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 beautiful waterfalls, the unimaginable wildlife, and the tremendous pleasant locals who’ve a love for love – it’s all simply nice. Costa Rica a phenomenal, 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 really feel for a number of the most important areas within the nation in a single week. (If you happen to’ve obtained extra time, nice! You may prolong your stays in locations and even add on extra locations. I’ll share just a few suggestions on the finish).

However, even with simply seven days, you’ll be able to cowl a variety of floor. The liberty of getting your individual wheels signifies 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 will help you plan your journey, right here’s my superb one-week Costa Rica street journey itinerary:

The place to Hire a Automotive 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 affordable.

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 searching for, strive Uncover Automobiles. They evaluate costs from hundreds of corporations that will help you discover the most effective deal. You should utilize the widget beneath to discover a deal:

When you get a automobile, take pictures and video of any scratches or dents. That approach you have got proof proving you didn’t trigger them ought to the automobile 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 seemingly be flying out and in of the capital, San Jose. Which means you’ll be able to return your rental automobile to the identical location once you fly dwelling (which is cheaper than dropping it off some place else). 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 mentioned, relying on when your flight arrives, you possibly can simply do one night time right here and add extra time some place else.

Issues to do in San José:

• Go to the Costa Rican Nationwide Museum – If you happen to 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 navy, the everlasting exhibition traces Costa Rican historical past from Pre-Columbian instances to the current day. It’s in-depth and very effectively completed, 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. If you happen to’re into modern 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 study 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 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 important location between key neighborhoods. It hosts a variety of cool occasions, there are dorms and personal rooms, and there’s a restaurant on-site too.
• Auténtico Resort: This laidback lodge has a phenomenal pool, brilliant rooms, and useful workers. I used to remain right here with our teams once I ran excursions in Costa Rica. Everybody beloved 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 (be sure 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 among the nation’s hottest locations (with greater 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 dwelling to each Arenal Volcano in addition to the inactive Chato Volcano that final erupted hundreds of years in the past. The nationwide park has countless climbing trails, together with the aptly named Lava Movement 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 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 climbing within the sizzling solar. Be sure you 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 variety 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 can even take a packed day tour that features sizzling 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 finest within the nation for hen watching, with nearly all of Costa Rica’s 900 species of birds represented right here. It’s all the time finest 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 among 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 if 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 complete advanced that includes an outside pool, fashionable non-public rooms, a poolside restaurant, and many organized actions (together with health and yoga courses). It’s strolling distance from every thing too.
• Resort Arenal Rabfer: This lodge presents 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, try 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 beautiful emerald and ruby purple plumage. There are a variety of journey actions right here too. (A number of 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 Kids’s Everlasting Rainforest. All are nice, with trails which can be fairly straightforward, well-marked, and well-maintained. If you happen to actually wish to see wildlife, it’s finest 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 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 at the hours of darkness!
• 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 strategy to see the jungle from a distinct perspective. If you happen to’re an adrenaline junkie, don’t miss this!
• Stroll the hanging bridges – If zip lining isn’t precisely your pace, you’ll be able to safely stroll hanging suspension bridges which can be constructed by way of the higher layer of the cover. It’ll provide you with a view off the forest ground with out having to swing by way 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 just a few totally 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 phenomenal and tranquil location set within the timber with stress-free actions, a lush interior 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 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 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, 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 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 together 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 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 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, dwelling to white-faced monkeys, crocodiles, spectacled caimans, boa constrictors, crab-eating raccoons, and pygmy anteaters. You can even 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, non-public rooms, and full residences inside strolling distance of the small city, the seaside, and the nationwide park.
• Teva Jungle Resort and Hostel: An eco lodge 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, 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. In case you are caught in visitors or are delayed for any cause, contact your rental automobile firm to keep away from a penalty.

Earlier than you come back the automobile, guarantee that 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 Suggestions

1. Perceive automobile rental insurance coverage
Costa Rica has necessary third-party insurance coverage for automobile leases, so examine that this price is included in your rental quote. It’s typically not noted, which means you possibly can 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 aren’t all the time lined 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 must 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 circumstances shouldn’t be normally adequate.

Both approach, be sure you have adequate protection!

2. Select the appropriate automobile
If you happen to’re street tripping Costa Rica, take into account 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 you can go wherever, go for a 4×4. You may search by automobile sort 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 slightly 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 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 slightly 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 may 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 could develop into difficult to navigate, with restricted visibility. Do your finest to keep away from driving in poor climate, however in case you do find yourself in a storm, pull over in a protected space (a roadside soda or native restaurant is all the time guess) and wait to see if circumstances enhance.

6. Add in time for scenic stops
I do know a variety of vacationers like to essentially plan out their routes and itineraries. When you have got restricted time, it may be tempting to plan every thing to a T (I get it, I used to do that loads). Nonetheless, there are many diversions to discover in Costa Rica, whether 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 modifications. You gained’t remorse it.

7. Be conscious the place you park
Wherever attainable, park in safe parking tons, and don’t go away valuables in an unattended automobile as break-ins can happen. On an analogous notice, it’s unlawful to park on the seaside. That is to guard wildlife, similar 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, you’ll want to respect the nation’s wealthy biodiversity and dedication to sustainability. All the time 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 have interaction with and profit native communities. Supporting native companies not solely boosts the native economic system but in addition fosters accountable tourism. Go for eco-friendly lodging, similar to eco-lodges and sustainable inns, which prioritize environmental conservation.
 

Costa Rica Street Journey FAQ

Is it protected to drive in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has a lot of slender, rugged, and windy roads that may be difficult to navigate. Street circumstances range 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 in case you plan to discover off-the-beaten-path areas.

That being mentioned, 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 pay attention to just a few guidelines right here, as fines for infractions may be excessive. Listed here are some key guidelines for driving in Costa Rica:

• Site visitors flows on the appropriate aspect 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/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 have to be legitimate for the whole lot of your keep.

What’s the finest 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, superb 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 (Might to November) can supply lush landscapes and fewer vacationers. Simply be particularly conscious 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?
In case you are concerned in a visitors accident, examine that nobody is harm 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 automobile rental supplier to evaluate if the automobile may be pushed, if a mechanic is required onsite or if the automobile must be exchanged and towed. The automobile may be moved as soon as the transit police give permission.

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Costa Rica is a superb place to street journey. Though it’s necessary to be cautious whereas driving on the winding roads, you’ll have essentially the most freedom to discover with a set of your individual wheels. It doesn’t matter what you’re fascinated with — climbing, 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 automobile firm, Vamos, to get the most effective worth once you hire. You may click on right here to get a quote.