If you have limited time, but would like to see a good portion of the country and are willing to rent a car and drive, this 10-day itinerary covers much of the Pacific coast and the Central Valley. It’s a perfect itinerary for those looking to experience both the beach life and the cooler mountain ranges.
DAY 1 – ARRIVE IN SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA
Fly into San Jose International Airport (SJO). Keep in mind, if you are arriving from outside of Costa Rica, you will be required to go through customs. This process, depending on the time of day, can eat up a good chunk of your first day. Lines at customs can be long, so relax and look forward to what’s to come. If you are arriving later in the day, it’s best to spend the night at a nearby hotel. A great one that we’ve stayed at is the Pura Vida Hotel in Alajuela. They even arranged our rental car through Alamo and the Alamo agent met us at our hotel to fill out the paperwork while we ate breakfast. Convenient and easy.
DAY 2 – DRIVE TO MATAPALO ON THE PACIFIC COAST
Depart San Jose around 10 am and head down Route 27 towards Atenas and Orotina. Atenas is a fun little town to drive through and explore. It’s a haven for ex-pats due to its proximity to San Jose. Continuing on Route 27, be sure to bring some Colones with you, as this is a toll road.
From 27, take Route 34 towards Jaco. Some say Jaco is like the Las Vegas of Costa Rica and it once had a reputation for being a little on the seedy side, but today, Jaco is a vibrant bustling city with some of the most beautiful beaches. The drive time from San Jose to Jaco, with a little swing through Atenas, is about an hour to an hour and a half.
In and around Jaco, you can find a little roadside restaurant for lunch (otherwise known as a soda). Sodas are usually serving a traditional Costa Rican menu. In more touristy areas of Jaco, there are larger restaurant options and, though more expensive, the choices and types of food are greater.
Depart Jaco and head South on Route 34. You will travel through Parrita, Quepos/Manuel Antonio, and arrive in Matapalo. Matapalo is a quiet little village, so if you prefer a little more action, at a little higher price point, you can find plenty of lovely hotels in Manuel Antonio. Matapalo, however, has a few lovely Bed and Breakfasts. It is also centrally located and perfect as a basecamp to explore areas North and South along the Pacific. One B&B suggestion is Casa Aba Matapalo. Casa Aba is located on a quiet road across from the beach.
By now it will be late afternoon. It’s best to not venture out after dark in Costa Rica and don’t roam the beaches after dark either. There are lots of wild animals that can join you on the beaches at night, so be safe and stay away until daylight.
Without having to travel more than a few blocks, you can find dinner at A Kachete in Matapalo. There is also a grocery store connected to the restaurant for evening snacks or a bottle of wine.
DAY 3 – MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Depart early and head back up to Quepos (about 20 minutes North on 34). Quepos is the gateway to Manuel Antonio and the Manuel Antonio National Park. After passing through Quepos you’ll head up the mountain to Manuel Antonio. Here, you will find El Avion. A perfect breakfast stop with a perfect view of the Pacific Ocean. If you’re lucky, you might see a sloth or two hanging out near the balcony while you eat.
After Breakfast, head further up the mountain. Don’t stop for the “Rangers”. They are actually not officials, but rather people trying to make you believe there is a checkpoint when in reality, they want you to pay to park. By now, you are still quite a ways from the entrance to the park. So, drive past them and go until you can’t go any further. Then you will be at the park entrance and there are several people that can direct you towards parking that will cost you about C2000 -C3000. ($4-$6). Read more about the park here.
After a day at the park, head back to Matapalo. Just past the exit for Matapalo on the left is La Langosta Feliz. One of the best restaurants in the area. Their selection of seafood is incredible and very delicious. Then it’s back to the B&B for a night swim in the pool.
DAY 4 – DOMINICAL, UVITA, JOJOCHAL & SAN ISIDORO DE EL GENERAL
You’ll be covering a lot today, so grab breakfast and leave early. Drive south on Route 34 to Dominical. Stop on the bridge to see the alligators, as you head into town. Explore the shops and enjoy the vibe of this cute little surf town.
Head south, again, on 34 and arrive in Uvita. If it’s still morning, you may think about visiting Marino Ballena National Park (the whale’s tail park.) During certain times of the year, whales can be spotted off the coast.
Head south on 34 to Jojochal. Jojochal is known as the foodie capital of Costa Rica due to the large number of ex-pats who have opened restaurants in the area. A great place to stop for lunch.
By early afternoon, head back North on 34 until you arrive at Dominical. From here you will take a right on Route 243. This is a beautiful, windy drive up the mountain. There are a few tiny, but lovely towns along the way, such as Plantanillo and Tinamaste. About a half-hour drive up the mountain you will arrive in San Isidoro de El General, Perez Zeledon. By now the weather is cooler and more comfortable. Explore the town or the stunning views surrounding the city.
By 4 pm, head back down Route 234 until you reach Route 34 in Dominical. Take a right and head back to Matapalo. Grab dinner at A Kachete and take a relaxing dip in the pool.
