My 1 Week Costa Rica Road Trip Itinerary for 2024

Because the nation that sparked my wanderlust, Costa Rica will all the time have a particular place in my coronary heart. The luxurious jungles, the beautiful waterfalls, the unimaginable wildlife, and the tremendous pleasant locals who’ve a love for love – it’s all simply nice. Costa Rica a lovely, lovely nation.

It’s also a perfect destination to road trip. Since distances aren’t too lengthy, you possibly can simply get a superb really feel for a few of the principal areas within the nation in a single week. (In the event you’ve received extra time, nice! You may lengthen your stays in locations and even add on extra locations. I’ll share just a few suggestions on the finish).

However, even with simply seven days, you possibly can cowl loads of floor. The liberty of getting your individual wheels implies that you gained’t be beholden to bus schedules or find yourself forking out some huge cash for costly vacationer shuttles. Which means you’ll save each money and time.

That can assist you plan your journey, right here’s my preferrred one-week Costa Rica highway journey itinerary:

The place to Lease a Automotive in Costa Rica

My go-to rental automobile firm in Costa Rica is Vamos. They permit further drivers for no further payment, have nice buyer providers, and their costs are cheap.

You can click here to get a quote. (You’ll get 5% off through the use of that hyperlink too!).

If Vamos doesn’t have what you’re on the lookout for, attempt Discover Cars. They evaluate costs from 1000’s of firms that will help you discover the perfect deal. You should use the widget under to discover a deal:

When you get a automobile, take images and video of any scratches or dents. That manner you may have proof proving you didn’t trigger them ought to the automobile rental firm ask (they often gained’t however it’s all the time higher to be ready).
 

Days 1–2: San Jose

You’ll probably be flying out and in of the capital, San Jose. Which means you possibly can return your rental automobile to the identical location whenever you fly dwelling (which is cheaper than dropping it off someplace else). Many individuals skip proper over the capital, opting to only keep in a single day and head out the following morning to greener pastures however I believe it’s value two nights. All of the nation’s greatest museums are right here, so you possibly can study the historical past of the nation earlier than embarking onwards. That stated, relying on when your flight arrives, you would simply do one night time right here and add extra time someplace else.

Issues to do in San José:

• Go to the Costa Rican Nationwide Museum – In the event you solely go to one museum within the metropolis, make it this one. Housed within the fortress that was dwelling to the (now defunct) Costa Rican navy, the everlasting exhibition traces Costa Rican historical past from Pre-Columbian occasions to the current day. It’s in-depth and very nicely performed, with bilingual explanations.
• Admire Costa Rica’s artwork – The Museum of Costa Rican Artwork is a small museum that gives quite a lot of everlasting and momentary exhibitions of nationwide and worldwide artists. In the event you’re into modern artwork, don’t miss the Museum of Modern Artwork and Design (MADC), the place you possibly can see the work of cutting-edge Costa Rican and Central American artists.
• Go to the markets – The Central Market and The Municipal Crafts Market are good locations to purchase souvenirs and browse colourful market stalls. Plus, you possibly can take a look at the native meals scene on the Central Market (or take a guided tour for a extra in-depth expertise).
• Take a free strolling tour – If you wish to study extra in regards to the historical past of San Jose whereas taking within the sights, take a free strolling tour. You’ll hear all about “ticos” tradition (a time period used to explain native Costa Ricans), go to some secret spots the place the locals hang around, and see some avenue artwork alongside the best way. San José Free Walking Tour is the principle operator — simply don’t neglect to tip your information on the finish!

For extra issues to see and do, here’s my free travel guide to San Jose.

WHERE TO STAY:

• Selina San Jose: This upscale hostel is in an important location between key neighborhoods. It hosts loads of cool occasions, there are dorms and personal rooms, and there’s a restaurant on-site too.
• Auténtico Hotel: This laidback resort has a lovely pool, vibrant rooms, and useful workers. I used to remain right here with our teams once I ran excursions in Costa Rica. Everybody beloved it!

For extra lodging ideas, here are my favorite hostels in San Jose!
 

Days 3: La Fortuna / Arenal

After you’ve explored the capital, it’s time to drive three hours to the city of La Fortuna (be sure that to cease at La Paz Waterfall Gardens on the best way). The city sits within the shadow of Arenal, Costa Rica’s most iconic volcano. The world has tons of actions, and on the finish of an lively day, there’s nothing higher than having fun with the sundown views over the lake.

La Fortuna is among the nation’s hottest locations (with larger costs that match its reputation). Regardless of that, it’s nonetheless one in all my favorite places in the country. Simply don’t get lost in the jungle like me!

