Self-drive Costa Rica: Coast to coast adventures
14 days from £2,400
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
The modern Hotel Presidente is located on a lively pedestrianised street right in the heart of downtown San José with many of the capital’s landmarks, including the Jade Museum and the National Theatre, just steps away.
The hotel’s public areas have an industrial aesthetic to them with exposed brick walls, parquet flooring, and black metal beams. The vintage sewing machines, sitting atop pedestals, are a nod to the building’s former incarnation as a fashion boutique. The comfortable and spacious guest rooms, in contrast, have a fresh white minimalist décor and are spotlessly clean.
One of the most attractive features of the hotel is its plant-filled rooftop bar and restaurant, a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike, with tasty food, excellent cocktails, and a sociable atmosphere.
Today you’ll head off to discover the Caribbean coast with a couple of days most rewarding wildlife spotting. This is true wilderness: it isn’t the Caribbean of resort hotels, sugary beaches and piña coladas. You’re driven for 3-4hr northeast, including a short bumpy ride through banana plantations to Caño Blanco dock.
Then you have an hour’s boat ride along the shore hugged by twisted mangrove swamps before you arrive in the small, ramshackle and remote village of Tortuguero and your lodge.
Aninga Lodge sits in the heart of the mangroves of the watery wilderness of Tortuguero National Park, accessible only by boat.
Connected by a series of raised walkways are more than 30 simple but spacious, comfortable cabins with private bathrooms and balconies. The living is simple here, as expected from such a remote location. Entertainment is provided by the prolific surrounding wildlife, including countless birds, sloths, lizards and howler monkeys.
Buffet-style meals are served in the lodge’s restaurant and bar, and there’s a turtle-shaped pool as well as the spa. Bi-lingual tours of the national park and fishing excursions are available, and if you’re visiting between July and September you can witness the unforgettable arrival of green sea turtles.
Set off on a guided boat trip through the mangrove forest of Tortuguero National Park, now one of the last protected areas of tropical rainforest in Central America, with 11 different natural habitats and a huge range of endemic wildlife, much of which can be spotted as you glide through the water.
Three species of monkeys (spider, howler, and white-faced), three-toed sloths, and river otters are often seen along the natural inland waterways and canals. Caiman, iguanas, river turtles, lizards and poison dart frogs inhabit the area too, along with over 320 species of birds including 3 of toucan and 8 of parrot. The park was originally intended to conserve a major nesting beach of the Atlantic green sea turtle: if you travel between June and October you might be lucky enough to see them laying their eggs.
Aninga Lodge sits in the heart of the mangroves of the watery wilderness of Tortuguero National Park, accessible only by boat.
Connected by a series of raised walkways are more than 30 simple but spacious, comfortable cabins with private bathrooms and balconies. The living is simple here, as expected from such a remote location. Entertainment is provided by the prolific surrounding wildlife, including countless birds, sloths, lizards and howler monkeys.
Buffet-style meals are served in the lodge’s restaurant and bar, and there’s a turtle-shaped pool as well as the spa. Bi-lingual tours of the national park and fishing excursions are available, and if you’re visiting between July and September you can witness the unforgettable arrival of green sea turtles.
Return by boat to Caño Blanco dock and continue by road as far as Guapiles where you will be met by our representative who will deliver your hire car. Drive on a quiet rural road for approximately an hour to Sarapiqui.
The small town has become a popular base in which to take advantage of the wonderful forested national parks in the area, dispersed between banana and pineapple plantations. It has several low key hotels and restaurants. The Rio Sarapiquí runs just east of the main street and is popular for white water rafting.
The small, family-run eco-lodge La Quinta de Sarapiquí is a standard bearer for sustainable tourism. The shady small-holding contains regenerating agriculture, a reforested area with native trees, an old-growth forest on the banks of the nearby river and tropical gardens bulging with flowers and fruit. This exuberant foliage creates an enticing habitat for many species of bird and so the inn is popular with bird-watching enthusiasts, as well as guests looking to unwind in bucolic surroundings.
The inn’s 28 guest-rooms are in chalets surrounded by heliconia, ginger and palm trees. While simply decorated and furnished, they are provided with private bathrooms, air conditioning, ceiling fan, hairdryer, personal safe and a thatched-roof porch opening on to the gardens with hammocks and rocking chairs. As part of its conservation programme there are frog and butterfly projects you can visit as you explore the property’s walking trails which also pass the organic kitchen gardens. The al fresco dining area overlooks the river and serves home cooking, while you can cool off in the lodge’s swimming pool.
The morning is at leisure to explore the Tirimbina Reserve, which caters for research and recreation in this rainforest environment including some walking trails, suspension bridges and a chocolate tour explaining about cacao cultivation in the area.
