My 1 Week Costa Rica Highway Journey Itinerary for 2024

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

It’s additionally an ideal vacation spot to street journey. Since distances aren’t too lengthy, you possibly can simply get an excellent really feel for among the essential areas within the nation in a single week. (Should you’ve received extra time, nice! You may lengthen your stays in locations and even add on extra locations. I’ll share a couple of suggestions on the finish).

However, even with simply seven days, you possibly can cowl numerous 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. Meaning you’ll save each money and time.

That can assist you plan your journey, right here’s my perfect 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 charge, have nice buyer companies, and their costs are cheap.

You may click on right here to get a quote. (You’ll get 5% off by utilizing that hyperlink too!).

If Vamos doesn’t have what you’re searching for, attempt Uncover Automobiles. They examine costs from 1000’s of corporations that will help you discover the very best deal. You should use the widget under to discover a deal:

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

Days 1–2: San Jose

You’ll probably 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 some place 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 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 would simply do one evening right here and add extra time some place else.

Issues to do in San José:

• Go to the Costa Rican Nationwide Museum – Should 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 intensely nicely completed, 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. Should you’re into up to date 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 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 road artwork alongside the best way. San José Free Strolling Tour is the principle operator — simply don’t neglect 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 a terrific location between key neighborhoods. It hosts numerous cool occasions, there are dorms and personal rooms, and there’s a restaurant on-site too.
• Auténtico Lodge: This laidback resort has a ravishing pool, shiny rooms, and useful employees. I used to remain right here with our teams after I ran excursions in Costa Rica. Everybody liked it!

For extra lodging strategies, listed here 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 certain 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 energetic day, there’s nothing higher than having fun with the sundown views over the lake.

La Fortuna is likely one of the nation’s hottest locations (with larger costs that match its reputation). Regardless of that, it’s nonetheless one among 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 limitless mountain climbing trails, together with the aptly named Lava Move 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 big, dropping nearly 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 mountain climbing within the sizzling solar. Be sure to have sturdy footwear because the stroll down the steep, lengthy staircase can get slippery.
• Chill out within the well-known sizzling springs – Due to all of the geothermal exercise within the space, there are numerous sizzling springs right here. They vary in value and high quality, from free all the best way as much as $89 USD at Tabacón Resort. It’s also possible to take a packed day tour that features sizzling 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 likely one of the finest within the nation for chook watching, with nearly all of Costa Rica’s 900 species of birds represented right here. It’s at all times finest to go together 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 may level out camouflaged birds).
• Do some journey actions – This space is likely one of 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 when you’ve got the time (and cash, as these actions are dear) do all of them!

WHERE TO STAY:

• Selina La Fortuna: Selina’s La Fortuna location is a whole advanced that includes an outside pool, fashionable non-public rooms, a poolside restaurant, and plenty of organized actions (together with health and yoga lessons). It’s strolling distance from every part too.
• Lodge Arenal Rabfer: This resort gives a pleasant pool, clear rooms with little balconies, and a terrific complimentary breakfast on the café subsequent door.

For extra issues to see and do, take a look at my free journey information to Arenal right here.
 

Days 4: Monteverde

Roughly a 3.5-hour drive away, Monteverde is one among 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 consistently 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 chook with its beautiful emerald and ruby pink plumage. There are numerous journey actions right here too. (A number 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 can be open to guests: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, and the Youngsters’s Everlasting Rainforest. All are nice, with trails which can be fairly simple, well-marked, and well-maintained. Should you actually need to see wildlife, it’s finest to go together 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 approach 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 be capable to discover by yourself at the hours of darkness!
• Go zip lining – The longest zip line within the nation could be discovered right here (it’s a whole mile lengthy)! Gliding via the cover is a novel approach to see the jungle from a special perspective. Should you’re an adrenaline junkie, don’t miss this!
• Stroll the hanging bridges – If zip lining isn’t precisely your velocity, you possibly can safely stroll hanging suspension bridges which can be constructed via the higher layer of the cover. It’ll offer you 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 study each stage of the method, from seed germination to roasting. There are a couple of totally 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 ravishing and tranquil location set within the bushes with stress-free actions, a lush interior 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 out of doors seating space.

For extra issues to see and do, take a look at my journey information to Monteverde right 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, 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 make sure to get your tickets on-line prematurely or go together with a guided tour.
• Lounge on the seaside – In addition to the seashores within the park, there’s additionally Playa Espadilla, an extended stretch of seaside that abuts the small city. It’s the right place to calm down with a e book, and it’s simply steps away from all of the city’s essential eateries.
• Be taught to surf – There are tons of surf faculties 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 faculty for those who’re searching 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. It’s also possible to take a kayak tour to get even nearer to this distinctive atmosphere.

