Road Trip in Costa Rica: Exploring the Pacific Coast and the Northern Volcanoes with Terra Caribea and Costa Rider Campervan

Welcome to Costa Rica!

Your driver will be waiting for you atJuan Santamaria International Airport, near San José, at an elevation of 1,150 meters in the heart of the Central Valley, to take you to your hotel.

Spend the night at a luxury hotel in Alajuela, where you’ll enjoy a comfortable first night before your adventure begins.

The start of your adventure in a campervan with a rooftop tent! 

You’ll start the day by heading to the Costa Rider Campervan agency to pick up your campervan. We’ll arrange your transfer, and once there, you’ll attend a briefing to learn all the specifics of your vehicle before picking up the keys and setting off on your road trip through Costa Rica. 

Overview ofthe“Adventure” Campervan:

The Adventure 4×4 Jimny campervan is the perfect companion for exploring Costa Rica off the beaten path.

Thanks to its four-wheel drive, it will take you on the country’s steepest roads.

This rental vehicle is equipped with a 2-person rooftop tent, an awning, a 20L shower, an extra water tank, a cooler, 2 chairs, and a picnic table, everything you need for sleeping (mattress, sheets, and pillows), as well as all thenecessary kitchen utensils.

Whether you’re traveling as a couple or with friends, the latest Suzuki Jimny is ideal for adventurers at heart who love off-roading! It will let you experience unforgettable road trips in Costa Rica.

Then you’ll drivefrom Alajuela to Turrialba.

Along the way, you’ll have the option to visit the capital, San José; the city of Cartago —one of the few cities in the country with a remarkable architectural heritage; or other interesting sites in the Central Valley that we’d be happy to recommend.

Approximate driving time: 3 hours

You’ll spend your first night camping in Turrialba, on the property of a socially responsible provider we particularly appreciate, offering authentic accommodations nestled within an organic coffee farm.

If you’re interested, you can spend a comfortable night under the stars on eco-decks offering panoramic views of the Turrialba Valley—please contact us for more information. 

A morning of rafting to tackle the rapids of the Rio Pacuare!

These rapids, with their white, churning waters, are among the most famous in Latin America.

They offer an incredibly beautiful rafting descent: you’ll enter an impressive primary rainforest, and the river will carry you through deep gorges whose steep slopes are covered in thick undergrowth and are home to jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and many other animal species, as well as a multitude of exotic birds.

Approximate duration: 6 hours

Class II–III rafting, moderate

Then, in the afternoon, you’ll drive from Turrialba to San Gerardo de Dota.

Depart for San Gerardo de Dota ( 2,200 meters above sea level), the land of the quetzal, via Ruta 2, passing near Costa Rica’s former capital, Cartago.

Arrival at the bottom of the steep Savegre River valley.

Approximate travel time: 2 hours

Spend a cozy night in a renowned eco-lodge. The perfect place to explore this mountainous region of Costa Rica—the country’s coldest—known for its opportunities to spot the legendary quetzal.

Discover the quetzal, then head to the Pacific Coast to visit some magnificent waterfalls! 

Early in the morning (between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m.), you’ll leave your ecolodge, accompanied by a naturalist guide, to go in search of the quetzal, many of which nest in the surrounding area.

You’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience an unforgettable encounter with this mystical Mesoamerican bird.

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Drive from Turrialba to Uvita.

You’ll pass through Cartago and Cerro de la Muerte before reaching the Pacific coast.

Approximate travel time: 4.5 hours.

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the stunning Nauyaca Falls!

You’ll be able to take a beautiful hike to the Cataratas de Nauyaca, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country.

To reach the waterfalls, you’ll take a scenic walk through lush vegetation to a canyon about 80 meters wide.

Once you arrive at the waterfalls—some of which reach 45 meters in height—you’ll be able to fully enjoy the natural pools for swimming and relaxing while taking in the surrounding nature.