Issues to do in La Fortuna:

• Hike in Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park – This huge nationwide park spans 121 sq. kilometers (46 sq. miles) and is dwelling to each Arenal Volcano in addition to the inactive Chato Volcano that final erupted 1000’s of years in the past. The nationwide park has countless mountaineering trails, together with the aptly named Lava Movement Path, the place you possibly can hike the lava flows from the devastating 1968 eruption of Arenal.
• Swim on the base of La Fortuna waterfall – This beautiful waterfall is large, dropping virtually 75 meters (250 ft) into an enormous pool of water at its base. Swimming within the chilly water is tremendous refreshing after spending a while mountaineering within the sizzling solar. Be sure to have sturdy footwear because the stroll down the steep, lengthy staircase can get slippery.
• Loosen up within the well-known sizzling springs – Because of all of the geothermal exercise within the space, there are loads of sizzling springs right here. They vary in worth and high quality, from free all the best way as much as $89 USD at Tabacón Resort. You can even take a packed day tour that features sizzling springs, mountaineering round Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna waterfall, and having fun with a conventional lunch on the Maleku indigenous reserve.
• Take a bird-watching tour – This space is among the greatest within the nation for fowl watching, with virtually all of Costa Rica’s 900 species of birds represented right here. It’s all the time greatest to go along with an skilled native information as you’ll see many extra birds that manner (they know the place particular species of birds like to hang around and might level out camouflaged birds).
• Do some journey actions – This space is among the nation’s sizzling spots for adrenaline actions. Some examples of issues you are able to do embrace canyoning, white-water rafting, and zip-lining, or you probably have the time (and cash, as these actions are expensive) do all of them!

WHERE TO STAY:

• Selina La Fortuna: Selina’s La Fortuna location is a complete complicated that includes an out of doors pool, fashionable personal rooms, a poolside restaurant, and many organized actions (together with health and yoga courses). It’s strolling distance from all the pieces too.
• Hotel Arenal Rabfer: This resort affords a pleasant pool, clear rooms with little balconies, and an important complimentary breakfast on the café subsequent door.

For extra issues to see and do, take a look at my free travel guide to Arenal here.
 

Days 4: Monteverde

Roughly a 3.5-hour drive away, Monteverde is one in all my favourite locations in Costa Rica. Your entire space is roofed in a lush cloud forest that simply feels magical. The tropical forest is shrouded in mist — fairly actually, as they’re within the clouds. As a result of it’s always so moist, Monteverde is extremely biodiverse. Naturally, it’s one of many largest eco-tourism hubs within the nation, with birders flocking right here to identify the elusive quetzal fowl with its beautiful emerald and ruby pink plumage. There are loads of journey actions right here too. (A few of the greatest espresso I ever had in my life was from right here.)

Issues to do in Monteverde:

• Hike within the cloud forest – There are a number of sections of the cloud forest which are open to guests: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, and the Youngsters’s Everlasting Rainforest. All are nice, with trails which are fairly simple, well-marked, and well-maintained. In the event you actually wish to see wildlife, it’s greatest to go with a guide who can present you animals and birds hidden within the dense cover.
• Take a night tour of the forest – It is a cool method to see a special aspect of the jungle. Your information will level out all of the nocturnal animals (together with tarantulas and armadillos), bugs, and crops that you’d by no means have the ability to discover by yourself at the hours of darkness!
• Go zip lining – The longest zip line within the nation may be discovered right here (it’s a complete mile lengthy)! Gliding by means of the cover is a singular method to see the jungle from a special perspective. In the event you’re an adrenaline junkie, don’t miss this!
• Walk the hanging bridges – If zip lining isn’t precisely your pace, you possibly can safely stroll hanging suspension bridges which are constructed by means of the higher layer of the cover. It’ll offer you a view off the forest ground with out having to swing by means of it.
• Take a espresso tour – Monteverde is known for its manufacturing of artisanal, natural, and sustainable espresso. Take a tour to study each stage of the method, from seed germination to roasting. There are just a few completely different excursions right here, however the one one devoted solely to espresso is the Café Monteverde Farm & Roastery Tour. It’s actually fascinating and academic, even when (like me) you’re not a espresso drinker.

WHERE TO STAY:

• Selina Monteverde: This Selina location is actually subsequent to the cloud forest. It’s a lovely and tranquil location set within the bushes with enjoyable actions, a lush internal courtyard with sizzling tubs, and a separate co-working space.
• Monteverde Villa Lodge: This quiet resort is inside strolling distance to the city, providing complimentary breakfast and comfy rooms which have their very own outside seating space.

For extra issues to see and do, check out my travel guide to Monteverde here.
 

