Beach Hopping and Roaming Costa Rica: A Guide To The Ultimate Road Trip Adventure Through Paradise.
By Casa Rica Realty:
In recent years, Costa Rica has become one of the hottest destinations in the world, especially for North American travelers wanting to leave behind the cold winter months for a warmer climate. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Costa Rica has seen a surge in tourism and investment property purchases. Venturing through this lustrous country, the best way to see its endless beauty is by car. It can be an awe-inspiring adventure of abundant nature, wildlife and beach vibes. Costa Rica has to be one of the best countries for road tripping— especially if you are beach hopping. On the roam, the road here calls to the surf culture of this epic country. Endless paths, magic moments around every corner, each turn offering a little bit of the Pura Vida vibe. Enjoy listening to your favorite tunes with friends, surf boards in tow and the dogs in the back… nowhere to really be, unless you are trying to catch an epic swell or you are chasing sunsets.
Costa Rica is for adventurous souls, those yearning to explore the rugged beauty of the jungle and play like a child in the ocean. It is for the wanderlust spirit, who wants to be on the roam, feel what it is to live simply and fully in the moment. This is an experience that will set your soul-on-fire. There are endless destinations you can choose from as you cruise the Coast of Costa Rica.
It is best to rent a reliable car that is suitable for your journey and travel itinerary. You will need a vehicle that fits all your friends, dogs and surf boards (and of course, don’t forget to have your Spotify playlist ready and other road trip must-haves prepared and packed). But more seriously, a car that can handle the rural roads as well as potential flooding hazards and zones, is a must for a successful and safe journey. As you travel from beach town to beach town, make sure to pick smart routes and to rent a car with good suspension that is higher from the ground. It is ideal to get a car with 4×4 capabilities to access remote and secluded beach towns or mountainous destination retreats. Renting in Costa Rica is fun and a great way to explore this Central American paradise, but there are some things to think about before taking this step. First off, drive on the right. Passing is allowed only on the left. Make sure to get the proper insurance that is suggested by the rental car company. Check with your credit card company to see if they also offer insurance to save a little bit of cash.
A few reputable rental car companies we think you will like are: Enterprise and Economy Rentals, they offer fair pricing and nice, new vehicles. Foreign drivers in Costa Rica are also expected to have a valid driver’s license from their native country. Many places will also accept an International Driving Permit (IDP), issued in your country of origin.
Pricing for renting a car in Costa Rica is quite similar to prices in North America, not just because of the recent large increase in tourism, but mainly because of the high insurance costs. This is due to road and infrastructure issues, as well as some extreme weather conditions. You can expect to pay around $13 USD to $44 USD per day. It is possible to save on insurance costs by paying with certain credit card companies that offer car insurance coverage while traveling. The credit card company will then cover partial damage to the car, saving you a small
daily cost on your car insurance. It is important to speak with your specific credit card to see if they offer this in the country in which you are traveling or spending time in. It is also possible to receive discounts if you own a Costa Rican corporation or business, in which case, you can set up your corporate accounts and receive the benefits of those accounts. This is mainly advice for expats who have relocated, or Costa Rican residents who own a corporation.
Costa Rica has endless transportation options for you to explore this beautiful country, and for all travel budgets. However, there is nothing quite like the open road. This country blossoms with abundant opportunities (and flora during green season) to explore and experience amazing beaches, food, yoga, surf, wildlife, outdoor activities, nature and the Pura Vida lifestyle. From coast to coast, and through mountain ranges and endless waterfalls. There is never a lack of experiences and memories to make in this breathtaking country.
Another great thing about traveling around Costa Rica by car, is that it isn’t a very big country and therefore you can see a lot in a short time. You can drive from one side to the other, experiencing a variety of climates and biodiverse wildlife. If you decide to take a reasonable amount of time for a longer vacation, nearly every beach will be within your reach. For those of us who enjoy beach hopping, like popping through the Cyclades by boat in Europe, Costa Rica invites you to explore a variety of rugged and untouched nooks, as well as tourist beaches that will leave you in awe.
