Costa Rica 2 Week Itinerary: Volcanoes, Nature & Beaches!
Looking for a Costa Rica 2 Week Itinerary, a road trip that includes Playa Grande Beach time, Monteverde Cloud Forest hikes, and Zip-lining In La Fortuna. Oh and throw in, Sloth & Turtle spotting & hikes around volcanic national parks?
If you’re like us, you want to pack in as much as you can in 10-14 days, and do it the independence of driving yourself vs. a standard tour. It’s totally possible to see all of the above and more your way!
Our suggested route includes well-known destinations including La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Guanacaste beaches. We also thread in some hidden gems like Central Valley Alajuela and San Mateo where you can slow down, relax and find your ‘Pura Vida’!
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This 2 week itinerary is based on our experience in Costa Rica. It’s totally possible to make it a little shorter if you’re tight on time.
Read on for a comprehensive day-to-day guide with suggested activities in each destination to help you create a perfect Costa Rica 2 week vacation.
Driving In Costa Rica – The Basics
Some of your first Costa Rica itinerary travel planning questions are going to be: What’s it like to drive on Costa Rica backroads? What are rental cars like in Costa Rica & are they expensive?
Is it safe to drive in Costa Rica? What about car insurance? Which are the best routes to take? Should we avoid the rainy season?
To put your mind at ease, our honest assessment is that while Costa Rican roads need a little respect and the right vehicle, driving this itinerary is not that difficult. Read Our Rules and Tips To Know About Driving in Costa Rica article for more guidance.
Easy Way to Hire A Rental Car In Costa Rica
There is so much online info about car rental in Costa Rica to digest and it can feel a bit overwhelming.
We can help cut through this! We found accommodation near San Jose Airport at the Pura Vida Hotel. On emailing them, we discovered they arrange rental cars via Alamo.
Not only that, they can arrange to have them delivered to the hotel the morning after your arrival.
Honestly, this is an absolute stress buster in terms of planning. Select the car of your choice and Bernie (hotel owner) does the hard work!
With the final paperwork complete in around 30-40 minutes once you are at the hotel, you can start your road trip hassle-free. At the end of your trip, return your rental car to the Pura Vida Hotel (& stay there too for your last night).
Costa Rica 2 Week Trip Itinerary Overview
If you’re looking for remote off-road track adventures or are an adrenaline junkie, this probably isn’t the itinerary for you.
But if you’re keen to sprinkle in a little adventure like zip lines, night hikes, wildlife spotting, and a few backroads, we’re sure you’re going to love it!
Our 2 weeks in Costa Rica vacation includes the highlights of La Fortuna, Monteverde, and the Pacific beaches, world famous for their surf waves.
The itinerary follows roads that are mostly paved (with asphalt!), avoiding the roughest ones.
COSTA RICA 2 WEEK ITINERARY
Central Valley (2 nights)
La Fortuna (3 nights)
Monteverde Cloud Forest (3-4 nights)
Pacific Coast Beaches, Guanacaste (3-4 nights)
San Mateo, Central Valley (1 night)
Alajuela or San Jose* (1 night)
* Your last night can either be spent back in Alajuela or at a hotel near San Jose depending on flight times and car hire arrangements.
Costa Rica Road Trip Day By Day
The total miles driven on this trip are 756 km (470 miles) with approximately 25 hours at the wheel. Most of the daily drives are 3 hours or less.
The 25 hours also include short drives in and around La Fortuna and San Mateo for activities like chocolate making & spotting sloths.
➡️Day 1: Taxi from San Jose Airport to Alajuela, Central Valley
➡️Day 2: Car Delivered to Hotel – Day in Central Valley
➡️Day 3: Drive to La Fortuna
➡️Days 4 & 5: La Fortuna
➡️Day 6: Drive to Monteverde Cloud Forest
➡️Days 7 & 8: Monteverde
➡️Day 9: Drive to Guanacaste (Pacific Coast)
➡️Days 10-12: Guanacaste
➡️Day 13: Drive to San Mateo, Central Valley
➡️Day 14: Drive to Alajuela (Return Rental Car)
Road Trip Day 1
Arrive at San Jose’s Juan Santamaria International Airport and transfer to your chosen hotel in Alajuela.
