My 1 Week Costa Rica Highway Go back and forth Itinerary for 2024

As the rustic that sparked my wanderlust, Costa Rica will all the time have a unique position in my center. The luxurious jungles, the lovely waterfalls, the implausible natural world, and the tremendous pleasant locals who’ve a love for romance – it’s all simply nice. Costa Rica a phenomenal, stunning nation.

It’s additionally a great vacation spot to street go back and forth. Since distances aren’t too lengthy, you’ll be able to simply get a just right really feel for probably the most primary spaces within the nation in a single week. (If you happen to’ve were given extra time, nice! You’ll lengthen your remains in puts and even upload on extra locations. I’ll percentage a couple of suggestions on the finish).

However, even with simply seven days, you’ll be able to quilt a large number of floor. The liberty of getting your individual wheels signifies that you gained’t be beholden to bus schedules or finally end up splashing out some huge cash for pricey vacationer shuttles. That suggests you’ll save each money and time.

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

The place to Hire a Automobile in Costa Rica

My go-to apartment automobile corporate in Costa Rica is Vamos. They enable further drivers for no additional price, have nice buyer services and products, and their costs are cheap.

You’ll click on right here to get a quote. (You’ll get 5% off by means of the usage of that hyperlink too!).

If Vamos doesn’t have what you’re in search of, take a look at Uncover Vehicles. They evaluate costs from 1000’s of businesses that can assist you to find the most efficient deal. You’ll use the widget beneath to discover a deal:

When you get a automobile, take pictures and video of any scratches or dents. That method you’ve gotten proof proving you didn’t purpose them must the auto apartment corporate ask (they generally gained’t however it’s all the time higher to be ready).
 

Days 1–2: San Jose

You’ll most likely be flying out and in of the capital, San Jose. That suggests you’ll be able to go back your apartment automobile to the similar location while you fly house (which is less expensive than losing it off elsewhere). Many of us skip proper over the capital, opting to simply keep in a single day and head out the following morning to greener pastures however I believe it’s value two nights. The entire nation’s perfect museums are right here, so you’ll be able to be informed the historical past of the rustic ahead of embarking onwards. That stated, relying on when your flight arrives, you need to do exactly one night time right here and upload extra time elsewhere.

Issues to do in San José:

• Talk over with the Costa Rican Nationwide Museum – If you happen to best discuss with one museum within the town, make it this one. Housed within the fort that was once house to the (now defunct) Costa Rican army, the everlasting exhibition lines Costa Rican historical past from Pre-Columbian occasions to the current day. It’s in-depth and very nicely finished, with bilingual explanations.
• Recognize Costa Rica’s artwork – The Museum of Costa Rican Artwork is a small museum that provides a number of everlasting and brief exhibitions of nationwide and world artists. If you happen to’re into recent artwork, don’t omit the Museum of Recent Artwork and Design (MADC), the place you’ll be able to see the paintings of state-of-the-art Costa Rican and Central American artists.
• Talk over with the markets – The Central Marketplace and The Municipal Crafts Marketplace are just right puts to shop for souvenirs and skim colourful marketplace stalls. Plus, you’ll be able to take a look at the native meals scene on the Central Marketplace (or take a guided excursion for a better revel in).
• Take a unfastened strolling excursion – If you wish to be informed extra in regards to the historical past of San Jose whilst taking within the points of interest, take a unfastened strolling excursion. You’ll pay attention all about “ticos” tradition (a time period used to explain local Costa Ricans), discuss with some secret spots the place the locals hang around, and spot some boulevard artwork alongside the way in which. San José Loose Strolling Excursion is the principle operator — simply don’t disregard to tip your information on the finish!

For extra issues to peer and do, right here’s my unfastened shuttle information to San Jose.

WHERE TO STAY:

• Selina San Jose: This upscale hostel is in a perfect location between key neighborhoods. It hosts a large number of cool occasions, there are dorms and personal rooms, and there’s a cafe on-site too.
• Auténtico Resort: This laidback resort has a phenomenal pool, vibrant rooms, and useful personnel. I used to stick right here with our teams after I ran excursions in Costa Rica. Everybody cherished it!

For extra lodging tips, listed below are my favourite hostels in San Jose!
 

Days 3: L. a. Fortuna / Arenal

After you’ve explored the capital, it’s time to pressure 3 hours to town of L. a. Fortuna (be sure to quit at L. a. Paz Waterfall Gardens at the method). The city sits within the shadow of Arenal, Costa Rica’s maximum iconic volcano. The realm has lots of actions, and on the finish of an energetic day, there’s not anything higher than taking part in the sundown perspectives over the lake.