From Sarapiqui, it takes 1 ½ hours (75km) to reach La Fortuna, the main town in the foothills of Arenal Volcano.
A modest 1,674m high but an impressive conical mountain dominating the surroundings, Arenal Volcano last erupted in 1998. These days, lava flow and volcanic eruptions are infrequent and there has not been any significant activity since 2010. However, as seismic activity is often unpredictable the situation may change by the time you travel. Even without any recent volcanic activity, the region is still considered to be one of the highlights of a visit to Costa Rica.
At leisure to explore the rainforest close to Arenal. There’s a 3km long trail taking you through primary forest over bridges so you get a real close-up experience as you spot wildlife and exotic plants. There should be good views of the Arenal volcano and neighbouring reservoir. The trail is linked by 6 hanging bridges and 80 fixed bridges, some measuring up to 22m in length and constructed from steel and aluminium to ‘blend with the natural environment.’ With a maximum grade of 7 degrees the carefully engineered trail is accessible to most ages and levels of fitness.
At leisure to explore Caño Negro. This remote reserve near the Nicaraguan border is a lowland forested wetland set up to protect migratory birds. It has become renowned for opportunities to observe water-loving birds, especially during migrations. It’s an enchanting 3hr boat trip up the Río Frío through the reserve to Caño Negro lake, a shallow overflow from the river in the wet season (it’s dry in March-April).
En route you’ll be watching out for sloths, monkeys, caimans, bats and tropical flora. It’s possible to drive the 1.5 to 2 hours to Los Chiles 4km from the border and trips into the park can be arranged from there or if you fancy a break from driving we can arrange it for you from La Fortuna where many trips depart from early in the morning.
The drive from Arenal to Monteverde is only 110km but takes at least 4 hours. The first section to Tilarán skirts the northern shoreline of Lake Arenal on a winding, paved road and is particularly scenic with Arenal Volcano looming in your rear-view mirror.
Soon after Tilarán, the tarmac ends and the road becomes increasingly bumpy and at times quite steep, as it winds up through the mountains, past small farms and coffee plantations, to Monteverde. It can be slow going but the views are rewarding particularly on a clear day.
Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve accompanied by a naturalist guide. The reserve includes a protected area comprising 6 different life zones. So many habitats in such a small area, along with extensive trail improvements, allow visitors to enjoy a rich diversity of flora and fauna with relatively short distance and easy walking.
The reserve was founded in 1972 and extends down both slopes of the Tilarán Mountains. It is home to more than 100 species of mammals, 400 of birds and 1,500 of plants. Walking along the well-marked trails, amidst dense, dripping foliage, you are likely to encounter the Resplendent quetzal (Jan – Jul. Occasionally a dozen or more individuals at once). Other species include the three-wattled bellbird, the emerald toucanet, and white-faced and howler monkeys.
Follow a road through rural Costa Rica flanked by fields and low-lying vegetation. After 2.5hrs you arrive at a junction where you turn off onto a bumpy dirt track for a further 1.5hrs, with views of mist-swathed Rincón de La Vieja National Park.
The verdant park straddles the Guanacaste Cordillera. Its terrain ranges from tropical forest to lower mountain rainforest. There’s an abundance of wildlife particularly of birds and butterflies, and the country’s national flower – the cattleya skinneri orchid. The park’s main attraction though, is its active 1,895m volcano. There are also numerous waterfalls, fumaroles, boiling mud pools and geysers.
Set alongside the beautiful Rincon de la Vieja National Park, this hacienda is a working farm dating from 1880. Some of the original ranch buildings remain part of the hotel in an endearing mix of historic, rustic and contemporary.
Wooden columns and beams, potted patio plants, stone tiles and an open air restaurant create a rural atmosphere. The guest rooms feature authentic hand-crafted Costa Rican wooden furniture in the Guanacaste hacienda style.
In keeping with the commitment to sustainable tourism, solar-powered heaters on the roofs deliver hot water on demand to modern equipped bathrooms. Wide verandas with hammocks and seats allow guests to mingle.
A wide range of classic outdoor activities can be undertaken from the lodge, including horse-riding, mountain biking, zip-lining and river rafting. There is also a choice of slower-paced nature tours, including a visit to the butterfly farm.
A wide range of classic Costa Rican outdoor activities can be undertaken from your lodge, including horse riding, mountain biking, zip-lining and white water rafting. There is also a choice of slower-paced nature tours, including a visit to a butterfly farm.
Set alongside the beautiful Rincon de la Vieja National Park, this hacienda is a working farm dating from 1880. Some of the original ranch buildings remain part of the hotel in an endearing mix of historic, rustic and contemporary.
