Should I rent a car in Costa Rica? We get asked that question A LOT. That might be a question worth considering if there weren’t so many things to do with the car. You’ll need an adventurous spirit, confident in your driving abilities, and a four-wheel drive. Driving through the mecca of eco-tourism will leave you free to cruise around the country without depending on bus schedules or expensive air transfers. For the adventurous, wanderlust-seeker, a Costa Rican road trip will satiate your soul. Costa Rica is relatively easy to navigate; most rental car companies even offer GPS rentals. With a little bit of planning, the perfect road trip is just waiting for you to turn on the ignition.

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. We give you some Costa Rican road trip suggestions.

San José to La Fortuna

If you arrive in San José and take 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

While the journey from Monteverde to Playa Grande is bumpy and steep, roads 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 isn’t the smoothest, breathtaking landscapes await you. 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, contact us today to start your travel experience. Happy trailing!