Costa Rica is a haven for adventure seekers, offering everything from lush cloud forest hikes to pristine beaches prime for surfing and relaxing. This road trip itinerary takes you from coast to coast and through some of the country’s most stunning regions: Monteverde, La Fortuna, Uvita and Puerto Viejo. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking through dense jungles or relaxing on the sand, this guide has you covered!

While Costa Rica is one of the more developed and popular countries to visit in Central America, there are still a few things you should know before you embark on your adventure so you are fully prepared! Here are a few of my top tips and things to know:

1. You have to pay for EVERYTHING. Pretty much every hike, activity and even some beaches have entry fees. They’re typically $10-30pp. Very few adventure activities are free. It’s helpful to plan your budget accordingly before your trip, especially if you’re on a tight budget! If you’re seeking a “cheap” travel destination, Costa Rica is not it. 

2. If you rent a car, get a car with high clearance. The roads are ROUGH even in the more popular areas. I’d also suggest shelling out the extra money for AWD/4WD also if you’re not comfortable driving on rough roads. 

3. If you’re road-tripping, add at least an hour to the GPS estimated time. Again, the roads are rough and small so getting from place to place can take a while. Buffer extra time in your trip planning so you don’t miss any reservations!

4. The sun sets between 5:15-6pm everyday ALL YEAR. There are no long summer nights here so parks/activities close by 4pm. Plan to explore earlier in the day and relax in the evenings. 

5. Bring some USD cash. You can pay for most things with a credit card but some places only take cash. Most places accept USD or the local currency (colones). You can get either from ATMs in the country but it’s helpful to have USD on hand when you arrive!

6. Expect some critters in your accommodation. Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places in the world so there’s a fair share of bugs. They will find their way inside whether you’re in a fancy hotel or jungle cabin. Luke was our designated critter catcher. 

7. Definitely visit some “Sodas”. A local restaurant is called a Soda. You’ll see signs for these all over the country. They feature local cuisine and are typically pretty cheap!

8. The dry season (December to April) is ideal for outdoor activities and beaching.  Some of the more popular destinations may be a bit crowded but if you don’t mind waking up early and adventuring off the beaten path this is definitely the best time to go to avoid the rain! 

Traveling to/from Costa Rica:

The main airport for all of Costa Rica is Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO). More than likely this will be the best flight option for your flights in and out of Costa Rica. If your priorities are to pack in as much adventure and beach time like me, I would skip spending any time in San Juan. There are definitely some sights to see but we were told it can be a bit unsafe for foreigners. We flew in late at night so we only spent the night at a hotel near the airport before setting off on our roadtrip early the next morning. 

Monteverde and La Fortuna

From San Juan, you will hit the road and head for Monteverde! Monteverde is a magical destination known for its misty cloud forests, unique wildlife and cascading waterfalls. One of the highlights of Monteverde is the El Tigre Waterfalls Hike, a challenging yet rewarding self-guided trek that takes you through lush trails leading to a series of four stunning waterfalls. After a day of hiking, unwind at Mirador El Milano, a picturesque viewpoint where you can watch the sunset over the forest. If you want to see some of the crazy Costa Rica wildlife, I highly recommend going on a night wildlife tour to spot nocturnal creatures like sloths, frogs, venomous snakes and tropical birds. Of course, no trip to Monteverde is complete without exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where you can walk across hanging bridges and marvel at the diverse flora and fauna.

Our Favorite Monteverde Restaurants:

• Café Monteverde
• Taco Taco Monteverde
• Villa Burger
• Raulito’s Pollo Asado
• Monteverde Brewing Company

From Monteverde, it’s about a three-hour drive to La Fortuna, home to the iconic Arenal Volcano. The most direct roads between Monteverde and La Fortuna can be rough and unpaved and in many cases lack cell service. Be prepared with an AWD/4WD car, spare tire and extra food and water just in case. Spend your time in the La Fortuna area hiking around the Arenal 1968 Park, where trails wind through lava fields and around the base of the magnificent volcano. Another must-visit is La Fortuna Waterfall, a short hike that leads to an impressive cascade and don’t forget to bring your swimsuit to cool off in the pool at the base of the waterfall!

Uvita

From La Fortuna, embark on a five-hour drive to Uvita, a charming coastal town on the Pacific coast. Uvita is best known for Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, where you can walk along the famous whale tail-shaped sandbar during low tide. Make sure to keep an eye on your belongings here, there are lots of monkeys hanging around and they will snatch your things left unattended! Luke lost one of his favorite baseball hats to these guys. 

Take a few days to enjoy the beaches and laid back nature of this area. Just north of Uvita is the small town of Dominical which has some very cute cafes and relaxing beaches. On Fridays, there is a small market in Dominical where locals sell foods, clothes and art. Our favorite beach in this area was definitely Playa Hermosa. It provides a tranquil escape with soft sand and gentle waves perfect for beginner surfing. You can rent a beach chair here and camp out for the whole day. If you want more of an adventure, a short drive away, you’ll find Cascada El Pavón, a unique waterfall featuring a massive rock wedged between its cascades.

Our Favorite Uvita Restaurants:

• Falafel Uvita
• El Cardón
• Five Maes
• Soda Ranchito Doña Maria
• Cafe Mono Congo (Dominical)

Puerto Viejo

The final leg of your road trip takes you across the country to Puerto Viejo, a vibrant town on the Caribbean coast. The drive from Dominical to Puerto Viejo takes about six to seven hours, so plan for a full day of travel. The two coasts have very different vibes. Here on the east coast, you will see the Caribbean influences especially with the food. I highly recommend trying some of the local Caribbean inspired cuisine, it was some of our favorite of the whole trip.

If you are in search of a beautiful walk with wildlife viewing, head to Parque Nacional Cahuita, where coastal trails are teeming with wildlife like monkeys and sloths. Within the Puerto Viejo area, there are tons of beaches. Playa Cocles is a surfer’s paradise with consistent waves, while Playa Punta Uva offers calm turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming. For a unique experience, visit Playa Negra, known for its striking dark black sand. And if you want more of an adventure, hike to Catarata Finca Two Waters, a hidden gem with a gorgeous waterfall.

Our Favorite Puerto Viejo Restaurants:

• Restaurante Lidia’s Place (Local Caribbean food)
• Tamara
• Caribeans Chocolate and Coffee
• Subs del Barrio

Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, from misty cloud forests to sun-drenched beaches, make it an unforgettable destination for any traveler. Whether you’re trekking through Monteverde’s lush jungles, chasing waterfalls in La Fortuna, soaking up the laid-back vibes of Uvita or immersing yourself in the Caribbean charm of Puerto Viejo, every spot will bring new adventures and beautiful views. You’ll find that Costa Rica truly lives up to its reputation as the land of "pura vida"—a place where nature, adventure and relaxation blend seamlessly. I hope this guide helped inspire you to visit this wonderful country and helped plan out your epic adventure! If you have any questions after reading this post, feel free to reach out to me on instagram at @carriedawayadventures. 

‍