Ever considered a Costa Rica Road Trip? Read on to learn more about the first two days of our eight day road trip across the Northern part of the country. We’ll go into detail about getting settled in on Day 1 and visiting Manuel Antonio National Park on Day 2.
Day 1 – Flying to Costa Rica
We made it to the airport with time to spare! Unfortunately, the layover caused a bit of a delay in our schedule for the day. Ultimately, we had to cut out visiting Carara National Park from our Day 1 itinerary (full itinerary here). As always, we went into designing the Costa Rica Road Trip itinerary acknowledging that there is the possibility for things to change.
Once we arrive in Costa Rica, we pick up our checked bag and make a stop at the Duty Free. The wine, beer and liquor prices are reasonable here. $12USD for a 750mL of aged Costa Rican rum and $5 USD for a six pack of the national beer. The location is also highly convenient as far as getting your trip started.
Picking up our Rental Car
Next we make our way to the arrivals curb where we begin our search for the rental car shuttle. We appreciate having a plan to depart the airport, as there as ALOT of people around trying to coordinate us. Several resources we read claim this is the first place to be careful when it comes to potential scams. We found our guy in an Adobe Rental Car outfit with our name on a list. He calls the shuttle and we wait only a couple minutes for it to arrive. Did we mention it’s POURING rain!? After all, we are visiting during the ‘wet season’.
There are essentially three seasons in Costa Rica. The ‘dry’ season runs from December to April. The ‘shoulder’ (ie. less wet) season form May to July, and ‘wet’ or ‘green’ season from August to November. What this means is you are pretty much guaranteed some sort of precipitation every day during the wet season. Days are generally clear and sunny in the morning and early afternoon. It is however, enough to deter some folks from traveling which makes it a great time of year to visit!
The rental car agency is a short distance from the airport, less than a 10 minute ride. When we arrive, an agent is ready to get us moving (but not rushing us by any means)! We went through the usual rental car check in, and the staff were very pleasant and thorough! If you decide to plan a Costa Rica Road Trip, definitely do it through Adobe. They have multiple offices across the country. After a quick walk around of the car, we were on our way. Of course, this means a quick stop at the store for snacks and some bottled water for us to bring along.
Costa Rica Travel Tip: we were advised by several resources to avoid drinking tap water on our trip. Reason being, our foreign intestinal flora might not adjust well to the local water contents. Hence, bottled water would allow us to enjoy our trip rather than spend it on the toilet 😉
Buying Local Currency
We also planned to buy local currency once we arrived in the country (on further advice). More specifically, from an actual bank, not one of those exchange centers near or in the airport. This adds another element of experiencing local culture to our trip.
They say that for the most part, you can get by in the country with USD and credit cards. But we decided to have some local currency just in case (glad we did). In Costa Rica, when you enter a bank, a greeter asks you what you want to do. Next, you get a ticket (somehow specific to the task at hand) and take a seat. Now, you wait for them to call your number. We waited about 10 minutes before getting our transaction processed. Also, each of the teller’s has a ‘back up’/secondary teller. Not clear on the reasoning for that.
At the time of our trip, $1 USD = ₡575 Costa Rican Colon
Fuel was ₡609/L which converts to ~$3.93/gallon
Snacks, water and money in tow, we set our sights on the coast and kick off this Costa Rica Road Trip! Our first night will be spent in the [Pacific] coastal town of Quepos. We drive through a couple tolls along the 1.5 hour drive (~$4USD worth). Our drive rolls into the evening and through pouring rain which made for poor sightseeing along the way. Alas, we arrive at our destination, a gated hostel in downtown Quespos. We check in, do a quick lap of the town to explore the nightlife and call it a night.
While walking around Quespos after dark (and other towns), we were approached several times by the locals asking if we were looking for cocaine. This is apparently the #1 drug that Americans look for while traveling in Costa Rica which was a curious fact. So don’t be alarmed.
Day 2 – Manuel Antonio National Park
We wake up to beautiful weather and dive into the breakfast included at the hostel (cereal, coffee and fresh fruit). We soon learn that the staple fresh fruit with hotel/hostel breakfasts here are papaya, banana and pineapple (yum!).
On the advice of the kind staff managing the hostel, we decide travel by bus this morning. The local bus runs from downtown Quepos to Manuel Antonio National Park. This 15 minute ride costs ~$1USD per person, round trip vs. nearly $10 to park a car. The trip is simple as the bus’ last stop is essentially the park. You’ll disembark beach front at the bottom of a street (across the street from a restaurant called Martin’s).