WHERE TO STAY:

• Pura Natura Lodge Manuel Antonio: This chill nature lodge gives easy however clear dorms, non-public rooms, and full flats inside strolling distance of the small city, the seaside, and the nationwide park.
• Teva Jungle Lodge and Hostel: An eco resort 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, take a look at my journey information to Manuel Antonio right here.
 

Day 7: Head again to San Jose

Depart 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 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 the automobile, make it possible for your gasoline gauge is on the proper stage, or else head to a fuel station earlier than you drop it off. The corporate’s consultant will examine your car with you after which course of the deposit reimbursement.
 

8 Costa Rica Highway Journey Ideas

1. Perceive automobile rental insurance coverage
Costa Rica has obligatory third-party insurance coverage for automobile leases, so examine that this price is included in your rental quote. It’s typically ignored, which means you would be stunned 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 corporations provide totally different tiers of insurance coverage, with varied deductibles. Many renters choose full protection for peace of thoughts, so any harm is roofed. Some corporations provide extra protection for tires and the windshield, as they aren’t at all times coated by the CDW.

In case your bank card or journey insurance coverage (which I at all times suggest getting) has a CDW as a perk, you possibly can waive the in-house CDW. You’ll must convey 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 driving force’s bank card. A replica of the bank card firm’s phrases and circumstances isn’t often ample.

Both manner, ensure you have ample protection!

2. Select the suitable car
Should you’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 ensure you can go wherever, go for a 4×4. You may search by car kind at my go-to rental automobile firm in Costa Rica, Vamos. You may click on right here to get a quote. (You’ll get 5% off simply by utilizing that hyperlink).

3. Use Waze for navigation
Use the Waze app slightly than Google Maps, which isn’t at all times 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, bear in mind that when asking for instructions, nearly all locals give instructions utilizing landmarks slightly than street 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 could 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 might turn out to be difficult to navigate, with restricted visibility. Do your finest to keep away from driving in poor climate, however for those who do find yourself in a storm, pull over in a secure space (a roadside soda or native restaurant is at all times an excellent guess) and wait to see if circumstances enhance.

6. Add in time for scenic stops
I do know numerous vacationers like to actually plan out their routes and itineraries. When you have got restricted time, it may be tempting to plan every part to a T (I get it, I used to do that rather a lot). Nonetheless, 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 need to rush driving on the windy roads right here. Don’t rush, and be open to modifications. You gained’t remorse it.

7. Be aware the place you park
Wherever attainable, park in safe parking tons, and don’t depart valuables in an unattended car as break-ins can happen. On the same notice, it’s unlawful to park on the seaside. That is to guard wildlife, equivalent 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, make sure to respect the nation’s wealthy biodiversity and dedication to sustainability. At all times preserve a secure 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 choosing excursions and actions, take part in community-based initiatives to interact with and profit native communities. Supporting native companies not solely boosts the native financial system but in addition fosters accountable tourism. Go for eco-friendly lodging, equivalent to eco-lodges and sustainable accommodations, which prioritize environmental conservation.
 

Costa Rica Highway Journey FAQ

Is it secure to drive in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has a number of slim, rugged, and windy roads that may be tough to navigate. Highway circumstances range broadly. Main highways are typically in good situation, however rural and mountain roads could be tough, with potholes and unpaved sections. It’s advisable to hire a 4×4 car for those who plan to discover off-the-beaten-path areas.

That being stated, it’s completely secure 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 a couple of guidelines right here, as fines for infractions could be excessive. Listed below are some key guidelines for driving in Costa Rica:

• Site visitors flows on the suitable aspect of the street right here.
• Pace limits are posted in kilometers per hour (for instance, it’s 90 km/h (55 mph) restrict on main highways).
• Carrying seat belts is obligatory, and there are particular seating legal guidelines for youngsters based mostly both on age or weight/peak.
• Utilizing a cell phone whereas driving is illegitimate.
• 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 lot 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 nearly continuous sunshine, perfect for having fun with the nation’s seashores and rainforests. If visiting throughout this time, make all of your reservations prematurely since issues refill 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, examine that nobody is damage then transfer to security off the street. Don’t transfer the car. Name the transit police and 911 for emergency companies. You also needs to name your automobile rental supplier to evaluate if the automobile could be pushed, if a mechanic is required onsite or if the automobile must be exchanged and towed. The car could be moved as soon as the transit police give permission.

Costa Rica is a superb place to street 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 keen on — mountain climbing, journey actions, wildlife, seashores — by following this Costa Rica street journey itinerary, you’ll get a style of all of it.

You should definitely use my go-to rental automobile firm, Vamos, to get the very best value once you hire. You may click on right here to get a quote.