Costa Rica is home to the most picturesque scenery and vibrant culture. Many tourists never venture beyond one of the numerous beach resorts, but there is so much more to see and do. The landscape is everchanging with jungles, waterfalls, mountains, beaches, quaint towns, and urban centers. Costa Rica is home to over 500,000 species of plants and animals making it the perfect place for nature photography and seeing wildlife up close and personal. A road trip is the best way to explore this diverse country. If you are adventurous, you can rent a car and go on your own or you can sit back and relax while a private driver takes you to explore the many sights of Costa Rica. Here are three suggested routes.
San José to La Fortuna
If you're arriving in San José and taking a trip to La Fortuna, you'll find that the drive is smooth and easy despite its curvy road. This trip ensures views of the beautiful national parks and stunning exotic wildlife. The Arenal Volcano is a popular tourist attraction. It is one of the world's top active volcanoes and erupts once a day. Getting a glimpse of red-hot lava and columns of ash is an invaluable experience. After a long day of taking in the country's beauty, rest at the Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa or grab a bite at the Lava Lounge Bar and Grill.
Monteverde to Playa Grande
Although the journey from Monteverde to Playa Grande is bumpy and steep, with roads being riddled with potholes, gorgeous beaches and visits from the majestic sea turtles are a sweet treat to many. Playa Grande is home to the Leatherback Sea Turtles. They lay eggs and build nests between October and March, and between April and September, the eggs hatch, and thousands of baby turtles hobble their way into the ocean. To witness this beautiful scene and get up close and personal with these sea creatures, arrange a tour at Las Balulas National Park.
Tamarindo to Santa Teresa
While the drive from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa is not the smoothest, you are rewarded with breathtaking landscapes. Take a break from sightseeing and stop at one of the sopas (small restaurants) and indulge in authentic Costa Rican cuisine, from empanadas to patacones (deep-fried, flattened plantains) and of course some flavorful coffee. Additionally, Santa Teresa is the perfect destination for both relaxation and leisure. Its idyllic white-sand beaches are great for laying down a mat doing yoga or grabbing a surfboard and catching a wave.
When you're ready to experience these unique road trips for yourself, contact me so I can get your travel experience started. Happy exploring!