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 plush 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, stunning nation.

It’s additionally an ideal vacation spot to street journey. Since distances aren’t too lengthy, you possibly can simply get really feel for among the major areas within the nation in a single week. (For those who’ve acquired extra time, nice! You’ll be able to prolong 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 signifies that you gained’t be beholden to bus schedules or find yourself forking out some huge cash for costly vacationer shuttles. Meaning you’ll save each money and time.

That will help you plan your journey, right here’s my preferrred one-week Costa Rica street journey itinerary:

The place to Lease a Automotive in Costa Rica

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

You’ll be able to click on right 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 Uncover Vehicles. They examine costs from 1000’s of firms that will help you discover the very best deal. You should utilize the widget under to discover a deal:

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

Days 1–2: San Jose

You’ll possible be flying out and in of the capital, San Jose. Meaning you possibly can return your rental automobile to the identical location once you fly dwelling (which is cheaper than dropping it off elsewhere). Many individuals skip proper over the capital, opting to simply keep in a single day and head out the subsequent morning to greener pastures however I feel it’s value two nights. All of the nation’s finest museums are right here, so you possibly can be taught the historical past of the nation earlier than embarking onwards. That stated, relying on when your flight arrives, you possibly can simply do one evening right here and add extra time elsewhere.

Issues to do in San José:

• Go to the Costa Rican Nationwide Museum – For those who 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 army, the everlasting exhibition traces Costa Rican historical past from Pre-Columbian occasions to the current day. It’s in-depth and very properly executed, with bilingual explanations.
• Admire Costa Rica’s artwork – The Museum of Costa Rican Artwork is a small museum that provides quite a lot of everlasting and short-term exhibitions of nationwide and worldwide artists. For those who’re into modern artwork, don’t miss the Museum of Up to date 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 try 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 be taught extra concerning 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 way in which. San José Free Strolling Tour is the principle operator — simply don’t overlook to tip your information on the finish!

For extra issues to see and do, right here’s my free journey information to San Jose.

WHERE TO STAY:

• Selina San Jose: This upscale hostel is in an incredible 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 Resort: This laidback lodge has a lovely pool, brilliant rooms, and useful employees. I used to remain right here with our teams once I ran excursions in Costa Rica. Everybody cherished it!

For extra lodging ideas, listed below are my favourite 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 (make sure that to cease at La Paz Waterfall Gardens on the way in which). The city sits within the shadow of Arenal, Costa Rica’s most iconic volcano. The realm 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 recognition). Regardless of that, it’s nonetheless one in every of my favourite locations within the nation. Simply don’t get misplaced within 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 mountain climbing trails, together with the aptly named Lava Circulation 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 a giant pool of water at its base. Swimming within the chilly water is tremendous refreshing after spending a while mountain climbing within the scorching solar. Ensure you have sturdy footwear because the stroll down the steep, lengthy staircase can get slippery.
• Calm down within the well-known scorching springs – Due to all of the geothermal exercise within the space, there are loads of scorching springs right here. They vary in worth and high quality, from free all the way in which as much as $89 USD at Tabacón Resort. You too can take a packed day tour that features scorching springs, mountain climbing round Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna waterfall, and having fun with a standard lunch on the Maleku indigenous reserve.
• Take a bird-watching tour – This space is among the finest 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 finest to go along with an skilled native information as you’ll see many extra birds that means (they know the place particular species of birds like to hang around and may level out camouflaged birds).
• Do some journey actions – This space is among the nation’s scorching spots for adrenaline actions. Some examples of issues you are able to do embrace canyoning, white-water rafting, and zip-lining, or if in case you 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 advanced that includes an out of doors pool, trendy non-public rooms, a poolside restaurant, and many organized actions (together with health and yoga lessons). It’s strolling distance from every little thing too.
• Resort Arenal Rabfer: This lodge gives a pleasant pool, clear rooms with little balconies, and an incredible complimentary breakfast on the café subsequent door.

For extra issues to see and do, try my free journey information to Arenal right here.
 

Days 4: Monteverde

Roughly a 3.5-hour drive away, Monteverde is one in every of my favourite locations in Costa Rica. Your complete 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 continuously 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 finest 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 might be open to guests: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, and the Kids’s Everlasting Rainforest. All are nice, with trails which might be fairly simple, well-marked, and well-maintained. For those who actually wish to see wildlife, it’s finest to go along with a information who can present you animals and birds hidden within the dense cover.
• Take an evening tour of the forest – This can be a cool solution to see a unique facet of the jungle. Your information will level out all of the nocturnal animals (together with tarantulas and armadillos), bugs, and vegetation that you’d by no means be capable to discover by yourself at nighttime!
• Go zip lining – The longest zip line within the nation may be discovered right here (it’s a complete mile lengthy)! Gliding via the cover is a novel solution to see the jungle from a unique perspective. For those who’re an adrenaline junkie, don’t miss this!
• Stroll the hanging bridges – If zip lining isn’t precisely your pace, you possibly can safely stroll hanging suspension bridges which might be constructed via the higher layer of the cover. It’ll provide you with a view off the forest ground with out having to swing via it.
• Take a espresso tour – Monteverde is known for its manufacturing of artisanal, natural, and sustainable espresso. Take a tour to find out about each stage of the method, from seed germination to roasting. There are just a few totally different excursions right here, however the one one devoted fully 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 timber with stress-free actions, a lush inside courtyard with scorching tubs, and a separate co-working space.
• Monteverde Villa Lodge: This quiet lodge is inside strolling distance to the city, providing complimentary breakfast and comfortable rooms which have their very own out of doors seating space.

