Everything you Need To Know about a 2-Week Road Trip in Costa Rica!
September 2024

We are lazy people, so just skip to the section you are interested in - I won't be mad!

Table of Contents - Costa Rica Trip

Disclamer
Just so you know - Most links you'll find here are actually just Google Maps locations to help you get around, helpful websites and apps, or direct links to places we stayed on Airbnb. These aren't affiliate links - they're simply there to make your trip planning easier! I occasionally use affiliate links from sites like GetYourGuide, Booking.com and Amazon throughout this blog. These are all services and products I genuinely use and love. If you book or buy through these specific links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you're planning to book with GetYourGuide or shop on Amazon anyway, using my links would help support this blog.
Thank you!

1. Introduction bla bla

My husband Sam and I were on a longer-ish trip through Central and South America, we actually flew from Cartagena - not from Germany where we're currently based - to San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Keep in mind, there is more than one city called San José, so you'll want to make sure you're arriving at the right one (which is not the one in California, even though that's also a nice place to visit haha!).

Little note here for people that do not know me (yet 💕). My husband and I have a bit of an ongoing competition of who has been to more places in the world - and he has been to far more countries than me. He is muuuuuuch much older, so I am fine with that (nervous laughter).

Hmmmm....reading this statement again....does it make the situation creepy? Upppsssss..... Sam is not that much older, actually.

BUT, back to the country count. Sam has been to more countries than me, but I always had one continent more - South America. So, as you can imagine, it has been a few traumatising days leading up to this adventure. By the way, if you are interested in tracking your country count, I recommend the app "been", it really does not do anything besides list the countries you have been to. But I love it.

Since I find it interesting myself to know how much a trip costs (my own and other peoples), I'll share the prices for all activities, transportation etc. that we paid in Costa Rica at the end of the blog post. I'll also include a total calculation of the entire trip cost.

2. Route

Please follow this link to Google Maps to see the route: Costa Rica Roadtrip - Route (sorry, cannot afford iframes…)

For the detailed itinerary and my thoughts on each destination, check out my blog post: "Costa Rica Roadtrip - Part 2"

3. Flight details

Details	Information
Airline	Avianca (Star Alliance member)
Route	Cartagena (CTG) ✈ to San José (SJO)
Flight Time	1 hour 45 minutes
Price per Person	200 euros (including carry-on and checked baggage)

*Did I mention this is a new country for me but Sam has been to Costa Rica before?*
*#winning 🏆*

San José Airport

San José definitely does not have a sprawling international airport. We wandered through the rather rustic terminal for a while, searching for a comfortable place to pass the next 2-3 hours whilst waiting for our friends Sonia and Dennis to arrive. As we made our way outside (as there was literally nothing inside, like absolutely nothing), we were greeted by the usual taxi drivers, each one having the cheapest, most comfortable and, of course, the fastest taxi for us to use - the first sign of a new adventure beginning. We ended up in a so-called café outside the terminal - really a more glorified snack bar, offering a limited selection of overpriced, uninspiring food and drinks. But we had Wi-Fi, sooo all good. Thankfully, I also managed to locate a restroom in the nearby parking area (I know my people - stressful to not know). Also, can someone please clarify in the comments how to pronounce "baño"? I know my Spanish is non-existent, but I tried pronouncing it with endless possible variations to some random strangers, but as none of them understood what I meant, there is clearly another way to pronounce it....so I could do with some help pleeeeaaassse!

4. Transportation Method

We chose to travel by car (for its convenience and flexibility, considering the timings, locations, and available activities) using the cheapest offer we could find for the period of travel. Looking up only companies we knew that we would not run into issues with, this time we selected Alamo. They provided a free shuttle from the airport to the rental location. The total cost for the two-week rental with two insured drivers was €628 which is excellent, considering it was split four-ways. We made sure to get a four-wheel drive vehicle, as we weren't sure about the road conditions we'd be facing. This ended up being an absolute necessity at times, as we navigated through some rough terrain - including driving through rivers (location picture: Posa Cazuelita) and up muddy, rocky hills. You really can't avoid those types of roads in this part of Costa Rica. Google Maps tried to send us through a river that was clearly too deep for our car - we could tell this crossing was probably doable in drier seasons, but not today! We had to turn back and spend ages searching for another way across, crossing our fingers we'd find one. Luckily, we did, because otherwise we would've wasted hours driving for nothing - and there was literally no Plan B. Pro tip: just because Google Maps shows a route doesn't mean it's currently passable! It even asked us once to cross a river that was clearly deeper than our car, so we had to drive back quite a significant amount and were hoping to find a crossing ourselves. Which worked out, but otherwise we would have driven multiple hours for nothing. It looked like you were able to cross it in the past. 100% make sure beforehand that all passengers (including Sonia….sorry again! 🛟💕) in the car are comfortable with off-road, slightly dangerous routes that you probably shouldn't have driven on but are too far into to turn around. You really need to know how to handle a car if it gets stuck; otherwise you might be literally stranded and there's most likely no one you can call for help.