L. a. Fortuna is likely one of the nation’s hottest locations (with upper costs that fit its reputation). Regardless of that, it’s nonetheless certainly one of my favourite puts within the nation. Simply don’t get misplaced within the jungle like me!

Issues to do in L. a. 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 ultimate erupted 1000’s of years in the past. The nationwide park has never-ending climbing trails, together with the aptly named Lava Float Path, the place you’ll be able to hike the lava flows from the devastating 1968 eruption of Arenal.
• Swim on the base of L. a. Fortuna waterfall – This shocking waterfall is massive, losing nearly 75 meters (250 ft) into a large pool of water at its base. Swimming within the chilly water is tremendous refreshing after spending a while climbing within the sizzling solar. Be sure you have robust shoes because the stroll down the steep, lengthy staircase can get slippery.
• Loosen up within the well-known sizzling springs – Due to all of the geothermal process within the space, there are a large number of sizzling springs right here. They vary in value and high quality, from unfastened all of the method as much as $89 USD at Tabacón Lodge. You’ll additionally take a packed day excursion that incorporates sizzling springs, climbing round Arenal Volcano, L. a. Fortuna waterfall, and taking part in a conventional lunch on the Maleku indigenous reserve.
• Take a bird-watching excursion – This space is likely one of the perfect within the nation for chicken observing, with nearly all of Costa Rica’s 900 species of birds represented right here. It’s all the time perfect to move with an skilled native information as you’ll see many extra birds that method (they know the place particular species of birds like to hang around and will indicate camouflaged birds).
• Do a little journey actions – This space is likely one of the nation’s sizzling spots for adrenaline actions. Some examples of items you’ll be able to do come with canyoning, white-water rafting, and zip-lining, or you probably have the time (and cash, as those actions are dear) do all of them!

WHERE TO STAY:

• Selina L. a. Fortuna: Selina’s L. a. Fortuna location is a whole advanced that includes an out of doors pool, fashionable non-public rooms, a poolside eating place, and plenty of arranged actions (together with health and yoga categories). It’s strolling distance from the whole thing too.
• Resort Arenal Rabfer: This resort gives a pleasant pool, blank rooms with little balconies, and a perfect complimentary breakfast on the café subsequent door.

For extra issues to peer and do, take a look at my unfastened shuttle information to Arenal right here.
 

Days 4: Monteverde

Kind of a three.5-hour pressure away, Monteverde is certainly one of my favourite puts in Costa Rica. All of the space is roofed in a lush cloud woodland that simply feels magical. The tropical woodland is shrouded in mist — fairly actually, as they’re within the clouds. As it’s repeatedly so rainy, Monteverde is extremely biodiverse. Naturally, it’s probably the most greatest eco-tourism hubs within the nation, with birders flocking right here to identify the elusive quetzal chicken with its shocking emerald and ruby purple plumage. There are a large number of journey actions right here too. (One of the vital perfect espresso I ever had in my lifestyles was once from right here.)

Issues to do in Monteverde:

• Hike within the cloud woodland – There are a number of sections of the cloud woodland which might be open to guests: Monteverde Cloud Wooded area Reserve, Santa Elena Cloud Wooded area Reserve, and the Kids’s Everlasting Rainforest. All are nice, with trails which might be lovely simple, well-marked, and well-maintained. If you happen to in point of fact wish to see natural world, it’s perfect to pass with a information who can display you animals and birds hidden within the dense cover.
• Take an evening excursion of the woodland – This can be a cool technique to see a distinct aspect of the jungle. Your information will indicate all of the nocturnal animals (together with tarantulas and armadillos), bugs, and crops that you’d by no means have the ability to to find by yourself at midnight!
• Pass zip lining – The longest zip line within the nation may also be discovered right here (it’s a whole mile lengthy)! Gliding throughout the cover is a novel technique to see the jungle from a distinct point of view. If you happen to’re an adrenaline junkie, don’t omit this!
• Stroll the putting bridges – If zip lining isn’t precisely your pace, you’ll be able to safely walk putting suspension bridges which might be constructed throughout the higher layer of the cover. It’ll come up with a view off the woodland ground with no need to swing via it.
• Take a espresso excursion – Monteverde is known for its manufacturing of artisanal, natural, and sustainable espresso. Take a excursion to be told about each degree of the method, from seed germination to roasting. There are a couple of other excursions right here, however the one one devoted fully to espresso is the Café Monteverde Farm & Roastery Excursion. It’s in point of fact attention-grabbing and academic, even supposing (like me) you’re now not a espresso drinker.

WHERE TO STAY:

• Selina Monteverde: This Selina location is actually subsequent to the cloud woodland. It’s a phenomenal 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 Hotel: This quiet resort is inside strolling distance to town, providing complimentary breakfast and comfortable rooms that experience their very own outside seating space.

