Costa Rica itinerary 7 days – how to plan your dream Costa Rica vacation

As the first nation in Central America to recognise gay relationships and legalize homosexuality, the LGBT+ situation in Costa Rica is marginally better than other countries in the region. While there is of course room for improvement, your Costa Rica vacation is unlikely to be affected by harassment as most locals are relatively tolerant and operate on a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ level.

To be among likeminded people, plan your trip around gay hubs such as Manuel Antonio National Park and the nearby town of Quepos, which have long been on the international gay vacation radar. Manuel Antonio, in particular, is named as the de facto gay and lesbian capital of Costa Rica.

Be in charge of your own destiny and itinerary while in Costa Rica by renting a car. Take our advice and pay that little bit extra for a 4×4;  you’ll want the high clearance and four-wheel drive to conquer those muddy roads.

You should also know that Costa Rica is set on becoming the second-most carbon-neutral country in the world (beaten only by Bhutan) by 2021. To stay as sustainable as possible during your trip, check out how businesses fare, ranked from 1 to 5 with the ‘Certificate of Sustainable Tourism’ from the Costa Rica Tourism Institute before making a booking.

Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José for your first taste of the pura vida (aka the ‘pure life’). More than just a saying, pura vida is a way of life dedicated to living simply, with few worries, no hurries and 100% Arabica coffee breaks. After a friendly escort to your hotel, you’ll have the day free to meander through the city’s streets. Highlights include the Mercado Central for shops, food stalls and traditional dining options named ‘sodas’, as well as the National Museum and nearby National Park if time allows.

From there, we move to the historic Barrio Amón to marvel at the famed architecture of the ‘cafetalero’ mansions, built for the nation’s richest coffee growers in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. As well as housing high-end hotels, restaurants and galleries, one of the key sites is the Teatro Nacional, which exudes neo-classical opulence and offers guided tours of the theatre within. If you’d like to see the stage come alive with dance, music and theatrical performance, check their schedule for upcoming events.

Day two takes us to La Fortuna, the best-known base for adventures into Arenal Volcano National Park, located north of the Tilaran Mountains. Sign up to a zip lining tour through the park’s forest canopy, across canyons and over waterfalls ending with inspiring views of the volcano itself. Alternatively, opt for stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking on Lake Arenal. After a day soaking up Costa Rica’s landscapes, restore your aching body with a dip in the mineral-rich waters of a nearby hot springs, heated by underground geothermal activity.

Adrenaline junkies will want to remain in Arenal for more biking and hiking adventures, with options of walking among the treetops on Mistico Hanging Bridges Park or taking a leisurely hike to the kid-friendly La Fortuna Waterfall. After exhausting the volcano and yourself, we travel onwards to the mountainous north-western region of Monteverde, a place nicknamed the “Green Lung” for its incredible biodiversity. A number of tours operate between Arenal and Monteverde, allowing you to skip the long drive around Lake Arenal and instead take a serene 3.5-hour boat ride towards the town of Santa Elena, known for cheese, coffee and Quakers, where you can wind down for the evening.

The following day is set to be a memorable one, as we trek through the virgin forests of Monteverde’s 26,000-acre Cloud Forest Reserve. Stay extra stealthy to be afforded with the closest encounters of Costa Rica’s amazing wildlife; including amphibians, three-wattled sloths and all manner of primates. Come armed with binoculars for bird watching on the treetop suspension bridges, looking out for the resplendent quetzal, coloured with feathers of iridescent green. Surrounding the forest’s well-marked trails you’ll also discover the world’s greatest number of orchid species in one place. Expect high temperatures, frequent rain showers and the subsequent muddy terrain.

Costa Rica in a week is doable but there are a ton of reasons to stick around for longer! Fishing, sailing, diving, whale watching, white-water rafting are all fun options for those wanting to stay in Manuel Antonio. Or, extend your Costa Rica vacation even further and explore off-the-beaten-track gems such as Costa Ballena, where you’ll get to enjoy stunning southern coastline surrounded by mountains and a number of luxury boutique hotels. Learn more with our guide of Things to do in Costa Bellena.