As the country that sparked my wanderlust, Costa Rica will always have a special place in my heart. The lush jungles, the stunning waterfalls, the incredible wildlife, and the super friendly locals who have a love for love – it’s all just great. Costa Rica a beautiful, beautiful country.
It’s also a perfect destination to road trip. Since distances aren’t too long, you can easily get a good feel for some of the main areas in the country in one week. (If you’ve got more time, great! You can extend your stays in places or even add on more destinations. I’ll share a few recommendations at the end).
But, even with just seven days, you can cover a lot of ground. The freedom of having your own wheels means that you won’t be beholden to bus schedules or end up forking out a lot of money for expensive tourist shuttles. That means you’ll save both time and money.
To help you plan your trip, here’s my ideal one-week Costa Rica road trip itinerary:
My go-to rental car company in Costa Rica is Vamos. They allow additional drivers for no extra fee, have great customer services, and their prices are reasonable.
You can click here to get a quote. (You’ll get 5% off by using that link too!).
If Vamos doesn’t have what you’re looking for, try Discover Cars. They compare prices from thousands of companies to help you find the best deal. You can use the widget below to find a deal:
Once you get a car, take photos and video of any scratches or dents. That way you have evidence proving you didn’t cause them should the car rental company ask (they usually won’t but it’s always better to be prepared).
You’ll likely be flying in and out of the capital, San Jose. That means you can return your rental car to the same location when you fly home (which is cheaper than dropping it off somewhere else). Many people skip right over the capital, opting to just stay overnight and head out the next morning to greener pastures but I think it’s worth two nights. All the country’s best museums are here, so you can learn the history of the country before embarking onwards. That said, depending on when your flight arrives, you could just do one night here and add more time somewhere else.
Things to do in San José:
For more things to see and do, here’s my free travel guide to San Jose.
WHERE TO STAY:
For more accommodation suggestions, here are my favorite hostels in San Jose!
After you’ve explored the capital, it’s time to drive three hours to the town of La Fortuna (make sure to stop at La Paz Waterfall Gardens on the way). The town sits in the shadow of Arenal, Costa Rica’s most iconic volcano. The area has tons of activities, and at the end of an active day, there’s nothing better than enjoying the sunset views over the lake.
La Fortuna is one of the country’s most popular destinations (with higher prices that match its popularity). Despite that, it’s still one of my favorite places in the country. Just don’t get lost in the jungle like me!
Things to do in La Fortuna:
WHERE TO STAY:
For more things to see and do, check out my free travel guide to Arenal here.
Roughly a 3.5-hour drive away, Monteverde is one of my favorite places in Costa Rica. The entire area is covered in a lush cloud forest that just feels magical. The tropical forest is shrouded in mist — quite literally, as they’re in the clouds. Because it’s constantly so wet, Monteverde is incredibly biodiverse. Naturally, it’s one of the largest eco-tourism hubs in the country, with birders flocking here to spot the elusive quetzal bird with its stunning emerald and ruby red plumage. There are a lot of adventure activities here too. (Some of the best coffee I ever had in my life was from here.)
Things to do in Monteverde:
WHERE TO STAY:
For more things to see and do, check out my travel guide to Monteverde here.
Drive about 3.5-4 hours to Manuel Antonio, stopping on the way at the Tarcoles River Bridge to see crocodiles (just don’t feed them). Manuel Antonio is a popular beach destination on the Pacific coast, known for its white-sand beaches, warm blue waters, and wildlife (especially sloths and monkeys). While tourism has picked up here in recent years, it’s still largely a lazy town where the main activities are lounging in the sand by day and enjoying a beachside cocktail by evening (you get epic sunsets here).
Things to Do in Manuel Antonio:
WHERE TO STAY:
For more things to see and do, check out my travel guide to Manuel Antonio here.
Leave Manuel Antonio in the early morning to drive back to San José. It’s about a 4.5-hour drive, but plan for more depending on traffic. If you are caught in traffic or are delayed for any reason, contact your rental car company to avoid a penalty.
Before you return the car, make sure that your fuel gauge is at the right level, or else head to a gas station before you drop it off. The company’s representative will inspect your vehicle with you and then process the deposit reimbursement.
1. Understand car rental insurance
Costa Rica has mandatory third-party insurance for car rentals, so check that this cost is included in your rental quote. It’s often left out, meaning you could be surprised by the bill at the end.
It’s also legally required to have a collision damage waiver (CDW) that covers losses from damage to your rental car. Most companies offer different tiers of insurance, with various deductibles. Many renters select full coverage for peace of mind, so any damage is covered. Some companies offer additional coverage for tires and the windshield, as they are not always covered by the CDW.
If your credit card or travel insurance (which I always recommend getting) has a CDW as a perk, you can waive the in-house CDW. You’ll need to bring a letter that explicitly states the amount of coverage, that Costa Rica is included in the areas covered, and the last four digits of the driver’s credit card. A copy of the credit card company’s terms and conditions is not usually sufficient.
