Costa Rica 8 Day Itinerary: A Sample Plan
Costa Rica is a small country in Central America that offers a variety of natural and cultural attractions for travelers of all kinds. Whether you are looking for 8 Day Costa Rica Itinerary with adventure, wildlife, relaxation, or culture,
you will find something to suit your taste in this diverse and beautiful destination.
In this article, we will show you how to plan an amazing 8 day itinerary for Costa Rica that covers some of the most popular and stunning places in the country. You will learn about the best time to visit, how to get around, what to pack, what to do, where to stay, and how much it will cost. We will also provide you with some useful tips and resources to help you make the most of your trip.
By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of how to enjoy 8 days in Costa Rica and create unforgettable memories. Let’s get started!
Vacation Rentals | Costa Rica
Key Takeaways of 8 day itinerary Costa Rica
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | Costa Rica has two main seasons: dry (December-April) and rainy (May-November).
The best time to visit depends on your preferences and activities, but generally the dry season is more popular and convenient. |
| Getting around | Costa Rica has a good network of roads, buses, shuttles, taxis, and domestic flights.
The most flexible and convenient option is to rent a car, but you need to be prepared for driving conditions and costs. Alternatively, you can use public or private transportation services or book tours that include transportation. |
| Packing list | Costa Rica has different climates and microclimates depending on the region and elevation.
You need to pack accordingly for the places you plan to visit and the activities you want to do. Some essential items are lightweight dry fast clothes, comfortable sandals, swimwear, mosquito repellent, sunscreen SPF 30+, hiking shoes/trail running shoes or closed toed hiking sandals, sunglasses, a hat, battery pack, medical kit, waterproof phone case, camera, day pack, rain jacket and an insulated water bottle. |
| Activities | Costa Rica offers a wide range of activities for all interests and levels of adventure.
Some of the most popular ones are hiking, zip-lining, rafting, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, wildlife watching, hot springs, coffee tours, cultural tours, and beach relaxation. |
| Accommodation | Costa Rica has a variety of accommodation options for different budgets and styles. You can choose from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, lodges, cabins, campsites, Airbnb rentals, and more.
You can also book through online platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb or directly with the property owners or managers. |
| Costs | Costa Rica is not a cheap destination compared to other countries in Central America. However, it is possible to travel on a budget or splurge depending on your choices.
The average daily cost for a traveler in Costa Rica is around $100 USD per person per day (excluding flights). This includes transportation ($20), accommodation ($40), food ($25), and activities ($15). Of course, this can vary depending on your itinerary and preferences. |
Estimated Costs of Transportation, Accommodation, Food, and Activities of Costa Rica itinerary
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Flight from US to San Jose (round trip) | $300-$600 |
| Car rental for 8 days (including insurance and gas) | $400-$800 |
| Bus ticket from San Jose to La Fortuna | $5 |
| Shuttle from La Fortuna to Monteverde | $25 |
| Shuttle from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio | $50 |
| Shuttle from Manuel Antonio to San Jose | $50 |
| Hotel in San Jose (per night) | $50-$100 |
| Hotel in La Fortuna (per night) | $50-$150 |
| Hotel in Monteverde (per night) | $50-$150 |
| Hotel in Manuel Antonio (per night) | $50-$200 |
| Breakfast (per person) | $5-$10 |
| Lunch (per person) | $10-$15 |
| Dinner (per person) | $10-$20 |
| Snacks and drinks (per person per day) | $5-$10 |
| Hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park | $15 |
| Zip-lining in La Fortuna | $50 |
| Hot springs in La Fortuna | $20-$80 |
| Hanging bridges in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve | $35 |
| Coffee tour in Monteverde | $35 |
| Rafting in Savegre River | $90 |
| Snorkeling in Manuel Antonio National Park | $65 |
| Surfing lesson in Manuel Antonio Beach | $50 |
Statistics about last five years Travellers
According to recent statistics, Costa Rica has witnessed a steady increase in the number of incoming travelers over the past five years. In 2015, the country welcomed 2.66 million tourists, and by 2019, this number had risen to 3.14 million.
Costa Rica 8 Day Itinerary: A Sample Plan
Now that you have an overview of the key information and costs for traveling to Costa Rica, let’s dive into a sample 8 day itinerary that covers some of the most popular and beautiful places in the country.
This itinerary is based on a self-drive option, but you can also use public or private transportation or book tours that include transportation. Feel free to modify this itinerary according to your preferences and budget.
Day 1: Arrival in San Jose
Your Costa Rica adventure begins in San Jose, the capital and largest city of the country. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to explore the city or just relax at your hotel.
San Jose is not the most attractive or exciting city in Costa Rica, but it has some interesting cultural and historical attractions, such as the National Theater, the Gold Museum, the Jade Museum, and the Central Market.
You can also enjoy some of the nightlife options, such as bars, restaurants, and clubs.
If you are renting a car, you can pick it up at the airport or at your hotel. Make sure to check the driving conditions and rules in Costa Rica before hitting the road. You will need a valid driver’s license, a credit card, and a passport to rent a car.
You will also need to purchase mandatory basic insurance and optional additional insurance. Driving in Costa Rica can be challenging due to traffic, road conditions, weather, and signage.
You will also need to pay tolls on some highways and bridges. It is recommended to use a GPS device or app (such as Waze or Google Maps) to navigate.
Day 2: San Jose to La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)
On your second day, you will drive from San Jose to La Fortuna, a small town at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano. The drive will take about 3 hours on a scenic route that passes through green hills, farms, and villages.
Along the way, you can stop at some of the attractions, such as the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, the Poas Volcano National Park, or the Sarchi Oxcart Factory.
Once you arrive in La Fortuna, you can check in at your hotel and enjoy the views of the volcano. La Fortuna is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica for its natural beauty and adventure activities.
You can choose from a variety of options, such as hiking, zip-lining, rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, wildlife watching, and more.
One of the must-do activities is to visit one of the many hot springs in the area, where you can relax and soak in mineral-rich waters surrounded by tropical vegetation.
Day 3: La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)
On your third day, you will have a full day to explore more of La Fortuna and its surroundings. One of the best ways to experience the volcano is to hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can see lava flows, craters, forests, and wildlife.
The park has several trails that vary in length and difficulty. The most popular one is the 1968 Trail, which takes about 2 hours to complete and offers stunning views of the volcano and Lake Arenal.
Another option is to visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, where you can walk on 16 bridges suspended over the rainforest canopy. This is a great way to observe the flora and fauna of the area from different perspectives.
You may spot monkeys, sloths, toucans, hummingbirds, and more.
If you are looking for more adventure, you can try zip-lining in La Fortuna. There are several companies that offer this activity, such as Sky Adventures or Arenal Mundo Aventura.
You will fly over the forest and enjoy breathtaking views of the volcano and lake. Some zip-lines are over 700 meters long and 200 meters high!
Day 4: La Fortuna to Monteverde (Cloud Forest)
On your fourth day, you will leave La Fortuna and head to Monteverde, another natural wonder of Costa Rica. Monteverde is famous for its cloud forest reserve, a unique ecosystem that is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals.
The cloud forest is a high-altitude forest that is covered by mist and clouds most of the time, creating a magical and mysterious atmosphere.
Monteverde is also a hub for ecotourism and adventure activities, such as hiking, birdwatching, zip-lining, coffee tours, and more.
