Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from San José to San José in Northern Highlands and Central Pacific, Costa Rica.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is December to April: dry season, best visibility.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Nature, Adventure, Coastal, Classic road trip, Scenic.

Costa Rica Road Trip: Arenal, Monteverde and the Pacific Coast

Q: How long is the Costa Rica Road Trip: Arenal, Monteverde and the Pacific Coast route?

This route takes 9 days taking in 6 stops.

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The route · 6 stops

5 overnight bases · 1 stop on the way

San José

1 night

Costa Rica's gateway and the route's start. Use your arrival evening to explore historic Barrio Amón, visit the National Theatre, and try a typical casado at a local soda. Get an early start next morning: La Fortuna is 3 hours north-east.Costa Rica's gateway and the route's start. Use your arrival evening to explore historic Barrio Amón, visit the National Theatre, and try a typical casado at a local soda. Get an early start next morning: La Fortuna is 3 hours north-east.

Recommendations

1h 33m · 111 km drive to La Fortuna

La Fortuna

2 nights

The route's adventure hub at the base of Arenal Volcano. Two nights here allows a full day on the Arenal 1968 lava trail, an afternoon at La Fortuna Waterfall (a 70m plunge into a clear pool), and an evening soak in a geothermal hot spring.The route's adventure hub at the base of Arenal Volcano. Two nights here allows a full day on the Arenal 1968 lava trail, an afternoon at La Fortuna Waterfall (a 70m plunge into a clear pool), and an evening soak in a geothermal hot spring.

Recommendations

30m · 36 km drive to Monteverde

Monteverde

2 nights

At 1,440m in the Tilarán Mountains, Monteverde is Costa Rica's cloud forest capital. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Santa Elena Reserve both offer morning quetzal walks. Book the hanging bridges at Selvatura for a canopy-level view of the forest.At 1,440m in the Tilarán Mountains, Monteverde is Costa Rica's cloud forest capital. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Santa Elena Reserve both offer morning quetzal walks. Book the hanging bridges at Selvatura for a canopy-level view of the forest.

Recommendations

1h 26m · 103 km drive to Jacó

Jacó

1 night

A welcome dose of sea air after the mountains. Jacó is Costa Rica's surf hub: 2.5km of dark sand, beginner-friendly waves, and enough beach bars for one relaxed night. Stop at Tarcoles Bridge on the way down to spot American crocodiles basking on the riverbank.A welcome dose of sea air after the mountains. Jacó is Costa Rica's surf hub: 2.5km of dark sand, beginner-friendly waves, and enough beach bars for one relaxed night. Stop at Tarcoles Bridge on the way down to spot American crocodiles basking on the riverbank.

Recommendations

1h 4m · 77 km drive to Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio

2 nights

The route's grand finale. The compact national park packs in sloths, three species of monkey, and some of Costa Rica's most photographed beaches. Quepos, 15 minutes away, is the best base for accommodation and fresh Pacific seafood from the waterfront.The route's grand finale. The compact national park packs in sloths, three species of monkey, and some of Costa Rica's most photographed beaches. Quepos, 15 minutes away, is the best base for accommodation and fresh Pacific seafood from the waterfront.

Recommendations

On the way

San José
1h 4m · 77 km
The loop closes with a 3-hour return drive to San José on the Costanera Sur and Route 27. Drop off the hire car at Juan Santamaría Airport, or extend with one extra night in the capital before flying out.The loop closes with a 3-hour return drive to San José on the Costanera Sur and Route 27. Drop off the hire car at Juan Santamaría Airport, or extend with one extra night in the capital before flying out.
Recommendations

Costa Rica Road Trip: Arenal, Monteverde and the Pacific Coast