Days 5–6: Manuel Antonio

Drive about 3.5-4 hours to Manuel Antonio, stopping on the best way on the Tarcoles River Bridge to see crocodiles (simply don’t feed them). Manuel Antonio is a well-liked seaside vacation spot on the Pacific coast, recognized for its white-sand seashores, heat blue waters, and wildlife (particularly sloths and monkeys). Whereas tourism has picked up right here lately, it’s nonetheless largely a lazy city the place the principle actions are lounging within the sand by day and having fun with a beachside cocktail by night (you get epic sunsets right here).

Issues to Do in Manuel Antonio:

• Go to Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park – Spanning 1,980 hectares (4,900 acres), this park combines wealthy rainforest and picturesque seashores. Stroll the paths and boardwalks to see loads of capuchins, sloths, basilisk lizards, iguanas, and squirrel monkeys. One of the best seashores are within the park so don’t miss a go to right here. There’s a cap on how many individuals can go to, so remember to get your tickets on-line upfront or go with a guided tour.
• Lounge on the seaside – Moreover the seashores within the park, there’s additionally Playa Espadilla, an extended stretch of seaside that abuts the small city. It’s the proper place to loosen up with a guide, and it’s simply steps away from all of the city’s principal eateries.
• Be taught to surf – There are tons of surf colleges that arrange store proper alongside Playa Espadilla. You may pay for a one-off lesson or board rental proper on the seaside or enroll in a surf college if you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing extra complete.
• Take a mangrove tour – Hop on a ship to discover the protected mangrove channels round Damas Island, dwelling to white-faced monkeys, crocodiles, spectacled caimans, boa constrictors, crab-eating raccoons, and pygmy anteaters. You can even take a kayak tour to get even nearer to this distinctive atmosphere.

WHERE TO STAY:

• Pura Natura Lodge Manuel Antonio: This chill nature lodge affords easy however clear dorms, personal rooms, and full flats inside strolling distance of the small city, the seaside, and the nationwide park.
• Teva Jungle Hotel and Hostel: An eco resort set proper subsequent to the forest, they provide personal mountaineering trails, a pool with poolside bar, permaculture gardens, a shared kitchen, and a very good restaurant.

For extra issues to see and do, check out my travel guide to Manuel Antonio here.
 

Day 7: Head again to San Jose

Go away Manuel Antonio within the early morning to drive again to San José. It’s a few 4.5-hour drive, however plan for extra relying on site visitors. In case you are caught in site visitors or are delayed for any cause, contact your rental automobile firm to keep away from a penalty.

Earlier than you come the automobile, be sure that your gasoline gauge is on the proper degree, or else head to a gasoline station earlier than you drop it off. The corporate’s consultant will examine your automobile with you after which course of the deposit reimbursement.
 

8 Costa Rica Street Journey Suggestions

1. Perceive automobile rental insurance coverage
Costa Rica has obligatory third-party insurance coverage for automobile leases, so test that this value is included in your rental quote. It’s usually disregarded, which means you would be shocked by the invoice on the finish.

It’s additionally legally required to have a collision harm waiver (CDW) that covers losses from harm to your rental automobile. Most firms provide completely different tiers of insurance coverage, with varied deductibles. Many renters choose full protection for peace of thoughts, so any harm is roofed. Some firms provide further protection for tires and the windshield, as they aren’t all the time coated by the CDW.

In case your bank card or journey insurance coverage (which I all the time advocate getting) has a CDW as a perk, you possibly can waive the in-house CDW. You’ll have to carry a letter that explicitly states the quantity of protection, that Costa Rica is included within the areas coated, and the final 4 digits of the motive force’s bank card. A replica of the bank card firm’s phrases and circumstances will not be often ample.

Both manner, be sure you have ample protection!

2. Select the correct automobile
In the event you’re highway tripping Costa Rica, contemplate getting a 4×4 for simpler navigation on unpaved roads. You gained’t want it for all roads, however if you wish to be sure you can go anyplace, go for a 4×4. You may search by automobile kind at my go-to rental automobile firm in Costa Rica, Vamos. You can click here to get a quote. (You’ll get 5% off simply through the use of that hyperlink).

3. Use Waze for navigation
Use the Waze app slightly than Google Maps, which isn’t all the time correct and underestimates journey occasions. Waze is up to date in actual time by an enthusiastic group of volunteers, so that you’re conscious of accidents or different conditions that will have an effect on your journey time.

Plus, remember that when asking for instructions, virtually all locals give instructions utilizing landmarks slightly than highway numbers.

4. Deliver a paper map
It’s a good suggestion to have an offline map downloaded to your cellphone, or a bodily map as a backup. Cell service may be spotty in distant areas, so it’s greatest to be ready.