Overnight stay at an official campground in Uvita

You’ll enjoy all the comforts of your fully equipped vehicle as you spend the night at a charming campground, located right on the beach and nearthe entrance to Marino Ballena National Park.

Snorkeling Excursion to Isla del Caño!

Early morning departure from Uvita by boat to sail south along the Pacific coast toward the famous Osa Peninsula.

Spend the day exploring the Isla del Caño Biological Reserve, a place once considered sacred by the pre-Columbian Diquis people.

The seabed is perfect for snorkeling. In the warm offshore waters, dolphins, whales, and manta rays swim side by side.

Approximate duration: 8 hours, including a 1-hour drive to the Sierpe pier.

Second night at an official campground in Uvita

You’ll enjoy all the comforts of your fully equipped vehicle as you spend the night at the same campground as the previous evening.

Discover one of the gems of the southern Pacific Coast: Manuel Antonio!

The drive from Uvita to Manuel Antonio.

You’ll drive along the Pacific Coast to your next stop: Manuel Antonio.

Approximate driving time: 1 hour.

Next on today’s itinerary: a surfing lesson on a paradise beach

You’ll try your hand at the country’s most famous sport. Manuel Antonio is the perfect place to learn to surf safely in a paradise-like setting, nestled between mountains and palm trees.

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Drive from Manuel Antonio to Parrita.

Depart for Parrita, a little further north on the Pacific coast, whichoffers a more pleasant setting better suited for wild camping than Manuel Antonio—a popular tourist destination with a wide range of activities.

Approximate travel time: 30 minutes.

Overnight wild camping on Palo Seco Beach

You’ll enjoy all the comforts of your camper van as you spend your first night wild camping right by the water.

Guided Tour of Manuel Antonio National Park !

Head to Manuel Antonio National Park, where you’ll meet your private English-speaking guide, who will help you explore this must-see destination in the region—a place that combines magnificent beaches with a coral reef and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

On the agenda: swimming in crystal-clear waters, relaxing on fine-sand beaches, strolling through tropical vegetation, and chance encounters with exotic animals…

The park is ideal for spotting a variety of animals, such as sloths, deer, and squirrel monkeys.

Approximate duration: 3 hours.

Then head back to Parrita to find a spot for wild camping between Playa Esterillo Oeste and Playa Palo Seco.

You’ll enjoy all the comforts of your camper van as you spend a night camping by the water.

Off to the Nicoya Peninsula and the north of the country!

The route from Parrita to the Curu Nature Reserve.

Today, you’ll leave the central Pacific coast and Parrita to head to the southern part of the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula, near Tambor and the Curu Nature Reserve.

Approximate driving time: 4.5 hours

Note: You’ll take the ferry from Paquera to Puntarenas.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Curú Nature Reserve.

This little-visited reserve (85 ha) is part of a vast private estate owned by a “Tica” family.

Its hills are home to capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, anteaters,agoutis, sloths, as well as several species of wild cats and more than 220 species of birds.

Off the coast of three magnificent beaches (Playa Colorada, Playa Curú, and Playa Quesera), whales and dolphins can sometimes be spotted, while the marshes and lagoons along the Río Curú are teeming with caimans…

Approximate duration: 3 to 5 hours, to fully explore the reserve

At dusk, discover the phenomenon of bioluminescence.

Much more than just a nighttime boat tour, this excursion is an incredible interactive experience.

Around 5:00 p.m., depart by boat from the peaceful Curú Beach, the heart of the reserve.

You’ll reach Playa Blanca, a beautiful white-sand beach located about 3 km away (a 20-minute boat ride). Here, you’ll wait for nightfall while enjoying fresh fruit on the beach, then set off again to begin the real experience.

In the darkness, you ’ll watch the water glow and shimmer, and you’ll even have the chance to go for a swim to experience this extraordinary natural phenomenon up close!

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Overnight wild camping at Playa Tambor

You’ll enjoy all the comforts of your fully equipped vehicle as you spend the night wild camping right by the water.