*When our car couldn't make it up the hill, Sonia and I got "volunteered" to walk because apparently we were the reason for the weight issue... Don't worry, we're keeping our husbands – for now….*

As British and German citizens, we didn’t need an international driving licence to rent the car.

For driving, we used Google Maps and Waze—both navigation apps owned by Alphabet, working very similarly. Google Maps offers good navigation options, including driving, walking, biking, and public transport, along with business details like opening hours, reviews (helpful for activities and restaurants) and offline maps (!!! Essential for Costa Rica’s signal-free areas, download beforehand to not get stuck !!!). We have found Waze better for real-time, community-sourced traffic updates, offering live alerts for road closures, speed cameras and "hazards", making it a great choice for those looking for the fastest, most efficient routes, great in big cities or places you'll always have mobile data.

In many countries, such as Costa Rica, you might be surprised to find attendants at gas stations who fuel your car for you. Instead of getting out, you stay in the car and simply tell the attendant what type of fuel you need and how much. They will take care of filling the tank for you.

That was our beloved car! Yes, Dennis actually drove through the river—it was so much fun. By the way, if the agency offers you this exact car, I would decline. It’s definitely been through some wear and tear. Not deliberately, of course, but we did take a few questionable routes that may have significantly shortened this car’s lifespan 🚙

5. Visa, Entry Requirements and Money

As German and British citizens, you do not need a visa to enter the country. However, you will need to provide a return/ongoing flight ticket that demonstrates you will be leaving the country before the maximum 180-day stay expires. So it is straightforward, not much can go wrong really! In addition to your flight ticket, it's generally recommended that you carry travel documents which are valid for at least six months beyond the dates of your trip and have a whole empty page in the passport. The departure tax is typically included in the price of your flight ticket with most airlines. To be safe, I always recommend having comprehensive travel insurance in place before your trip - there are so many things that can go wrong. We were insured with our credit cards, if you are interested check out my post about "Travel insurance" (if I published it yet....). I always recommend checking the government page of your country, such as the Auswärtiges Amt in Germany, for detailed information on risks, safety, and visa requirements when travelling. They usually provide all the essential information you need.

You can pay with a credit card in many places, but having cash on hand is essential since it’s still widely used. Use an ATM to withdraw local currency, as it’s more cost-effective than literally any exchange offices anywhere, which have very deplorable rates. Also, avoid exchanging money at the airport for the same reason - just wait until you're checked in at the hotel, unpack, get changed and before heading for dinner, go to your nearest ATM (just search for it in Google Maps). Also (again haha) a good credit card with no overseas transaction fees can save you a lot of money. The official currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC), although U.S. dollars are accepted in many places (but you might end up paying a bit more). The exchange rate changes daily, but 1 euro equalled about 528 Colón or 1 dollar - 506 Colón (last check 30th of January 2025).

If you travel more than once or twice a year, I highly recommend using a Wise account, which is essentially an online bank account specifically designed for international use. The standout feature of this account is that you can hold money in different currencies (like euros, dollars, colones - whatever you need), and you can exchange between them whenever you want at much better rates than typical banks offer. The debit card functions just like a regular bank card - including contactless payments and digital wallets (Apple Pay or Google Pay). By the way, I do not have a partnership with Wise - even if it sounds like I am advertising for them.

One particularly practical feature is that you get actual bank account details in various countries. This means if you're staying somewhere longer - maybe working remotely or studying abroad - you can receive money like a resident would.