For extra issues to peer and do, take a look at my shuttle information to Monteverde right here.
 

Days 5–6: Manuel Antonio

Power about 3.5-4 hours to Manuel Antonio, preventing at the method on the Tarcoles River Bridge to peer crocodiles (simply don’t feed them). Manuel Antonio is a well-liked seaside vacation spot at the Pacific coast, identified for its white-sand seashores, heat blue waters, and natural world (particularly sloths and monkeys). Whilst tourism has picked up right here lately, it’s nonetheless in large part a lazy the town the place the principle actions are lounging within the sand by means of day and taking part in a beachside cocktail by means of night (you get epic sunsets right here).

Issues to Do in Manuel Antonio:

• Talk over with 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 peer a number of capuchins, sloths, basilisk lizards, iguanas, and squirrel monkeys. The most productive seashores are within the park so don’t omit a discuss with right here. There’s a cap on what number of people can discuss with, so remember to get your tickets on-line prematurely or pass with a guided excursion.
• Living room at the seaside – But even so the seashores within the park, there’s additionally Playa Espadilla, an extended stretch of seaside that abuts the small the town. It’s the easiest position to calm down with a guide, and it’s simply steps clear of all of the the town’s primary eateries.
• Discover ways to surf – There are lots of surf colleges that arrange store proper alongside Playa Espadilla. You’ll pay for a one-off lesson or board apartment proper at the seaside or join in a surf college should you’re in search of one thing extra complete.
• Take a mangrove excursion – Hop on a ship to discover the safe mangrove channels round Damas Island, house to white-faced monkeys, crocodiles, spectacled caimans, boa constrictors, crab-eating raccoons, and pygmy anteaters. You’ll additionally take a kayak excursion to get even nearer to this distinctive setting.

WHERE TO STAY:

• Pura Natura Hotel Manuel Antonio: This sit back nature hotel gives easy however blank dorms, non-public rooms, and entire residences inside strolling distance of the small the town, the seaside, and the nationwide park.
• Teva Jungle Resort and Hostel: An eco resort set proper subsequent to the woodland, they provide non-public climbing trails, a pool with poolside bar, permaculture gardens, a shared kitchen, and a very good eating place.

For extra issues to peer and do, take a look at my shuttle information to Manuel Antonio right here.
 

Day 7: Head again to San Jose

Go away Manuel Antonio within the early morning to pressure again to San José. It’s a couple of 4.5-hour pressure, however plan for extra relying on site visitors. If you’re stuck in site visitors or are not on time for any explanation why, touch your apartment automobile corporate to steer clear of a penalty.

Sooner than you go back the auto, ensure that your gas gauge is on the proper degree, or else head to a fuel station ahead of you drop it off. The corporate’s consultant will check up on your car with you after which procedure the deposit repayment.
 

8 Costa Rica Highway Go back and forth Guidelines

1. Perceive automobile apartment insurance coverage
Costa Rica has necessary third-party insurance coverage for automobile leases, so test that this price is integrated on your apartment quote. It’s steadily ignored, that means you need to be stunned by means of the invoice on the finish.

It’s additionally legally required to have a collision harm waiver (CDW) that covers losses from harm on your apartment automobile. Maximum firms be offering other tiers of insurance coverage, with quite a lot of deductibles. Many renters make a choice complete protection for peace of thoughts, so any harm is roofed. Some firms be offering further protection for tires and the windshield, as they don’t seem to be all the time coated by means of the CDW.

In case your bank card or shuttle insurance coverage (which I all the time suggest getting) has a CDW as a perk, you’ll be able to waive the in-house CDW. You’ll want to convey a letter that explicitly states the volume of protection, that Costa Rica is integrated within the spaces coated, and the ultimate 4 digits of the driving force’s bank card. A replica of the bank card corporate’s phrases and stipulations isn’t generally enough.

Both method, make sure to have enough protection!

2. Make a selection the appropriate car
If you happen to’re street tripping Costa Rica, believe getting a 4×4 for more uncomplicated navigation on unpaved roads. You gained’t want it for all roads, however if you wish to make certain you’ll be able to pass any place, opt for a 4×4. You’ll seek by means of car kind at my go-to apartment automobile corporate in Costa Rica, Vamos. You’ll click on right here to get a quote. (You’ll get 5% off simply by the usage of that hyperlink).

3. Use Waze for navigation
Use the Waze app reasonably than Google Maps, which isn’t all the time correct and underestimates adventure occasions. Waze is up to date in actual time by means of an enthusiastic team of volunteers, so that you’re acutely aware of injuries or different eventualities that can have an effect on your shuttle time.

Plus, remember that once inquiring for instructions, nearly all locals give instructions the usage of landmarks reasonably than street numbers.

