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 that the drive is smooth and easy despite its curvy road.
This trip ensures views of the 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 being riddled with potholes.
Gorgeous beaches and visits from the majestic sea turtles are a sweet treat to many. Playa Grande is home to the Leatherback Sea Turtles.
They lay eggs and build nests between October and March, and between April and September, the eggs hatch, and thousands of baby turtles hobble their way 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 take in views of 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).