For extra issues to see and do, try my journey information to Monteverde right here.
 

Days 5–6: Manuel Antonio

Drive about 3.5-4 hours to Manuel Antonio, stopping on the way in which on the Tarcoles River Bridge to see crocodiles (simply don’t feed them). Manuel Antonio is a well-liked seashore vacation spot on the Pacific coast, identified 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 prematurely or go along with a guided tour.
• Lounge on the seashore – In addition to the seashores within the park, there’s additionally Playa Espadilla, an extended stretch of seashore 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 major eateries.
• Be taught to surf – There are tons of surf faculties that arrange store proper alongside Playa Espadilla. You’ll be able to pay for a one-off lesson or board rental proper on the seashore or enroll in a surf faculty should you’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 too can take a kayak tour to get even nearer to this distinctive setting.

WHERE TO STAY:

• Pura Natura Lodge Manuel Antonio: This chill nature lodge gives easy however clear dorms, non-public rooms, and full residences inside strolling distance of the small city, the seashore, and the nationwide park.
• Teva Jungle Resort and Hostel: An eco lodge set proper subsequent to the forest, they provide non-public mountain climbing trails, a pool with poolside bar, permaculture gardens, a shared kitchen, and a very good restaurant.

For extra issues to see and do, try my journey information to Manuel Antonio right 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 couple of 4.5-hour drive, however plan for extra relying on visitors. In case you are caught in visitors or are delayed for any motive, contact your rental automobile firm to keep away from a penalty.

Earlier than you come back the automobile, make it possible for your gasoline gauge is on the proper degree, or else head to a fuel 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 Highway Journey Suggestions

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

It’s additionally legally required to have a collision injury waiver (CDW) that covers losses from injury to your rental automobile. Most firms provide totally different tiers of insurance coverage, with numerous deductibles. Many renters choose full protection for peace of thoughts, so any injury is roofed. Some firms provide extra protection for tires and the windshield, as they aren’t all the time lined 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 must carry a letter that explicitly states the quantity of protection, that Costa Rica is included within the areas lined, 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 enough.

Both means, be sure you have enough protection!

2. Select the best automobile
For those who’re street tripping Costa Rica, take into account 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 wherever, go for a 4×4. You’ll be able to search by automobile kind at my go-to rental automobile firm in Costa Rica, Vamos. You’ll be able to click on right 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 fairly 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 fairly than street numbers.

4. Carry 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 finest to be ready.

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

6. Add in time for scenic stops
I do know loads of vacationers like to essentially plan out their routes and itineraries. When you will have restricted time, it may be tempting to plan every little thing to a T (I get it, I used to do that rather a lot). Nevertheless, there are many diversions to discover in Costa Rica, whether or not or not it’s a cool hidden mountain climbing 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 adjustments. You gained’t remorse it.

7. Be aware the place you park
Wherever doable, park in safe parking tons, and don’t go away valuables in an unattended automobile as break-ins can happen. On an identical observe, it’s unlawful to park on the seashore. That is to guard wildlife, corresponding to turtles. Even when locals are doing it, don’t do it! Discover a safe parking zone as an alternative.

8. Be a accountable vacationer
Costa Rica has been on the forefront of sustainable tourism for many years. As a traveler, remember to respect the nation’s wealthy biodiversity and dedication to sustainability. All the time keep a protected distance from animals and chorus from disturbing their setting. 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 economic system but in addition fosters accountable tourism. Go for eco-friendly lodging, corresponding to eco-lodges and sustainable resorts, which prioritize environmental conservation.
 

Costa Rica Highway 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. Highway 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 really helpful to hire a 4×4 automobile should you 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 vital to concentrate on just a few guidelines right here, as fines for infractions may be excessive. Listed below are some key guidelines for driving in Costa Rica:

• Visitors flows on the best facet of the street right here.
• Velocity 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 based mostly both on age or weight/top.
• Utilizing a cell phone whereas driving is unlawful.
• 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 utilize 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 finest time of 12 months to street journey in Costa Rica?
The dry season (December to April) is the very best time for a street journey, because the roads are in higher situation, with much less of a threat 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 prematurely since issues replenish quick.

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

What ought to I do in case of an accident or emergency?
In case you are concerned in a visitors accident, test that nobody is harm then transfer to security off the street. 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.

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Costa Rica is a good place to street journey. Though it’s vital 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 eager about — mountain climbing, journey actions, wildlife, seashores — by following this Costa Rica street journey itinerary, you’ll get a style of all of it.

Remember to use my go-to rental automobile firm, Vamos, to get the very best worth once you hire. You’ll be able to click on right here to get a quote.