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 unimaginable wildlife, and the tremendous pleasant locals who’ve a love for love – it’s all simply nice. Costa Rica a fantastic, stunning nation.
It’s additionally an ideal vacation spot to street journey. Since distances aren’t too lengthy, you possibly can simply get a very good really feel for among the major areas within the nation in a single week. (In case you’ve received 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 possibly can cowl numerous 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. Meaning you’ll save each money and time.
That will help you plan your journey, right here’s my perfect one-week Costa Rica street journey itinerary:
The place to Hire a Automobile in Costa Rica
My go-to rental automobile firm in Costa Rica is Vamos. They permit extra drivers for no further price, have nice buyer providers, 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 in search of, attempt Uncover Vehicles. They evaluate costs from 1000’s of corporations that will help you discover the perfect deal. You need to 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 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 probably be flying out and in of the capital, San Jose. Meaning you possibly can return your rental automobile to the identical location if you fly dwelling (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 following morning to greener pastures however I believe it’s price two nights. All of the nation’s greatest 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 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 – In case 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 army, the everlasting exhibition traces Costa Rican historical past from Pre-Columbian instances to the current day. It’s in-depth and very effectively executed, 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 short-term exhibitions of nationwide and worldwide artists. In case you’re into up to date artwork, don’t miss the Museum of Up to date 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 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 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 avenue artwork alongside the best way. 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 important location between key neighborhoods. It hosts numerous cool occasions, there are dorms and personal rooms, and there’s a restaurant on-site too.
- Auténtico Lodge: This laidback resort has a fantastic pool, vibrant 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 recommendations, 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 best way). 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 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 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 infinite 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 large, 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 scorching solar. Be sure you 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 numerous 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 conventional lunch on the Maleku indigenous reserve.
- Take a bird-watching tour – This space is among the greatest 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 greatest to go together 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 might 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 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 whole complicated 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 thing too.
- Lodge Arenal Rabfer: This resort affords a pleasant pool, clear rooms with little balconies, and an important 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 in every of my favourite locations in Costa Rica. Your entire 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 continually 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 purple plumage. There are numerous 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 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. In case you actually wish to see wildlife, it’s greatest 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 – It is a cool option to see a distinct facet 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 to discover by yourself in the dead of night!
- Go zip lining – The longest zip line within the nation might be discovered right here (it’s a whole mile lengthy)! Gliding by the cover is a novel option to see the jungle from a distinct perspective. In case you’re an adrenaline junkie, don’t miss this!
- Stroll the hanging bridges – If zip lining isn’t precisely your pace, you possibly can safely stroll hanging suspension bridges which can 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 number of totally different excursions right here, however the one one devoted totally 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 fantastic and tranquil location set within the timber with enjoyable actions, a lush interior 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, 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 best way 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, recognized 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 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 be sure you get your tickets on-line upfront or go together with a guided tour.
- Lounge on the seashore – Moreover the seashores within the park, there’s additionally Playa Espadilla, an extended stretch of seashore that abuts the small city. It’s the proper 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 faculties 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 the event 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, 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 affords easy however clear dorms, non-public rooms, and full residences 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, 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 couple of 4.5-hour drive, however plan for extra relying on site visitors. If you’re caught in site visitors or are delayed for any purpose, contact your rental automobile firm to keep away from a penalty.
Earlier than you come the automobile, ensure 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 automobile rental insurance coverage
Costa Rica has obligatory third-party insurance coverage for automobile leases, so test 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 automobile. Most corporations supply totally different tiers of insurance coverage, with numerous deductibles. Many renters choose full protection for peace of thoughts, so any harm is roofed. Some corporations supply extra protection for tires and the windshield, as they don’t seem to be at all times lined 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 possibly can waive the in-house CDW. You’ll must 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 circumstances is just not normally ample.
Both method, be sure to have ample protection!
2. Select the fitting automobile
In case you’re street 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 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 fairly 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 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 might be spotty in distant areas, so it’s greatest to be ready.
5. Regulate climate circumstances
Climate in Costa Rica can change quickly, particularly throughout the wet season and within the mountains. Some roads might turn into difficult to navigate, with restricted visibility. Do your greatest to keep away from driving in poor climate, however in the event you do find yourself in a storm, pull over in a protected space (a roadside soda or native restaurant is at all times a very good wager) and wait to see if circumstances enhance.
6. Add in time for scenic stops
I do know numerous vacationers like to essentially plan out their routes and itineraries. When you might have restricted time, it may be tempting to plan every 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 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 adjustments. You gained’t remorse it.
7. Be aware the place you park
Wherever doable, park in safe parking heaps, and don’t go away valuables in an unattended automobile as break-ins can happen. On the same 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 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, be sure you 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 deciding on 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, equivalent to 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 differ extensively. Main highways are usually in good situation, however rural and mountain roads might be tough, with potholes and unpaved sections. It’s advisable to lease a 4×4 automobile in the event 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 vital 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:
- Site visitors flows on the fitting facet of the street 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 youngsters based mostly both on age or weight/top.
- 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 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 should be legitimate for everything of your keep.
What’s the greatest time of 12 months to street journey in Costa Rica?
The dry season (December to April) is the perfect 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 nearly continuous sunshine, perfect 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 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?
If you’re 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 automobile rental supplier to evaluate if the automobile might be pushed, if a mechanic is required onsite or if the automobile must be exchanged and towed. The automobile might be moved as soon as the transit police give permission.
Costa Rica is a superb place to street 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 enthusiastic about — climbing, 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 automobile firm, Vamos, to get the perfect value if you lease. You may click on right here to get a quote.
Guide Your Journey to Costa Rica: Logistical Ideas and Methods
Guide Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to discover a low cost flight. They’re my favourite search engine as a result of they search web sites and airways across the globe so that you at all times know no stone is left unturned!
Guide Your Lodging
You may e book your hostel with Hostelworld as they’ve the largest stock and greatest offers. If you wish to keep someplace aside from a hostel, use Reserving.com as they constantly return the most cost effective charges for guesthouses and low cost motels.
Don’t Neglect Journey Insurance coverage
Journey insurance coverage will defend you towards sickness, damage, theft, and cancellations. It’s complete safety in case something goes flawed. I by no means go on a visit with out it as I’ve had to make use of it many instances up to now. My favourite corporations that provide the perfect service and worth are:
In search of the Finest Corporations to Save Cash With?
Take a look at my useful resource web page for the perfect corporations to make use of if you journey. I checklist all those I exploit to economize after I’m on the street. They may prevent cash if you journey too.
Need Extra Info on Costa Rica?
You’ll want to go to our strong vacation spot information on Costa Rica for much more planning suggestions!