Costa Rica Classic Road Trip
A Central American classic loop from San José via Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Guanacaste's Pacific beaches and Manuel Antonio National Park.
Costa Rica is small but ecologically diverse, which makes a rental car the most flexible way to travel. The classic loop starts in the capital, San José. Head north to Poás Volcano (reservation required) and the town of Sarchí, known for its hand-painted oxcarts. Cross the Central Mountains to the foot of Arenal Volcano at La Fortuna, with its hot springs, waterfalls and suspension bridges, and take a side trip to the Río Celeste. Continue west along Lake Arenal, then take a bumpy mountain road up to Monteverde Cloud Forest, with its suspension bridges, night walks and coffee farms. Descend to the Pacific coast of Guanacaste, where you can surf around Tamarindo and watch the sunset, and visit Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Then follow Route 34 south along the coast, past the Tárcoles crocodile bridge and Carara National Park, to Manuel Antonio National Park to see sloths, monkeys and beaches. Return to San José, or continue south to Dominical and the Osa Peninsula. The total distance is about 900 km; allow 10 to 14 days. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for mountain roads such as those to Monteverde. Waze is the main navigation app locally. Road conditions vary widely, speed limits are low, and actual speeds average about 40 km/h. Don't leave luggage in the car. The departure tax is usually included in the airfare.