Use an ‘orange’ official taxi which you can find as you leave the terminal building and turn left. Make sure to ask them to switch on the meter before you get in.
Even a short transfer can take an hour at peak rush hour so don’t panic if it feels longer than it should be.
Our recommended accommodation Pura Vida Hotel is a 20-minute journey from the airport. More likely it will take up to 50 minutes at peak times of the day and expect to pay $10. (Pay in US Dollars).
Where to Stay in Alajuela, Central Valley
Our picks are based on being close to San Jose Airport for a first night, good facilities, and value for money.
Budget Option
Villa San Ignacio – high standard of rooms and a restaurant onsite. A small pool and loungers add to the relaxed vibe.
Mid Option
Pura Vida Hotel – boutique-style casitas within a stunning garden. Each has patio seating, fridge, and coffee facilities.
Luxury Option
Xandari Resort & Spa with fantastic views over coffee plantations that span the valley below. Guests rave about the food and spa.
We stayed at mid range Pura Vida Hotel. Expect delicious breakfasts. Hosts are extremely helpful with restaurant, taxi, and travel tips. Check Pura Vida Hotel 2 two-bedroom options!
Day 2: Central Valley: Poas Volcano, Sarchi
Total Driving is around 30 km (18 miles) including getting to/from the suggested 3 activities. Plan for around 2 hours of rural road driving. Tonight stay at the same accommodation as Day 1.
Today’s itinerary is relaxing in terms of miles. Think of it as a day to get comfortable with driving as you visit a National Volcanic Park, a Coffee Farm, and one of the best artisan craft villages in Costa Rica.
The roads are hilly with a few bends but paved and not especially busy. If you prefer not to drive after a long flight, book a full day tour to include Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfalls and a Coffee Farm.
🎒TPOP Tip: Sunsets in Costa Rica occur around 5 pm year round so our itinerary is designed to be off the road by 6 pm.
Things to Do:
- Morning. Visit Poas Volcano National Park at 8,659ft (2,640m). Its crater is one of the world’s largest at more than 1 mile (1.6km) wide. Take short hikes in the park.
- Late Morning/Lunch. Carry on to Tour Doka Coffee Plantation. Take a tour to follow the steps from growing beans to drinking freshly brewed delicious Costa Rican coffee.
- Afternoon. Finish the day with a visit to the artisan town of Sarchi to see incredible craftspeople working on traditional oxcarts, wheels & many gorgeous wooden items.
You might also consider a visit to La Paz Waterfall and Gardens vs one of the above. FYI, we prefer the waterfall in La Fortuna if climbing 600 steps up and down is not a problem for you.
🎒TPOP Tip: Pre-book entry tickets for popular National Parks especially in peak season. You can do this online for the park of your choice.
Great Places to Eat in Alajuela:
Jalapeños – you will receive a warm welcome from Norman the owner and his Tex-Mex style food is delicious. A small, friendly downtown restaurant. (Also, he has a great little gift shop next door!)
Pura Vida Hotel – If you are staying here, consider ordering dinner. They offer a 3 course fixed-price menu served in their intimate patio area overlooking their expansive gardens.
Pesqueria da Limonta – Head here for fresh, creatively prepared seafood and fantastic service. Many people return here for dinner every time they visit Costa Rica.
Day 3: From Alajuela to La Fortuna
Driving distance is 76 miles/ 123 km – plan for around 3 hours. #702 route is a straightforward drive with (mainly) two-way paved roads with marked lanes.
Today’s destination is La Fortuna, which has grown into a vibrant hub for enjoying the fantastic range of thrilling activities around the Arenal Volcano.
We suggest not pre-booking or planning major activities at your final destination on ‘drive days’. This way you can enjoy the journey, stop off en route, and be less stressed if there are delays.
Things To Do Between Alajuela and La Fortuna:
Morning: Rest break between Alajuela and La Fortuna at Bosque Nuboso El Cocora which is so much more than a small road side coffee hut.
