A Perfect 7-Day Travel Guide: Costa Rica

Flights: Flying from anywhere in the US to Costa Rica is generally pretty cheap all throughout the year. Look for flights into San Jose International Airport, the biggest airport in Costa Rica.

Hotels: A wide variety of accommodations, and price points, can be found in Costa Rica. If you are on a shoestring budget, no problem; there are cheap hostels in every town across the country. Want a more luxurious vacation? High-end accommodations are also plentiful in every major city, especially if you are looking for something romantic.

Renting a car is a popular option when visiting Costa Rica. It gives you the ultimate freedom to travel the gorgeous country at your leisure without breaking the bank. Know these key tips before you go:

• If you are visiting in the high season, book your car before you arrive.
• You only need a valid driver's license from your home country to rent.
• If you are traveling during the rainy season (May to November), you absolutely need to rent a 4x4.
• Be aware that the Costa Rican government does require third-party liability insurance. This extra cost is usually not included in initial price quotes for cars. The additional insurance will run you about $30 a day and must be bought in Costa Rica. Most, if not all, travel credit cards don't cover this type of insurance.

Read more about renting a car in Costa Rica here.

Once off the plane and through customs, grab your rental car and drive about three hours south to the gorgeous Costa Ballena area. The coastal region includes the towns of Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal and is downright beautiful. This area is a must see because of the unique mixture of jungle, mountains, and beach all located extremely close together.

Which town to stay in is, of course, a personal choice. Dominical is the largest and has tons of hostels, bars, and packed beaches. Uvita is located below Dominical and boasts private beaches and a less touristy atmosphere. Ojochal is the furthest south and the smallest of the three towns. Stay here if you like your trips quiet and isolated.

I had the opportunity to stay in three hotels while in the Costa Ballena area. All were fantastic but unique in their own way. Oxygen Jungle Villas, located in the mountains, is a high-end, secluded resort that is best for honeymooners or anyone seeking a romantic getaway. El Castillo, located near the beaches of Ojochal, is a perfect for those looking for luxurious accommodations and some R&R. La Cusinga is located on a huge nature reserve and includes private trails and beaches for a low price. The cabins of La Cusinga are perfect for families or anyone looking for a more rustic experience.

With so many things to do in Costa Ballena, it is hard to narrow your choices down. Here are some of the top options:

• Visit the famous Whale Tail in Marino Ballena National Park. Be sure to check the tide chart before you go. This natural current formation is only visible during low tide. Full guide to visiting the Whale Tail here.
• Hike to Nayuca Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica.
• Surf in Dominical, home to one of the best beaches in Costa Rica for surfing. Playa Hermosa (north of Uvita) and Uvita's Playa Colonia are both great for beginners. There are also many surf schools in the region.
• Head to Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary for a close encounter with rescued animals in the region. Learn more about Alturas here.
• Whale watch in Marino Ballena National Park. Because there are two different whale migrations that visit Costa Ballena, you can see whales here practically year round. There are also many boat tours that will help you get closer to these beautiful creatures.

Lake Arenal has many activities to choose from. You could probably spend a week exploring this area alone! Here are the top things to do in Arenal:

• Hike the Volcano. One of the most popular things to do in the region is, of course, hike the massive volcano that looms over the towns. I suggest the 1968 Lava Trail; it's a hard hike, but the views make it completely worth it.
• Visit La Fortuna Waterfall. The best waterfall in the region, this waterfall is easy to access with a built-in staircase leading down between two mountains. Full guide to visiting La Fortuna Waterfall here.
• Walk the Hanging Brides. Do this if you didn't have time to visit Monteverde in Costa Rica. Mistico Parks hanging bridges are considered the best in Arenal.
• Schedule an Adventure Tour. There are loads of companies and tours in the area to choose from. A couple of your options include zip-lining, ATV riding, trying out canyoning, or going on a safari boat ride.

In Arenal, you cannot miss the hot springs. These completely natural hot pools are the perfect way to relax your muscles after a long day of exploring. I was on a tight budget when I visited Costa Rica and visited the free springs near Tabacon. If you are willing to spend some money, there are many luxurious springs at the high-end resorts surrounding Lake Arenal.

Here is a list of the best hot springs, including costs of each and directions to the free spring!

After your mind is sufficiently blown, head back to the airport to drop off your car and fly home. Once home, be sure to tell everyone why they need to come and experience the magic of Costa Rica.

If you need help planning your trip to Costa Rica, check out all of my guides over at Travel Where to Next.