Wooden columns and beams, potted patio plants, stone tiles and an open air restaurant create a rural atmosphere. The guest rooms feature authentic hand-crafted Costa Rican wooden furniture in the Guanacaste hacienda style.
In keeping with the commitment to sustainable tourism, solar-powered heaters on the roofs deliver hot water on demand to modern equipped bathrooms. Wide verandas with hammocks and seats allow guests to mingle.
A wide range of classic outdoor activities can be undertaken from the lodge, including horse-riding, mountain biking, zip-lining and river rafting. There is also a choice of slower-paced nature tours, including a visit to the butterfly farm.
As you drive on through Guanacaste to the Pacific coast temperatures start to rise, the cool mist turns to a dry heat and the landscape takes on a golden glow. Start off on a gravel track following signs to Liberia (2hrs). It is a pleasant drive.
The lush rainforest gives way to more arid, scorched vegetation as temperatures soar in the coastal area of Guanacaste province. You are heading for the beach at Playa Panama, less than half an hour’s drive from Liberia.
Panama Beach’s rock-free, smooth, toffee-coloured sand is great for sunbathing. With its sheltered position south of Culebra Bay the swimming conditions are perfect. Additionally, the region’s abundant good weather may entice you out on the water: sailing, scuba diving, and sport fishing are popular activities. There are a number of resort hotels and other leisure developments currently under construction there but it remains a balmy, peaceful place with wonderful sunsets.
At leisure to relax or explore the national park.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Costa Rica - San Jose, central highlands and central valleys
The cultural and geographical heart of Costa Rica, where volcanic landscapes, coffee plantations, fertile valleys and historic towns surround the country’s busy capital. Central Highlands Costa Rica holidays and San José city break itineraries both tend to start here, combining culture, nature, cuisine and easy access to many of the country’s highlights.
Costa Rica - Caribbean coast
Volcanic-sand beaches, dense tropical rainforest, banana plantations and wildlife-filled waterways create a completely different atmosphere from the country’s Pacific shores on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast. From the canals of Tortuguero National Park to laid-back Caribbean beach communities, this stretch of Caribbean Coast Costa Rica offers exceptional wildlife encounters and rich Afro-Caribbean culture.
Costa Rica - Arenal and the north
One of Costa Rica’s most iconic regions, where a perfectly conical volcano rises above rainforest, wildlife-rich reserves, hot springs and adventure-filled landscapes. From Arenal Volcano to cloud forest, hanging bridges and rushing rivers, this is Costa Rica at its most classic – and Arenal Volcano holidays remain some of the country’s most memorable.
Costa Rica - Monteverde and the cloud forest
Monteverde holidays offer the chance to explore one of Costa Rica’s richest cloud forests, where mist drifts through moss-covered trees and orchids thrive amongst abundant wildlife. Famous for its atmospheric scenery and spring-like climate, Monteverde is also one of the best places in Central America to spot the resplendent quetzal.
Costa Rica - Nicoya Peninsula
Costa Rica’s laid-back Pacific paradise, where long stretches of golden sand, hidden bays and coastal villages create the perfect beach escape. Separated from much of the country by the Gulf of Nicoya and Guanacaste’s dry ranching landscapes, the Nicoya Peninsula Costa Rica keeps largely to itself, offering a peaceful, authentic side of the country.
Much of the enjoyment of self-drive holidays in Costa Rica is getting off the beaten track, onto the dirt tracks and rural roads where you can stop to explore at leisure. Begin your adventure among the mangrove forests of the wildlife-filled Tortuguero reserve. Discover the mysterious bird-filled cloud forest with its misty landscape of ferns and orchids, scramble over hanging bridges suspended over waterfalls and forest in the shadow of Arenal volcano and end your visit on a Pacific beach.
Costa Rica is a peaceful and stable country and its people are among the friendliest in Latin America. The comprehensive network of roads means that the national parks with their extensive trails are always accessible and self-drive is the perfect way for independent-minded, confident drivers and companions to explore.
An ideal destination to enjoy the great outdoors, Costa Rica is a hotspot for adventure tourism, with a range of activities on offer from zip-lining to white-water rafting. This tiny country is bursting with an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, flora and fauna.
Ben Line
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Transport
2 transfers by road and boat, and a 4WD rental car.
- Accommodation
This trip combines small, friendly mid-range hotels with well-equipped rooms and comfortable but not luxurious wildlife and beach lodges.
- Meals
Breakfast daily, full board days 2,3.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
- Summary Of Nights
14 days, 13 nights: San José 1; Tortuguero 2; Sarapiqui 1; Arenal 3; Monteverde 2; Rincón de la Vieja 2; Golfo de Papagayo 2.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Costa Rica is the colón.