It may not look like much but honestly, it’s worth making time to pause your trip and check it out. As you turn left off the main road, drive up the small driveway and you will see the gravel parking area.
The views across their wildlife pond to the mountains are wonderful. They serve delicious fruit shakes, tortillas, and coffees. Wander around their butterfly area, or take a short hike through their hummingbird trail. Good bathrooms here!
Afternoon: On arrival in La Fortuna, relax at your resort – the volcanic fed hot springs are perfect after a few hours in the car. Maybe take a dip in these along with a sundowner as you soak in the views of Arenal Volcano.
However, if you arrive earlier in the afternoon, consider a short hike in Arenal Volcano National Park (the last entry is 4 pm!). There are several short trails from 0.4-2.5 miles and easy walking. Look out for a 400 year old Kapok tree on El Ceibo Trail in the park.
Evening: Head into La Fortuna downtown for Dinner.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna
We suggest resort style accommodation where you can enjoy the hot springs.
Mid Option
Los Lagos Resort and Spa. Large resort with huge rooms & patios. Superior rooms have views of Arenal volcano!
Luxury Option
Nayarit Gardens – come here for the hot springs and stay for a luxurious indulgence. Awarded a best new hotel award!
🎒TPOP Tip: Check guest policy before you book. Many resorts, including Los Lagos, above, sell ‘day pass tickets’. This can spoil the experience if a busload of tourists turns up!
Days 4 & 5: La Fortuna
Based on our time here, we feel you need at least 3 nights on a 2-week trip to enjoy La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, and adjacent Lake Arenal.
As well as trails and nature, there are many attractions to take advantage of from zip lining to water sports, volcano treks, and hot springs.
Things To Do:
Some activities are better done in your mornings but others you can fit in based on your preference. It will be quieter early mornings and late afternoons so bear that in mind. Sunsets are around 5 pm!
- Book a morning tour at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges and combine this with the nearby La Fortuna Waterfall.
- Check out Arenal Volcano, maybe Hike Lava Trails in Arenal National Park or head to the Mirador (Lookout).
- Soak in Hot Springs fed directly from the volcano.
- Climb 600 steps down to La Fortuna Waterfalls, and dip into the clear waters, before you climb back up again!
- Stroll around the Bogarin Trail with a guide to spot Sloths!
- Zip-line through lush forests around La Fortuna/Arenal (or if you want to do this only once- wait until Monteverde!)
- Kayak, SUP, bike on and around Lake Arenal or try Fishing.
🎒TPOP Tip: Book at least one wildlife tour with a guide as they know how to spot often elusive birds and animals! You learn a lot too.
Great Places to Eat In La Fortuna:
Mercadito – a small modern food hall on the main roadside with a great selection of casual food at reasonable prices. Highly recommend the mushroom tacos and sushi dishes.
For a fun place to enjoy a cocktail, check out Voodoo Bar & Cocktails within the same building or Lava Lounge on Main Street.
Maria Bonita Steak House – if you enjoy a steak and a good glass of wine, head to this steak house in the centre of La Fortuna. It is a little more expensive than other ‘tourist’ spots, but the quality is excellent.
Casa Fortuna Restaurante Familiar – a family-run restaurant offering quality food using local flavours at reasonable prices. Reliable quality of drinks makes it a very popular option.
Where to Park Your Car In La Fortuna
If you drive into La Fortuna for lunch or dinner, there is a secure central 24-hour staffed car park where you can leave your car without any concerns. Google Maps Link to La Fortuna Car Park.
Be careful driving at night. It is not recommended in Costa Rica due to poor road lighting and other drivers! Hotels/Restaurants will be happy to book you a taxi.
Read our detailed 3 days in La Fortuna Itinerary packed full of details of attractions and activities.
🎒TPOP Tip: Leave nothing in your car when you travel around as petty theft from tourist cars is an issue across the country.
Day 6: La Fortuna to Monteverde
Drive from La Fortuna to Monteverde – 108km (67 miles) – plan 3 hours driving, with a stop en route. Some rough roads (with significant potholes) after the town of Tilaran.
