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 unimaginable 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 highway journey. Since distances aren’t too lengthy, you possibly can simply get a superb really feel for a number of the major areas within the nation in a single week. (For those who’ve obtained extra time, nice! You possibly can prolong your stays in locations and even add on extra locations. I’ll share a number of suggestions on the finish).

However, even with simply seven days, you possibly can cowl quite a lot of floor. The liberty of getting your individual wheels signifies that you received’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 ultimate 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 further payment, have nice buyer companies, and their costs are affordable.

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 Automobiles. They examine costs from 1000’s of firms that can assist you discover one of the best deal. You should utilize the widget beneath to discover a deal:

When you get a automobile, take images and video of any scratches or dents. That approach you may have proof proving you didn’t trigger them ought to the automobile rental firm ask (they normally received’t however it’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 possibly can return your rental automobile to the identical location once you fly house (which is cheaper than dropping it off some other place). 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 finest museums are right here, so you possibly can study the historical past of the nation earlier than embarking onwards. That mentioned, relying on when your flight arrives, you could possibly simply do one evening right here and add extra time some other place.

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 house to the (now defunct) Costa Rican navy, the everlasting exhibition traces Costa Rican historical past from Pre-Columbian instances to the current day. It’s in-depth and very effectively executed, with bilingual explanations.
• Admire Costa Rica’s artwork – The Museum of Costa Rican Artwork is a small museum that provides a wide range of everlasting and momentary exhibitions of nationwide and worldwide artists. For those who’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 study 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 way in which. San José Free Strolling Tour is the primary 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 a terrific location between key neighborhoods. It hosts quite a lot of cool occasions, there are dorms and personal rooms, and there’s a restaurant on-site too.
• Auténtico Resort: This laidback lodge has a ravishing pool, brilliant rooms, and useful workers. I used to remain right here with our teams after I ran excursions in Costa Rica. Everybody liked 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 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 energetic 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 considered one 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 house 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 big, 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 mountaineering 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 quite a lot of sizzling 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 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 among the finest within the nation for chook watching, with virtually 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 approach (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 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 whole advanced that includes an outside pool, trendy non-public rooms, a poolside restaurant, and plenty of organized actions (together with health and yoga lessons). It’s strolling distance from the whole lot too.
• Resort Arenal Rabfer: This lodge affords 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 considered one of my favourite locations in Costa Rica. The 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 purple plumage. There are quite a lot 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. For those who 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 method to see a distinct facet 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 midnight!
• Go zip lining – The longest zip line within the nation could be discovered right here (it’s a whole mile lengthy)! Gliding by means of the cover is a novel method to see the jungle from a distinct 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 are constructed by means of the higher layer of the cover. It’ll offer you a view off the forest flooring with out having to swing by means of 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 a number of completely 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 ravishing and tranquil location set within the bushes with stress-free actions, a lush internal 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 comfortable 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 way in which 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 in recent times, it’s nonetheless largely a lazy city the place the primary 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 remember to get your tickets on-line prematurely or go together 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 e-book, and it’s simply steps away from all of the city’s major eateries.
• Be taught to surf – There are tons of surf colleges 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 faculty should you’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, house 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 atmosphere.

WHERE TO STAY:

• Pura Natura Lodge Manuel Antonio: This chill nature lodge affords 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 Resort and Hostel: An eco lodge set proper subsequent to the forest, they provide non-public 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. In case you are 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 the automobile, ensure that your gas 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 Ideas

1. Perceive automobile rental insurance coverage
Costa Rica has necessary third-party insurance coverage for automobile leases, so verify that this value is included in your rental quote. It’s usually not noted, which means you could possibly 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 firms provide completely different tiers of insurance coverage, with numerous deductibles. Many renters choose full protection for peace of thoughts, so any harm is roofed. Some firms provide extra protection for tires and the windshield, as they don’t seem to be at all times lined 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 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 lined, and the final 4 digits of the driving force’s bank card. A replica of the bank card firm’s phrases and circumstances just isn’t normally ample.

Both approach, be sure you have ample protection!

2. Select the correct automobile
For those who’re highway tripping Costa Rica, contemplate getting a 4×4 for simpler navigation on unpaved roads. You received’t want it for all roads, however if you wish to be sure you can go wherever, 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 reasonably 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, bear in mind that when asking for instructions, virtually all locals give instructions utilizing landmarks reasonably 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 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 grow to be 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 at all times a superb wager) and wait to see if circumstances enhance.

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

7. Be conscious the place you park
Wherever potential, park in safe parking heaps, and don’t go away valuables in an unattended automobile as break-ins can happen. On an identical notice, it’s unlawful to park on the seaside. That is to guard wildlife, comparable 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. At all times 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 choosing 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 additionally fosters accountable tourism. Go for eco-friendly lodging, comparable to eco-lodges and sustainable lodges, which prioritize environmental conservation.
 

Costa Rica Highway Journey FAQ

Is it protected to drive in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has numerous slim, rugged, and windy roads that may be difficult 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 really helpful to lease a 4×4 automobile should you plan to discover off-the-beaten-path areas.

That being mentioned, 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 pay attention to a number of guidelines right here, as fines for infractions could be excessive. Listed here are some key guidelines for driving in Costa Rica:

• Site visitors flows on the correct facet of the highway 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 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 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 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 lot 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 virtually continuous sunshine, ultimate 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 (Could to November) can provide lush landscapes and fewer vacationers. Simply be particularly conscious 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?
In case you are 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 must also 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 automobile could be moved as soon as the transit police give permission.

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

You should definitely use my go-to rental automobile firm, Vamos, to get one of the best worth once you lease. You possibly can click on right here to get a quote.