10 things to do on your Costa Rican Road Trip
Visit a Pacific coast beach, cross Hanging Bridges and lose yourself in a rainforest
The sunset view from our room at the Hotel Parador, Manuel Antonio
These are the top 10 unforgettable things we think you’ll enjoy on a Costa Rican Road Trip, based on our own adventures.
This Central American country has so much to offer beautiful beaches, wildlife in abundance lush rainforest and warm and friendly Ticos.
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1 Meander through a Rain Forest
A small waterfall, deep within the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
It was breath-taking and a such delightful way to get close to nature and witness first-hand the amazing diversity of the flora and fauna that Costa Rica has to offer.
2 Journey through the canals of Tortuguero
The channels around Tortuguero
A resting Caiman, Tortuguero
Keeping your eyes wide open for the array of tropical colourful birds. Look-out along the banks in the still waters where Caiman maybe hiding. And, don’t forget watch out for overhanging branches where reptiles are warming their bodies in the Costa Rican sunshine.
Further Reading
If your heading off on your own Costa Rican adventure, than grab a copy of this DK Eyewitness book.
I love planning trips and these guides are so helpful.
I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
3 Wander surrounded by a Cloud Forest
The Cloud Forest Reserve, Monteverde
The peace and tranquillity that comes from walking under the protective canopies of the Monteverde cloud forest is magnificent. You can feel the forest is alive all around, you may not be able to see the wildlife; however, they will certainly be able to see you.
4 Admire the Sloths
When we decided to head to Costa Rica one of the main animals, I wanted to see were sloths. They are such charming creatures, I’m not too sure if they do anything quickly.
Our first Sloth in Costa Rica
We were lucky to see quite few sloths on our Costa Rican travels, both two-toed and three-toed. Their slow pace of life certainly starts to rub off on you.
A Sloth, reaching out in Tortuguero
Don't just take our word for it!
5 Appreciate the Reptiles, Birds, Monkeys, Snakes (the list is endless)
A huge iguana in Tortuguero
From the hummingbirds that seem to defy physics, to the elegant pelicans swooping across water. The range of colourful bird life throughout Costa Rica is staggering.
A hummingbird in flight
Monkeys that look so human in their mannerisms to spooky bats hiding on trunks of trees. Okay, we didn’t see a huge number of bats, the line of long-nosed proboscis bats we saw were impressive.
A Mantled howler monkey, looking bemused
A Green Basilisk lizard resting, Tortuguero, Costa Rica
6 Walk across the Hanging Bridges
Strolling across the Hanging Bridges at Arenal was a bizarre experience. You feel like you’re teetering above the world.
The opportunity to observe the canopy of the forest and get a birds-eye view was awe-inspiring. Walking from peak-to-peak with the sound of the forest surrounding you, is a feeling that will always remain with me.
Bridges connect different parts of the park
Tempted To?
Embark on your own Costa Rican road trip you'll be amazed how easy it is to tour around by car with. Like us you can create your own road trip and visit Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Arenal and Tortuguero.
Take a peek at the offers at Rental Cars, they cover all budgets and allow you to pick up and drop off at different destinations.
7 Stroll along a Pacific Coast Beach
Are there many experiences better than strolling a tranquil idyllic beach, on the Pacific coast? Especially when you appear to have it to yourself, although you never know how many little pairs of eyes are watching you from the trees.
Playa Biesanz bay in Manuel Antonio was beautiful.
The secret Beach, Playa Biesanz - Manuel Antonio
8 Observe an active Volcano
A memorable experience of our road trip around Costa Rica would have been to observe lava erupting from the top of the volcano.
Arenal volcano shrouded in cloud
However, we were probably lucky that it didn’t happen. Especially while we were zip-lining through the nearby forests. 🙂
9 Visit a Coffee Plantation
Get the full bush to mug story on how that early morning pick-me-up juice is grown. Stroll through the plantation and enjoy the historical journey from the rich red beans that spread from Ethiopia to the global commodity that is now coffee.
Over the Don Juan coffee plantation, Monteverde, Costa Rica
10 Experience a Zip Line adventure
This is not just for the adrenaline junkies this one. Very few of us will get the opportunity to soar across the treetops of a tropical rain forest. If you get the chance, give it a go because you only live once.
The cable line back to the Sky Tram base, Arenal
It was an unbelievable experience and really made me smile from ear to ear. It’s not often you see a flock of toucans fly by in front of you. Truly memorable.
Our zip-line adventure was with Sky Tram in Arenal.
Have You?
Inspired to visit Costa Rica?
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