Monteverde or “Green Mountain” as it is directly translated is aptly named for its extensive reserve of lush, verdant cloud forests. National Geographic has described it as “the jewel in the crown of cloud forests”.
The little town of Santa Elena outside the cloud forest is a tourist hotspot with a variety of restaurants and tours available and with cool, refreshing weather to boot.
The road from La Fortuna to Tilaran is mainly paved but after this point expect rough unpaved sections and you will need to slow down to navigate these. If you are doing this route during the rainy season, we suggest a 4×4 vehicle.
En route, we recommend a brunch/lunch stop at Cafe Macadamia (just out of Tilaran) with great views and delicious fruit shakes, burgers, salads, and cakes!
We recommend at least 3 nights in Monteverde, to enjoy both the cloud forest and the cute town of Santa Elena.
🎒TPOP Tip: Consider having extra nights here and less elsewhere if you prefer more mountain based activities.
Where to Stay in Monteverde
Find a hotel with secure parking because you don’t need to do a lot of driving here. All these below have secure on-site parking and breakfast included in room rates.
Budget Option
Camino Verde Bed and Breakfast – Av 5 minute walk from Santa Elena town. Breakfasts are excellent and staff help arrange activities.
Mid Option
Tityra Lodge– peaceful cabin style rooms a little further out of town. The family also owns an adjacent coffee farm. Walking trails from lodge.
Luxury Option
Koora Monteverde a Cloud Forest Hotel by Sandglass – book into this beautifully designed hotel with incredible terrace views in a lush forest setting.
Days 7-8: Explore Monteverde
Start your day with freshly brewed, locally sourced coffee (& when you’re in Costa Rica, why wouldn’t you!)
We rate both these local coffee shops in Santa Elena: Coffee to Go and Cafe Monteverde. Find them on the same street, in the middle of the small town; you can’t miss them!
Things to Do In Monteverde:
Some activities (like the Cloud Forest Biological Reserve) are better done earlier in the day. But overall you can be flexible as the weather is fairly constant. Don’t forget you’re in a cloud forest – it will be damp and most likely rain at some point, even in the ‘dry season’!
- Hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve with a Guide. Another great trail is Curi Cancha Cloud Forest Reserve.
- Selvatura Adventure Park is a full day out and is viewed as the best value.
- For around $150, you can experience 16 zip lines, traverse high-in-the-sky hanging bridge walks, and tour butterfly & reptile areas. Oh, and get a guided visit to an indoor sloth rehabilitation area.
- A Monteverde Cloud Forest Night Walk (Kinkajou, Refugio) shines a light on many nocturnal creatures of Costa Rica!
- Go Horse Riding Through Arenal Volcano landscapes.
- Explore cute Santa Elena and its many cafes, bars and restaurants. There’s also some good shopping in town too!
🎒 TPOP Tip:
We parked our cars at our Monteverde accommodation and used shuttle transfers (organized by hotels) to get to activities. So easy!
Great Places to Eat In Monteverde:
Morpho’s Restaurant – inexpensive good food with 2 locations in town. Their latest restaurant has stunning views over Monteverde and is easily identified with the blue morpho butterfly decor.
Taco Tacos – great lunch spot with a tasty Mexican menu. Relaxed atmosphere.
The Jungle Santa Elena – happy hour here is not to be missed! Fun staff serve up half-price cocktails and snacks in a large decked area, decorated for a party. Food gets mixed reviews but we rate the atmosphere and cocktails.
Restaurante Tree House in Santa Elena is found in a central spot in town with an excellent menu. The staff are accommodating and were only too happy to organise a birthday cake during a visit!
San Lucas Tree Top Dining – foodie luxury at this incredible spot involves a 7-course dinner in a glass box suspended 50 ft above the ground surrounded by trees. Reservations are essential!
Read our detailed 3 days in Monteverde Itinerary packed full of details of attractions and activities.
Day 9: Monteverde to Guanacaste
Driving distance is 187 km with a stop in Canjas along the way. Plan for 4 hours of driving.
