My 1 Week Costa Rica Street 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 unbelievable wildlife, and the tremendous pleasant locals who’ve a love for love – it’s all simply nice. Costa Rica a stupendous, lovely nation.

It’s additionally an ideal vacation spot to highway journey. Since distances aren’t too lengthy, you possibly can simply get a great really feel for among the major areas within the nation in a single week. (When you’ve bought 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 lots 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 will help you plan your journey, right here’s my very best one-week Costa Rica highway journey itinerary:

The place to Lease a Automobile in Costa Rica

My go-to rental automotive firm in Costa Rica is Vamos. They permit extra drivers for no further payment, have nice buyer providers, 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 firms that will help you discover the most effective deal. You should use the widget under to discover a deal:

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

Days 1–2: San Jose

You’ll seemingly be flying out and in of the capital, San Jose. Meaning you possibly can return your rental automotive to the identical location once you fly dwelling (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 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 night time right here and add extra time some other place.

Issues to do in San José:

• Go to the Costa Rican Nationwide Museum – When 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 instances to the current day. It’s in-depth and intensely effectively achieved, with bilingual explanations.
• Admire Costa Rica’s artwork – The Museum of Costa Rican Artwork is a small museum that gives a wide range of everlasting and momentary exhibitions of nationwide and worldwide artists. When you’re into modern 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 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 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 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 an awesome location between key neighborhoods. It hosts lots of cool occasions, there are dorms and personal rooms, and there’s a restaurant on-site too.
• Auténtico Lodge: This laidback resort has a stupendous pool, vibrant 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 solutions, 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 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 world 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 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 countless 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 gorgeous waterfall is big, dropping nearly 75 meters (250 toes) into a giant 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 sturdy footwear because the stroll down the steep, lengthy staircase can get slippery.
• Loosen up within the well-known sizzling springs – Because of all of the geothermal exercise within the space, there are lots of sizzling springs right here. They vary in value and high quality, from free all the way in which as much as $89 USD at Tabacón Resort. You can too take a packed day tour that features sizzling springs, 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 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, fashionable non-public rooms, a poolside restaurant, and plenty of organized actions (together with health and yoga courses). It’s strolling distance from every part too.
• Lodge Arenal Rabfer: This resort provides a pleasant pool, clear rooms with little balconies, and an awesome 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 among 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 chook with its gorgeous emerald and ruby pink plumage. There are lots of journey actions right here too. (Among 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 Youngsters’s Everlasting Rainforest. All are nice, with trails which might be fairly simple, well-marked, and well-maintained. When 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 strategy 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 the hours of darkness!
• Go zip lining – The longest zip line within the nation may be discovered right here (it’s a complete mile lengthy)! Gliding by the cover is a singular strategy to see the jungle from a distinct perspective. When 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 might be constructed by the higher layer of the cover. It’ll offer you a view off the forest flooring with out having to swing by 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 fully 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 stupendous and tranquil location set within the timber with stress-free actions, a lush internal 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 comfortable rooms which have their very own outside 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 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 most effective 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 you’ll want to get your tickets on-line upfront or go together with a guided tour.
• Lounge on the seashore – Apart from the seashores within the park, there’s additionally Playa Espadilla, a protracted stretch of seashore that abuts the small city. It’s the right place to loosen up with a e-book, and it’s simply steps away from all of the city’s major eateries.
• Study to surf – There are tons of surf colleges that arrange store proper alongside Playa Espadilla. You may pay for a one-off lesson or board rental proper on the seashore or enroll in a surf faculty in case you’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. You can too take a kayak tour to get even nearer to this distinctive atmosphere.

WHERE TO STAY:

• Pura Natura Lodge Manuel Antonio: This chill nature lodge provides easy however clear dorms, non-public rooms, and full flats inside strolling distance of the small city, the seashore, and the nationwide park.
• Teva Jungle Lodge and Hostel: An eco resort set proper subsequent to the forest, they provide non-public 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

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 visitors. If you’re caught in visitors or are delayed for any motive, contact your rental automotive firm to keep away from a penalty.

Earlier than you come the automotive, make it possible for your gasoline 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 Street Journey Suggestions

1. Perceive automotive rental insurance coverage
Costa Rica has necessary third-party insurance coverage for automotive leases, so examine that this price is included in your rental quote. It’s typically not noted, 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 automotive. 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 at all times lined 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 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 duplicate of the bank card firm’s phrases and situations isn’t normally adequate.

Both manner, be sure you have adequate protection!

2. Select the suitable automobile
When you’re highway tripping Costa Rica, think about 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 may search by automobile kind at my go-to rental automotive 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 quite 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 quite than highway numbers.

4. Convey 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 situations
Climate in Costa Rica can change quickly, particularly throughout the wet season and within the mountains. Some roads could turn out to be difficult to navigate, with restricted visibility. Do your finest to keep away from driving in poor climate, however in case you do find yourself in a storm, pull over in a protected 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 lots of vacationers like to actually plan out their routes and itineraries. When you’ve got restricted time, it may be tempting to plan every part to a T (I get it, I used to do that lots). Nevertheless, there are many diversions to discover in Costa Rica, whether or not or not it’s a cool hidden 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 modifications. You received’t remorse it.

7. Be conscious the place you park
Wherever doable, park in safe parking heaps, and don’t depart valuables in an unattended automobile as break-ins can happen. On an analogous observe, it’s unlawful to park on the seashore. That is to guard wildlife, equivalent to 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, you’ll want 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 interact with and profit native communities. Supporting native companies not solely boosts the native financial system but additionally fosters accountable tourism. Go for eco-friendly lodging, equivalent to eco-lodges and sustainable resorts, which prioritize environmental conservation.
 

Costa Rica Street Journey FAQ

Is it protected to drive in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has numerous slim, rugged, and windy roads that may be tough to navigate. Street situations differ broadly. Main highways are usually in good situation, however rural and mountain roads may be tough, with potholes and unpaved sections. It’s beneficial to lease a 4×4 automobile in case 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 essential to concentrate on a couple of guidelines right here, as fines for infractions may be excessive. Listed below are some key guidelines for driving in Costa Rica:

• Site visitors flows on the suitable 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).
• Carrying 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 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 have to be legitimate for the whole thing of your keep.

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

Costa Rica is a superb 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 fascinated with — climbing, 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 automotive firm, Vamos, to get the most effective value once you lease. You may click on right here to get a quote.