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Costa Rica Road Trip 🛣️
29
items Truly one of the most beautiful places I've traveled to and will definitely be a repeat destination. Perfect destination for nature lovers - whether it be a romantic getaway or family ordeal. I was able to visit all of these places on a week long roa...
Sections
6
San Jose
Puerto Viejo
La Fortuna
Monteverde
Jaco
Wish List
San Jose
Costa Rica's capital city - where you'll probably fly in through. Grab your necessities before starting your trip!
Nearest Walmart to the airport. Stop here to buy any trip necessities + snacks for your road trip
Walmart Alajuelas
The ONLY rental company I'll recommend for the best prices + coverage. Cars are in good condition and clean, included cooler and SIM card for us as well. Had a car issue in La Fortuna and rental company drove a new car to us within hours since they h...
Adobe Car Rental San Jose Costa Rica - Reserve Online Today!
Puerto Viejo
Costa Rica with Caribbean Flair
BEAUTIFUL grounds and not too many rooms so it is not crowded. Breakfast is included and spa services are available on the grounds. Perfect location right off the center of town makes it easy to not have to drive
Namu Hotel
Upscale restaurant by the beach. Churrasco and octopus entrees were superb + drinks were amazing. Lively part of the neighborhood with lots of souvenier stands nearby
KOKi Beach
Cool beach hike with plenty of wildlife. Make sure to have a bathing suit for off-trail dipping
Cahuita National Park
Really nice views with a viewing deck in the first short stretch of the walk. Most people don't pass the viewing deck since the end of the trail (Punto Mono) is a long, difficult walk to complete in the heat. Arrive early if you are going to attempt ...
Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Gandoca Manzanillo
Black, volcanic sand beach you'll see as you drive into town. Really nice walk in the soft sand + great photo op
Playa Negra
With lots of Jamaican influence in the area, this was my favorite Jamaican spot. Oxtail was amazing, served with rice and peas, plantain, and veggies. My go-to for dinner while staying in Puerto Viejo
Lidia's Place Restaurant
La Fortuna
Volcano Views + Hot Springs galore
The only natural, free flowing hot springs from the volcano. You don't need to be a guest at the hotel - can pay a $50 day pass, which I thought was well worth it since we stayed until 11pm. Beautiful scenery and very relaxing. Water shoes recommende...
Tabacón - Resort & Spa
A solid hot springs option if you want to do a repeat visit since the springs can get pricy. Cool option with many temp options + cold plunges all over the park. Easy access to multiple bars on grounds as well. Don't have to be a hotel guest, can buy...
Baldi Hot Springs
The best budget stay in La Fortuna for a view of the volcano. Entire cabin with private little patio, bathroom with shower and jacuzzi tub, breakfast included every morning. Near the hot springs, which are all on the edge of town. Locally staffed + m...
Hotel Campo Verde | Alajuela Province
Search “El Choyin” in google maps to find the entrance for the public, free hot springs. This is bordering the Tabacon property and you can park on the side of the road. Solid option to visit hot springs if you are on a tight budget or just passing t...
Free hot springs in La Fortuna - El Choyin
This is where we had our nice sit-down dinner in La Fortuna. Nice view of the valley from the restaurant, however you will endure a hilly drive. Food was delicious!
Jalapas Restaurant | Monterrey
Medium intensity hike to see the lava flows from the volcano. Camera recommended to take some great photos!
Mirador El Silencio Arenal Volcano Hike
Monteverde
Home to Costa Rica's largest cloud forest
A trusted zipline company with steel cables - safety was essential for me, especially when ziplining at these heights. The best way to get the cloud forest experience.
Hanging Bridges in Monteverde & Ziplining Tours in Costa Rica | Treetopia Park Monteverde
We came here for a morning walk on the hanging bridges. Great to see all the wildlife, especially the different types of birds. Cool to see different orchids growing around as well.
The safest hanging bridges in Monteverde | Selvatura Park
Booked this night walk excursion and ended up being the only couple so it was like a private tour. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and had a good eye for the huge number of wildlife in the area. Got some neat pictures of the animals with his he...
Santamaria's Night Walk
This was one of the highlights of the trip! Beautiful glamping experience with a view of the valley. Woke up to rainbows every morning. The owners were so sweet and live on property - they make breakfast with fresh juice during your stay. Tent equipp...
Nature lodge in Monteverde · ★4.94 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 shared bath
One of the most popular restaurants in Monteverde with all the local dishes. Will probably pass on the way into town so feel free to drop in for some coffee! Owners were very welcoming. Tour groups welcomed as well
Turin - Restaurante | Camping | Jardines (@turincostarica)
Jaco
Beautiful beach town, home to World Surf League competitions
Nice restaurant option on the beach. Make sure to call ahead to check for wait time.
KoKo Gastro Bar
Well priced breakfast and good coffee. Can fill up so try to arrive early.
La Artesanal - Jaco Bakery
For a fresh treat and the best acai bowls in town. Also a good breakfast option
Gaia - Bowls & smoothies 🍓🍌🍍🌴 (@gaia_acai_bowls)
Upscale hookah lounge in Jaco with some surrounding dinner options as well. Music was a good mix of everything and drinks were pretty good. Search on Google Maps for pictures of location
Menu - Royale Cafe & Bar
Best bakery in town for sweet treats + bread. Make sure to arrive early before they sell out!
Pachis Pan and Bakery, Jaco, Costa Rica
Really good coffee and ended up buying some beans to bring back home
ROASTED EDGE, Jaco
Nice spot to get a view of the city
Mirador de Jacó
Drive about 12-15 minutes outside of downtown to a cleaner stretch of beach, perfect for spending the day. Can park on the road by the beach
Playa Hermosa de Jaco Visitors Guide
Wish List
Things I want to do in Costa Rica when I return
My dream is to return to see the turtle eggs hatching! 5 species of turtles lay eggs on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This is a once in a lifetime type of activity, as the trip to the coast can be a tough one based on water levels.
Turtle Nesting
The largest national park in Costa Rica, home to hundreds of species of animals. Many excursions and hikes to choose from. Wish I had time on this trip, however I think it's best to stay in the area to take full advantage of what the park has to offe...
Manuel Antonio Park - The Best Experience in Costa Rica