Top 5 Road Trips in Costa Rica

Costa Rica's stunning landscapes create the perfect backdrop for road trips, featuring everything from its rugged Pacific coast to the laid-back Caribbean shores, vibrant wildlife-filled jungles, and active volcanoes.

Although most highways are in good condition, driving can still be an adrenaline-pumping adventure—think heavy traffic, river crossings, and unpredictable drivers. Whether you’re looking to hop between beaches, surf the waves, zip line through rainforests, or search for sloths, the thrill of the open road and the chance to explore at your own speed is unbeatable.

Here are our top recommendations for unforgettable road trips in Costa Rica.

1. San José to La Fortuna

Top Road Trip for Outdoor Thrills San José to La Fortuna; 130km (81 miles); approximately three and a half hours

You don’t need to venture far from the bustling city to encounter the stunning nature of Costa Rica. After navigating through the traffic of San José, the journey becomes easy, featuring a blend of main highways (Route 1, part of the Pan-American Highway) and winding paved roads lined with charming towns.

Upon arriving in La Fortuna, a world of adventure awaits. About 7km (10.5 miles) to the west, the iconic cone of Arenal Volcano towers over the landscape within its namesake national park.

Explore ancient lava fields on foot or try your hand at mountain biking, horseback riding, or white-water rafting. You can also windsurf or kayak on Lake Arenal, then relax in the soothing volcanic hot springs.

Travel Tip: Mid-morning offers quieter roads, except on weekends when locals flock to La Fortuna for the hot springs.

2. La Fortuna to Monteverde

Top Road Trip for Breathtaking Scenery La Fortuna to Monteverde; 183km (114 miles); plan for three and a half hours

The picturesque journey from La Fortuna to Monteverde takes you around Lake Arenal via Route 142, leading to Tilaran, where Route 145 transitions from paved roads to steep, winding dirt paths—ideal for a 4WD vehicle.

Ultimately, Route 606 winds past quaint farms and coffee plantations as you ascend toward the mist-shrouded cloud forest, teeming with lush vegetation and vibrant wildlife.

On a clear day, a high vantage point offers views of both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts from this biodiverse haven. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will thrive on the breathtaking day and night hikes, and for a thrilling perspective of the forest, you can zip across the canopy at exhilarating speeds with Sky Trek Monteverde.

Tip for planning: Ensure you fill your gas tank in La Fortuna, Nuevo Arenal, or Tilaran; there are no stations beyond that until you reach Monteverde.

3. Drake Bay and the Osa Peninsula

Ideal road trip for off-the-beaten-path adventures Manuel Antonio National Park to Drake Bay; 211km (130 miles); allow five hours

If you're yearning for pristine beaches, lush jungles filled with monkeys and jaguars, and an adventurous journey, the remote Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica's southwest is your destination.

You can fly from San José to Drake Bay or take a small boat from Sierpe, but traveling the less frequented road gives you the chance to spot scarlet macaws, playful squirrel monkeys, and other wildlife along the way.

Be prepared with a 4WD: there are several rivers to navigate, and at times a passenger may need to step out to gauge the depth – after turning off Rte 245 at Rincón de Osa, the roads become unpaved.

Drake Bay serves as the gateway for snorkeling and scuba diving tours to the vibrant underwater world of the Caño Island marine reserve, as well as trips for dolphin and whale watching.

Alternatively, explore the rugged trails of Corcovado National Park, where the lush tropical lowland forest teems with wildlife, and then relax in a hammock while enjoying stunning sunset views.

Detour: Take a break along Rte 34 at Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, where you can see dolphins, migrating humpback whales (from December to April and July to November), and nesting sea turtles (from June to December, especially in September and October).

4. Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula

Best road trip for beach lovers Liberia to Santa Teresa; 265km (165 miles); about six hours, but plan for several days of beach exploration

For an idyllic beach getaway, you can’t surpass the province of Guanacaste, known for its stunning sandy shores, exceptional surfing, and breathtaking sunsets. To reach this paradise, travel west from San José on Rte 27, or if you land in Liberia, head south on Rte 21.

At the northern edge of the Nicoya Peninsula, the vibrant beach town of Tamarindo offers endless water activities, from surfing and snorkeling to dolphin watching, or you can relax in the serene waters of Playa Sámara, where a kayak trip to Isla Chora lets you snorkel alongside sea turtles.

From Sámara, continue another 171km (106 miles) via Rte 21 and Rte 160 to the southern tip of the peninsula, where the laid-back beach town of Santa Teresa awaits, perfect for surfing, practicing yoga at a shala, and indulging in exquisite sushi.

Planning tip: Avoid the temptation to follow the Pacific Coast-hugging Rte 160 all the way south; it can be hazardous, particularly during the rainy season.

5. The Monkey Trail

Best road trip for adrenaline junkies Playa Hermosa to Potrero, Guanacaste; 30km (19 miles); 40 minutes but allow extra time for stops

This beach-hopping route, also known as Rte 911, connects the tranquil bay of Playa Hermosa to Potrero. This winding mountain road is not for the faint-hearted, offering a more exhilarating experience than the calmer Rte 21.

It weaves through a river where the water levels can fluctuate dramatically—don’t attempt this during the rainy season without a 4WD; there’s even a Facebook group focused on this crossing.

The muddy path offers a thrilling roller-coaster experience leading you to the Pacific, where you’ll arrive in the laid-back town of Potrero, with its gentle waves lapping at a dark-sand beach—ideal for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

For those seeking more excitement—both on land and in the water—the pristine white sands of Playa Flamingo, along with its eateries and resorts, are just a 10-minute drive south around a rocky outcrop.

Essential tips for a road trip through Costa Rica

To rent a car, you’ll need a valid driver’s license, a passport with a tourist visa stamp, and a credit card for any excess charges. Review the rental agreement carefully to understand your insurance coverage.

Rental prices spike from mid-December through April, particularly around Christmas, New Year, and Easter—so make sure to book your vehicle well in advance.

While highways are generally in good condition, if you're planning to venture off the beaten path, consider renting a 4WD (which comes at an extra cost). Rural roads can be winding, potholed, and occasionally flooded during the rainy season (May to November), so check conditions before departure and download an offline map—Waze is a popular choice.

It's advisable to avoid long drives after dark, especially during the rainy season, as lighting and road markings may be inadequate. Additionally, due to poor road conditions, inclement weather, or simply stopping to explore, your travel times may take longer than expected.

Rental cars are easily recognizable, so don’t leave belongings visible inside and ensure everything is removed overnight. If possible, opt for a guarded parking lot rather than parking on the street.