To get an insider’s view of Costa Rica, get behind the wheel and set off on a road trip around the country. With a week to spare, you can travel from the capital of San José to the town of Arenal Volcano National Park (home of the iconic volcano) to the cloud forests of Monteverde and finally to the marine parks and beaches of the Pacific Coast. Or you could make this northwest section of Costa Rica your primary destination and drive around the beaches of Tamarindo, Sámara, and others on the famed Nicoya Peninsula, hitting the best surf spots as you go.
Taking a road trip through Costa Rica gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore where you want. You'll pass through stunning natural scenery — from lush cloud forests to picturesque beaches — in seven days of scenic driving. This tour can be extended or shortened depending on how much time you have.
This seven-day itinerary is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive beach holiday. You'll arrive in Liberia, the hub of Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province. From the airport, head south to Playa Sámara, a coastal village on the Nicoya Peninsula. Then, make the drive back north to the popular surf town of Tamarindo, where you'll spend your days riding the waves and taking part in nature excursions—you might even get to see nesting sea turtles, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