- How To Take It
Cash machines are available in San José: taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip and in many shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds.
We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency in San José at the beginning of your trip, and possibly some travellers’ cheques, though these are increasingly falling out of use. (American Express cheques are the most widely accepted). Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can exchange sterling but the rate may be unfavourable and there are fewer outlets providing this service. US dollars cash is widely accepted for payments.
- Daily Spend
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$40 per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants and you will pay considerably more.
- Tipping
Tips are welcomed and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
- Insurance And Documents
Travel insurance is essential.
Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
From 8 June 2015 new regulations will apply concerning the paper counterpart of UK driving licences. This may affect what is required by the rental company when you collect your car.Please check https://www.gov.uk/government/news/driving-licence-changes for further details.
Additional Liability and Loss Damage Waiver (CDW without excess and inclusion of theft protection) is included as well as Personal Accident and Third Party insurance.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
- Trip Suitability
There are no really long days of travel on the suggested routes of this trip. The routes from A to B take about 4 – 5hrs but you may well want to make a detour or stop off for a while. Roads are generally in good condition but some are unpaved and bumpy and less used routes may have potholes. Signage on major roads is good, less so on minor roads. Many people speak a little English but a smattering of Spanish will stand you in good stead.
If you have a disability that we need to be aware of, please contact us.
In the months of May to August the weather is extremely hot and humid, you might want to bear this in mind. July to November there are chances of tropical storms or hurricanes hitting the region.
- Climate
The trip covers climates ranging from tropical lowland to more temperate zones in the highlands. Those travelling between May and October journeys should encounter high temperatures (around 35°C) and high humidity in the lowlands. The ‘official’ rainy (green) season is May to October.
December to April visitors will still encounter high temperatures in lowland areas, but cool evenings around Arenal and San José with temperatures falling to around 5°C. Rainfall and humidity will be lower at this time.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
For day-to-day wear you should take loose-fitting, breathable clothes. Comfortable shoes are important and sandals are useful. A sun hat, sun block and sunglasses are necessary, and you should take a light fleece for cool nights and a breathable/waterproof outer layer and/or umbrella, as well as swimwear, a towel, insect repellent and a torch. A rain jacket and fleece are advisable for the cooler mountain region. If you plan to go to good restaurants or out for evening entertainment, you might bring something a bit smarter as well (although formal attire will not be required).
Please get in touch with the Journey Latin America office before departure if you have any doubts.
Sat-navs do work in Costa Rica so may want to take your own or we can arrange the hiring of one . We recommend that you always take a map as a back up!
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following; typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. For specific requirements you must consult your GP.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Despite its small size, Costa Rica has a number of distinct microclimates. The best time for wildlife lovers to visit Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast may be from July-August to watch nesting turtles. However, the wettest months are September to October. The rest of the country experiences a dry season Dec-April, when there is plenty of sun and temperatures are high, and a rainy season from May-Nov. However, this is variation between regions: for example, the rainy season often starts a month earlier in the south Pacific, while the northern areas, including the Guanacaste coast, are not as affected by the seasons and are generally much drier. The highlands and cloud forests have warm temperatures during the day but the high altitude means evenings are much cooler.
For more detailed information on the best time to visit Costa Rica, go to our When To Go section.
- What is the official language of Costa Rica?
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish.
- What is the national currency of Costa Rica?
Colón is the national currency of Costa Rica. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. There is at least one in most main towns. You may have to authorise your bank first, and withdrawals may be limited to amounts lower than in the UK. US dollars cash can be exchanged in banks too. US dollars themselves are widely accepted.
- What is the time difference between Costa Rica and the UK?
The time difference between the UK and Cosa Rica is GMT -5 hours.
- Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application. - What vaccinations are recommended for visiting Costa Rica?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What places combine well with Costa Rica?
- How do I get to Costa Rica?
To get to Costa Rica there are flights from London to San José via US and European hubs.
- What are the cultural and sport events in Costa Rica?
Some of the cultural events that take place in Costa Rica include:
International Arts Festival in San José in March with music, dance, and film art exhibitions. Monteverde Music Festival takes place in Monteverde between Jan – Feb.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Watch an extraordinary natural event take place on Tortuguero’s beaches as giant leatherback turtles arrive en masse to lay their eggs.
See the resplendent quetzal in its natural habitat on a jungle trail through the cloud forest.
Explore the channels and lagoons of a rich marshland ecosystem.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
This remote lodge offers a rustic but breathtaking escape in Costa Rica’s wildlife-rich Tortuguero National Park.
Modern San Jose hotel with rooftop bar and an unrivalled location in the heart of the city.
A cosy family-run eco-lodge in tropical gardens with walking trails, river boat rides and a simple spa.
Papagaio
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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