Costa Rica is a dreamy paradise that makes those who visit want to stay longer and longer each time they come to this Sacred land. The love you will develop for Costa Rica will not surprise you after you experience everything that this epic country has to offer. It is reflected back to you
In the kind eyes of the Locals who live here, their love for their country and nature, the laid back lifestyle where it is important to enjoy life here is infectious. There are so many different beaches, different vibes and different scenery to lose yourself in… No day in this wonderland is ever the same. Below is a list of some of the Top Chill Beach Towns to hop over to on your next road trip. Also included are some must-see spots throughout Costa Rica that you can’t miss!
Hopping Around in Costa Rica-Explore These Laid-Back Beaches:
If you are looking to relax and have a peaceful day hanging with your amigos at the beach, then check out these super Tranquilla local spots that we adore:
Playa Carrillo:
This beach is long and wide with calm waves and that tasty warm water. It is somewhat close to the popular and bustling beach town of Nosara, and has become a popular choice for those wanting to leave the noise behind. A quiet farm town just an hour from Nosara… a few local sodas, markets and bodegas. For the laid-back surfer or artist looking to stay out of the crowds.
Santa Teresa:
Santa Teresa is the opposite of Playa Carrillo. It is a bustling surf and yoga beach town with a vibrant and bustling nightlife and hip, younger crowd. Once off-the-beaten-
path, now a popular destination for tourists, digital nomads, surfers, yogis and wanderlust spirits alike. Yes, Costa Rica is very scenic and peaceful. However, the infrastructure has been challenged by the fast-faced growing community and is now quite commercialized by foreign investment. Costa Rica is not only a popular place to do business, but it is a top wedding destination. No matter who you are, while in Costa Rica, you will have something to celebrate.
Nosara:
Nosara was once known as a sleepy beach town, where you had to take a boat and hike by foot just to get here. For years and years, due to difficulty accessing the town, it stayed a secret surfers paradise with early bedtimes and the sounds of nature all around. Now, Nosara is a hot-spot for all kinds of tourists. Not just surfers enjoy the beach here anymore — it has become a serious yogi mecca, an influencer paradise and tons of digital nomads have flocked here. The Wildlife Refuge and Protected Parklands line the beaches here, mixed in with a growing beach town, it is unknown exactly how Nosara will be in the future as it is rapidly growing everyday.
It is a town that is coffee first, surfing second. Once a difficult, rural location to get to —- now with recently paved roads and a popular reputation overseas. Nosara Costa Rica is now one of the most popular and expensive towns in the entire country. No longer a hidden gem, Nosara draws tourists from far and wide to come experience one of the most consistent surf breaks in the world. Surfable almost 365 days a year, warm water and always some fun to be had in the waves. With 200 meters of protected parkland between the ocean and residential and commercial areas, Nosara offers wonderful and elaborate walking trails through newly re-forested and regenerated beachfront pathways to paradise by the local nonprofit organization Costas Verdes. Walk through these wonderful mazes of nature to get to different areas of town, to reach shopping amenities, bakeries, local restaurants and different areas of the beach. These trails are perfect for when you get too hot soaking up the sun, just walk over to one of the many beachfront bars or taco shacks and refresh yourself. You can do everything from fish to surf to eat to drink….all on the same beach. If you overdo it a bit, don’t worry. There are hotels nearby too.
Costa Ballena:
This is the beach to enjoy a little bit of upscale and luxurious charm. There is a tasty variety of food and beverage spots around town and many activities to take part in. You can head to the beach to experience activities such as whale-watching tours, snorkeling lessons, sunbathing with friends, swimming, poolside lounging and much more.
The Pacific coast of Costa Rica is known for its many unusual geographic features and absolutely scenic beaches. On this part of your trip, you will discover some of Costa Rica’s most unique and one-of-a-kind beaches.
