7 Days in Costa Rica: Adventure & Spa Vibes for the Ultimate Girls Trip
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Ready to escape with your besties to a tropical paradise that offers both heart-pumping adventures and blissful relaxation? Costa Rica delivers the perfect balance of thrilling rainforest experiences and luxurious spa retreats. This 7-day itinerary will help you and your girls create unforgettable memories in one of Central America’s most beautiful destinations.
🌴 Day 1: San José Arrival & Welcome Spa Day
Kick off your Costa Rica girls trip adventure with a smooth arrival and immediate relaxation to set the perfect tone for your week ahead.
Morning: Arrival & Check-in
- Land at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
- Private transfer to your San José hotel (pre-arrange for stress-free arrival)
- Welcome breakfast with traditional Costa Rican gallo pinto
Afternoon: Spa Indulgence
- Group spa package at your hotel or nearby luxury spa
- Choose from volcanic mud wraps, coffee scrubs, or aromatherapy massages
- Relax by the pool with tropical cocktails
Evening: First Night Festivities
- Dinner at Restaurante Silvestre for modern Costa Rican cuisine
- Optional: Explore Barrio Escalante for craft cocktails and local brews
- Early night to recover from travel and prepare for adventures ahead
Pro Tip: Book your spa treatments at least 2 weeks in advance and ask about group discounts. Many luxury spas offer 10-15% off when booking 4+ treatments together.
🌋 Day 2: La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano Adventures
Head to the adventure capital of Costa Rica where the majestic Arenal Volcano creates a stunning backdrop for your first taste of thrilling activities.
Morning: Journey to La Fortuna
- Early breakfast at hotel
- 3-hour scenic drive to La Fortuna (private shuttle recommended)
- Check into accommodations with volcano views
Afternoon: Arenal Volcano Hike
- Guided hike through Arenal Volcano National Park
- Spot wildlife including monkeys, toucans, and sloths
- Learn about the volcano’s 1968 eruption and geological history
Evening: Natural Hot Springs
- Soak in natural volcanic hot springs at Tabacón or Baldi
- Enjoy dinner at hot springs resort with cocktail service
- Nighttime soak under the stars (many springs open until 10pm)
Recommended Stay: Nayara Springs
This adults-only luxury resort offers private villas with personal plunge pools fed by mineral hot springs. Their spa specializes in volcanic mud treatments and coffee scrubs using local ingredients.
- Private villas perfect for sharing (2-3 women per villa)
- Complimentary yoga classes each morning
- Special group packages available with spa credits
🌿 Day 3: Rainforest Adventures & Wellness
Balance thrilling ziplines with restorative yoga for the perfect adventure-spa combination day in the lush rainforest.
Morning: Canopy Zipline Tour
- Early breakfast at hotel
- Sky Adventures Arenal Park for premier zipline experience
- 8 ziplines ranging from 200m to 750m in length
- Hanging bridges and aerial tram for less adventurous friends
Afternoon: Rainforest Spa Experience
- Outdoor massage pavilions surrounded by rainforest
- Natural volcanic mud treatments
- Aromatherapy using local essential oils
Evening: Sunset Yoga & Dinner
- Group yoga session overlooking Arenal Lake
- Farm-to-table dinner featuring local ingredients
- Evening relaxation at hotel with wine and chocolate tasting
Group Photo Opportunity: Many zipline tours include professional photographers who can capture your entire group in action. These make for perfect social media posts and lasting memories of your Costa Rica girls trip adventure!
💦 Day 4: Waterfall Chasing & Hot Springs
Discover hidden waterfalls and indulge in more volcanic hot springs for the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Morning: La Fortuna Waterfall
- Hike down 500 steps to the base of the 70-meter waterfall
- Swim in the refreshing natural pool
- Nature photography session with stunning backdrop
Afternoon: El Salto Swimming Hole
- Visit this local secret spot with rope swing
- Picnic lunch by the water
- Optional cliff jumping for the adventurous
Evening: Ecotermales Hot Springs
- Visit the more intimate Ecotermales hot springs
- Multiple pools of varying temperatures
- Traditional Costa Rican dinner served poolside
Adventure Option
For adrenaline seekers, add white water rafting on the Balsa River (Class II-III rapids). Perfect for beginners and experienced rafters alike!
Relaxation Option
Prefer more downtime? Book a private cabana at Ecotermales for the day with dedicated service and additional spa treatments.
🏄♀️ Day 5: Beach Day in Tamarindo
Travel to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast for sun, surf, and beachside relaxation at one of the country’s most vibrant beach towns.
