Puntarenas Province in west-central Costa Rica has long been a go-to for first-time visitors. The region is relatively easy to drive through, and the beaches of Manuel Antonio are welcoming to travelers. It’s also the perfect place for anyone, including young families, to take their first international trip. The country is safe and familiar, yet unique enough to feel like an adventure. Because of its success, some would argue that it’s too touristy. However, this isn’t exactly the case if you select the best accommodations and plan accordingly.
It’s also the perfect place for anyone, including young families, to take their first international trip.
To that end, we’ve created a classic Costa Rican itinerary to give you the best of the best. The most popular time to travel here is during the dry season from December to May. And while we have listed a nine-day itinerary below, you can easily fit it into one week.
Depending on your arrival time, you may want to stay close to San Jose for the night. We like the Alta La Palomas boutique hotel in the southern suburbs for a luxury stay to unwind from your flight. Enjoy the excellent restaurant and service as you settle into your Costa Rican Adventure.
Drive east into the mountains for about three hours before arriving at your hotel, Senda Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge. The hotel is a contemporary but casual mountain lodge not far from the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, and another smaller reserve where guests can go hiking. Settle into your private cottage surrounded by lush vegetation with a view of the Gulf of Nicoya in the distance.
On your first afternoon, explore the property where you can enjoy a guided birdwatching, a large suspension bridge, spa treatment, or simply a cerveza and conversation around the campfire.
Spend two full days exploring the pristine beauty of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, which holds a whopping 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity. Enjoy a guided hike and tour through the reserve, including large suspension bridges, as well as coffee plantation and farm tours.
In the morning, drive or catch a transfer for the four-hour journey to the coast. Your destination is Arenas Del Mar Resort. Manuel Antonio is indeed developing, but Arenas Del Mar is a world of its own. The property sits on the edge of town on a rocky escarpment, with a private beach and as many monkeys as you will find in the nearby national park. There are also multiple pools and a gentle surf break, making it an excellent choice for families.
Arenas Del Mar is one of our favorite hotels for an extended stay because of its many on-site activities and tranquil atmosphere. You could park it here for a week and do nothing else in Costa Rica and be fine. However, there are plenty of options off property to enjoy, including zip-lining, waterfall hikes, snorkeling, and whale watching. You can also visit Manuel Antonio National Park. Still, we like to go a bit further afield to the Rainmaker Biological Preserve to avoid the crowds.
Transfer back to the airport in the morning for your flight home.
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