After exploring volcanoes and cloud forests, it’s time to chill at the beach by the Pacific Ocean. Take the opportunity to discover the diverse marine life here from turtles to crocodiles.
This is the longest drive of our Costa Rica Itinerary which takes you across the Nicoya Peninsula to Playa Grande. This is a beautiful 4.5km (2.8 mile) long stretch of sandy beach.
In Canjas, head to a little ‘soda’ called Soda Don Rogelio. A Soda, by the way, is a family-owned informal eatery that serves homemade meals – a place where locals tend to go. This one is tiny with seats for about 6 people.
Order a glass of Leche Dormida – sweet vanilla ice cream deliciousness- you can also order empanadas and they do take away! Bathroom facilities are good here 🙂
In the rainy season, some roads can flood especially around the town of Filadelphia so be prepared for delays if this is the case. In our experience, it’s all about being prepared and having the right vehicle.
Things To Do:
After a long drive, it’s time to relax for the rest of the day.
- Catch a Pacific Coast beach sunset
- Check out the Playa Grande Night Market
Where to Stay in Playa Grande
Tamarindo is the main beach resort of Guanacaste and may suit you if you’re looking for a busier, resort atmosphere.
Alternatively, stay next to a stunning beach in Playa Grande (just across the river which takes less than a minute by small boat and costs $1-2 pp). This is where we stayed.
Budget Option
Palm Beach Inn – a smaller beach hotel with limited facilities (no restaurants). Rooms well equipped with blenders (for morning smoothies).
Mid Option
El Manglar Hotel – quiet & casual with a private pathway to the beach. Book a larger room with a balcony, seating, and private kitchen facilities.
Luxury Option
VBRos in Playa Grande are a good option if you’re coming as a group. Download Vrbo app to look at this great VBRO home in Playa Grande.
Be aware that the drive to Playa Grande is on a dirt road which can be muddy and rough so take this into account when choosing your location.
The drive from Playa Grande to Tamarindo is 40 minutes each way due to the river. If you plan to spend evenings in town, we suggest you book accommodation in Tamarindo.
Days 10-12: Playa Grande & Tamarindo
Whether you base yourself in Tamarindo town or Playa Grande (or another nearby beach) there’s plenty to do (or not) during a stay here.
Things to Do:
Walk Playa Grande Beach at Sunset or Early Morning – you’ll likely be the only ones there! Look out for a turtle nest at the top end!
Take a surf lesson on either Playa Grande or Tamarindo Beaches.
Have a massage on the beach (bliss!) and great value at $30/hr. We can recommend Mey and her team. Contact via WhatsApp on +506 8778 4332
Eat dinner & dance at the Night Market in Tamarindo (Thursdays 5.30-8.30 pm).
Book a boat ride or kayak through Las Baulas National Marine Park and Tamarindo Estuary. Glide through mangroves spotting birds, crocodiles & other local wildlife.
Guided Turtle Night Hiking Tour with the opportunity to see nesting turtles. This can be quite a trek so be prepared to wade through water across rough sandy areas.
Relax on the beach or chill by your hotel pool with a good book.
Golfing and Fishing are popular activities with hotels offering different packages depending on your time, budget, and interests.
Great Places to Eat:
Night Markets – if you love local fresh street food, visit Tamarindo’s Thursday night market and/or Playa Grande Night Market on a Wednesday. With live music, stalls, and excellent food options, you’ll enjoy a fun and cheap night out.
El Huerto, Playa Grande – this is a wonderful restaurant on Playa Grande with a reputation (rightly so) for delicious pizzas. They are huge so be warned! Great service and options for non pizza fans!
Green Papaya Taco Bar, Tamarindo – excellent fresh menu with lots of veggie options available. The outdoor seating area is imaginative including swings.
Naans and Curries – for a change from seafood or Mexican-influenced cuisine, check out this award-winning and affordable Indian restaurant in Tamarindo.
Read our detailed 4 days in Playa Grande Itinerary packed full of details of attractions and activities.
