The Costa Rica Ring Road: A Loop Through Paradise
We couldn’t possibly say which part of Costa Rica is our favorite. Each has its essence, climate, nuances, and beauty. So our recommendation is always: the more Costa Rica, the better. So, in an attempt to see all of Costa Rica in one unforgettable trip, we are introducing the Costa Rica Ring Road itinerary: a circular route that lets you soak in the country’s greatest hits, without backtracking.
Start: SJO or LIR
Land in either San José or Liberia and hit the road. From San José, head north towards Costa Rica’s most iconic volcano.
Arenal Volcano
La Fortuna & Arenal (Days 1–3)
Exactly where the adventure begins. Arenal Volcano looms large, surrounded by hot springs, waterfalls, and rainforest hikes. Don’t miss the Mistico Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, or a post-hike dip in natural thermal rivers.
Monteverde Cloud Forest (Days 4–5)
Walk into the clouds—literally. Monteverde offers some of the most beautiful landscapes, misty trails, hummingbirds, and ziplines through the treetops in Treetopia. A cool change of pace, both in altitude and atmosphere.
Guanacaste Coast (Days 6–7)
Sun’s out, surf’s up. Tamarindo, Playa Conchal, or Playa Flamingo—drive down Guanacaste’s Golden Coast and choose your favorite. Lounge, surf, snorkel, or just enjoy a sunset that makes your Instagram followers jealous.
Nicoya Peninsula (Days 8–9)
Drive (or ferry) down to Nosara or Santa Teresa, Costa Rica’s barefoot-chic beach towns. Think yoga, smoothie bowls, tide pools, and sea turtles (if you’re lucky) and the most beautiful sunsets you’ll probably get to witness.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio (Days 10–11)
Swing down the Pacific coast to Manuel Antonio. It’s the postcard-perfect combo of jungle and beach, with sloths, monkeys, and a national park you’ll want to hike twice. Try your best to visit Villa Vainilla’s spice tour: it’s completely worth the drive.
Turrialba, or Coffee Country (Day 12–13)
Before closing the loop, slow it down in the Orosi Valley to visit some historical buildings or visit a coffee finca near Turrialba. It’s the perfect wind-down: mountain air, rivers, and rich Costa Rican coffee straight from the source.
If your starting point is SJO, you can perfectly choose to go on ahead to the Southern Caribbean. If not, it can be a heavy drive from Puerto Viejo back to LIR.
Parque Nacional Cahuita
Southern Caribbean (Day 14-16)
Keep heading east on the road that drives to Siquirres and drops down to the Caribbean. Puerto Viejo offers reggae beats, Afro-Caribbean flavors, and some stunning beaches that feel completely different from those on the Pacific Coast. Nearby Cahuita National Park is home to coral reefs, sloths, and sea turtles. It’s a cultural shift-completely worth the drive.
Departure (Day 17)
Drive back to your starting point—SJO or LIR—and fly home with a camera full of memories and probably some sand still in your shoes.