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:

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:

From Costa Ballena, drive five hours north to Lake Arenal. Break up the trip by stopping for lunch in the popular beach town of Jaco.

You won't want to miss Lake Arenal because it is home to the popular Arenal Volcano. The large now-dormant volcano towers over Lake Arenal and can be seen from miles away. In 1968, it erupted violently and killed around 70 people. From 1968 to 2010, it erupted interminably, but never again with the force of the 1968 eruption. From 2010 onward, it has remained dormant.

Arenal Volcano sits near the enormous Lake Arenal, which takes up 85 square kilometers and is the largest lake in Costa Rica. The most popular city to stay in while visiting the volcano is La Fortuna, located at the north end of the lake. La Fortuna is also closest to the Arenal Volcano and other popular attractions.

While La Fortuna is great, there are many small towns around the lake you should also consider. If you are a yogi, I suggest staying at Hotel Mystica, which is on the far side of Lake Arenal and about an hour drive from the Arenal Volcano. The hotel houses a beautiful pavilion for outdoor yoga practice and impressive suites that will calm your body and mind.

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:

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!

Wake up early and head three hours north to Tenorio National Park. Inside the park is the famous Rio Celeste Waterfall with its turquoise water. Be careful; getting into the park can be tricky. Full directions to Tenorio National Park here.

Once you arrive, a 45-minute hike takes you through a well-maintained trail and down a built-in staircase to the Rio Celeste Waterfall. I promise the picture above is not photoshopped; it really is that blue. The water gets its color from a chemical reaction between the minerals of two rivers converging at the Teñideros point.

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.