For safety, everything is managed through their app. You get instant notifications when you spend money (which helps spot any suspicious activity, even if sometimes the merchants names can be confusing I can normally at least tell it’s the right amount at a vaguely correct time), and you can immediately freeze your card if you lose it. Here's my personal safety tip: I only keep a limited amount of money in the account and only carry this card when leaving the hotel. This way, if it gets stolen or if someone drags me to an ATM pointing a knife at me, the potential loss is minimal. I'll detail this more in my upcoming blog post about travel packing essentials, where I'll discuss the importance of carrying “backup cards”. While I've never needed to use this strategy, it provides great peace of mind.

Also (and yes, clearly I do not know enough words in English to start my sentences other than with "also") - don't forget your US-travel adapters! For an eSim I suggest downloading the App Airalo, if you enter my code MICHEL3524 (and no, it’s not an influencer thing, I don’t have partnerships with them…) you can get 3 dollars of credit.

6. Vegetarian Food

Surprisingly, it was quite easy to find delicious vegetarian food, which I was a bit worried about beforehand given my experiences travelling in Asia (and, if you have read “the blog about myself”, being a picky-eater). There were many fresh veggies, avocados, beans and rice, and traditional dishes with plantains to choose from (ask for Veggie Casados, Gallo Pinto or Veggie Tamal). We also had the option of quesadillas, empanadas, and veggie burgers. Cooking for ourselves in our Airbnb's was great, as the grocery stores had plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. I do recommend shopping in the local supermarkets, as the Americanised ones are on the pricier side. The best part (and by that, I mean almost the best part of the whole trip) was the abundance of fresh fruit smoothies and juices - I had at least two every day, whether homemade or purchased. Even my husband, who never drinks them at home, indulged in them occasionally during our trip. By the way, Sonia and Dennis tried a variety of meat dishes and seemed to enjoy them as well.

I’ve linked all the restaurants we visited in different towns in my blog post "Costa Rica Roadtrip - Part 2". You can check it out for more details!

*I mean look at this - what else could you want?! 🤤*

7. Health and Hygiene

We drank tap water, fruit juices with ice and ate at local restaurants without any issues throughout our whole trip. It is up to you though how safe you feel and how strong your stomach is - but we did not spot anything too dodgy.

I guess it is obvious given the country that you will have many bugs and especially ants in your room - so keep your luggage closed when not needed and don't leave food lying around. There are unfortunately plenty of mosquitos in the area, so it's a good idea to come prepared with repellent sprays, lamps and this fancy, painful bite burner devise (it is actually called "bite away" but I think that is just the brand name and not the definition of the tool - anyone know how that thingy is called?).

We did not get any specific vaccinations or medications for this trip. But it's best to consult your doctor or check government health recommendations to determine what precautions may be appropriate for your personal situation and the area you're visiting. If you'd like to see a general packing list of medication recommendations, please let me know in the comments! I am the type that travels with a whole pharmacy being prepared for every scenario - because I am sick so often, I do not want to forget something important. Even though, yes Sam, you can buy stuff on the go... But if a migraine hits, I need those pills, a dark room and lots of sleep - like right now. Also, highly recommend rooms with air-conditioning, for me often a life-saver.

8. Weather

While the weather didn't factor into our overall rating, it rained almost 24/7 for two weeks straight, as we happened to catch the tail end of a hurricane in Miami (always check hurricane maps!). We didn’t get to see a single sunset. Typically, the weather in this area is warm and tropical, meaning in the wet season, from May to November, you will encounter short but heavy rainfalls around the same time in the early afternoon every day and can expect a very high humidity. The Caribbean side tends to see more consistent rainfall year-round. The dry season runs from December to April, featuring sunny, warm days. It can get a bit chilly in the evenings, so if you’re a "Frostbeule" like me (German saying for someone that can get cold easily), it’s a good idea to pack a few warmer clothing items just in case (#layering). The temperature can drop unexpectedly, especially after a warm day or in higher altitudes, such as in Monteverde.

9. Overall Trip Cost Breakdown

This table is based on prices per person on a trip including four people:

Category	Cost	Notes
Flights from Cartagena (including carry-on and checked baggage)	200 euros	For flights from Frankfurt, Germany, you can expect prices between 600–800 euros
Accommodation	592 euros	Equals about 42 euros per night (very costly places in the world, but especially for South/Central America)
Rental Car (including two drivers)	157 euros
Fuel	45 euros
Activities	157 euros	Turtle tour: 25 euros Rafting (+photos): 61 euros (+6 euros) Horseback Riding: 65 euros Karaoke: free
National Park Fees	27 euros	Tortugero Beach: 6 euros La Fortuna: 15 euros Whale's Tale: 6 euros (Manuel Antonio normally: 17 euros)
Food	600 euros	!This is an estimated number! Equals about 43 euros per day
Miscellaneous	25 euros	Souvenirs, parking, eSim etc. !This is an estimated number!
Total Trip Cost	1803 euros

10. Overall Rating of Costa Rica: 6,5/10

The natural beauty and the diverse landscapes of Costa Rica were truly stunning. We loved the mix of adventurous activities, scenic driving routes and relaxing stays at various Airbnb's. There was definitely enough food options available for vegetarians, so you do not have to eat pizza and fries for two weeks straight.

