Your Costa Rica Pacific Coast road trip guide
Costa Rica may be small, but it's the jewel of Central America. Rainforests, cloud forests, volcanoes, and mountain ranges cover the country. And thanks to the two coasts, there are loads of beaches. Costa Rica is also one of the safest countries in Central America to visit. Divided into almost 30 national parks that are home to exotic wildlife and marine species, this tiny country holds around 5% of the earth’s biodiversity! Daytrip's door-to-door car service makes it easy to enjoy a round-trip adventure along the Pacific Coast. We've put together an itinerary showcasing as much of Costa Rica's nature as possible, so you don't have to worry about figuring out bus schedules or finding local taxis. You'll see way more than on just the trip from San Jose to Monteverde most tourists make. Though, of course, we'll bring you there too.
Your Costa Rica Pacific Coast itinerary
Day 1: San José to La Fortuna (Stop in: Los Chorros Waterfalls, Else Kientzler Garden)
Day 2: La Fortuna to Tamarindo (Stop in: Arenal Volcano National Park, Llanos de Cortez Waterfall)
Day 3: Tamarindo to Monteverde (Stop in: Ponderosa Adventure Park)
Day 4: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio National Park (Stop in: Punta Arenas, Crocodile Bridge, Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfall)
Day 5: Manuel Antonio National Park to San Jose (Stop in: Rainmaker Forest, Catarata Bijagual)
Day 1: San José to La Fortuna
San Jose, Costa Rica’s vibrant capital, is a good place to get acquainted with Tico life. Relax in the Parque Metropolitano La Sabana before grabbing some local grub. While you're in town, stop at some of the city's museums. The Museo del Oro Precolombino (Pre-Columbian Gold Museum) is especially interesting since people often overlook the country's past. When you're ready, head from San Jose to La Fortuna, the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park.
Los Chorros Waterfalls
Costa Rica is packed with waterfalls, and the small but mighty Los Chorros ("The Jets”) is a perfect starter for a 90-minute excursion. Just a short walk through the jungle leads to the powerful, 40-meter-high cascade. For a bit more adventure, follow the riverbed into a moss-covered canyon to find an even larger waterfall!
Else Kientzler Garden
Else Kientzler Garden in Costa Rica is home to over 2,000 species of plants from around the world, making it a living museum of tropical flora!
Just 2 hours at the Else Kientzler Garden will expose you to over 2000 tropical plants from as far away as Japan and Madagascar. Keep an eye out for toucans and parrots as you pass between rare orchids, endangered hardwoods, and fruit trees you can eat from!
Arrival in La Fortuna
La Fortuna is a glorious green escape from the city with outdoor adventures aplenty. From volcanoes to waterfalls and jungle bridges to swimming springs, there’s plenty to keep you busy in and around La Fortuna. The Arenal Volcano creates a dramatic backdrop, and lush rainforest surrounds the town. You can literally walk an hour walk from the center to the magnificent 75-meter La Fortuna Waterfall. The cool pool at the base of the fall is crisp and clear and ideal for swimming and cooling off on a hot day.
Day 2: La Fortuna to Tamarindo
After enjoying the mountainous Northern Highlands, head from La Fortuna to Tamarindo to bask in the Pacific Coast.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano was one of the most active volcanoes in the world until 2010, and its perfect conical shape makes it one of Costa Rica's most iconic landmarks
You probably visited the park while you were in La Fortuna, but why wouldn't you want to have go again? Nearly all of Costa Rica's 850 identified bird species can be found here, so see how many you can spot! Stop for 90 minutes walk over hanging bridges in the rainforest or relax in naturally-heated hot spring.
Llanos de Cortez Waterfall
At 12 meters, the Llanos de Cortez Waterfall is far from Costa Rica's largest, but it's still one of our favorites. Why? Because you can go “behind the curtain” for a whole new perspective! The surrounding jungle is also great to explore on your 75 minute visit - you might even see the water-walking Jesus Lizard!
Arrival in Tamarindo
Tamarindo is famous for its incredible sunsets and is a top spot for surfing, attracting both beginners and pros from around the world
Tamarindo is one of the most popular places in Costa Rica for beach lovers and aspiring surfers. The sunsets are stunning and the waves come in every size. If you've never paddled out before, just sign up at one of the many surfing schools for a crash course! The beaches are lined with bars and restaurants offering great refreshments and cuisine after a hard day in the water!Thrill-seekers are spoiled for choice with the range of zip lines available. This is a quintessential Costa Rican activity! Fly from canopy to canopy in the middle of the rainforest for the perfect birds-eye view to spot birds and native wildlife as you soar through the trees.Surrounding Tamarindo are various turtle nesting sites on protected beaches. The peak season for nesting is between October and April is amazing to witness. Hundreds of thousands of Pacific Ridley Sea Turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, and after a few months, the hatchlings make their way to back sea.
Day 3: Tamarindo to Monteverde
After you've had your fun in the sun, drive up from Tamarindo to Monteverde. This lush green mountain town is packed with tropical forest, native flora and fauna, so much wildlife and unique cloud forests.