Entering the Park
This is another place where you should be prepared to get hustled by the locals. They offer the best tour guides, souvenirs and beach front real estate in the form of tents and chairs. Thank them for their offer and cross the street. Walk a couple hundred meters to the park entrance (the hustling continues along this walk). There are tours/tour guides available for the park but we decided to forego the option. They start at about $50 USD pp so we skipped it for budget purposes.
Manuel Antonio National Park is open from 7am to 4pm everyday except Monday. They limit the number of folks entering the park on a daily basis, so it’s good to get there early.
When we arrive at the entrance, we are instructed that the tickets need to be purchased at the Coopealianza. This is the bank like building on your right before you enter the gate. Entry is $16 USD per person. We are also asked if we have any food in our bag. Of course, we respond that we had granola bars. The park ranger informs us that sandwiches and fruit are permitted but granola bars are not. They claim it is due to the sugar content but we are still skeptical about their reasoning, being there is sugar in bread and that tourists may be brining in non-local fruit. So we eat a couple snacks prior to entering and donate a couple to the local hustlers. Granola bar free, we make our way into the park.
Walking the Trails
The park entrance puts us on the Principal Trail. This trail winds along a dock like path, through the forest and mangroves, and spits you out at Playa Espadilla Sur. Here, you stare out onto the Pacific Ocean. The crescent shaped, white sand beach only had a few folks along it. It is said to be one of the less busy beaches in the park. We continued along the path towards Punta Catedral and saw our first sloths! Luckily there were a couple people looking up at them, otherwise we may have missed them all together! We also walk past a tour group gazing at a snake. We saw racoons, agouti and iguanas along the trail.
Agouti: large rodent native to Central and South America. They are closely related to the Guinea Pig but are quite large in comparison. They get up to 60 cm (24 in) in length and 9 lbs.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agouti
We continue along the Punta Catedral loop which is a less than 1 mile hike with a slight elevation. It’s worth it though, for the sweeping views of the Pacific coast line. They say you can see humpback whales feeding near shore in the fall months (we did not). We exit the trail at Playa Manuel Antonio, the park’s most popular beach and find a quiet corner to take it all in. The rocks on either end of the beach provide for great snorkeling, which we of course took advantage of. We saw common inshore tropical fish like sergeant major, wrasse, perch and even a trigger fish. The visibility wasn’t fantastic but it was good enough to satiate our snorkeling palate.
We sit on the beach for a bit, watching other snorkelers, passing iguanas and listening to howler monkeys. There was even a scuffle between two male iguanas as a female passed through. Though we never did lay our eyes on a howler monkey. We did however see about a dozen squirrel monkeys (aka mono titi) in the tree tops. This park is a GREAT first stop!
There are four species of monkey native to Costa Rica. The white-faced capucin, Central American squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii), the Panamanian white-faced capuchin (Cebus imitator), the mantled howler (Alouatta palliata) and Geoffroy’s spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi). All of which can be found in Manuel Antonio National Park (we saw three).
Once we decide it’s time to move on from the beach, we make our way onto the Perezosa Trail (Sendrero El Perezosa) aka the ‘Sloth Trail’. This is another ~1mile trail that winds through the forest, providing more wildlife viewing opportunities. Along this trail is where we encountered a group of white-faced capuchin monkeys that entertain us for a short while. We continue out of the park, back down to the bus stop and grab a beer on the beach while we wait. The national cerveza here is Imperial.
Onto Our Next Destination
After popping back into the hostel for a quick shower, we jump in the car and head north. We will be spending the night in Santa Elana, approximately 3.5 hours north of Quespos, and plan to stop in Jaco for a sunset dinner. As we make our way along the highway, we can see all the sights we missed the night before. The roadside attractions consist mainly of palm farms. These acres upon acres of palm tree are plantations that produce palm oil. It was incredible to see such a massive concentration of palm trees in one place.
For our Costa Rica Road Trip, we opted to use the offline option offered by Google Maps. Prior to our trip, we downloaded the relevant maps and used them to navigate between destinations. It gives you the designated course but doesn’t have the narration so the method is a little old school. We missed a couple turns but got back on track quickly, so for the most part, if worked really well!
While Phil drives, Kat does a bit of research into waterfront restaurants in Jaco. We find ourselves at El Hicaco, a BEAUTIFUL beach front restaurant and perfect location to watch the sunset. We arrive and the restaurant is nearly dead. There are only a handful of patrons which made the experience even more romantic. We order ceviche (we’ve heard it’s a must eat in Costa Rica) and grilled octopus. Bellies full and sun down, we jump back in the car to finish up our ride to the mountain top village of Santa Elana. It is a slow, curvy, uphill drive into town. Can’t wait to see what it looks like in the daylight tomorrow!
