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 unimaginable wildlife, and the tremendous pleasant locals who’ve a love for love – it’s all simply nice. Costa Rica a good looking, 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 a number of the foremost areas within the nation in a single week. (For those who’ve acquired extra time, nice! You’ll be able to 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 numerous 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 will help you plan your journey, right here’s my supreme one-week Costa Rica street journey itinerary:

The place to Lease a Automotive in Costa Rica

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

You’ll be able to 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, strive Uncover Vehicles. They evaluate costs from 1000’s of firms that will help you discover the most effective deal. You should utilize the widget under to discover a deal:

When you get a automotive, take images and video of any scratches or dents. That means you will have proof proving you didn’t trigger them ought to the automotive rental firm ask (they often 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. Which means you possibly can return your rental automotive to the identical location once you fly house (which is cheaper than dropping it off someplace else). 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 price two nights. All of the nation’s greatest museums are right here, so you possibly can 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 someplace else.

Issues to do in San José:

• Go to the Costa Rican Nationwide Museum – For those who 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 nicely executed, with bilingual explanations.
• Admire Costa Rica’s artwork – The Museum of Costa Rican Artwork is a small museum that provides a wide range of everlasting and non permanent exhibitions of nationwide and worldwide artists. For those who’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 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 best way. San José Free Strolling Tour is the principle 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 numerous cool occasions, there are dorms and personal rooms, and there’s a restaurant on-site too.
• Auténtico Lodge: This laidback lodge has a good looking pool, vibrant 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 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 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 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 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 1000’s of years in the past. The nationwide park has countless mountaineering trails, together with the aptly named Lava Circulation 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 beautiful waterfall is large, dropping nearly 75 meters (250 ft) into a giant 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 numerous scorching springs right here. They vary in worth 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, 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 fowl watching, with nearly all of Costa Rica’s 900 species of birds represented right here. It’s at all times greatest to go along with an skilled native information as you’ll see many extra birds that means (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 whole 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 lessons). It’s strolling distance from the whole lot too.
• Lodge Arenal Rabfer: This lodge affords 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 in every 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 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 fowl with its beautiful emerald and ruby pink 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 Kids’s Everlasting Rainforest. All are nice, with trails which can be fairly straightforward, well-marked, and well-maintained. For those who actually wish 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 – It is a cool technique to see a unique 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 have the ability to discover by yourself in the dead of night!
• Go zip lining – The longest zip line within the nation may be discovered right here (it’s a whole mile lengthy)! Gliding by way of the cover is a singular technique to see the jungle from a unique perspective. For those who’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 can be constructed by way of the higher layer of the cover. It’ll offer you a view off the forest ground 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 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 good looking and tranquil location set within the timber with stress-free actions, a lush internal courtyard with scorching tubs, and a separate co-working space.
• Monteverde Villa Lodge: This quiet lodge 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 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 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 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 prematurely or go along with a guided tour.
• Lounge on the seashore – Apart from the seashores within the park, there’s additionally Playa Espadilla, an extended stretch of seashore that abuts the small city. It’s the right place to calm down with a e-book, and it’s simply steps away from all of the city’s foremost eateries.
• Study to surf – There are tons of surf colleges that arrange store proper alongside Playa Espadilla. You’ll be able to pay for a one-off lesson or board rental proper on the seashore or enroll in a surf college 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, 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 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 lodge 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, 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 purpose, contact your rental automotive firm to keep away from a penalty.

Earlier than you come back 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 Ideas

1. Perceive automotive rental insurance coverage
Costa Rica has obligatory third-party insurance coverage for automotive leases, so verify that this price is included in your rental quote. It’s typically omitted, that means you possibly can be stunned 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 totally different tiers of insurance coverage, with numerous deductibles. Many renters choose full protection for peace of thoughts, so any harm is roofed. Some firms supply further 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 suggest getting) has a CDW as a perk, you possibly can 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 lined, and the final 4 digits of the driving force’s bank card. A duplicate of the bank card firm’s phrases and situations shouldn’t be often ample.

Both means, be sure you have ample protection!

2. Select the appropriate automobile
For those who’re street tripping Costa Rica, contemplate 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’ll be able to search by automobile kind at my go-to rental automotive firm in Costa Rica, Vamos. You’ll be able to 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 relatively 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, bear in mind that when asking for instructions, nearly all locals give instructions utilizing landmarks relatively than street 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 may be spotty in distant areas, so it’s greatest 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 out to be difficult to navigate, with restricted visibility. Do your greatest to keep away from driving in poor climate, however in case you do find yourself in a storm, pull over in a secure space (a roadside soda or native restaurant is at all times a very good guess) and wait to see if situations enhance.

6. Add in time for scenic stops
I do know numerous vacationers like to actually plan out their routes and itineraries. When you will have restricted time, it may be tempting to plan the whole lot to a T (I get it, I used to do that rather a lot). 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 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 aware the place you park
Wherever potential, park in safe parking tons, and don’t go away valuables in an unattended automobile as break-ins can happen. On an identical notice, it’s unlawful to park on the seashore. That is to guard wildlife, corresponding 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’ll want to respect the nation’s wealthy biodiversity and dedication to sustainability. All the time preserve 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 have interaction 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, corresponding to eco-lodges and sustainable lodges, which prioritize environmental conservation.
 

Costa Rica Street Journey FAQ

Is it secure to drive in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has a lot of 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 hire a 4×4 automobile in case 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 essential to concentrate on a couple of guidelines right here, as fines for infractions may be excessive. Listed here are some key guidelines for driving in Costa Rica:

• Visitors flows on the appropriate aspect 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).
• Sporting seat belts is obligatory, and there are particular seating legal guidelines for kids 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 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 the whole thing of your keep.

What’s the greatest time of yr to street journey in Costa Rica?
The dry season (December to April) is the most effective time for a street 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 nearly 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 danger 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, verify 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 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 street journey. Though it’s essential 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 occupied 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 most effective worth once you hire. You’ll be able to click on right here to get a quote.