4. Convey a paper map
It’s a good suggestion to have an offline map downloaded on your telephone, or a bodily map as a backup. Mobile provider may also be spotty in far flung spaces, so it’s perfect to be ready.

5. Keep watch over climate prerequisites
Climate in Costa Rica can alternate all of a sudden, particularly all the way through the wet season and within the mountains. Some roads would possibly transform difficult to navigate, with restricted visibility. Do your perfect to steer clear of using in deficient climate, however should you do finally end up in a hurricane, pull over in a protected space (a roadside soda or native eating place is all the time a just right guess) and wait to peer if prerequisites make stronger.

6. Upload in time for scenic stops
I do know a large number of vacationers love to in point of fact plan out their routes and itineraries. You probably have restricted time, it may be tempting to devise the whole thing to a T (I am getting it, I used to try this so much). On the other hand, there are many diversions to discover in Costa Rica, whether or not it’s a fab hidden climbing spot or a scenic vista, entire with volcanoes. Plus, you don’t wish to rush using at the windy roads right here. Don’t rush, and be open to adjustments. You gained’t feel sorry about it.

7. Remember the place you park
Anyplace imaginable, park in safe parking quite a bit, and don’t go away valuables in an unattended car as break-ins can happen. On a an identical notice, it’s unlawful to park at the seaside. That is to give protection to natural world, akin to turtles. Even supposing locals are doing it, don’t do it! Discover a safe automobile parking space as a substitute.

8. Be a accountable vacationer
Costa Rica has been at the vanguard of sustainable tourism for many years. As a traveler, remember to appreciate the rustic’s wealthy biodiversity and dedication to sustainability. At all times care for a protected distance from animals and chorus from demanding their setting. By no means feed the natural world and make a choice moral natural world excursions that don’t exploit animals both.

When deciding on excursions and actions, take part in community-based projects to interact with and receive advantages native communities. Supporting native companies now not best boosts the native economic system but in addition fosters accountable tourism. Go for eco-friendly lodging, akin to eco-lodges and sustainable lodges, which prioritize environmental conservation.
 

Costa Rica Highway Go back and forth FAQ

Is it protected to pressure in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has plenty of slender, rugged, and windy roads that may be tough to navigate. Highway prerequisites range extensively. Main highways are typically in just right situation, however rural and mountain roads may also be tough, with potholes and unpaved sections. It’s really useful to hire a 4×4 car should you plan to discover off-the-beaten-path spaces.

That being stated, it’s completely protected to pressure in Costa Rica, offering you workout warning and keep alert in the back of the wheel.

Will have to know using regulations in Costa Rica!
It’s vital to pay attention to a couple of regulations right here, as fines for infractions may also be top. Listed here are some key regulations for using in Costa Rica:

• Site visitors flows at the proper aspect of the street right here.
• Pace limits are posted in kilometers in step with hour (as an example, it’s 90 km/h (55 mph) restrict on primary highways).
• Dressed in seat belts is necessary, and there are particular seating regulations for kids founded both on age or weight/top.
• The use of a cell phone whilst using is unlawful.
• 0.05% is the criminal restrict for blood alcohol content material when breathalyzed (so by no means drink and pressure).

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

What’s the perfect time of yr to street go back and forth in Costa Rica?
The dry season (December to April) is the most efficient time for a street go back and forth, because the roads are in higher situation, with much less of a possibility of heavy rains. Despite the fact that it’s top season and tourism is at its best possible, there’s nearly continuous sunshine, preferrred for playing the rustic’s seashores and rainforests. If visiting all the way through this time, make all of your reservations prematurely since issues refill rapid.

However, the fairway/wet season (Would possibly to November) can be offering lush landscapes and less vacationers. Simply be particularly conscious about street tripping all the way through this time, as there’s extra possibility of climate disrupting your plans.

What must I do in case of an coincidence or emergency?
If you’re interested in a site visitors coincidence, test that nobody is harm then transfer to protection off the street. Don’t transfer the car. Name the transit police and 911 for emergency services and products. You must additionally name your automobile apartment supplier to evaluate if the auto may also be pushed, if a mechanic is needed onsite or if the auto must be exchanged and towed. The car may also be moved as soon as the transit police give permission.

Costa Rica is a smart position to street go back and forth. Despite the fact that it’s vital to be wary whilst using at the winding roads, you’ll have essentially the most freedom to discover with a suite of your individual wheels. It doesn’t matter what you’re excited by — climbing, journey actions, natural world, seashores — by means of following this Costa Rica street go back and forth itinerary, you’ll get a style of all of it.

Make sure you use my go-to apartment automobile corporate, Vamos, to get the most efficient value while you hire. You’ll click on right here to get a quote.