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 gorgeous waterfalls, the unimaginable wildlife, and the tremendous pleasant locals who’ve a love for love – it’s all simply nice. Costa Rica a phenomenal, lovely nation.

It’s additionally an ideal vacation spot to highway journey. Since distances aren’t too lengthy, you’ll be able to simply get a great really feel for among the essential areas within the nation in a single week. (Should you’ve received extra time, nice! You possibly can 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’ll be able to cowl a number 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. Meaning you’ll save each money and time.

That will help 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 extra drivers for no additional payment, have nice buyer companies, and their costs are cheap.

You possibly can 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 in search of, attempt Uncover Vehicles. They evaluate costs from hundreds of corporations that will help you discover one of the best deal. You should utilize the widget under to discover a deal:

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

Days 1–2: San Jose

You’ll doubtless be flying out and in of the capital, San Jose. Meaning you’ll be able to return your rental automobile to the identical location while you fly residence (which is cheaper than dropping it off some place else). 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’ll be able to be taught the historical past of the nation earlier than embarking onwards. That stated, relying on when your flight arrives, you could possibly simply do one night time 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 residence to the (now defunct) Costa Rican army, the everlasting exhibition traces Costa Rican historical past from Pre-Columbian instances to the current day. It’s in-depth and very nicely achieved, 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 short-term 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’ll be able to 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’ll be able to 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 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 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 an amazing location between key neighborhoods. It hosts a number of cool occasions, there are dorms and personal rooms, and there’s a restaurant on-site too.
• Auténtico Resort: This laidback lodge has a phenomenal pool, shiny rooms, and useful employees. I used to remain right here with our teams after I ran excursions in Costa Rica. Everybody beloved it!

For extra lodging options, 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 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 without doubt one of the nation’s hottest locations (with larger costs that match its recognition). Regardless of that, it’s nonetheless one in all 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 residence to each Arenal Volcano in addition to the inactive Chato Volcano that final erupted hundreds of years in the past. The nationwide park has countless mountaineering trails, together with the aptly named Lava Circulate Path, the place you’ll be able to hike the lava flows from the devastating 1968 eruption of Arenal.
• Swim on the base of La Fortuna waterfall – This gorgeous waterfall is large, 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 mountaineering within the sizzling solar. Be sure you have sturdy footwear because the stroll down the steep, lengthy staircase can get slippery.
• Chill out within the well-known sizzling springs – Because of all of the geothermal exercise within the space, there are a number of 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. You may as well 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 without doubt one of the finest within the nation for hen 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 without doubt one of the nation’s sizzling spots for adrenaline actions. Some examples of issues you are able to do embody 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 personal rooms, a poolside restaurant, and many organized actions (together with health and yoga courses). It’s strolling distance from the whole lot too.
• Resort Arenal Rabfer: This lodge provides a pleasant pool, clear rooms with little balconies, and an amazing 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 in all my favourite locations in Costa Rica. The whole 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 hen with its gorgeous emerald and ruby pink plumage. There are a number 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 are open to guests: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, and the Kids’s Everlasting Rainforest. All are nice, with trails which are fairly straightforward, well-marked, and well-maintained. Should you actually wish 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 solution to see a distinct aspect 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 of discover by yourself at midnight!
• Go zip lining – The longest zip line within the nation will be discovered right here (it’s a complete mile lengthy)! Gliding by the cover is a novel solution to see the jungle from a distinct perspective. Should you’re an adrenaline junkie, don’t miss this!
• Stroll the hanging bridges – If zip lining isn’t precisely your pace, you’ll be able to safely stroll hanging suspension bridges which are constructed by the higher layer of the cover. It’ll offer you a view off the forest ground with out having to swing by it.
• Take a espresso tour – Monteverde is legendary 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 completely to espresso is the Café Monteverde Farm & Roastery Tour. It’s actually attention-grabbing 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 phenomenal and tranquil location set within the timber with enjoyable actions, a lush inside courtyard with sizzling tubs, and a separate co-working space.
• Monteverde Villa Lodge: This quiet lodge 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, 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, recognized for its white-sand seashores, heat blue waters, and wildlife (particularly sloths and monkeys). Whereas tourism has picked up right here in recent times, 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. The very 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 upfront or go together with a guided tour.
• Lounge on the seaside – Apart from 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 guide, and it’s simply steps away from all of the city’s essential eateries.
• Study to surf – There are tons of surf faculties that arrange store proper alongside Playa Espadilla. You possibly can pay for a one-off lesson or board rental proper on the seaside or enroll in a surf college for those who’re in search of one thing extra complete.
• Take a mangrove tour – Hop on a ship to discover the protected mangrove channels round Damas Island, residence to white-faced monkeys, crocodiles, spectacled caimans, boa constrictors, crab-eating raccoons, and pygmy anteaters. You may as well take a kayak tour to get even nearer to this distinctive setting.