Heading to Santa Teresa, a famous surf spot with a “Pura Vida” vibe!

The road from Tambor to Santa Teresa.

Today, you’ll leave Tambor and head to Santa Teresa, further west on the Nicoya Peninsula.

Approximate driving time: 1 hour.

During the day, we recommend taking a roughly 2-hour canopy tour through the primary forest. This tour takes place in a pristine setting at a small, intimate facility with a relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to fully enjoy this stunning environment!

Approximate duration: 2-hour tour.

Alternatively, you can spend the day exploring the region’s beautiful beaches, perhaps going surfing, or simply wandering around in search of the best spots for your night of wild camping.

If you’d like to go surfing, be sure to check the tide schedules the day before—perhaps by asking the locals—so you can spend your morning or afternoon catching waves!

Overnight wild camping at Playa Mal País.

To enjoy all the comforts of your campervan and spend a night wild camping by the water, werecommend heading to Playa Mal País, a quiet and very pretty spot.

Today’s itinerary: exploring Cabo Blanco National Park !

You’ll explore Cabo Blanco National Park on your own — one of the country’s first protected reserves, established in 1962. Eighty-five percent of the park has been reforested, helping to preserve native species.

In the heart of this gem in the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula, you’ll encounter howler monkeys, coatis, coyotes, and many other exotic animals and birds, surrounded by lush vegetation.

Here’s a fun challenge: as you wander through the park, you’ll have the chance to discover a number of hidden beaches.

Approximate duration: 6 hours.

Overnight wild camping at Playa Mal País.

To enjoy all the comforts of your campervan and spend a night camping in the wild right by the water, werecommend heading to Playa Mal País, a quiet and very beautiful spot.

Heading to Guanacaste, Costa Rica’s must-see coastal region!

Route from Santa Teresa to Samara.

Today, you’ll leave the beautiful beach resort of Santa Teresa to head to the northern part of the Nicoya Peninsula.

Approximate travel time: 4 hours.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to explore the wild Ora River by kayak.

Enjoy an outdoor adventure as you paddle your kayak through the mangroves.

Throughout your tour, you’ll be accompanied by a wide variety of birds and may spot howler monkeys. This tour is ideal because it combines the tranquility and beauty of nature with a relaxing outdoor activity.

Approximate duration: 3 hours.

Overnight stay at a wild campsite in Playa Carillo.

To enjoy all the comforts of your campervan and spend a night camping in the wild by the water, werecommend heading to Playa Carillo, a stunning spot just outside of Samara.

A new, popular surf spot: Samara!

Spend at least three hours of your day surfing with a local instructor to discover or improve your skills in the country’s most popular sport.

You’ll have the board at your disposal for the rest of the day, so feel free to make the most of it if you still have some energy left!

Approximate duration: 3 hours.

Second night of wild camping at Playa Carillo.

To enjoy all the comforts of your campervan and spend a night wild camping by the water, werecommend heading to Playa Carillo, a stunning spot just outside of Samara.

Discover Costa Rica’s Inland Regions!

Route from Samara to Palo Verde.

Today, you’ll leave the stunning Pacific coast behind to head to Palo Verde National Park, still in the Guanacaste region.

Approximate travel time: 3 hours.

You’ll head to a renowned ranch in the region, perfectly situated between the humedales of the dry tropical forest and the mangroves of the mighty Tempisque River on the Nicoya Peninsula, making this region one of the most interesting in Costa Rica for birdwatching.

The star attraction is, of course, the jabiru stork, the largest bird in Central America. There’s no better way to get up close and admire it than on a boat safari, amidst this extraordinary landscape!

You can also enjoyother activities, including:

– Horseback riding around the ranch.

– A visit to Palo Verde National Park

– A boat ride on the Bebedero River.

– Exploring the caves of Barra Honda National Park

– Cultural visits to Santa Cruz, the colonial town of Nicoya, and the artisan villages of Guaitil and San Vicente (famous for their pottery).