5. Regulate climate circumstances
Climate in Costa Rica can change quickly, particularly through the wet season and within the mountains. Some roads could turn out to be difficult to navigate, with restricted visibility. Do your greatest to keep away from driving in poor climate, however if you happen to do find yourself in a storm, pull over in a protected space (a roadside soda or native restaurant is all the time a superb guess) and wait to see if circumstances enhance.

6. Add in time for scenic stops
I do know loads of vacationers like to actually plan out their routes and itineraries. When you may have restricted time, it may be tempting to plan all the pieces to a T (I get it, I used to do that lots). Nevertheless, there are many diversions to discover in Costa Rica, whether or not or not it’s a cool hidden mountaineering spot or a scenic vista, full with volcanoes. Plus, you don’t wish to rush driving on the windy roads right here. Don’t rush, and be open to modifications. You gained’t remorse it.

7. Be conscious the place you park
Wherever potential, park in safe parking tons, and don’t go away valuables in an unattended automobile as break-ins can happen. On the same word, it’s unlawful to park on the seaside. That is to guard wildlife, akin to turtles. Even when locals are doing it, don’t do it! Discover a safe parking zone as a substitute.

8. Be a accountable vacationer
Costa Rica has been on the forefront of sustainable tourism for many years. As a traveler, be sure to respect the country’s rich biodiversity and commitment to sustainability. All the time keep a protected distance from animals and chorus from disturbing their atmosphere. By no means feed the wildlife and select moral wildlife excursions that don’t exploit animals both.

When deciding on excursions and actions, take part in community-based initiatives to have interaction with and profit native communities. Supporting native companies not solely boosts the native financial system but additionally fosters accountable tourism. Go for eco-friendly lodging, akin to eco-lodges and sustainable inns, which prioritize environmental conservation.
 

Costa Rica Street Journey FAQ

Is it protected to drive in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has a number of slender, rugged, and windy roads that may be difficult to navigate. Street circumstances fluctuate extensively. Main highways are typically in good situation, however rural and mountain roads may be tough, with potholes and unpaved sections. It’s advisable to hire a 4×4 automobile if you happen to plan to discover off-the-beaten-path areas.

That being stated, it’s completely protected to drive in Costa Rica, offering you train warning and keep alert behind the wheel.

Should know driving guidelines in Costa Rica!
It’s necessary to pay attention to just a few guidelines right here, as fines for infractions may be excessive. Listed here are some key guidelines for driving in Costa Rica:

• Visitors flows on the correct aspect of the highway right here.
• Pace limits are posted in kilometers per hour (for instance, it’s 90 km/h (55 mph) restrict on main highways).
• Sporting seat belts is obligatory, and there are particular seating legal guidelines for kids primarily based both on age or weight/peak.
• Utilizing a cell phone whereas driving is prohibited.
• 0.05% is the authorized restrict for blood alcohol content material when breathalyzed (so by no means drink and drive).

Does a US driver’s license work in Costa Rica?
Sure. You should use your native driver’s license so long as it’s printed within the Latin alphabet (so US licenses will work). Your driver’s license should be legitimate for the whole thing of your keep.

What’s the greatest time of 12 months to highway journey in Costa Rica?
The dry season (December to April) is the perfect time for a highway journey, because the roads are in higher situation, with much less of a danger of heavy rains. Though it’s peak season and tourism is at its highest, there’s virtually continuous sunshine, preferrred for having fun with the nation’s seashores and rainforests. If visiting throughout this time, make all of your reservations upfront since issues replenish quick.

Alternatively, the inexperienced/wet season (Could to November) can provide lush landscapes and fewer vacationers. Simply be particularly conscious about highway tripping throughout this time, as there’s extra danger of climate disrupting your plans.

What ought to I do in case of an accident or emergency?
In case you are concerned in a site visitors accident, test that nobody is damage then transfer to security off the highway. Don’t transfer the automobile. Name the transit police and 911 for emergency providers. You also needs to name your automobile rental supplier to evaluate if the automobile may be pushed, if a mechanic is required onsite or if the automobile must be exchanged and towed. The automobile may be moved as soon as the transit police give permission.

Costa Rica is a superb place to highway journey. Though it’s necessary to be cautious whereas driving on the winding roads, you’ll have probably the most freedom to discover with a set of your individual wheels. It doesn’t matter what you’re serious about — mountaineering, journey actions, wildlife, seashores — by following this Costa Rica highway journey itinerary, you’ll get a style of all of it.

Make sure to use my go-to rental automobile firm, Vamos, to get the perfect worth whenever you hire. You can click here to get a quote.