Playa Flamingo:
Playa Flamingo the beaches are surrounded by rugged cliffs in the water and rocky hills that are sprawled with many luxury homes in the far off distance. Imagine living on the hillside, overlooking the ocean in complete privacy while you listen to the immense power of the crashing waves lull you to sleep every evening. Flamingo is perfect for a relaxing vacation of watching sunsets and taking part in the beach life.
Playa Punta Uva:
Punta Uva is a narrow strip of sand overwhelmed with the wild and abundantly beautiful jungle, lines of palm trees and chill waves. This beach has small beginner waves and clear, warm water —- it is truly a paradise. Here in Playa Punta Uva, slow sloths lounge sleepily in tall trees as you float around the jungle path and you make your way back from a wonderful day at the beach.
Everyone loves spending days at the beach, in the sunshine and outside in nature. It always feels good getting outside for some vitamin D, taking time to enjoy the smells and sounds of the ocean, as it is the social hot bed of these relaxed beach towns. Whether you want adventure, or to do little more than sunbathing and siesta — there will be something that will bring you joy when you spend time at the beach in Costa Rica. Be a beach-hopper, slow down, enjoy life and embrace the Pura Vida vibe that encapsulates the culture and mentality of its residents. Once you check out some of the top beach destinations, venture up the hillside towards the mountains for more incredible and biodiverse Central American wildlife and nature, you will be hooked.
Nicoya Peninsula:
The Nicoya Peninsula is divided by the mainland of Costa Rica by the Gulf of Nicoya. From the Northern base to the Guanacaste Lowlands, with the peninsula extending 140 km down to the South. An increasingly high volume of tourism and Expat communities are sprouting up and are concentrated on this coast and within the mountainous in-lands of Guanacaste Province. While the mountains are definitely less populated and offer more wildlife sightings and a quiet living environment. Costa Rica has a strong history and continued tradition of cattle raising that shapes most of the landscape. Beginning in San José, pick up your rental car, your friends, surf boards and the dogs — then take the gang on a serene ferry ride across the Gulf of Nicoya. The roads can be tough on this route, but you will get to see some of the best places Costa Rica has to offer passing through Montezuma, Santa Teresa, Cabuya. Find all the secluded beaches along the way and surprises in between that will fill your heart with awe and delight. The only thing close to the experience of driving a car on the Nicoya Peninsula would be riding an ATV or a horse while a drone is rolling and following behind you capturing every epic moment!
Rio Celeste:
Rent a car and enjoy the winding, curvy roads as you embark on an exciting road trip to Arenal. It is a great and epic drive with every turn making it an even more enjoyable trip.
On a side trip to Rio Celeste, it’s a great idea to visit the river that kind of resembles that of blue Gatorade. What is interesting is that it is actually an optical illusion created by the scattering of sunlight in the water. This process does not allow the blue light to get through and is what causes this magical effect.
Orosí Valley:
The need to escape San José can come and go, but it is a must to escape for peace of mind from time to time. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city for the Orosí Valley. It is located only an hour and a half away by car from the city center. Take a leap of faith and trust us when we say it is worth the drive. Try something new and cruise the sweet mountain roads, sprawling hillsides and stunning beaches all reminding us why Costa Rica is one of the best countries in the world with some of the happiest people in the world. Orosi Valley also has some cool ruins to check out and one of the oldest churches in Costa Rica.
Osa Peninsula:
The Osa Peninsula is very remote and wild. The unkept nature of the peninsula is made for surfers who want to escape and enjoy unparalleled and epic waves. The road to Drake Bay is a real off road adventure — however you are rewarded generously with an untouched jungle, epic coastlines, and a diverse wildlife.
Cerro Chirripó:
This location isn’t for the faint of heart when it comes to their driving skills. Costa Rica can already be a challenging country for driving, due to road conditions in rural areas, and this is no exception. Driving in Costa Rica has its dangers but is also insanely beautiful and freeing. Watch out for sharp curves, pull over during big storms and downpours. Even with those concerns, we find it to be the most scenic terrain in the country. Head to the tallest point known as Chirripó and the Cloud Forest meeting point. Float around the clouds and listen to the Tranquilo sounds of the jungle.
Casa Rica Realty.