But what we recommend above all else is the boat tour on the Rio Tempisque.

Ideally at the end of the day, you’ll set out on a boat tour of the Rio Tempisque, a majestic river that borders Palo Verde National Park.

The park protects more than 18,410 hectares of land, much of which is flooded during the rainy season, creating marshy areas that areideal for the passage and extended stay of various bird species.

You’ll cruise along the Rio Tempisque, the famous river that separates Guanacaste from the rest of the country, following the banks in search of the various bird species that live there.

You’ll also have the opportunity to see crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys, and other animals living in Palo Verde National Park.

Approximate duration: 1.5 hours.

Overnight camping on the ranch property.

You’ll enjoy all the comforts of your fully equipped vehicle as you spend the night camping on the vast grounds of this renowned ranch.

An In-Depth Exploration of Palo Verde National Park!

Palo Verde National Park is one of the most biologically diverse places in Costa Rica. It comprises a rich mosaic of more than 15 different natural communities, including lowland broadleaf forest, coniferous forest, flooded forest, deciduous forest on limestone, zacatonales — (areas where zacatón, or Muhlenbergia macroura, grows) and mangroves.

Approximate duration: 6 hours.

Info: Overnight stay in the park is possible

Then, in the afternoon, you’ll drive from Palo Verde to Tenorio

Depart for the Tenorio Volcano region, whose park is home to the famous Rio Celeste.

Approximate driving time: 1.5 hours.

Overnight stay at a charming ecolodge, run by a Belgian family, offering a superb setting amid cacao plantations, volcanoes, and tropical forest.

After so many nights of wild camping, you’ll appreciate the comfort of this lodging, which is perfectly suited for cooler nights.

Today, you’ll explore the Río Celeste on horseback!

You’ll set off on a beautiful horseback ride through the forest, along trails that will lead you to the Río Celeste, where you’ll have the chance to go for a swim (something that isn’t allowed inside the national park).

You’ll also make a stop along the way for a little thrill-seeking activity —a surprise in store for you.

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Second night at this charming ecolodge, run by a Belgian family, offering a stunning setting amid cacao plantations, volcanoes, and tropical forest.

Set out to explore Costa Rica’s most famous volcano: Arenal!

The road from Tenorio to Arenal.

Depart for the La Fortuna region and the majestic Arenal Volcano(1,635 meters).

Approximate travel time: 2 hours.

You’ll have time during the day to explore the region and its various exceptional natural sites.

Then, come evening, it’s time to encounter nocturnal animals!

You’ll discover the region’s wildlife during a night hike.

Your naturalist guide will help you spot different types of frogs, as well as snakes, spiders, and other nocturnal species.

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Spend the night in a beautiful hotel in the Arenal region to comfortably wrap up your stay in an area where the climate isn’t ideal for wild camping. 

A day dedicated to exploring Arenal and its natural wonders!

Off-the-beaten-path hike around the volcano:

You’ll hike with a local guide through the heart of the Arenal volcano’s countryside.

Along the way, you’ll stop at a small waterfall known only to insiders and completely off the beaten path.

You’ll also enjoy beautiful views of the volcano during the hike.

A picnic break is planned at the ranch of a local finca.

Approximate duration: 7 hours, including 4 hours of hiking; moderate difficulty.

And to recover from this long hike, you’ll end the day by enjoying the Arenal hot springs!

At the end of the day, you’ll enjoy a moment of relaxation at a hot spring resort offering an intimate setting perfect for unwinding.

The hot waters come directly from the hot springs of the Arenal Volcano and never come into contact with the magma.

Approximate duration: 3 hours.

Second night at this beautiful hotel in the Arenal region. 

End of your trip and return to the capital, San José!

Drive from Arenal to San José/Alajuela.

Approximate travel time: 3 hours.

Return your vehicle to our partner, Camper Van, who will then arrange your transfer to the airport so you can catch your international return flight.