Morning: Journey to Tamarindo
- Breakfast at La Fortuna hotel
- 4-hour drive to Tamarindo (scenic route through Guanacaste)
- Check into beachfront accommodations
Afternoon: Beach & Surf
- Group surf lesson for beginners (Tamarindo has perfect learning waves)
- Beach volleyball and sunbathing
- Beachside massage cabanas for post-surf relaxation
Evening: Sunset Catamaran Cruise
- Private or group sunset sailing excursion
- Open bar and appetizers included
- Potential wildlife sightings (dolphins, sea turtles)
- Optional snorkeling stops
Recommended Stay: Cala Luna Boutique Hotel
This eco-friendly boutique hotel offers the perfect blend of luxury and sustainability just steps from Tamarindo Beach.
- Private villas with plunge pools ideal for groups
- Complimentary beach yoga classes
- Farm-to-table restaurant using ingredients from their organic garden
- Special girls’ trip packages with spa credits and excursion discounts
☕ Day 6: Cultural Immersion & Coffee Farm
Connect with Costa Rica’s rich culture and sustainable practices while enjoying some of the world’s best coffee.
Morning: Coffee Farm Tour
- Visit a sustainable coffee plantation
- Learn about bean-to-cup process
- Participate in coffee tasting workshop
- Purchase fresh beans to take home
Afternoon: Chocolate Making Class
- Hands-on chocolate making workshop
- Learn about sustainable cacao farming
- Create your own chocolate bars with local ingredients
Evening: Farm-to-Table Dinner Experience
- Visit to local organic farm
- Cooking class using freshly harvested ingredients
- Dinner under the stars with local musicians
Cultural Tip: “Pura Vida” (Pure Life) is Costa Rica’s national motto and way of life. You’ll hear locals say it as a greeting, goodbye, or expression of gratitude. Embrace this relaxed philosophy during your trip!
🧘♀️ Day 7: Wellness Retreat & Farewell
Conclude your Costa Rica girls trip adventure with a day dedicated to wellness, reflection, and celebration.
Morning: Sunrise Yoga & Meditation
- Beachfront yoga session at sunrise
- Guided meditation focusing on gratitude
- Healthy breakfast with tropical fruits and fresh juices
Afternoon: Beach Time & Final Spa Treatments
- Free time for last-minute souvenir shopping
- Final spa treatments (recommend the “Pura Vida Package”)
- Beach time for swimming and sunbathing
Evening: Farewell Celebration
- Private dinner on the beach
- Bonfire with s’mores and cocktails
- Share favorite moments and plan your next girls’ trip
Memory Maker: Create a shared digital photo album where everyone can upload their favorite shots from the trip. Consider hiring a local photographer for a professional group photo session on your last evening.
🏨 Where to Stay: Top Accommodations for Your Girls Trip
Costa Rica offers a range of accommodations perfect for groups of women traveling together. Here are our top picks that balance luxury, safety, and Instagram-worthy settings.
Nayara Springs (La Fortuna)
This adults-only luxury resort offers private villas with thermal plunge pools and volcano views.
- Award-winning spa with natural treatments
- Multiple restaurants and swim-up bars
- Group packages with spa credits
- Price: $$$$ (Worth the splurge!)
Cala Luna Boutique Hotel (Tamarindo)
Eco-luxury villas steps from Tamarindo Beach with private pools perfect for groups.
- Complimentary beach yoga classes
- Organic farm-to-table restaurant
- Sustainable practices throughout
- Price: $$$ (Great value for luxury)
Oxygen Jungle Villas (Uvita)
Adults-only boutique hotel with glass-walled villas offering jungle and ocean views.
- Infinity pool overlooking the Pacific
- Secluded location for ultimate privacy
- In-villa spa services available
- Price: $$ (Affordable luxury)
Booking Tip: Many properties offer significant discounts (15-25%) for booking multiple rooms or villas. Always mention you’re traveling as a group and ask about special packages that might include airport transfers, welcome drinks, or spa credits.
✅ Practical Tips for Your Costa Rica Girls Trip
Make your adventure smooth and stress-free with these essential planning tips.
