7 day itinerary for Central America

Itinerary

Central America is a treasure trove of wildlife and natural beauty, and I’m excited to help you craft a relaxed 7-day itinerary. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica - San José

Morning: Arrive in San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Take your time settling into your hotel. Maybe grab a coffee at a local café to kickstart your adventure!

Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Mercado Central. It’s a great place to sample local foods and get a feel for the culture.

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a restaurant that offers traditional Costa Rican cuisine. Try the “casado” – a delicious plate of rice, beans, plantains, and your choice of protein.

## Day 2: Arenal Volcano National Park

Morning: After breakfast, head to Arenal Volcano National Park (about a 3-hour drive). The scenery along the way is stunning, so take your time and stop for photos!

Afternoon: Once you arrive, take a gentle hike on one of the park’s trails. Keep your eyes peeled for sloths, monkeys, and a variety of birds.

Evening: Relax in one of the natural hot springs nearby. Soaking in the warm waters surrounded by nature is the perfect way to unwind after a day of travel.

## Day 3: La Fortuna Waterfall & Wildlife Watching

Morning: After breakfast, visit the La Fortuna Waterfall. It’s a short hike down to the waterfall, and you can take a refreshing dip in the pool below.

Afternoon: Join a guided wildlife tour in the area. Look for toucans, howler monkeys, and maybe even a jaguar if you’re lucky!

Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner in La Fortuna. There are plenty of restaurants with views of the volcano, making for a picturesque dining experience.

## Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest

Morning: Depart for Monteverde (about a 3.5-hour drive). The journey is scenic, so take your time and enjoy the views.

Afternoon: Once you arrive, visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Take a leisurely walk on the trails and keep an eye out for the elusive quetzal bird!

Evening: Have dinner at a local restaurant. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some local dishes like “gallo pinto” or “sopa negra.”

## Day 5: Zip-lining and Hanging Bridges

Morning: Start your day with a thrilling zip-lining adventure through the cloud forest! It’s a fantastic way to see the forest from above and spot wildlife.

Afternoon: After lunch, stroll along the hanging bridges. This is a more relaxed way to experience the forest canopy and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Evening: Wind down with a quiet evening. Perhaps enjoy a night walk to see nocturnal wildlife, or just relax at your accommodation.

## Day 6: Travel to Nicaragua - Granada

Morning: Depart for Granada, Nicaragua (about a 3.5-hour drive). Cross the border and enjoy the changing landscapes.

Afternoon: Once in Granada, take a leisurely walk around the colorful colonial town. Visit the local markets and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Evening: Have dinner at a lakeside restaurant. The views of Lake Nicaragua at sunset are simply stunning!

## Day 7: Islets of Granada & Relaxation

Morning: Take a boat tour of the Islets of Granada. This is a great opportunity to see wildlife like monkeys, birds, and maybe even some crocodiles!

Afternoon: Spend your afternoon relaxing at a café or exploring more of Granada’s charming streets. You could also visit the nearby Masaya Volcano if you’re up for a little adventure!

Evening: For your last dinner, treat yourself to a nice restaurant in Granada. Reflect on your week of adventure and soak in the beautiful atmosphere.

Departure

The next day, you can either head back to San José for your flight home or continue your travels in Central America.

This itinerary balances wildlife experiences with relaxation, allowing you to soak in the beauty of Central America at a leisurely pace. Enjoy your trip! 🌿✨