Feel free to drop us any questions about the first two days of our trip below. Be sure to stay tuned for Day 3 of our Costa Rica Road Trip!
Have you ever visited a place like Manuel Antonio National Park?
The national park looks so beautiful, with plenty of beautiful scenery and wildlife to observe. The guided tours sound very expensive, I would have skipped them as well and walk the trails on my own.
It really is Joanna! We love to spend time outdoors so we had several National Parks on our itinerary. This was definitely one of the top ones we’ve ever visited! And it was very easy to get around on our own. We were quite pleased with what we saw without a guide, so glad we saved our money!
Oh wow, I’ve really enjoyed your post. I visited Costa Rica once on a work trip and thought it was beautiful. I’d love to go back.
Work trip!? That’s awesome Fiona! Maybe they’ll send you again 😉 Thanks so much for dropping in!
Looks like such a wonderful trip! I love the trail which you took at the National Park, it looks like a trail I would love to explore as well as I love nature.
Thanks Yeah! We love to spend time outdoors so we had several National Parks on our itinerary. This was definitely one of the top ones we’ve ever hit. Happy travels!
I would love Costa Rica. How fun. Now to talk my hubby into going.
Haha! Yes Valerie!! Let us know if he needs any convincing 😉 Fingers crossed that he bites!!
We usually prefer to explore a country with a rental car too, sounds like a great place to visit. Lot of nature and trekking paths.
Awesome kumamonjeng!! It’s definitely nice to have the freedom that comes with the rental car. This way, you can hop on and off several trails in the same day. Where are you off to next?
I’ve heard so much about how beautiful Costa Rica is. I wish I could go one day.
It truly is a lovely place Liz. If you need more material to satiate your wanderlust, we’ve got several more days to blog about. Stay tuned!
I am hoping to plan a trip to Costa Rica very soo . Thank you for all of this useful information!
That’s great Regan! Can we come with you?? 😉 We’ve got more details coming, as well as some previously published material for planning the trip. Once you get to the planning phase, check out how we planned the trip for two for a week for less than $1050 USD. And of course, feel free to ask us any questions you might have! Happy travels!
I can’t wait to hear about day 3. Costa Rica seems amazing!
Coming at you by the end of the weekend Sue-Tanya. We’re excited to share it!!
I’ve always wanted to go to Costa Rica. All of those places look so green and lush!
Don’t they though Ashley!! This is particularly true during our trip because we were visiting during the off/wet/green season. No doubt it’s beautiful year round however 😉
I’ve always wanted to visit Costa Rica. It’s so beautiful there and everything looks like an adventure.
We can’t say enough good things about it Heather. The landscape is stunning! It is definitely a nature/adventure lover’s dream!!
Costa Rica is beautiful. Will add this to my bucket list.
It seems to be on most people’s list Jay 😉 That said, maybe plan to head there in the off/wet season like we did to minimize the amount of folks visiting concurrently.
Costa Rica is definitely somewhere I would like to visit. It looks like paradise!
It absolutely is Natalie! We hope you get there someday as well!! Happy travels!
Wow! Y’all were able to plan everything out so well! If I ever visit Costa Rica I am coming back to this post for all the details! It was super smart how you booked your transportation ahead of time! That can be really challenging sometimes in other countries!
Thanks so much for saying so Kasey! Kat is definitely a planner so winging a rental car wouldn’t fly haha! Be sure to check back in for more details about our trip and to check out the discounts we landed during the planning phase. Of course, feel free to reach out with any questions you have about the trip or planning. Always happy to be of assistance 🙂
Sounds like your trip is off to a great start! Good call on the currency exchange – I’m always careful to have local currency on me when I travel, just in case. Can’t wait to read about the rest of the trip!
Glad you concur Morgan! Plus their money is so pretty!! Most places accepted USD and credit cards but we’re glad we bought some either way. You just never know. Happy travels!
It is a good thing you followed the advice of the hostel staff, that bus ride was so much cheaper and also saved you from driving after doing the trail.
So true Alvin! The roads are crazy enough there as it is. It was nice to have someone else take the wheel for sure!
Costa Rica is one of the top places on my bucket list! I’m going to pin this for when I go. Thanks for sharing this!
You are most welcome Lecy! More guides and tips to come 😉 And don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you have once you get to the planning phase of your trip – always happy to help!!
Enjoyed reading the blog. Lots of interesting information if one wishes to visit these spots. Looking forward to reading day 3.
