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 luxurious 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 phenomenal, stunning 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 superb really feel for a few of the most important areas within the nation in a single week. (In case you’ve bought extra time, nice! You may 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’ll be able to cowl a whole lot of floor. The liberty of getting your personal wheels implies that you gained’t be beholden to bus schedules or find yourself forking out some huge cash for costly vacationer shuttles. Which means you’ll save each money and time.

That will help you plan your journey, right here’s my best one-week Costa Rica highway journey itinerary:

The place to Hire a Automotive in Costa Rica

My go-to rental automobile firm in Costa Rica is Vamos. They permit further drivers for no further charge, have nice buyer providers, and their costs are affordable.

You may click on right here to get a quote. (You’ll get 5% off through the use of that hyperlink too!).

If Vamos doesn’t have what you’re on the lookout for, strive Uncover Vehicles. They evaluate costs from hundreds of firms that can assist you discover the very best deal. You need to use the widget beneath to discover a deal:

When you get a automobile, take photographs and video of any scratches or dents. That approach you might have proof proving you didn’t trigger them ought to the automobile rental firm ask (they normally gained’t nevertheless 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. Which means you’ll be able to return your rental automobile to the identical location whenever you fly house (which is cheaper than dropping it off some other place). 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 study the historical past of the nation earlier than embarking onwards. That mentioned, 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 – In case you 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 nicely performed, 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 non permanent exhibitions of nationwide and worldwide artists. In case you’re into modern artwork, don’t miss the Museum of Up to date 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 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 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 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 excellent location between key neighborhoods. It hosts a whole lot of cool occasions, there are dorms and personal rooms, and there’s a restaurant on-site too.
• Auténtico Resort: This laidback resort has a phenomenal pool, shiny rooms, and useful employees. I used to remain right here with our teams once 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 sure that 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 among the nation’s hottest locations (with larger costs that match its recognition). Regardless of that, it’s nonetheless one in every 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 hundreds of years in the past. The nationwide park has countless climbing trails, together with the aptly named Lava Movement 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 beautiful waterfall is big, dropping virtually 75 meters (250 toes) into an enormous pool of water at its base. Swimming within the chilly water is tremendous refreshing after spending a while climbing within the scorching solar. Be sure to have sturdy footwear because the stroll down the steep, lengthy staircase can get slippery.
• Chill out within the well-known scorching springs – Because of all of the geothermal exercise within the space, there are a whole lot of scorching 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 can too take a packed day tour that features scorching 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 among the finest within the nation for fowl watching, with virtually all of Costa Rica’s 900 species of birds represented right here. It’s at all times finest to go along 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 may level out camouflaged birds).
• Do some journey actions – This space is among the nation’s scorching spots for adrenaline actions. Some examples of issues you are able to do embrace canyoning, white-water rafting, and zip-lining, or when 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 many organized actions (together with health and yoga courses). It’s strolling distance from the whole lot too.
• Resort Arenal Rabfer: This resort presents a pleasant pool, clear rooms with little balconies, and an excellent 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 in every 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 always 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 fowl with its beautiful emerald and ruby pink plumage. There are a whole lot of 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 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. In case you actually wish to see wildlife, it’s finest to go along 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 technique 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 have the ability to discover by yourself at nighttime!
• Go zip lining – The longest zip line within the nation could be discovered right here (it’s a whole mile lengthy)! Gliding by the cover is a singular technique to see the jungle from a special perspective. In case you’re an adrenaline junkie, don’t miss this!
• Stroll the hanging bridges – If zip lining isn’t precisely your velocity, you’ll be able to safely stroll hanging suspension bridges which are constructed by the higher layer of the cover. It’ll provide you with 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 a number of completely different excursions right here, however the one one devoted completely 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 phenomenal and tranquil location set within the bushes with stress-free actions, a lush inside courtyard with scorching 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 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 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 you should definitely get your tickets on-line prematurely or go along 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 chill out with a e-book, and it’s simply steps away from all of the city’s most important 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 when you’re on the lookout for 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 can too take a kayak tour to get even nearer to this distinctive setting.

WHERE TO STAY:

• Pura Natura Lodge Manuel Antonio: This chill nature lodge presents 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 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 few 4.5-hour drive, however plan for extra relying on visitors. In case you are caught in visitors or are delayed for any purpose, 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 gasoline 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 Street Journey Ideas

1. Perceive automobile rental insurance coverage
Costa Rica has obligatory third-party insurance coverage for automobile leases, so test that this value is included in your rental quote. It’s usually ignored, 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 automobile. Most firms supply completely different tiers of insurance coverage, with numerous deductibles. Many renters choose full protection for peace of thoughts, so any injury is roofed. Some firms supply further 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 advocate getting) has a CDW as a perk, you’ll be able to waive the in-house CDW. You’ll must deliver 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 motive force’s bank card. A replica of the bank card firm’s phrases and situations is just not normally adequate.

Both approach, be sure you have adequate protection!

2. Select the proper car
In case 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 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 through the use of 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 which will have an effect on your journey time.

Plus, bear in mind that when asking for instructions, virtually all locals give instructions utilizing landmarks quite than highway numbers.

4. Carry 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 situations
Climate in Costa Rica can change quickly, particularly through the wet season and within the mountains. Some roads might turn into difficult to navigate, with restricted visibility. Do your finest to keep away from driving in poor climate, however when you do find yourself in a storm, pull over in a secure space (a roadside soda or native restaurant is at all times a superb wager) and wait to see if situations enhance.

6. Add in time for scenic stops
I do know a whole lot of vacationers like to actually plan out their routes and itineraries. When you might 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 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 gained’t remorse it.

7. Be aware the place you park
Wherever potential, park in safe parking heaps, and don’t depart valuables in an unattended car as break-ins can happen. On an analogous word, it’s unlawful to park on the seaside. That is to guard wildlife, akin to turtles. Even when locals are doing it, don’t do it! Discover a safe car 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, you should definitely 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 additionally fosters accountable tourism. Go for eco-friendly lodging, akin to eco-lodges and sustainable motels, which prioritize environmental conservation.
 

Costa Rica Street Journey FAQ

Is it secure to drive in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has plenty of slender, rugged, and windy roads that may be tough to navigate. Street situations fluctuate 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 lease a 4×4 car when you plan to discover off-the-beaten-path areas.

That being mentioned, 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 vital to concentrate on 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 proper aspect 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).
• Carrying seat belts is obligatory, and there are particular seating legal guidelines for kids primarily based both on age or weight/top.
• Utilizing a cell phone whereas driving is against the law.
• 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 need to 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 12 months to highway journey in Costa Rica?
The dry season (December to April) is the very 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, best 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 (Could to November) can supply 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?
In case you are concerned in a visitors accident, test that nobody is harm then transfer to security off the highway. Don’t transfer the car. Name the transit police and 911 for emergency providers. 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 car could be moved as soon as the transit police give permission.

Costa Rica is a superb place to highway journey. Though it’s vital to be cautious whereas driving on the winding roads, you’ll have probably the most freedom to discover with a set of your personal wheels. It doesn’t matter what you’re taken 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 automobile firm, Vamos, to get the very best value whenever you lease. You may click on right here to get a quote.