Day 13: Playa Grande to San Mateo
Continuing on this Costa Rica Road Trip Itinerary, head southeast through Puntarenas back to the Central Valley region.
Driving distance is 138 miles (223 km). Plan for 4 hours driving time. We suggest a stop en route at a local soda.
San Mateo is a tiny village in the heart of the farming area of Costa Rica making it a perfect place to enjoy the pretty countryside.
Things to Do:
- Relax at your resort and soak up the rays
- Go biking around Central Valley
- In season, the fruit stalls in Ortina a few miles from San Mateo have an abundance of local fruits.
Great Places to Eat:
Poza Blanca Lodge Restaurant – The lodge’s on-site restaurant has an Italian theme (actually the hotel has a nod to Italy in its decor) and the food is excellent.
Where to Stay in Central Valley, Costa Rica
We say keep it simple, and enjoy smaller properties, often part of coffee farms that dot the countryside.
Budget Option
Poza Blanca Lodge – a hidden gem with comfortable rooms, pool, hot tub, and patio. Staff are very helpful.
Mid-Option
Buen Camino Hotel – larger hotel with excellent amenities and rooms with views over to the Nicoya Peninsula waters.
Luxury Option
Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Farm and Inn – If you want a little luxury on your last night in Costa Rica, this is the spot for you.
Day 14: Return to San Jose (Alajuela)
Driving distance is 85km. 1 ½ hours will take you back to Pura Vida Hotel (or your agreed car drop off point).
Things to Do:
Chocolate Tour in San Mateo. Spend a couple of hours with ex-chef Alex learning about the fascinating process from bean to making your own delicious chocolates.
Getting Here: This small farm is located very close to the Poza Blanca Lodge. Use this Google Link for Choco Tour San Mateo to get the exact location.
If you are returning to the Alajuela for your last night, use our accommodation and restaurant recommendations from Day 2, or perhaps arrange to head into San Jose for your last afternoon on a tour of the Gold Museum).
The following morning, you will be around 20 minutes taxi transfer to the San Jose airport for your flight.
Tips For Driving in Costa Rica
Driving in Costa Rica is a fantastic way to explore the country at your own pace. It’s relatively straightforward with our planning tips and a decent vehicle.
Don’t rely on Sat Nav and Waze App as they don’t always work. However, with a few basics like a print out of your route road numbers, and a decent map, you’ll have a back-up if your network coverage is patchy.
Drive On the Right
You will be driving on the right side of the road in Costa Rica. As a result, the driver’s side in your rental car will be opposite from what you might be used to in the UK but easier if you’re coming from the USA or mainland Europe.
On main highways the legal speed limit is 95 km/hour (55 mph) and on smaller roads and within towns lower speed limits will be posted.
Take your time and stick to the speed limits, especially when driving through towns. Road traffic speed limit signs are in kilometers (not miles) and so your car dashboard will show speeds in this unit of measurement.
Rent An All Wheel Drive (or 4×4) Vehicle
You could do the majority of this road trip itinerary without an All Wheel Drive car or 4×4 but honestly for peace of mind, we prefer a 4×4 for mountain terrain.
Type Of Drivers Licence for Costa Rica
You can drive in Costa Rica for up to 180 days with a valid drivers licence from your own country.
You will be required to show this when you book your rental along with your passport and confirmation of your accommodation while in country.
Gas Prices (petrol) in Costa Rica
Expect to pay the equivalent of $1.34 per gallon for Gas in Costa Rica (November 2025). Plan for $125 in your budget to cover gas costs to complete this 2 week Costa Rica Itinerary.
Very small cars might be more fuel efficient and cheaper at the time of booking them, but after a few days can feel very cramped! These petrol costs reflect a medium sized SUV model of car.
On major routes like A1 you will find gas (petrol) stations fairly often.
Car Rental Insurance in Costa Rica
When renting a car, do check what insurance you are getting with your booking. Rentals typically come with 3rd party liability coverage, and you need to decide for yourself if you want further insurance coverage.
Read our comprehensive Guide To Driving For the First Time in Costa Rica for More Rules and Tips.
