A Journey Through Costa Rica:
Beaches, Markets, and Mountain Adventures
Costa Rica is an incredible country with a wide array of destinations and attractions to visit on your vacation. I recently embarked on a road trip across Costa Rica, where I explored some of the country’s most stunning and diverse spots. From a quiet beach with soft sands to a vibrant city full of history. I came across a crystal clear blue water swimming spot and wandered through a misty forest filled with butterflies. Afterwards I visited a bustling local market in San José. As you come along this journey, I’ll include the routes I took between each destination, so you can decide if it’s worth adding to your vacation itinerary.
Before you book your tickets, check out our Shop Page with some necessities for your trip. We have a packing list for some items that I find useful when I’m travelling in Costa Rica.
STOP #1:
Exploring Playa Calzón de Pobre:
A Serene Spot Near Playas del Coco
Playa Calzón de Pobre in Guanacaste is a small & beautiful beach that attracts many visitors for its clear waters and tranquility. It’s located between Playa Hermosa and Playas del Coco. It’s also right next to Playa Penca and the new Waldorf Astoria development. The road has recently been paved, so it’s easily accessible. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and the sand is perfectly clean. Due to it’s position, it has calmer water than many of the nearby beaches, and it’s often crystal clear.
Tourists often head to Calzón de Pobre for its excellent snorkeling opportunities. The clear water allows for great visibility, and you can often see a variety of fish and other marine life close to the shore. Check out this snorkel set which is perfect to bring to Costa Rica. The beach’s peaceful environment also makes it a great spot to hang out for the day, with plenty of shade provided by the surrounding trees.
Parking at Calzón de Pobre is convenient, with a small parking area just before your hike. The hike is about 10 minutes and is over a wide, gravel pathway. The beach is less crowded than some of the more popular beaches in the region. You’ll often find it to be more laid back and relaxing. Whether you’re looking to snorkel, swim, or simply relax, Playa Calzón de Pobre is a great option for a beach day in Guanacaste.
If you’re vacation itinerary brings you to the area of Calzón de Pobre, there’s lots of other great beaches in the area to check out. Of course, Playa Penca is just up the road. At the time of writing this blog, there’s a great deal of construction, but the beach itself is still accessible.
To the north one beach, you’ll find Playa Hermosa. This beach has incredible sand and water, along with great views. You’ll find Hermosa to be pretty laid back and relaxed, but still has many options for accommodations and restaurants.
To the south is Playas del Coco, which is a bustling town. The north end of the beach is great for swimming, and features a (small) waterfall when the rains picks up. You’ll find El Coco to be plentiful in dining, accommodations and nightlife.
Continue to the south from El Coco, and you’ll be at Playa Ocotal. This black sand beach is renowned for calm water and scenery. I’ve seen monkeys on many occasions at this beach. I’ve also had the opportunity to snorkel both ends of the beach and saw incredible sea life. Try the hiking trails above Ocotal for a great view of the beach and Pacific.
Pick up a pair of these awesome water shoes. I've been using them all over Costa Rica during my travels. They have vented soles so water drains right out the bottom! Great for going to the beach and walking through town, or exploring rivers.
STOP #2: Discovering Liberia:
The Gateway to Guanacaste's Best Adventures
Liberia, known as the “White City” of Costa Rica, is the capital of Guanacaste Province and a step off to the northwest region. With its colonial architecture and busy streets, Liberia has a blend of history and amenities. The city is a convenient starting point for exploring nearby attractions such as the Rincon de la Vieja National Park and the beaches of the Pacific coast. Many tourists will land at the nearby international airport to begin their vacation at towns like Playas del Coco, Samara and Tamarindo.
The Museo de Guanacaste in Liberia is a popular attraction that provides a look into the region’s history and culture. Located in an old prison/barracks, the museum will occasionally feature exhibits on pre-Columbian artifacts, colonial history, and local art. The Museo is a great place to check out if you’re staying in Liberia or just passing through.
You’ll also find many restaurant options around the central park. My favorite is ‘Casero Express’, which is a small buffet style Soda with great food and friendly staff. Before you head to the beaches you can also stock up on essentials at bigger stores like Walmart, Pequeno Mundo and El Rey.
Heading to the next destination, we’ll be riding north on Ruta 918 from Liberia. This route is an exciting and scenic journey through Guanacaste which is enjoyed by cyclists. There’s mostly smooth roads and incredible landscapes. There’s many locations to stop and take some photos with the rolling hills behind. Some parts of the route are bumpy and pitted, so taking a small car is not advised.
One of the great reasons to ride along Ruta 918 is the proximity to several natural reserves and parks. You’ll pass by Santuario Santa Rosa de Lima. The park offers a great place to take a break, stretch your legs, and enjoy the scenery. Additionally, the ride provides opportunities to spot local wildlife.