DAY 5 – MONTEVERDE
Depart Matapalo early and head North on Route 34 to Esterillos Estes and stop for breakfast at Jardines Cafe, a delicious bakery, lunch, and breakfast spot with a unique, fresh menu.
Drive further North on 34 through Jaco. Where 34 meets Route 27, you will take 27 West to 23 North. You will pass through El Roble and jump on Route 1 to 606. 606 is a very twisty turvy road and can take much longer than expected, but the views are incredible.
Arrive mid-afternoon in Monteverde. Monteverde has several bed and breakfasts. One suggestion is Camino Verde Bed and Breakfast. The views from the back patio are stunning and the staff is extremely helpful.
Check into your room and then walk a few blocks to the downtown area. There are coffee shops selling locally grown coffee, little shops to find souvenirs, a grocery store, and restaurants. Stop in for dinner at Taco Taco before heading back to take in the view and relax with a glass of wine.
DAY 6 – MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST, LAKE ARENAL AND ARENAL VALCANO
Another busy day will require a very early departure. Grab an early breakfast at the hotel and head out on Route 620 to visit the Monteverde or Santa Elena Cloud Forest.
After the cloud forest head North on 620 and connect to 606. 606 will connect with 145 North and, just after Puerto Nueva, you will connect with 142. It’s a beautiful two-hour or so drive to Lake Arenal and the views are stunning. You’ll make your way around the North side of Lake Arenal where you can grab lunch with a view at Cafe Y Macadamia. There is a lovely gift shop and plenty of parking. Then you’ll hop back on 142 (right) and pass through Nuevo Arenal where there is an incredible German Bakery.
We would suggest booking the next few nights at the Arenal Observatory Lodge and Spa. There are several hotel options as you had down 142 towards La Fortuna, but the Arenal Observatory Lodge has spectacular views, hiking trails, and a wonderful on-site restaurant. It sits at the base of the volcano within the National Park. Spider monkeys live in the trees around the property and the sunsets over Lake Arenal are spectacular. Almost every room has a view of the volcano from the balcony.
To get there, you will continue the beautiful drive along Lake Arenal and at the South end of the lake, take a right on Calle Real el Castillo and follow signs towards the Arenal Observatory Lodge and Spa. The drive to the hotel has a stretch of road that is a bit rough, but you won’t be disappointed.
Check-in and visit the restaurant and bar for a daily happy hour. Reservation for dinner is suggested during peak season. The wait staff is fantastic here!
DAY 7 – LA FORTUNA
Get up early and enjoy breakfast (included in your room rate) before heading to La Fortuna. La Fortuna is a cool little town with tons of character. By now, if you need laundry service, there is a laundry service in town that will wash and fold your laundry for a very reasonable price while you’re exploring the shops and sites.
Parking is easy on the streets and the view of the volcano from town is amazing.
Stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants in town before heading back to the hotel for a soak in the pool or a visit to the spa. Rather go for a hike? There are many trails to explore throughout the property.
DAY 8 – MYSTIC HORSE BACK RIDING AND HANGING BRIDGES PARK
Tickets can be purchased online for horseback riding, which departs from the same location as the Mistic hanging bridges. Depart after an early breakfast. It will take about 25 minutes to get to the park from the hotel. Head out the same way you came into the hotel until you get to 142. This time, take a left on 142 and cross the Lake Arenal dam and at the other side take a quick right and follow the signs for Mistico.
You’ll check-in at Mistico and wait for a shuttle to the stables. The horseback riding is for all levels and the views are wonderful. It is about an hour and a half ride. After the ride, the shuttle will drive you back to Mistico where you can grab lunch in the restaurant before heading out to the hanging bridges.
Head back to the hotel and enjoy the hot tub with views of the volcano and another unforgettable view of the sunset across Lake Arenal during happy hour. Don’t forget to watch the trees around the lodge at all times. The monkeys are all around!
DAY 9 – SAN JOSE
After one last lovely breakfast, it’s time to check out and say goodbye and make your way towards San Jose.
Head out early and take a right on 142 towards La Fortuna. Just beyond La Fortuna, you will take a right on 141, which will meet up with 702. You will take 702 through San Ramon. If you’re hungry, take a break in San Ramon for lunch. The views of the Central Valley are beautiful. Just past San Ramon, you’ll connect to Route 1. If there’s time, Sarchi and Grecia are great detours to take. WAZE and Google Maps are great apps for getting you around and exploring the cities.
Route 1 will take you into Alajuela. We suggest a hotel near the airport. If you are flying during COVID and need a COVID test to get back into your country, such as the US, they can be done at the airport the day before you fly or the morning of your flight.
DAY 10 – FLY HOME
A good hotel near the airport is the Hampton Inn. If you’ve dropped off your rental car the day before, the shuttle can take you to the airport.
Say good bye!
It will be a lot of driving, but this itinerary will give you a great overview of the country. If you are interested in more activities, such as ziplining, add on a day or two in Matapalo or Arenal. Remember, though distances may not seem far, but traffic can move slowly through the winding roads that head into the mountains, and afternoon rains can get heavy making it difficult to travel at a quicker speed.
Enjoy your trip and Pura Vida!