Costa Rica Vacation Itinerary


Looking for what to do with a week in Costa Rica?

Use these curated 7-day itineraries by Delta Vacations travel experts to explore this Central American gem—and easily book your flights, hotels, rides and activities all in one place.

Tours and activities (bolded below) can be added in the “Extras” section before checkout for a seamless travel experience.

DAY 1: Arrival and Wildlife Welcome


Lush rainforest and mountain view in Maui layered with green valleys and clouds at sunrise. Lush rainforest and mountain view in Maui layered with green valleys and clouds at sunrise.

ARRIVE:

  • Fly into LIR or SJO and take a private transfer or a rental car to your hotel

STAY:

AFTERNOON:

  • Hop on a side-by-side ATV or mountain bike on a guided wildlife safari —look for monkeys, toucans and iguanas

EVENING:

  • Enjoy panoramic sunset views at The Lookout Restaurant, located onsite

DAY 2: Zip, Soar and Stargaze


Woman zip lining over a lush river valley surrounded by tropical rainforest. Woman zip lining over a lush river valley surrounded by tropical rainforest.

MORNING:

  • Head to Diamante Eco Adventure Park where you can zipline Superman-style over the ocean, witness exotic wildlife at the animal sanctuary, or try the hammock bridge and ocean view platforms

AFTERNOON:

  • Relax at the hotel pool or book a massage at the spa

EVENING:

  • Have dinner at Taru Restaurant, located onsite, before stargazing on the private decks with a telescope

DAY 3: Indulge Your Senses


Woman relaxing under a natural waterfall in Costa Rica surrounded by lush tropical greenery. Woman relaxing under a natural waterfall in Costa Rica surrounded by lush tropical greenery.

MORNING:

  • Revisit Suitree's signature Taru Restaurant–reflecting the resort’s commitment to wellness, nature and local culture–for breakfast

AFTERNOON:

  • Experience the Sensoria "Land Of Senses and Magical Rainforest" Tour for a mystical escape into nature with guided hikes, waterfalls, and sensory experiences

EVENING:

  • Dine at the nearby Bees Bistro – a hidden gem in Nuevo Colón offering a cozy atmosphere and top-rated dishes

DAY 4: Fuel Your Soul


Arenal Volcano rising above lush green hills with grazing cattle in Costa Rica. Arenal Volcano rising above lush green hills with grazing cattle in Costa Rica.

MORNING:

  • Check out of hotel and enjoy a scenic drive to Arenal via a private transfer or rental car

AFTERNOON:

  • Check in to Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa and enjoy the onsite nature trails, natural hot springs and thermal river

EVENING:

  • Dine onsite at Ave del Paraiso, perfect for a relaxing evening and elegant ambiance

DAY 5: Adventure for Two, Anyone?


A traveler walking across a hanging bridge surrounded by lush rainforest in Costa Rica. A traveler walking across a hanging bridge surrounded by lush rainforest in Costa Rica.

MORNING:

  • Grab breakfast at Jungle Bowls – offering fresh fruit, smoothie bowls and energizing bites

AFTERNOON:

  • Take a guided tour of the Arenal Volcano National Park or the Arenal Hanging Bridges

EVENING:

  • Enjoy a private romantic dinner onsite in secluded garden nooks or near the thermal river

DAY 6: Waterfalls and Wildlife


Waterfall cascading into a turquoise pool surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. Waterfall cascading into a turquoise pool surrounded by lush tropical rainforest.

MORNING:

  • Enjoy a day trip to Monteverde Cloud Forest where you can walk the suspended bridges in the misty canopy as you spot hummingbirds, rare orchids and more

AFTERNOON:

  • Sweeten your day with a Hands-on Chocolate Tour where you can make your own bar from bean to bite

EVENING:

  • Eat at Que Rico Arenal Restaurante while you take in views of the volcano

DAY 7: Farewell, Costa Rica


Sunset over lush tropical rainforest overlooking the ocean coastline. Sunset over lush tropical rainforest overlooking the ocean coastline.

MORNING:

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel
  • Take a private transfer or rental car back to LIR or SJO airport
  • Fly home with Pura Vida memories

DAY 1: Welcome to Costa Rica


Snorkelers swimming with tropical fish in clear blue ocean water. Snorkelers swimming with tropical fish in clear blue ocean water.