Thanks so much Dana 🙂 Really appreciate your support and so glad to have you pop by!! Day 3 coming soon!! xoxo
Costa Rica has been on my bucket list for a while I have been wanting go there and can’t wait it look so fun and your guide is so helpful
Don’t let it pass you by Jerrieal! It’s actually a really affordable trip. Check out our other posts to see how we got hotels, rental car and flights for two, for 8 days for less than $1050 USD. Also check back in for more details about the rest of our trip. Happy travels!!
Looks and sounds absolutely amazing babe!! I would love to travel here, definitely need to add to my travel list!
Kileen
cute & little
Thanks Kileen! Always happy to inspire 😉 We hope you get a chance to visit soon. Safe travels!!
The national park just looks so amazing. So many different kinds of flora and fauna as well as all kinds of great vistas. The animal life would be great to see up close and personal as well.
It was awesome David! Top of our list of all the parks we visited while we were there. It’s so neat to see animals like monkeys and sloths outside of cages but still curious. The variety of plants was incredible as well. Hope you get a chance to visit someday!
This destination is destined to be on my bucket list! The place is gorgeous. What a really amazing park!
That’s great Candy! We can’t say enough good things about it! Be sure to check back in for more of the adventures we experienced during our week. Happy travels!
I dream about a Costa Rica road trip!! You explored some incredible places, and I’m completely envious! I’d love to visit one day soon.
We think a road trip is definitely the way to go Lisa. It’s nice to have control of where you go and to fit in as much as you can. We would absolutely do it again! Happy travels!
I would enjoy this kind of adventure going to the park. I like being close to nature.
There are SO MANY National Parks in Costa Rica Garf. We bet you’d love it. Do you have a favourite trail near where you live? Nothing beats a good hike and some fresh air.
I loved my time in Manuel Antonio! It was so cool seeing the sloths and monkeys for the first time and then relaxing at all of the amazing beaches.
It was actually top of our list of sights as well Eli! Easy way to kill a full day, possibly two! Safe travels.
So glad you guys are enjoying travelling and seeing so much
You know it! Maybe we can get you to Costa Rica next? 😛 xx
We had some friends who just got back from Costa Rica. They can’t stop raving about their experience. Beautiful country.
We probably sounds a lot like them to our friends and fam 😉 Are you planning to visit yourself Heather? We definitely recommend it!
That park looks so beautiful. I’m a travel agent and I’m planning a trip for a couple going to Costa Rica- it makes me really want to go too! So you do recommend getting some Costa Rican currency? I had read that you should be okay with American money.
Hi there Becky! It is correct that for the most part you can get by with USD or credit card. We wanted to have some cash on hand, just in case, as we were traveling around quite a bit (and because it’s so pretty!) But all the major attractions, hotels, restaurants and stores accepted USD or credit card. Hope you get a chance to get there yourself sometime!
We have been visiting Mexico for years, and I have been wanting to switch things up and visit Costa Rica. This looks like an amazing trip with all the things we like (swimming, hiking, etc).
That’s not a bad idea Marysa! We had a really great time. We’ve actually never been to Mexico. Let’s trade!!
Looks like you had a great trip! What was your favorite part about it?
That’s a tough one to answer Suzanne! The scenery and food were fantastic, and each part of the country has it’s own special thing to offer. The hot springs were neat to check out and the wildlife was pretty incredible as well. Oh, and the coffee was delicious 😉
We’ve never been to Costa Rica but would love to visit. Our youngest daughter is just getting old enough for us to feel like international travel with her would be a good experience.
It definitely has the potential to be a great family trip Heather! We weren’t traveling with children but came across many kid friendly activities in our research. We highly recommend it! Happy travel 🙂
Hello Kat and Phil,
LOVE the tips and thank you for sharing! My husband and I are planning on traveling to Costa Rica in May 2020 and we are interested in renting a car. I am curious about the conditions of the roads? What season did you go? did you feel comfortable driving at night? how is parking? Just few questions lol
How exciting Kalista!! For the most part the roads were quite manageable. Do you know where you’ll be going? There are nicely paved major roads between the bigger towns. If you are heading into the Monteverde region, there are some winding, gravel roads. We visited in September which falls in the rain/wet season. We drove in the rain nearly every afternoon but didn’t encounter dangerous road conditions (flooding, mudslides etc.) though this probably depends on how heavy the rain season is. We did quite a bit of driving in the dark, but none over night. That being said, we felt pretty safe doing so. Parking varies, again, depending on where you will be traveling. Happy to answer more questions if you’ve got them!
Beautiful landscape! I hope to visit Costa Rica one day.
It is a truly magical place Fuad! If you start planning a trip, feel free to reach out with any questions you might have!
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