WHERE TO STAY:

• Pura Natura Lodge Manuel Antonio: This chill nature lodge provides easy however clear dorms, personal rooms, and full flats inside strolling distance of the small city, the seaside, and the nationwide park.
• Teva Jungle Resort and Hostel: An eco lodge 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, 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 couple of 4.5-hour drive, however plan for extra relying on site visitors. If you’re caught in site visitors or are delayed for any purpose, contact your rental automobile firm to keep away from a penalty.

Earlier than you come back the automobile, make it possible for your gas 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 Highway Journey Ideas

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

In case your bank card or journey insurance coverage (which I at all times advocate getting) has a CDW as a perk, you’ll be able to waive the in-house CDW. You’ll have to 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 situations just isn’t normally adequate.

Both manner, be sure you have adequate protection!

2. Select the precise automobile
Should you’re highway 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 anyplace, go for a 4×4. You possibly can search by automobile kind at my go-to rental automobile firm in Costa Rica, Vamos. You possibly can 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 somewhat than Google Maps, which isn’t at all times correct and underestimates journey instances. 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, nearly all locals give instructions utilizing landmarks somewhat than highway numbers.

4. Convey a paper map
It’s a good suggestion to have an offline map downloaded to your telephone, or a bodily map as a backup. Cell service will be spotty in distant areas, so it’s finest to be ready.

5. Regulate climate situations
Climate in Costa Rica can change quickly, particularly through the wet season and within the mountains. Some roads could change into 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 a great wager) and wait to see if situations enhance.

6. Add in time for scenic stops
I do know a number of vacationers like to essentially plan out their routes and itineraries. When you could have restricted time, it may be tempting to plan the whole lot to a T (I get it, I used to do that quite a bit). Nonetheless, there are many diversions to discover in Costa Rica, whether 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 adjustments. You gained’t remorse it.

7. Be aware the place you park
Wherever potential, park in safe parking tons, and don’t depart valuables in an unattended automobile as break-ins can happen. On an identical word, it’s unlawful to park on the seaside. That is to guard wildlife, resembling turtles. Even when locals are doing it, don’t do it! Discover a safe car 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 keep a secure 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 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 economic system but in addition fosters accountable tourism. Go for eco-friendly lodging, resembling eco-lodges and sustainable resorts, which prioritize environmental conservation.
 

Costa Rica Highway Journey FAQ

Is it secure to drive in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has numerous slim, rugged, and windy roads that may be difficult to navigate. Highway situations range broadly. Main highways are typically in good situation, however rural and mountain roads will be tough, with potholes and unpaved sections. It’s really useful to lease a 4×4 automobile 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 essential to concentrate on just a few guidelines right here, as fines for infractions will be excessive. Listed below are some key guidelines for driving in Costa Rica:

• Visitors flows on the precise 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 necessary, and there are particular seating legal guidelines for youngsters primarily based 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 have to be legitimate for everything of your keep.

What’s the finest time of yr to highway journey in Costa Rica?
The dry season (December to April) is one of the best time for a highway 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, 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 aware about highway 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?
If you’re concerned in a site visitors accident, verify that nobody is harm then transfer to security off the highway. Don’t transfer the automobile. Name the transit police and 911 for emergency companies. You also needs to name your automobile rental supplier to evaluate if the automobile will be pushed, if a mechanic is required onsite or if the automobile must be exchanged and towed. The automobile will be moved as soon as the transit police give permission.

Costa Rica is a good place to highway journey. Though it’s essential to be cautious whereas driving on the winding roads, you’ll have essentially the most freedom to discover with a set of your individual wheels. It doesn’t matter what you’re interested by — 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 one of the best value while you lease. You possibly can click on right here to get a quote.