One Week Adventure

Costa Rica is a major adventure-tourism destination. The following basic itinerary packs a lot of adventure into a single week; if you want to do more mountain biking or kayaking, just schedule that time in. If you're into windsurfing or kiteboarding, you'll definitely want to visit Lake Arenal between December and March.

Day 1: Arrive & Settle into San José

Arrive and get settled in San José. If your flight gets in early enough and you have time, head downtown and tour the Museo de Oro Banco Central and the Teatro Nacional. Take a break for an afternoon coffee at the Cafeteria 1830. Be sure to grab an outdoor table and enjoy some people-watching. For a delicious dinner with a spectacular view, head to La Cava Grill, which is located in the hills above Escazú.

Days 2 & 3: Get Wet & Wild

Take a 2-day white-water rafting expedition on the Pacuare River with Exploradores Outdoors. Camp out at their rustic tent camp on the river's edge. When you finish running the Pacuare, have them arrange for a transfer to La Fortuna at the end of your rafting trip. Settle into your hotel and head to the Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort to have a soothing soak and to watch the volcano.

Day 4: Waterfalls Two Ways

Go canyoning with Pure Trek Canyoning in the morning, and then hop on a horse or a mountain bike in the afternoon and be sure to stop at the Río Fortuna Waterfall. Take the short hike down to the base of the falls and take a dip in one of the pools there. In the evening check out the Eco Termales hot springs.

Day 5: Getting There Is Part of the Fun & Adventure

Arrange a taxi-to-boat-to-horse transfer over to Monteverde with Desafío Expeditions. Settle in quickly at your hotel and take a zip-line canopy tour in the afternoon. I recommend the Original Canopy Tour in Monteverde. Finally, if you've got the energy, take a night tour through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Day 6: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Wake up early and head back to take a daytime guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Be sure to bring a packed lunch. After the guided tour, spend the next few hours continuing to explore the trails through the cloud forest here. See if you can spot a quetzal on your own. Take a late-afternoon bus or transfer back to San José.

Day 7: Squeeze in a Soccer Game before Splitting

Unfortunately, you'll most likely be on an early flight home from San José. If you have a few hours to kill, head for a hike or jog around Parque La Sabana or, better yet, try to join a pick-up soccer game here.