My 1 Week Costa Rica Street Journey Itinerary for 2024

Because the nation that sparked my wanderlust, Costa Rica will all the time have a particular place in my coronary heart. The luxurious 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 lovely, lovely nation.

It’s additionally an ideal vacation spot to street journey. Since distances aren’t too lengthy, you may simply get a great really feel for among the predominant areas within the nation in a single week. (In the event you’ve acquired extra time, nice! You possibly can 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 may cowl loads 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. Which means you’ll save each money and time.

That can assist you plan your journey, right here’s my supreme one-week Costa Rica street journey itinerary:

The place to Hire a Automotive in Costa Rica

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

You possibly can 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 in search of, strive Uncover Automobiles. They examine costs from hundreds of corporations that will help you discover the very best deal. You should utilize the widget under to discover a deal:

When you get a automotive, take photographs and video of any scratches or dents. That approach you could have proof proving you didn’t trigger them ought to the automotive rental firm ask (they often received’t however it’s all the time 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 may return your rental automotive to the identical location if you fly house (which is cheaper than dropping it off elsewhere). 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 feel it’s price two nights. All of the nation’s greatest museums are right here, so you may 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 evening right here and add extra time elsewhere.

Issues to do in San José:

• Go to the Costa Rican Nationwide Museum – In the event 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 army, the everlasting exhibition traces Costa Rican historical past from Pre-Columbian occasions to the current day. It’s in-depth and very effectively 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 momentary exhibitions of nationwide and worldwide artists. In the event you’re into modern artwork, don’t miss the Museum of Up to date Artwork and Design (MADC), the place you may 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 may 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 way in which. San José Free Strolling Tour is the primary 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 a terrific location between key neighborhoods. It hosts loads of cool occasions, there are dorms and personal rooms, and there’s a restaurant on-site too.
• Auténtico Resort: This laidback resort has a lovely pool, vibrant rooms, and useful workers. I used to remain right here with our teams after I ran excursions in Costa Rica. Everybody beloved it!

For extra lodging solutions, 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 (be 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 without doubt one of the nation’s hottest locations (with larger costs that match its reputation). Regardless of that, it’s nonetheless certainly 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 hundreds of years in the past. The nationwide park has limitless mountaineering trails, together with the aptly named Lava Stream Path, the place you may 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 virtually 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 scorching solar. Be sure to have sturdy footwear because the stroll down the steep, lengthy staircase can get slippery.
• Calm down within the well-known scorching springs – Because of all of the geothermal exercise within the space, there are loads of scorching 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 may as well take a packed day tour that features scorching 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 greatest within the nation for hen watching, with virtually all of Costa Rica’s 900 species of birds represented right here. It’s all the time greatest 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 might level out camouflaged birds).
• Do some journey actions – This space is without doubt one of 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 you probably have the time (and cash, as these actions are dear) do all of them!

WHERE TO STAY:

• Selina La Fortuna: Selina’s La Fortuna location is a complete complicated that includes an out of doors pool, trendy non-public rooms, a poolside restaurant, and plenty of organized actions (together with health and yoga lessons). It’s strolling distance from every thing too.
• Resort Arenal Rabfer: This resort 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 certainly one of 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 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 hen with its gorgeous emerald and ruby crimson plumage. There are loads of journey actions right here too. (Among the greatest 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 Kids’s Everlasting Rainforest. All are nice, with trails which might be fairly straightforward, well-marked, and well-maintained. In the event you actually need to see wildlife, it’s greatest 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 method to see a unique 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 may be discovered right here (it’s a complete mile lengthy)! Gliding by way of the cover is a singular method to see the jungle from a unique perspective. In the event you’re an adrenaline junkie, don’t miss this!
• Stroll the hanging bridges – If zip lining isn’t precisely your pace, you may safely stroll hanging suspension bridges which might be constructed by way of the higher layer of the cover. It’ll offer you a view off the forest flooring with out having to swing by way of it.
• Take a espresso tour – Monteverde is known 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 couple 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 lovely and tranquil location set within the timber with enjoyable 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 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 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 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 remember to get your tickets on-line prematurely or go along 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 loosen up with a e-book, and it’s simply steps away from all of the city’s predominant eateries.
• Study 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 surroundings.