Transportation Options
Private Shuttle
Best for: Groups of 4+ women
Pros: Door-to-door service, flexible schedule, air conditioning, often includes WiFi
Cost: $50-100 per person for longer routes
Rental Car
Best for: Maximum flexibility
Pros: Freedom to explore, cost-effective for groups
Cons: Some roads are challenging, navigation can be tricky
Cost: $50-80/day plus insurance
Packing Essentials
Adventure Gear
- Quick-dry clothing
- Hiking shoes or sturdy sandals
- Swimwear (at least 2 sets)
- Rash guard for sun protection
- Small backpack for day trips
- Reusable water bottle
Spa & Relaxation
- Light cover-ups for spa visits
- Yoga clothes
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Natural bug repellent
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Evening outfits for dinners
Budget-Friendly vs. Luxury Splurges
| Category | Save On | Splurge On |
| Accommodations | Share rooms/villas to split costs | One luxury resort night with spa access |
| Food | Breakfast at accommodations, local sodas (cafes) | One special dinner experience |
| Activities | Self-guided hikes, public beaches | Unique experiences (private catamaran, helicopter tour) |
| Transportation | Shared shuttles between destinations | Private transfers with AC and WiFi |
“Our Costa Rica girls trip was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. The key was planning our splurges strategically – we saved on some meals to afford the private hot springs experience, which was absolutely worth it!”
🌱 Local Cultural Experiences Not to Miss
Go beyond typical tourist activities and connect with Costa Rica’s rich culture and commitment to sustainability.
Sustainable Coffee Experience
Visit Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation for an immersive tour of one of Costa Rica’s most sustainable coffee operations. Learn about their zero-emission production process and participate in a cupping session to develop your coffee palate.
Location: Heredia (1 hour from San José)
Duration: 2-3 hours
Cost: $35-45 per person
Indigenous Craft Workshop
Connect with the BriBri or Boruca indigenous communities to learn traditional craft techniques. Create your own souvenir while supporting local artisans and preserving cultural heritage.
Location: Various (can be arranged through hotels)
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: $25-40 per person
Farm-to-Table Cooking Class
Learn to prepare traditional Costa Rican dishes using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Many classes include a visit to a local market or farm to select ingredients before cooking.
Location: Available in most tourist areas
Duration: 3-4 hours
Cost: $50-75 per person
Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
Costa Rica is a global leader in sustainable tourism. Support their efforts by choosing eco-friendly activities:
- Wildlife Sanctuary Visits: Tour rehabilitation centers like the Jaguar Rescue Center where injured animals are treated and released.
- Reforestation Projects: Participate in tree planting with organizations like Community Carbon Trees.
- Beach Cleanups: Join organized cleanups through your hotel or local conservation groups.
- Certified Eco-Lodges: Stay at properties with Costa Rica’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST).
Cultural Etiquette Tip: Costa Ricans (Ticos) value politeness and personal connections. Taking time to learn basic Spanish phrases and greeting locals with a smile goes a long way. The phrase “con mucho gusto” (with pleasure) is commonly used to express gratitude and goodwill.
📝 Pro Girl Trip Checklist
Ensure your Costa Rica adventure goes smoothly with this essential planning checklist.
Before You Go
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond trip dates
- Travel insurance with adventure activity coverage
- Pre-book accommodations and major activities
- Download offline maps and translation apps
- Create shared document with all reservation details
- Arrange airport transfers in advance
- Check CDC for recommended vaccinations
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen and biodegradable toiletries
Group Planning Tips
- Create a shared expense tracking app (Splitwise works great)
- Discuss budget expectations before booking
- Plan a mix of group activities and free time
- Assign different planning roles to each friend
- Book private transportation for groups of 4+
- Consider travel styles when planning (adventure levels, early birds vs. night owls)
Safety Essentials
- Share itinerary with someone at home
- Register with your country’s embassy (STEP program for US citizens)
- Save emergency contacts in everyone’s phones
- Bring basic first aid kit with motion sickness remedies
- Use hotel safes for valuables
- Arrange buddy system for nights out
Ready for Your Ultimate Costa Rica Girls Trip?
Costa Rica offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for an unforgettable girls getaway. From thrilling ziplines and volcano hikes to luxurious spa treatments and beachside yoga, this 7-day itinerary gives you the best of both worlds.
Planning a multi-destination trip with the right balance of activities can be challenging, but the memories you’ll create are absolutely worth it. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply need quality time with your favorite people, Costa Rica delivers an experience that strengthens friendships while providing both adventure and rejuvenation.
Make Your Costa Rica Girls Trip Adventure Spa Getaway a Reality
Let our travel experts handle the details while you focus on the fun. We’ll create a custom itinerary based on your group’s interests, budget, and travel style – with exclusive perks and insider recommendations you won’t find anywhere else.
