOSURE: PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME LINKS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. I EARN A MINIMAL COMMISSION THAT SUPPORTS MY SMALL BUSINESS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.

Day 1- International Flight & Arrival in San Jose

Your Costa Rica travel guide begins with your arrival in the capital, San Jose. There are two international airports- Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (Liberia LIR) and Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose SJO).  Typically SJO has more competitive rates, but check both to compare.

For convenience, you will want to rent a car prior to your arrival so you can freely explore all of Costa Rica. Several familiar car rental companies are available to choose from.

Following your car pick-up, it’s a quick 15 minute drive to the perfect 5 star hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica. Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen boasts a large swimming pool, driving range, full service spa, gym, and several dining options. It’s situated within a lovely thirty acre coffee plantation. If you have more time to explore, the hotel offers tours of the plantation and nearby waterfalls. Plan to recuperate overnight once you arrive in Costa Rica.

Seeking Stamps Tip:  Make sure you choose the correct airport for rental pick-up. Renting a 4×4 vehicle because roads can be rough at times (especially during the rainy season).

Costa Rica Map:

Day 2- Scenic Drive to Uvita

After recovering from your travel day, it’s time to make your way south from San Jose towards Uvita. Uvita is quieter than the Manuel Antonio area, so decide whether you prefer more serenity or more restaurant options. The drive is approximately 3.5 hours, but I suggest eating lunch along the way.

Make sure to take a quick pit stop to see the crocodiles gathering below Tarcoles Bridge in Jaco. You can park your vehicle on the side of the road and walk to the overpass to view the crocs. The kids in our group loved seeing the large amphibians basking in the sun below.

Seeking Stamps Tip:   Keep valuables out of sight because thefts and break-ins are common in this heavily visited tourist area.

Where to Stay in Uvita:

When visiting Southern Costa Rica, renting on VRBO or Airbnb is a great option. We were traveling with a large group of several families, so we opted for a large house called Villa Mareas. 

The first feature you notice after entering the villa is the enormous infinity edge pool overlooking the lush jungle and the Pacific ocean in the distance. The property is 18,000 square feet and offers privacy in nine separate suites. It is perfect for a large group or a vacation with extended family. Enjoy the view with a large two story balcony, and sunbathe on the massive pool deck. Verdant hiking trails to waterfalls and wildlife are accessible on the expansive property.

The villa also offers a full variety of amenities. 24 hour staff, housekeeping and chef services really pamper you. Yoga, massages, arranging car rentals, and getting the villa pre-stocked with groceries and liquor are also options.

Day 3- Thrilling Zipline Adventure

In addition to all the brilliant scenery in Costa Rica, it is a hub of adventure activities. While the most famous zip line in Costa Rica is located north in Arenal, the Uvita Costa Rica zip line will definitely not disappoint.

I suggest using Osa Canopy Tours for an adrenaline pumping zip line adventure. This location is high in the mountains and you propel over unspoiled trees and waterfalls below. They have seven zip line cables, repelling, exhilarating (and scary) hanging bridges, with a huge tarzan swing for the finale. You will have an epic experience here, especially on the 1800 foot long cable!  There are both morning and afternoon tours that last 2-3 hours in duration. Water and fresh fruit is provided at the conclusion of the tour.

Importantly, Osa Canopy Tours has a few guidelines for this adventure. For safety, there is a weight limit of 230 pounds, so keep that in mind when booking. You will want to make sure everyone in the group can handle moderate exertion and uneven hiking up the terrain. They allow groups of 2-20 to participate and require children to be age 4 and up. Our group had several children between 7-10 and they all had an amazing time.

What to Wear: comfortable athletic apparel that is lightweight and can get dirty. Sturdy shoes, like running shoes, are required.

Day 4- Stunning Manuel Antonio National Park

Undoubtedly, you will want to visit Manuel Antonio National Park during your Costa Rica vacation. The park was established in 1972 to preserve the biodiversity there. Without a doubt, the wildlife there is truly the highlight of the trip, and our group was thrilled to see sloths (and babies), large iguanas, toucans, endangered monkeys, colorful crabs and more.

Seeking Stamps Tip: Be wary of  imposters selling entrance tickets and parking. Tickets can be purchased online in advance and you can park close to the entrance. The park is closed on Tuesday, so plan accordingly.

To get the full experience of the park, I strongly recommend utilizing a Manuel Antonio National Park tour. It was helpful to have a guide point out the sloths way up in tree-tops and provide useful information about the flora and fauna in the park. Plan to stay with the tour for approximately three hours and then explore the park after your tour concludes. Hours of operation are 7-4 pm.

What to Bring to Manuel Antonio:

• Comfortable clothes
• reusable water bottle
• camera
• bug repellant
• durable shoes for light hiking/walking and sometimes muddy conditions.

Seeking Stamps Tip: The park has banned single use plastics, so leave the plastic water bottles at home. Outside food is not allowed, but there is food for purchase on site.

Where to Eat Near Manuel Antonio National Park:

Following Manuel Antonio National Park, the best place to eat in Manuel Antonio is El Avion Restaurant. This captivating restaurant has converted a C-123 Fairchild cargo plane into an entrance and bar area. Once inside the sizable restaurant, enjoy the stunning sunset views. El Avion specializes in delicious seafood dishes, but also has a variety of menu items to satisfy a group.

Day 5- Phenomenal ATV Rental Costa Rica

Next on your Costa Rica travel guide, should be an exhilarating off-roading adventure on all terrain vehicles.

Try Jungle ATV Uvita if you are looking for a safe and reputable ATV rental Costa Rica. They give magnificent rides up to see the scenic Whale Tail for views and photos. Second, drive to a locally owned coffee tasting experience. Cross over rivers, get covered in dust, and enjoy the ride. Afterwards, cool off in a nearby waterfall and dive off the rocks into the pool below (check to confirm conditions are safe). This tour lasts approximately 4-5 hours.

What to wear for the ATV Ride:

• You will be filthy (and have dust in every crack).
• Wear old, black clothes. 
• We purchased inexpensive face covers and had rented goggles provided.
• Wear a bathing suit under clothes for swimming later.
• Don’t forget sunscreen and towels.

Where to Eat Dinner in Uvita:

On your last night in Costa Rica, enjoy open air dining at one of the best restaurants in Uvita Costa Rica. The Aracari Restaurant specializes in locally sourced ingredients and fresh caught seafood. The sunset views here are absolutely extraordinary.

Day 6- Heart Warming Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary

Last but not least, visit a Costa Rica Wildlife Sanctuary. Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary  specializes in rehabilitation and release of the animals (when possible). You can view monkeys, an anteater, an ocelot, crocodiles, and many species of colorful birds. Our children loved viewing the sloths in greater detail here. Consider supporting this wonderful charitable organization.

Day 7- Departure Home

Finally, it’s time to head back home. We stayed one additional night at the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen to be close to the airport for departure.

Clearly, traveling to Costa Rica will not disappoint if you are looking for outdoor adventure activities, incredible jungle views, and want to witness diverse wildlife. That wraps up your Costa Rica travel guide and 7 day itinerary. Pura Vida!