However, we found Costa Rica to be expensive overall, when it came to food, activities, and transportation, especially in comparison to other countries in South and Central America. This had a significant impact on our overall rating. Additionally, we didn't get to interact with or get to know many local people, they seemed less open and talkative than in some other countries we've visited. We also didn't come across many cultural activities or attractions during our stay.

In our opinion, two weeks is a good length of time to explore Costa Rica. We'd recommend renting a car, as it provides flexibility, and Airbnb's proved to be a good accommodation choice.

We do have a saying in German which translates to: "There is no bad weather, only the wrong clothing". Do I look ridiculous? 100%. Was it practical? No, actually not haha 😅 It was choosing between getting wet from the rain or sweating in my rain jacket sooo that's what I came up with☔️

11. My secret

You know what's funny? Before diving into the endless ocean of Costa Rica travel blogs (hi there!), YouTube videos, and Instagram Reels, I actually started my trip planning with a good old Marco Polo guide. And I'm not even slightly embarrassed about it.

Here's the thing: when you're staring at a map of Costa Rica with absolutely zero clue beyond "they have sloths and good coffee," these guides are like Travel Planning 101. Sure, they're not going to tell you about that secret hot spring my friend's cousin's neighbour discovered. They stick to the classics – your Arenal Volcano, your Manuel Antonio beaches, your Monteverde zip lines. But that's exactly what I needed! Because let's be real – when you don't know your Tortuguero from your Tamarindo, you need someone to hold your hand and say, "Look, these are the top 10 things to see/do." The photos helped me figure out what actually got me excited (hello, cloud forests!) and those suggested routes in the back were giving me an idea of what is possible in what amount of time. Then, once I had my bearings and knew where I definitely wanted to go, that's when I dove into the rabbit hole of travel blogs (like this one!), local forums, and yes, countless hours of sloth videos on YouTube. That's how our trip evolved from the standard tourist trail into this unique adventure we actually ended up doing.

So while this travel blog will give you all those juicy details about hidden waterfalls and authentic local experiences (just not in this particular blog of Costa Rica…hust), I'll always have a soft spot for those guidebooks that get me started. Sometimes you need the greatest hits album before you discover the B-sides, right? And if you peek at my bookshelf, you'll spot a growing rainbow of Marco Polo guides that's basically becoming my version of those souvenir magnets everyone else collects (Marco Polo, if you are reading this - do you want to sponsor me? Please ❤️). And yes, I'm fully aware that each one screams "TOURIST!" louder than wearing socks with sandals, but there's something ridiculously satisfying about seeing that colourful lineup of spines. Each one marks another adventure, from the dog-eared Costa Rica edition to that pristine Namibia guide that's whispering "you're next!".

But wait – want to hear about my other slightly obsessive travel collection? No, not the usual suspects like magnets or shot glasses. I hunt down the ugliest mugs I can find in every country I visit. We're talking spectacularly hideous ceramics that would make your grandmother's tchotchke collection look minimalist. If you're curious about this parade of purposefully painful pottery, hop over to my second Instagram account @uglymugventure where I document these beautifully brutal beverage vessels in all their glory together with my husband. Because let's face it – anyone can collect pretty souvenirs, but it takes a special kind of traveller to proudly display both a shelf of respectable travel guides AND a cabinet full of mugs so ugly they're actually wonderful. Travel isn't just about the perfect Instagram shots – sometimes it's about embracing the wonderfully weird!

But pretttyyyyyy pleeeaasssse still continue reading my blogs 🫢

This is my very first post on this website ever. So please leave me feedback in the comments 💕 thaaaaaaaanks!

Also: Get to know my best friends on Instagram: @sonia_schindler and @schindler.dennis

Costa Rica Roadtrip - Part 1