Planning a week in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica? Seven days gives you enough time to experience the area without trying to squeeze everything into a rushed vacation.

You can explore Manuel Antonio National Park, see monkeys and sloths, spend time on beautiful Pacific beaches, head out on the water, experience the rainforest and still have plenty of time to relax by the pool.

This 7-day Manuel Antonio itinerary balances adventure, wildlife, beaches, great food and downtime so your vacation still feels like a vacation.

Day 1: Arrive, Settle In & Enjoy the Rainforest

After traveling to Manuel Antonio, don't plan too much for your first day.

Get settled into your accommodations, unpack and give yourself time to adjust to Costa Rica's tropical pace.

If you're staying at Villa Capuchin, this is the perfect afternoon to enjoy the private pool and outdoor living areas. Keep your eyes and ears open—the surrounding rainforest is home to monkeys, macaws, sloths and other wildlife.

Once everyone has had a chance to relax, head into the Manuel Antonio or Quepos area for dinner.

Day 1 goal: Do as little as possible. You made it to Costa Rica.

Day 2: Explore Manuel Antonio National Park

Make Manuel Antonio National Park one of the first major adventures of your trip.

The park combines rainforest trails, wildlife and beautiful beaches in one experience. Visitors may encounter monkeys, sloths, iguanas, tropical birds and many other species.

Going with a knowledgeable naturalist guide can be especially worthwhile. Guides know where to look and often carry spotting scopes that make animals hidden high in the trees much easier to see.

Plan on spending several hours exploring, and leave some time to enjoy the beaches inside or around the park area.

Afterward, return home for a swim and a relaxing evening.

Tip: Check the park's current operating schedule and ticket requirements before your visit, since policies and hours can change.

Day 3: Beach Day

After a busy day exploring the national park, slow things down.

Manuel Antonio has several beaches, and they offer different experiences. Some are convenient for swimming and spending a leisurely afternoon, while others are better suited to scenery, surfing or exploring.

Pack sunscreen, water and whatever you need for an easy beach day.

There is no prize for visiting every beach in Manuel Antonio. Find one you enjoy and stay awhile.

Later in the afternoon, head back to the villa, cool off in the pool and get ready for dinner.

Want help choosing? See our Best Beaches Near Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica guide.

Day 4: Choose Your Adventure

Now it's time to add some adrenaline.

The Manuel Antonio and Quepos area offers plenty of ways to experience Costa Rica beyond the beach. Depending on your group, consider activities such as:

• Ziplining through the rainforest

• Whitewater rafting

• Waterfall excursions

• ATV adventures

• Horseback riding

• Mangrove tours

• Surfing

• Sportfishing

• Catamaran or sailing trips

Families with children may prefer a wildlife, mangrove or waterfall excursion, while more adventurous travelers may want rafting, ziplining or an ATV experience.

Don't feel like everyone has to do the same activity. One advantage of staying for a full week is having enough time for different members of the group to choose their own Costa Rica adventure.

Day 5: Wildlife & Rainforest Day

Manuel Antonio is famous for wildlife, but the national park isn't the only place to see it.

Spend today experiencing another side of the rainforest.

A guided nature walk, mangrove excursion or other wildlife-focused tour can give you a completely different perspective on the region's ecosystem.

Look for capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, sloths, scarlet macaws, toucans, iguanas and countless other tropical species.

And remember: sometimes the best wildlife sighting happens when you're doing absolutely nothing.

Around Villa Capuchin, the rainforest itself provides part of the experience. Sit outside with your morning coffee or relax by the pool and listen. You never know what might pass through the trees.

Continue exploring: Read our Manuel Antonio Wildlife Guide: Monkeys, Sloths & More.

Day 6: Get Out on the Water

You've explored the rainforest. Now see Manuel Antonio from the Pacific.

A boat day is a great way to spend one of your final full days in Costa Rica.

Depending on your interests and the season, options may include sailing, catamaran trips, snorkeling, sportfishing or other ocean excursions.

A sunset cruise can be especially memorable. Seeing Costa Rica's coastline from the water as the sun drops over the Pacific is a completely different experience from seeing it from shore.

If you'd rather keep the day simple, that's perfectly fine too.

Spend the morning at the beach, have a long lunch and return to the villa for an afternoon beside the pool.

Vacations need empty space.

Day 7: Your Costa Rica Day

Don't schedule every minute of your final full day.

Use it for whatever you wish you'd had more time to do.

Return to your favorite beach. Go back into town. Book one last adventure. Shop for souvenirs. Have a long lunch. Look for monkeys. Float in the pool.

Or do absolutely nothing.

After six days of exploring Manuel Antonio, you'll know exactly how you want to spend your final day.

End the evening with a great dinner and one last Costa Rican sunset.

Where to Stay for a Week in Manuel Antonio

For a seven-day trip, where you stay matters.

A hotel can be convenient, but families and groups often appreciate having more room to spread out—especially on a week-long vacation.

A vacation home gives you the flexibility to make breakfast before an early excursion, keep drinks and snacks on hand, relax together after a day of exploring and enjoy downtime without having to leave the property.

Villa Capuchin offers a private home base in the Manuel Antonio area with:

• 3 bedrooms

• 2 bathrooms

• Accommodations for up to 8 guests

• Private pool

• Full kitchen

• Indoor and outdoor living spaces

• A peaceful tropical setting

• Convenient access to Manuel Antonio, Quepos, beaches, restaurants and activities

It gives you somewhere to come home to between adventures—not just somewhere to sleep.

A Few Tips for Planning Your Week

Manuel Antonio is a destination where it's easy to over-plan.

Pick a few experiences that matter most to you and leave room between them. Costa Rica is much more enjoyable when you aren't watching the clock all day.

Build your week around one major activity per day whenever possible. Keep some afternoons free for the pool, beach, wildlife sightings and spontaneous stops.

And don't underestimate how much everyone may appreciate a completely unscheduled afternoon halfway through the trip.