STOP #3: Río Celeste Free Pool:
Alajuela's Relaxing Natural Oasis
The next stop is on the way towards La Fortuna. Río Celeste is one of the top tourist attractions in Costa Rica. It’s known for having incredible blue water and a super photogenic waterfall. When you visit, don’t miss the free swimming location just outside the main park area. Although swimming isn’t allowed in the national park(where the waterfall is), this spot allows you to jump in the refreshing water. There’s also no entrance fee or lineups to enter. This natural pool is surrounded by lush rainforest, making it a perfect spot to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of Costa Rica.
I just so happened to see a Coatimundi crossing the main bridge when I arrived. These creatures are referred to as ‘Pizotes’ in Costa Rica, and they’re very often seen in the area around Lake Arenal. I’ve often spotted them in packs near the roads, so be sure to drive cautiously in these areas.
The trail to this swimming spot is easy to navigate, making it accessible for all ages. Just park on either side of the bridge along the road. On the side closest to Río Celeste, there’s often vendors set up with food and souvenirs. This is the side of the bridge where you can walk down to the swimming spot. On the other side of the bridge, there’s another more rugged trail, but it’s still only about 20 meters.
If you have the time to stop in nearby Bijagua de Upala, pick up some extra food and drinks at the supermarket to enjoy the river for a bit longer. The cool, clear water is ideal for swimming, you’ll surely feel refreshed after a hike. This location provides a more laid-back alternative to the more regulated parts of the Río Celeste area. Check it out to swim, relax, or explore.
This part of Costa Rica can have quickly changing weather. It’s very important to bring sunscreen if you’re going to spend some time outside, like at this river. Try this sunscreen bar with roll on application. I find it’s great to not overuse, like cream. It’s also solid so much easier to bring at the airport
STOP #4: Exploring La Fortuna:
Volcano Views, Hot Springs, and More
Visitors who are stopping by or staying in La Fortuna will often head towards Rio Celeste on their vacation. This is the route I took to travel between the two destinations. These roads are all paved and in very good condition. You won’t need a 4×4 to go along.
If you’re driving in Costa Rica, both Waze and Google Maps work pretty well for driving between well established destinations like these. Sometimes off the beaten path, either app could land you on a difficult back road. Costa Rica has done a fantastic job of ensuring that travelling to the popular locations is easy and smooth.
La Fortuna is a popular destination known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. It’s located inland within the Province of Alajuela. One of the main attractions is the Arenal Volcano, which towers over the town and provides a breathtaking backdrop from most locations in the area. Tourists can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, zip-lining, and horseback riding. The nearby Arenal Volcano National Park is highly recommended sight to see. The area offers a chance to explore diverse wildlife and lush rainforest.
Another major draw to La Fortuna is its hot springs. The geothermal activity from the Arenal Volcano heats the waters, creating natural hot springs that are perfect for relaxing for the day. Places like Tabacón Hot Springs and Baldi Hot Springs are highly recommended for their beautiful settings and therapeutic waters. Hot spring water is soothing and there’s often a variety of pool temperatures available. Check out our visit to a local hot spring pool on Youtube.
La Fortuna is also known for its busy town center, which is full of great shops, restaurants, and markets. The town is very walkable, with many accommodations options being a short distance to the center. I stayed at a hostel/hotel called Selina, which has shared and private rooms. There is a kitchen, pool and co-working space, all a great value for the price.
STOP #5: A Day at Bosque Nuboso El Cocora:
Butterflies, Hummingbirds, and Coffee
I departed La Fortuna heading towards San José in the morning, and decided to take the less travel route. This route is mountainous and winding about half way through, which was exciting. I enjoy these roads through the mountains as you’ll never know what you’ll see. It can also get quite chilly!
Which is exactly what happened. Driving through the clouds and fog on a moto makes for cold hands, so I started looking for a place to grab a hot coffee. It just so happens I caught a glimpse of a coffee sign at Bosque Nuboso El Cocora. I stopped here after driving about 1.5 hours from La Fortuna.
STOP #6: To The Market In San José:
Great Food And Cool Vendors
I continued my journey south through the mountains. Eventually I arrived at a fairly busy town called San Ramon. Once there, I only made a quick stop there for some lunch before continuing on south towards San José.
I decided to stop at a hostel/hotel that I frequently stay at. It’s called Hotel Finca Escalate. You can find a previous video profiling this cool place Here On Youtube. Escalante is a neighborhood which is within walking distance east of downtown San José. It’s a great place to stay for a day if you’re planning on exploring the Costa Rican Capital City.
The next morning I simply searched Google Maps for a cool spot to film in the area. Luckily it was Sunday, and there was a small market being held just a 5 minute drive away.
The market is at the John F. Kennedy Park in San Josés. The market usually starts early in the morning, and you can find a variety of items ranging from fresh produce to homemade crafts. It’s a popular place to pick up fruits and vegetables, especially if you’re looking for local options. You can also visit for the atmosphere, there’s always something happening, whether it’s people socializing or street vendors setting up.