Ponderosa Adventure Park
Ponderosa Adventure Park in Costa Rica is not only known for its safari experiences but also features unique tree-lined landscapes perfect for outdoor activities
Stop for 3 hours for one of Costa Rica's most unique adventures. There are staples like zip lines, kayaking, nature trails, and waterfalls. But there's also an African safari, where you’ll see giraffes, endangered bongos, antelopes, ostriches, camels, and more as they walk right up to your 4x4!
Arrival in Monteverde
Monteverde is home to one of the world’s most famous cloud forests, where you can walk among the treetops on its iconic hanging bridges
When it comes to ecotourism, Monteverde is one of the top destinations in the country. An astounding 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity and 50% of the flora and fauna of Costa Rica live in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. So, hit the hiking trails and skywalks to immerse yourself in the forest. Trying to see the Resplendent Quetzal should be at the top of your list. Monteverde is the best place to see these striking green feathered beauties. Ziplining is a must in Monteverde - locals say it was invented here! There are several adventure parks around Monteverde, so daredevils rejoice! 100% Aventura boasts the longest zip line in Costa Rica at 1.5km! If you’re seeking an even bigger adrenaline rush, bungee jump from 143 meters at the Monteverde Extremo Park. If you need a break after a day spent adventuring, grab a scoop of Monteverde's famous local ice cream!
Day 4: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio National Park
Get your head out of the clouds and go from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio National Park for a bit of seaside paradise.
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is the southernmost continental city in the world and serves as a gateway to exploring Patagonia and Antarctica
One of Costa Rica's main ports since the 16th century, Punta Arenas is the perfect place to spend 90 minutes sampling some of the country's most famous products: coffee, seafood, and sun. The dining options along the waterfront promenade are best, not least because of the sea view.
Crocodile Bridge
Crocodile Bridge in Costa Rica is famous for its large population of American crocodiles, often spotted basking or swimming in the Tarcoles River below
The name is quite self-explanatory; this is a bridge with a lot of crocodiles. Stop for half an hour to spot crocs sunning themselves on the sandy river bank.
Macaw Sanctuary Natuwa
The Macaw Sanctuary Natuwa in Costa Rica plays a critical role in conserving endangered macaw species and reintegrating them into their natural habitats
If you want to see more of Costa Rica's wildlife up close, stop for 90 minutes at the Macaw Sanctuary Natuwa. This charity focuses on restoring wild populations of at-risk species, like their namesake macaw. As such, the birds here fly unrestricted and are free to enjoy their habitat as they get ready for the real world. But the sanctuary also provides a home for animals victimized by human actions, so along with the macaws, you’ll see monkeys, tapirs, anteaters, orphaned jaguars, and many other native species.
Arrival in Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, where you can spot toucans, sloths, and monkeys all in one visit
Manuel Antonio may be Costa Rica's smallest National Park, but it spans rainforests, beaches, and coral reefs. The verdant forest leads to what can only be described as one of the world’s most stunning beaches. Expect to see sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and more as you explore Manuel Antonio. Adrenaline junkies will be spoiled for choice. Off-road touring, parasailing, canyoneering, and rappelling are all sure to get your heart pumping. Water lovers can choose from jet skiing, waterfall walks, rafting, or the beautiful beach. And there are options, including a wildlife sanctuary, crocodile tours, and jungle tours for nature enthusiasts. Accommodation options range from eco-lodges to luxury resorts and five-star hotels. And they're all conveniently located on the road between the park and the nearby bustling town of Quepos.
Day 5: Manuel Antonio National Park to San Jose
After enjoying a bit of paradise, it's time to head back from Manuel Antonio to San Jose. But don't worry - Costa Rica still has a few tricks up its sleeve!
Rainmaker Forest
Take the two-hour trek along this private reserve's 2.5km trail system. From jungle paths to rope suspension bridges, you'll be treated to indigenous wildlife and spectacular lookouts.
Catarata Bijagual
Dropping 183 meters, Catarata Bijugual is one of Costa Rica’s tallest waterfalls. But thanks to its remote location, it's relatively empty. At your 2-hour stop, you'll have plenty of time to admire the falls and see all kinds of wildlife. It takes around an hour to get there, so you earn a dip in the cool water!
Arrival in San Jose
San Jose, Costa Rica's capital, sits in the heart of the Central Valley and is known for its vibrant cultural scene, including museums, theaters, and historic neighborhoods
Back in San Jose, you've still got plenty of things to do. Central Avenue in downtown San Jose is a great starting point. Many theatres and museums in the area showcase the best in Costa Rican culture. If you didn't when you first arrived in San Jose, check out the National Museum (in a former fortress), the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and the National Theatre of Costa Rica. The Central Market is the place to be for traditional food and souvenir shopping, while the Municipal Craft Market is home to artisans selling handcrafted goods.
Ready to book your Costa Rica Pacific Coast adventure?
Here's each leg of the trip! If you’re looking to continue your Costa Rican experience, check out the laid-back vibes of the Costa Rica Caribbean Coast.
Book a car from San José to La Fortuna
Book a car from La Fortuna to Tamarindo
Book a car from Tamarindo to Monteverde
Book a car from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio National Park
Book a car from Manuel Antonio National Park to San Jose