ARRIVE:

  • Fly into LIR or SJO and take a private transfer to your hotel

STAY:

AFTERNOON:

  • Spend the afternoon on Playa Penca beach with direct access from your hotel for some beach fun (snorkeling, anyone?)

EVENING:

  • Enjoy a sunset dinner while overlooking the Pacific Ocean at The Terrace restaurant

DAY 2: Explore At Your Own Pace


Family hiking along jungle trail beside turquoise waterfall pool in Costa Rica. Family hiking along jungle trail beside turquoise waterfall pool in Costa Rica.

MORNING:

  • Book a Private Van & Full-Day Driver and explore the neighboring town of Coco

AFTERNOON:

  • Visit Llanos de Cortez waterfalls for a hike or a refreshing jungle escape. On Sundays, shop the market for local products, souvenirs and artisan goods

EVENING:

  • Sample Costa Rican dishes including fresh seafood and hear live music at spots like The Garden Bar in Coco

DAY 3: Water Fun and Wellness  


Boats cruising across the ocean at sunset with golden skies. Boats cruising across the ocean at sunset with golden skies.

MORNING:

  • Swim in one of the 10 onsite pools at the hotel, including an adults-only pool and kid-friendly areas with a waterslide

AFTERNOON:

  • Indulge in the 17,000-square-foot spa & wellness center while the kids & teens enjoy the onsite club

EVENING:

  • Take a Sunset Catamaran Cruise directly from the beach at your hotel

DAY 4: Checking Into New Adventures


Woman relaxing in a tropical jungle pool surrounded by lush greenery. Woman relaxing in a tropical jungle pool surrounded by lush greenery.

MORNING:

  • Check out of hotel and take a private transfer to The Springs Resort & Spa in the Arenal Region
  • Drive along Lake Arenal for panoramic views and plenty of photo ops. Ask your driver to stop at the continental divide or a small town like Canas for an authentic Costa Rican meal

AFTERNOON:

  • Check in at The Springs Resort & Spa and explore the grounds

EVENING:

  • Unwind in 18 pools and 12 interconnected pools with temperatures ranging from 83 to 103 degrees, surrounded by gardens and waterfalls

DAY 5: Connect with Nature and Each Other


Travelers walking across a rainforest canopy bridge surrounded by lush tropical greenery. Travelers walking across a rainforest canopy bridge surrounded by lush tropical greenery.

MORNING:

  • Go on the Arenal Volcano Mistico Tour which includes a hike near the base of the famous volcano and a hike across the iconic hanging bridges

AFTERNOON:

  • Nosh on a Costa Rican lunch and finish your tour by relaxing in the natural hot springs and thermal spa pools

EVENING:

  • After returning to your hotel, have dinner at The Open Kitchen – La Fortuna, located nearby, for a healthy and fresh meal

DAY 6: Final Day of Discovery


Travelers horseback riding across a river in Costa Rica surrounded by lush forest. Travelers horseback riding across a river in Costa Rica surrounded by lush forest.

MORNING:

  • Try nearby Tierra Mia Restaurante for a Costa Rican breakfast with gallo pinto, eggs and fresh juice

AFTERNOON:

  • Explore Club Rio via a shuttle ride or walking distance from The Springs to Arenal River
  • Choose from fun experiences like river tubing, kayaking, rock climbing, horseback riding or an animal sanctuary visit
  • Enjoy lunch at the Rancho Club Rio

EVENING:

  • Have an onsite dinner at The Springs at Tree Tops Grill offering burgers, tacos and quesadillas served poolside with panoramic views of Arenal Volcano

DAY 7: Farewell, Costa Rica


Golden sunset over a palm-lined beach in Costa Rica with rocky shoreline and ocean waves. Golden sunset over a palm-lined beach in Costa Rica with rocky shoreline and ocean waves.

MORNING:

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel
  • Take a private transfer or rental car back to LIR or SJO airport
  • Fly home with Pura Vida memories

This itinerary includes multiple hotels or destinations and requires expert assistance. 

Call 1-800-800-1504 for personalized booking.

Prefer a single hotel stay or destination? Book and customize your trip online.

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