Costa Rica is famous for its natural landmarks, artificial parks, culture, and festivities. However, most people fond of road trips are also captivated by the thrill and adventure the country promises on the road. Traveling by road in Costa Rica will lead adventure enthusiasts to remote, lesser-known locations with fewer crowds. Although traveling to such locations is not for the faint of heart, once you reach these destinations, you'll be wowed with just how much they have to offer.
The best Costa Rica road trips
If you’re making road trip plans in Costa Rica, it’s already irrefutable that you’re looking for thrilling experiences in the country. The wanderlust-driven journeys are filled with beautiful landscapes, more breathtaking sunsets, and splendid surprises at the end when you reach your destinations. Without further ado, let's take a look at the best road trips in Costa Rica:
1. Orosí Valley
If this is your first time contemplating road trip ideas, the Orosí Valley is probably the safest option, as you can reach this destination in approximately 90 minutes from San Jose, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The journey begins on quiet mountainous roads, and once you reach the destination, you can hike to waterfalls, explore the ruins of the oldest Costa Rican churches, and even visit the nearby local street markets.
2. Rio Celeste
Going to Rio Celeste via car is one of the most time-efficient and simplest ways you can enjoy this beautiful blue river in Costa Rica. If you're someone who appreciates pleasant surprises at the end of a long road trip, this destination will deliver on its promise and will not disappoint. The optical illusion which makes this river appear in a blue Gatorade color will leave you speechless. It takes approximately 90 minutes, depending on the circumstances, to reach this beautiful location through the back roads starting from the Arenal Volcano.
Although the trip to the Nicoya Peninsula starts with a ferry ride in Puntarenas and through the Gulf of Nicoya, you can take your car with you to reach the final destination. Most experienced travelers suggest renting an ATV for this destination, and you'll find plenty of great pit stops and several isolated beaches on the way. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach the location, but time flies when you have serene landscapes to admire on the way.
It is the highest mountain in Costa Rica and takes about 4 hours to reach Cerro Chirripo from San Jose, and the rest of it entails walking and hiking. Most people who love hiking and trekking prefer going to this location, as once you reach the top, you'll be welcomed with cooler winds and a breathtaking view of the cities.
If pristine shorelines, wild jungles, adventurous car rides, twisting jungles, and, not to forget, monkeys are your favorites, you’ll love the end result of a drive to the Osa Peninsula. This southwestern Costa Rican peninsula is the best location for those who want the most authentic wildlife experience with overwhelmingly serene natural beauty. The secluded, untouched beaches make the bumpy ride to this area worthwhile.
6. La Fortuna
If your interests incline more towards culture, exotic plants, wildlife, and lots of adventures, you’ll fall in love with La Fortuna. The drive to this area takes about 2.5 hours from San Jose, and the adventures don’t stop with the road trips to this small town in Costa Rica. You’ll find plenty of fun things to do here, including horseback riding, water rafting, and walking through rainforests, and hanging bridges. Those who wish to explore La Fortuna entirely will need more than a couple of days of stay. However, be prepared as the ride to La Fortuna gets a bit curvy at some points, although it’s not as treacherous overall.
7. Drake Bay
This remote town in the Osa Peninsula can be reached via air travel. However, the longer, less-traveled road includes several meadows, rainforests, and small farming villages that make the road trips to this location worth the effort. You’ll also find several species along the way, including scarlet macaws and monkeys. It’s pertinent to mention that this journey entails crossing a total of seven rivers- if you’re traveling from San Jose- and the roads aren’t as well-maintained as some of the other locations mentioned in this list. In the end, the panoramic views of the ocean, its bay, and the occasional dolphins will leave you completely satisfied.
8. Monteverde
Nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and even scientists have fallen in love with Monteverde, a mystical cloud forest reserve. There are several activities in Monteverde that involve zip-lining and trekking on suspension bridges. You can also enjoy the infamous butterfly garden and, on a clear day, gaze at the Caribbean and Pacific coasts from an elevated viewpoint. It takes approximately 3 hours to reach Drake Bay from La Fortuna, and the surprise walk through the clouds is worth it.
With deep historical gravitas, rare plant species, and turtle beaches in Sector Santa Rosa, you’ll enjoy the serene landscape of this area. However, road trips to this area are typically closed during the rainy season, and most people are required to travel on horses or through hiking trails. It’s also important to remember that you’ll need to know how to do car repairs and carry your own food and water supplies for this trip, as you won’t find many shops along the way. It also offers the best surfing experiences for travelers.
10. The Monkey Trail
Known as a shortcut between Flamingo and Playa del Coco, The Monkey Trail provides one of the most thrilling road trip experiences in the country. The curvy mountainous pass, narrow corridors, and river crossings are recommended for the most experienced road trip enthusiasts. The bumpy rides entailing jungles and trails will finally lead you to the beautiful and peaceful beach town of Playa Potrero. This is a perfect place to retreat after an adrenaline-filled ride.
Concluding Thoughts
These were some of the best road trips in Costa Rica for all you adrenaline, adventure, and thrill lovers looking for the most exclusive experiences. If you wish to have a more relaxing, calm, and luxurious experience in Costa Rica, our secluded place in Guanacaste may be for you. Explore our website and book our private luxury villa for your Costa Rica escape.
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