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 plush 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 an attractive, 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 very good really feel for among the most important areas within the nation in a single week. (Should you’ve obtained 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 individual 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 can assist you plan your journey, right here’s my very best one-week Costa Rica highway journey itinerary:

The place to Hire a Automotive in Costa Rica

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

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, attempt Uncover Vehicles. They examine costs from hundreds of firms that can assist you discover the most effective deal. You need to use the widget beneath to discover a deal:

When you get a automotive, take pictures and video of any scratches or dents. That approach you may have proof proving you didn’t trigger them ought to the automotive rental firm ask (they normally gained’t but it surely’s all the time higher to be ready).
 

Days 1–2: San Jose

You’ll probably be flying out and in of the capital, San Jose. Which means you’ll be able to return your rental automotive to the identical location while 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 subsequent morning to greener pastures however I believe it’s price 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 stated, relying on when your flight arrives, you would 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 – Should 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 instances to the current day. It’s in-depth and intensely effectively accomplished, 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. Should 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 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 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 road 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 an incredible 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 Lodge: This laidback lodge has an attractive pool, vivid rooms, and useful workers. I used to remain right here with our teams after I ran excursions in Costa Rica. Everybody cherished it!

For extra lodging strategies, 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 certain 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 lively 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 greater costs that match its recognition). 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 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 mountain climbing trails, together with the aptly named Lava Circulate 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 gorgeous waterfall is big, dropping virtually 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 mountain climbing within the sizzling solar. Be sure you have sturdy footwear because the stroll down the steep, lengthy staircase can get slippery.
• Calm down within the well-known sizzling springs – Due to all of the geothermal exercise within the space, there are a whole 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 also take a packed day tour that features sizzling springs, mountain climbing 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 finest within the nation for fowl watching, with virtually all of Costa Rica’s 900 species of birds represented right here. It’s all the time 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 might level out camouflaged birds).
• Do some journey actions – This space is without doubt 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 dear) do all of them!

WHERE TO STAY:

• Selina La Fortuna: Selina’s La Fortuna location is a complete complicated that includes an outside pool, trendy personal rooms, a poolside restaurant, and many organized actions (together with health and yoga lessons). It’s strolling distance from every little thing too.
• Lodge Arenal Rabfer: This lodge presents a pleasant pool, clear rooms with little balconies, and an incredible 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 one among my favourite locations in Costa Rica. All the 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 fowl with its gorgeous emerald and ruby pink plumage. There are a whole lot 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 can 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 can be fairly simple, well-marked, and well-maintained. Should 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 strategy to see a special 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 have the ability to discover by yourself at midnight!
• Go zip lining – The longest zip line within the nation might be discovered right here (it’s a complete mile lengthy)! Gliding by means of the cover is a singular strategy to see the jungle from a special perspective. Should 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 can be constructed by means of the higher layer of the cover. It’ll offer you a view off the forest ground 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 study 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 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 an attractive 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 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 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 make sure 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 proper place to chill out with a ebook, and it’s simply steps away from all of the city’s most important eateries.
• Be taught 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 seaside or enroll in a surf college should 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 may also take a kayak tour to get even nearer to this distinctive atmosphere.

WHERE TO STAY:

• Pura Natura Lodge Manuel Antonio: This chill nature lodge presents easy however clear dorms, personal rooms, and full residences inside strolling distance of the small city, the seaside, and the nationwide park.
• Teva Jungle Lodge and Hostel: An eco lodge set proper subsequent to the forest, they provide personal mountain climbing 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 few 4.5-hour drive, however plan for extra relying on site visitors. If you’re caught in site visitors or are delayed for any motive, contact your rental automotive firm to keep away from a penalty.

Earlier than you come the automotive, guarantee that your gas 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 automobile with you after which course of the deposit reimbursement.
 

8 Costa Rica Street Journey Ideas

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 disregarded, which means you would be shocked 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 automotive. Most firms supply completely different tiers of insurance coverage, with varied deductibles. Many renters choose full protection for peace of thoughts, so any harm is roofed. Some firms supply extra 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 advocate getting) has a CDW as a perk, you’ll be able to 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 coated, and the final 4 digits of the motive force’s bank card. A replica of the bank card firm’s phrases and circumstances will not be normally ample.

Both approach, be sure to have ample protection!

2. Select the proper automobile
Should you’re highway tripping Costa Rica, contemplate 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 to can go anyplace, 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 through the use of that hyperlink).

3. Use Waze for navigation
Use the Waze app quite than Google Maps, which isn’t all the time 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, remember that when asking for instructions, virtually all locals give instructions utilizing landmarks quite than highway numbers.

4. Deliver 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 might be spotty in distant areas, so it’s finest to be ready.

5. Keep watch over climate circumstances
Climate in Costa Rica can change quickly, particularly through the wet season and within the mountains. Some roads might change into 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 all the time a very good guess) and wait to see if circumstances 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 may have restricted time, it may be tempting to plan every little thing to a T (I get it, I used to do that so much). Nevertheless, there are many diversions to discover in Costa Rica, whether or not it’s a cool hidden mountain 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 adjustments. 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 automobile as break-ins can happen. On an identical be aware, 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 a substitute.

8. Be a accountable vacationer
Costa Rica has been on the forefront of sustainable tourism for many years. As a traveler, make sure 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 atmosphere. By no means feed the wildlife and select moral wildlife excursions that don’t exploit animals both.

When deciding on 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 additionally fosters accountable tourism. Go for eco-friendly lodging, akin to eco-lodges and sustainable accommodations, which prioritize environmental conservation.
 

Costa Rica Street Journey FAQ

Is it protected to drive in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has a number of slim, rugged, and windy roads that may be tough to navigate. Street circumstances fluctuate extensively. Main highways are typically in good situation, however rural and mountain roads might 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 number of guidelines right here, as fines for infractions might be excessive. Listed below are some key guidelines for driving in Costa Rica:

• Visitors flows on the proper facet 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).
• Sporting seat belts is necessary, and there are particular seating legal guidelines for youngsters based mostly both on age or weight/peak.
• 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 lot 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 danger of heavy rains. Though it’s peak season and tourism is at its highest, there’s virtually continuous sunshine, very 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 danger of climate disrupting your plans.

What ought to I do in case of an accident or emergency?
If you’re concerned in a site 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 companies. You must also name your automotive rental supplier to evaluate if the automotive might be pushed, if a mechanic is required onsite or if the automotive must be exchanged and towed. The automobile might be moved as soon as the transit police give permission.

Costa Rica is a good place to highway 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 excited about — mountain climbing, journey actions, wildlife, seashores — by following this Costa Rica highway journey itinerary, you’ll get a style of all of it.

Be sure you use my go-to rental automotive firm, Vamos, to get the most effective worth while you hire. You may click on right here to get a quote.