3 Incredible Costa Rica Road Trips Ideas
- Tiffany Alexander
- Mar 8, 2023
- 2 min read

You haven't lived unless you've had at least one road trip in a tropical country. Costa Rica is home to the most picturesque scenery and vibrant culture.
Go beyond typical tourism by renting a car and hitting the road to explore the many sights of Costa Rica.
Below we give you some Costa Rican road trip suggestions.
San José to La Fortuna
If you're arriving in San José and taking a trip to La Fortuna, you'll find the drive smooth and accessible despite its curvy road.
This trip ensures views of beautiful national parks and stunning exotic wildlife. The Arenal Volcano is a popular tourist attraction.
It is one of the world's top active volcanoes and erupts once a day. Getting a glimpse of red-hot lava and columns of ash is an invaluable experience.
After a long day of taking in the country's beauty, rest at the Arenal Observatory Lodge or grab a bite at the Lava Lounge Bar and Grill.
Monteverde to Playa Grande
Although the journey from Monteverde to Playa Grande is bumpy and steep, with roads riddled with potholes.
Gorgeous beaches and visits from the majestic sea turtles are a sweet treat to many. Playa Grande is home to Leatherback Sea Turtles.
They lay eggs and build nests between October and March; between April and September, the eggs hatch, and thousands of baby turtles hobble into the ocean.
To witness this beautiful scene and get up close and personal with these sea creatures, arrange a tour at Las Balulas National Park. Stay at the charming Hotel Las Tortugas, where you can view the sunset from your room.
Tamarindo to Santa Teresa
While the drive from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa is not the smoothest, you are rewarded with breathtaking landscapes.
Take a break from sightseeing and stop at one of the sopas (small restaurants) and indulge in authentic Costa Rican cuisine, from empanadas to patacones (deep-fried, flattened plantains).
Additionally, Santa Teresa is the perfect destination for both relaxation and leisure. Its idyllic white-sand beaches are great for laying down a mat, doing yoga, grabbing a surfboard, and catching a wave.
Continue your relaxation at the laid-back Hotel Tropico Latino, where you can enjoy a full-service spa.
If you're ready to experience these unique road trips for yourself, contact me today so we can get your travel experience started. Happy traveling!
Click the link below to get started planning your next adventure.
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