What to Pack for a Costa Rica Road Trip
Although what you bring will vary depending on what season and month you visit, here’s the basics to pack for a Costa Rica road trip any time of year:
- Sturdy waterproof walking/hiking shoes
- Light Rain Jacket, Fleece (for mountain areas at night)
- Sun Hat
- Comfortable trousers (active wear) for day to day travel
- Good quality wool socks for hikes
- Long and short sleeved tops
- Binoculars
- Power adapter (USA plugs work here)
- USB Car charger or portable charger for your phone
- Small waterproof day pack for shorter hikes
🎒TPOP Tip: A driving map of Costa Rica is essential (we have found that driving Apps like Waze are not always reliable).
Weather in Costa Rica
Here is the typical weather for any 2 week Costa Rica Itinerary. This will vary depending on the month you travel here on your road trip, but use it as a basis for planning and packing.
Central Valley Region – Average daily temperatures 70-75F; mildest in the country.
La Fortuna/Arenal – expect temps in the 70s-90s, depending on cloud coverage on any given day. Evenings/early mornings may be a little cooler, dipping into the ’60s.
Arenal volcano is obscured by cloud coverage 50% of the time, regardless of the season but can be more visible in the rainy (green) months.
Monteverde – typically cooler and damper than other parts of Costa Rica, generally seeing 97 inches a year of rain. Monteverde Cloud Forest is wet at any time, though a bit drier between December and April.
The 65° high is perfect for adventures into the rainforest for birding and wildlife spotting! Night-time temperatures are in the low 60s.
Playa Grande, Guanacaste is typically drier than elsewhere in Costa Rica. Located on the pacific coast, expect spectacular sunsets with multiple shades of orange and pink. Day temperatures hover around 88F and will fall to 70F (22c) after dark.
FAQs
Here’s our answers to some frequently asked questions about planning a 2 week Itinerary in Costa Rica.
As many days as you can afford in terms of time and budget!
We suggest a minimum of 10 days, ideally 2 weeks.
Generally not, but during the ‘green season’ which is end of May to end of November, it can be tricky.
You might read horror stories about people getting stuck in flash floods, roads being swept away and the like. This does happen, but primarily it’s going to be in more remote and mountainous regions where roads are not paved.
Driving in the capital San Jose is not recommended.
Some routes will take hours eg. from the capital to Nicoya Southern Peninsula or Osa Peninsula. Roads are not well developed in these regions.
If you venture into these areas, get a 4 wheel drive or 4×4 vehicle with higher clearance.
Overall in our experience it is possible to visit Costa Rica, staying at mid range hotels, enjoying a wide variety of activities, visiting parks and eating out for around $140 per day.
If you come in the ‘shoulder season’ eg. May or November, costs of accommodation will be lower (many hotels have a ‘green’ rate (rainy season) and summer rate so check this out.
Local ‘sodas’ (restaurants) offer very cheap food which can be of a high quality.
Costa Rica Trip – Making It Happen!
If it’s helpful to planning your road trip, here are our top recommended travel resources. We use these ourselves again and again, otherwise we wouldn’t suggest them to you!
✈️ Flights
Find flights from your local airport to San Jose. Expedia compares airline prices and best routes.
🏨 Hotels
B&B, boutique inns, self catering or a luxury resort booking.com has it and an easy 1-click reservation.
🎫 Tours
Want a break from driving? Get Your Guide is always adding exciting tours in Costa Rica.
🚖 Transfers
Take the stress out of Airport Transfers & avoid taxi lines with Welcome Pickups.
🚑 Insurance
Good Insurance is a travel necessity these days. Visitors Coverage offers tailored global coverage.
🚘 Car Rental
If you want more car or 4×4 rental options, compare range of vehicles & fees using DiscoverCars site.
For reliable travel planning essentials check out our Travel Resources full of tools to help you plan amazing trips!
More Road Trip Inspiration
Costa Rica offers a combination of experiences that we feel are pretty unique across the globe.
Other bucket list worthy driving adventures we have loved include New Zealand Road Trip, incorporating both north and south islands over 3 glorious weeks.
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