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 resort 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

Go away 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 site visitors. In case you are caught in site visitors or are delayed for any purpose, contact your rental automotive firm to keep away from a penalty.

Earlier than you come the automotive, ensure that your gas gauge is on the proper stage, 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 Street Journey Suggestions

1. Perceive automotive rental insurance coverage
Costa Rica has necessary third-party insurance coverage for automotive leases, so test that this price is included in your rental quote. It’s usually omitted, 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 automotive. Most corporations supply completely different tiers of insurance coverage, with varied deductibles. Many renters choose full protection for peace of thoughts, so any injury is roofed. Some corporations supply further protection for tires and the windshield, as they don’t seem to be all the time coated by the CDW.

In case your bank card or journey insurance coverage (which I all the time suggest getting) has a CDW as a perk, you may 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 motive force’s bank card. A duplicate of the bank card firm’s phrases and circumstances shouldn’t be often ample.

Both approach, be sure you have ample protection!

2. Select the best automobile
In the event you’re street tripping Costa Rica, take into account 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 anyplace, go for a 4×4. You possibly can search by automobile kind at my go-to rental automotive firm in Costa Rica, Vamos. You possibly can 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 fairly than Google Maps, which isn’t all the time correct and underestimates journey occasions. 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, remember that when asking for instructions, virtually all locals give instructions utilizing landmarks fairly than street 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 may be spotty in distant areas, so it’s greatest to be ready.

5. Keep watch over climate circumstances
Climate in Costa Rica can change quickly, particularly in the course of the wet season and within the mountains. Some roads could develop into difficult to navigate, with restricted visibility. Do your greatest 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 all the time a great wager) and wait to see if circumstances enhance.

6. Add in time for scenic stops
I do know loads of vacationers like to essentially plan out their routes and itineraries. When you could have restricted time, it may be tempting to plan every thing to a T (I get it, I used to do that loads). Nevertheless, 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 aware the place you park
Wherever doable, park in safe parking tons, and don’t go away valuables in an unattended automobile as break-ins can happen. On the same notice, 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, remember to respect the nation’s wealthy biodiversity and dedication to sustainability. All the time preserve a protected distance from animals and chorus from disturbing their surroundings. 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 financial system but in addition fosters accountable tourism. Go for eco-friendly lodging, resembling eco-lodges and sustainable motels, which prioritize environmental conservation.
 

Costa Rica Street Journey FAQ

Is it protected to drive in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has a number of slender, rugged, and windy roads that may be tough to navigate. Street circumstances fluctuate broadly. Main highways are usually in good situation, however rural and mountain roads may be tough, with potholes and unpaved sections. It’s advisable to hire a 4×4 automobile should 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 necessary 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:

• Visitors flows on the best facet of the street 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 kids based mostly both on age or weight/peak.
• Utilizing a cell phone whereas driving is prohibited.
• 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 everything of your keep.

What’s the greatest time of yr to street journey in Costa Rica?
The dry season (December to April) is the very best time for a street 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, supreme 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 supply lush landscapes and fewer vacationers. Simply be particularly aware about street 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, test that nobody is damage then transfer to security off the street. Don’t transfer the automobile. Name the transit police and 911 for emergency providers. You must also 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 good place to street journey. Though it’s necessary to be cautious whereas driving on the winding roads, you’ll have probably the most freedom to discover with a set of your individual wheels. It doesn’t matter what you’re fascinated with — mountaineering, journey actions, wildlife, seashores — by following this Costa Rica street journey itinerary, you’ll get a style of all of it.

You’ll want to use my go-to rental automotive firm, Vamos, to get the very best value if you hire. You possibly can click on right here to get a quote.