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 plush 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 lovely, stunning nation.

It’s additionally an ideal vacation spot to street journey. Since distances aren’t too lengthy, you’ll be able to simply get a very good really feel for a number of the foremost areas within the nation in a single week. (In case you’ve acquired extra time, nice! You’ll be able to 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 number of floor. The liberty of getting your personal 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 additional charge, have nice buyer companies, and their costs are affordable.

You’ll be able to 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 examine costs from hundreds of firms 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 images and video of any scratches or dents. That approach you’ve proof proving you didn’t trigger them ought to the automotive rental firm ask (they often received’t but it surely’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 automotive to the identical location if you fly residence (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 believe it’s price two nights. All of the nation’s greatest museums are right here, so you’ll be able to be taught the historical past of the nation earlier than embarking onwards. That mentioned, relying on when your flight arrives, you might 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 case you solely go to one museum within the metropolis, make it this one. Housed within the fortress that was residence 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 intensely properly performed, with bilingual explanations.
• Admire Costa Rica’s artwork – The Museum of Costa Rican Artwork is a small museum that provides quite a lot 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 Modern 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 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 an incredible location between key neighborhoods. It hosts a number of cool occasions, there are dorms and personal rooms, and there’s a restaurant on-site too.
• Auténtico Lodge: This laidback lodge has a lovely 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 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 certain 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 likely one of the nation’s hottest locations (with increased 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 residence 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’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 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 sizzling solar. Be sure to have sturdy footwear because the stroll down the steep, lengthy staircase can get slippery.
• Loosen up within the well-known sizzling springs – Because of all of the geothermal exercise within the space, there are a number of sizzling 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 sizzling springs, mountaineering 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 likely one of the greatest within the nation for hen 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 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 likely one of the nation’s sizzling spots for adrenaline actions. Some examples of issues you are able to do embody 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 advanced that includes an outside pool, trendy non-public rooms, a poolside restaurant, and plenty of organized actions (together with health and yoga courses). It’s strolling distance from all the pieces too.
• Lodge Arenal Rabfer: This lodge affords 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, try 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. 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 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 hen with its beautiful emerald and ruby pink plumage. There are a number of journey actions right here too. (A number of 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 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 – This can be a cool strategy 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 of discover by yourself in the dead of night!
• Go zip lining – The longest zip line within the nation could be discovered right here (it’s a complete mile lengthy)! Gliding via the cover is a singular strategy 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 velocity, you’ll be able to safely stroll hanging suspension bridges which might be constructed via the higher layer of the cover. It’ll offer you a view off the forest flooring with out having to swing via 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 fully 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 lovely and tranquil location set within the timber with enjoyable actions, a lush inside 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 comfortable rooms which have their very own out of doors 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 way in which 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 perfect 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 you get your tickets on-line prematurely or go together with a guided tour.
• Lounge on the seashore – Apart from the seashores within the park, there’s additionally Playa Espadilla, a protracted stretch of seashore that abuts the small city. It’s the proper place to loosen up with a ebook, 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 faculty 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, residence 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 atmosphere.

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 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 cause, contact your rental automotive firm to keep away from a penalty.

Earlier than you come the automotive, ensure that 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 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 value is included in your rental quote. It’s typically neglected, that means you might 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 automotive. Most firms 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 firms supply further protection for tires and the windshield, as they don’t seem to be 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 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 replica of the bank card firm’s phrases and situations just isn’t often adequate.

Both approach, ensure you have adequate protection!

2. Select the fitting automobile
In case 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 ensure you can go wherever, go for a 4×4. You’ll be able to search by automobile sort 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 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 that will have an effect on your journey time.

Plus, remember that when asking for instructions, nearly all locals give instructions utilizing landmarks quite than street numbers.

4. Deliver 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 greatest to be ready.

5. Regulate climate situations
Climate in Costa Rica can change quickly, particularly through the wet season and within the mountains. Some roads might grow to be 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 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 a number of vacationers like to actually plan out their routes and itineraries. When you’ve restricted time, it may be tempting to plan all the pieces 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 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 heaps, and don’t go away valuables in an unattended automobile as break-ins can happen. On the same word, 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 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 you respect the nation’s wealthy biodiversity and dedication to sustainability. All the time preserve a secure 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 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 secure to drive in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has a number of slender, rugged, and windy roads that may be tough to navigate. Street situations differ extensively. Main highways are usually in good situation, however rural and mountain roads could 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 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 pay attention to 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 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 necessary, and there are particular seating legal guidelines for youngsters primarily based both on age or weight/top.
• Utilizing a cell phone whereas driving is unlawful.
• 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 have to 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 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 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 refill 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 visitors accident, examine that nobody is damage then transfer to security off the street. 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 could be pushed, if a mechanic is required onsite or if the automotive must be exchanged and towed. The automobile could 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 essentially the most freedom to discover with a set of your personal wheels. It doesn’t matter what you’re involved in — mountaineering, journey actions, wildlife, seashores — by following this Costa Rica street journey itinerary, you’ll get a style of all of it.

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