Costa Rica 2-Week Self-Drive Tours & Itineraries

Explore 5 self-drive trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to Costa Rica.

What better way to spend a typical two-week vacay than road-tripping through the tropical paradise of Costa Rica? Get behind the wheel and take off from the capital of San José all around the country, from the beaches and jungles of Manuel Antonio National Park to the cloud forests of Monteverde. Another option is to travel from the Arenal Volcano region to the Pacific Coast and the Gulf of Papagayo, where world-class surf and miles of inviting beaches await.

See more Costa Rica Self-Drive Tours & Itineraries.

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The scenic Pacific Coast of Costa Rica
Map of Costa Rica Essentials: Self-Drive Tour - 14 Days
Costa Rica Essentials: Self-Drive Tour - 14 Days

In this two-week tour, you can experience Costa Rica's main attractions as well as its lesser-known marvels. Drive along coasts, rainforest roads, and hills to discover the natural sights that make Costa Rica the most visited country in Central America.

Coast of Corcovado National Park
Map of Costa Rica Self-Drive Adventure - 14 Days
Costa Rica Self-Drive Adventure - 14 Days

This road trip itinerary is a truly off-the-beaten-path nature excursion. Head to the remote beaches and rainforest of the Osa Peninsula before a scenic drive up the Pacific coast. You'll experience white-sand beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park, along with the cloud forest ecosystem of Monteverde where you'll hike over the jungle canopy via suspension bridges. Finally, you'll pay a visit to Arenal, an active volcano and one of Costa Rica's most famous landmarks.

Count the crocs in Costa Rica's Tárcoles
Map of Classic Costa Rica Self-Drive Adventure - 14 Days
Classic Costa Rica Self-Drive Adventure - 14 Days

This self-guided road trip is ideal for those who love nature, beaches, and adventure activities. It covers all of Costa Rica's highlights, starting at the famous Arenal Volcano. From there, on to the Gulf of Papagayo on the northern Pacific coast. It's the perfect spot to snorkel and take a sunset sailing cruise. Then, you'll venture into the misty cloud forests of Monteverde—spot rare birds, partake in a zipline canopy tour, and embark on a nocturnal wildlife excursion. End your trip with hiking and beach time in Manuel Antonio National Park.

Spot howler monkeys among other wildlife
Map of Costa Rica Road Trip: Arenal and the Pacific Coast - 14 Days
Costa Rica Road Trip: Arenal and the Pacific Coast - 14 Days

Costa Rica's rainforest, volcanoes, and beaches are yours to explore on this two-week self-drive tour. Take in sweeping views of Arenal Volcano as you zip-line over the treetops, then enjoy a hands-on chocolate-making class. Next, it's on to the Pacific Coast for world-class yoga studios, pristine nature reserves, and breathtaking sunsets—the Nicoya Peninsula offers something for everyone.

A mineral-rich river crossing near Tenorio National Park
Map of Road Trip to Costa Rica's Pacific Coast - 14 Days
Road Trip to Costa Rica's Pacific Coast - 14 Days

Hit the road for this 14-day self-drive adventure around Costa Rica's highlights! You'll pick up a rental car in Liberia and head to Rincón de la Vieja for hiking and hot springs, then drive to Arenal, where you'll visit a chocolate farm and spot sloths in the wild. The road trip takes you to Monteverde next for zip-lining in the cloud forest, then to Tamarindo and Sámara for snorkeling excursions and the chance to observe sea turtles nesting. The journey ends with a free evening in the capital city of San José.

Other durations: 7 days · 8 days · 11 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days