Either way, make sure you have sufficient coverage!
2. Choose the right vehicle
If you’re road tripping Costa Rica, consider getting a 4×4 for easier navigation on unpaved roads. You won’t need it for all roads, but if you want to make sure you can go anywhere, go for a 4×4. You can search by vehicle type at my go-to rental car company in Costa Rica, Vamos. You can click here to get a quote. (You’ll get 5% off just by using that link).
3. Use Waze for navigation
Use the Waze app rather than Google Maps, which isn’t always accurate and underestimates journey times. Waze is updated in real time by an enthusiastic group of volunteers, so you’re aware of accidents or other situations that may affect your travel time.
Plus, be aware that when asking for directions, almost all locals give directions using landmarks rather than road numbers.
4. Bring a paper map
It’s a good idea to have an offline map downloaded to your phone, or a physical map as a backup. Cell service can be spotty in remote areas, so it’s best to be prepared.
5. Keep an eye on weather conditions
Weather in Costa Rica can change rapidly, especially during the rainy season and in the mountains. Some roads may become challenging to navigate, with limited visibility. Do your best to avoid driving in poor weather, but if you do end up in a storm, pull over in a safe area (a roadside soda or local restaurant is always a good bet) and wait to see if conditions improve.
6. Add in time for scenic stops
I know a lot of travelers like to really plan out their routes and itineraries. When you have limited time, it can be tempting to plan everything to a T (I get it, I used to do this a lot). However, there are lots of diversions to explore in Costa Rica, whether it be a cool hidden hiking spot or a scenic vista, complete with volcanoes. Plus, you don’t want to rush driving on the windy roads here. Don’t rush, and be open to changes. You won’t regret it.
7. Be mindful where you park
Wherever possible, park in secure parking lots, and don’t leave valuables in an unattended vehicle as break-ins can occur. On a similar note, it is illegal to park on the beach. This is to protect wildlife, such as turtles. Even if locals are doing it, don’t do it! Find a secure parking lot instead.
8. Be a responsible tourist
Costa Rica has been at the forefront of sustainable tourism for decades. As a traveler, be sure to respect the country’s rich biodiversity and commitment to sustainability. Always maintain a safe distance from animals and refrain from disturbing their environment. Never feed the wildlife and choose ethical wildlife tours that do not exploit animals either.
When selecting tours and activities, participate in community-based initiatives to engage with and benefit local communities. Supporting local businesses not only boosts the local economy but also fosters responsible tourism. Opt for eco-friendly accommodations, such as eco-lodges and sustainable hotels, which prioritize environmental conservation.
Is it safe to drive in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has lots of narrow, rugged, and windy roads that can be tricky to navigate. Road conditions vary widely. Major highways are generally in good condition, but rural and mountain roads can be rough, with potholes and unpaved sections. It’s recommended to rent a 4×4 vehicle if you plan to explore off-the-beaten-path areas.
That being said, it’s perfectly safe to drive in Costa Rica, providing you exercise caution and stay alert behind the wheel.
Must know driving rules in Costa Rica!
It’s important to be aware of a few rules here, as fines for infractions can be high. Here are some key rules for driving in Costa Rica:
Does a US driver’s license work in Costa Rica?
Yes. You can use your local driver’s license as long as it is printed in the Latin alphabet (so US licenses will work). Your driver’s license must be valid for the entirety of your stay.
What is the best time of year to road trip in Costa Rica?
The dry season (December to April) is the best time for a road trip, as the roads are in better condition, with less of a risk of heavy rains. Although it’s peak season and tourism is at its highest, there’s almost non-stop sunshine, ideal for enjoying the country’s beaches and rainforests. If visiting during this time, make all your reservations in advance since things fill up fast.
Alternatively, the green/rainy season (May to November) can offer lush landscapes and fewer tourists. Just be especially mindful about road tripping during this time, as there’s more risk of weather disrupting your plans.
What should I do in case of an accident or emergency?
If you are involved in a traffic accident, check that no one is hurt then move to safety off the road. Do not move the vehicle. Call the transit police and 911 for emergency services. You should also call your car rental provider to assess if the car can be driven, if a mechanic is required onsite or if the car needs to be exchanged and towed. The vehicle can be moved once the transit police give permission.
Costa Rica is a great place to road trip. Although it’s important to be cautious while driving on the winding roads, you’ll have the most freedom to explore with a set of your own wheels. No matter what you’re interested in — hiking, adventure activities, wildlife, beaches — by following this Costa Rica road trip itinerary, you’ll get a taste of it all.
Be sure to use my go-to rental car company, Vamos, to get the best price when you rent. You can click here to get a quote.
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Costa Rica?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Costa Rica for even more planning tips!
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