In addition to the vendors, there’s food and refreshments being served to enjoy while you browse. You’ll find affordable prices for the selection available. Given that the market has a casual, laid-back vibe, it’s great to relax and browse for an hour or two.
Parking around the park on street so it’s better to arrive early. There are a few spots around the park, but there’s many people parking for the nearby church as well. You can also take a bus or walk if you’re nearby. The market tends to get more crowded as the morning goes on, so earlier is better if you prefer activity.
STOP #7: ECO MARKET KAPI KAPI:
IN THE SHADOW OF THE MASSIVE Chirripó
The next leg of this journey will take us further south in Costa Rica. Leaving San José, you’ll shortly pass through the large town of Cartago. Here you’ll find lots of amenities like grocery stores, historical sites and a large shopping mall. Cartago is a great place to stay for a vacation and visit the nearby towns like Orosi.
I’ll only stop in Cartago for a snack and continue on south. Between the towns of Cartago and San Isidro de El General, you’ll cross a mountain range that is incredible. There’s scenic views of the surrounding hills and plant life which is unlike any other in Costa Rica. Towards the top there’s abundant pine trees and moss that I’m used to seeing in northern Canada.
Along the way there’s stopping locations with restaurants and coffee shops. There is a portion of the highway which runs through a national park called Tapantí. For about 30 minutes you’ll be passing through this area that has no stops or amenities. Due to the high altitude and often low temperatures/fog, the route is called “Cerro de La Muerte”. This translates to The Hill Of Death, but don’t worry. The name came about when the road first opened, and would require a multiday journey on horseback or foot. Travelers could succumb to the elements during the trip. Now, it’s a well paved and marked roadway that I regard as very safe.
Once I arrived at the bottom of the mountain range in San Isidro de El General, I drove back towards the mountains in the east. I passed through many small villages like Rivas, which is a great place to stop and grab some food. Keep an eye out on these routes for farmers markets which will be open on various days.
My final destination in this trip is an eco market called Kapi Kapi. This is a great store which I frequently visit. They have all kinds of hard to find health foods, custom tea blends and great coffee. They have a very cool sitting area which is on the side of a giant boulder, overlooking the river below.
Kapi Kapi is just a short drive from the entrance to the hike to Chirripó, the largest mountain in Costa Rica. It’s a very popular place for adventures to ascend, as on a clear day you’ll be able to see both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
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I hope you enjoyed this vlog about this journey through Costa Rica. There will be more to come! Be sure to Subscribe to our Youtube Channel, and leave a comment with your thoughts about this location or request a video in other cool destinations around Costa Rica.
If you're heading out for an adventure, you're going to need some cold watch and snacks. Pick up a backpack cooler, which has ample room for what you'll need while you enjoy the beach. There is an added benefit of freeing up your hands to carry the fun stuff!
FAQ For Traveling In Costa Rica
How easy is it to travel around Costa Rica?
Traveling across Costa Rica is pretty straightforward, but road conditions can vary. Main highways are paved, while rural areas might have dirt roads. Most people either rent a car or take buses, which are affordable and widely available.Is it safe to drive in Costa Rica?
Driving in Costa Rica is generally safe, though some roads are narrow or have potholes, especially in rural areas. Watch out for weather conditions like rain, which can make driving trickier. It’s common to rent a 4×4 for better control on rough roads.Can you travel Costa Rica without a car?
Yes, many travelers get around using public buses, shuttles, or private taxis. Buses are cheap and cover most of the country, though routes may take longer. Some people also choose to fly between major cities to save time.How long does it take to drive across Costa Rica?
It typically takes 8 to 10 hours to drive from one side of the country to the other, depending on traffic and road conditions. The distance between San José (the capital) and popular beaches like Tamarindo or Puerto Viejo can range from 4 to 6 hours.Are there toll roads in Costa Rica?
Yes, some highways around San José and other major routes have tolls. Keep small change handy, as most toll booths only accept cash in Costa Rican colones.Do you need GPS or maps for driving?
Using a GPS or map app like Google Maps is highly recommended. Some road signs may be unclear, especially in rural areas, so having navigation can help prevent getting lost.Is public transportation reliable in Costa Rica?
Public buses are reliable but can be slow due to frequent stops and indirect routes. Long-distance buses are more comfortable and a good option for budget travelers. If you’re in a rush, private shuttles are faster but more expensive.What’s the best time to travel across Costa Rica?
The dry season, from December to April, is the easiest time to travel as roads are in better condition. During the rainy season, some areas may flood or become muddy, making travel more difficult, especially in rural regions.Can you travel between Costa Rica’s major cities by air?
Yes, domestic flights are available between cities like San José, Liberia, and Quepos. These small flights can save time, especially if you’re traveling from one end of the country to the other.Do you need to speak Spanish to get around Costa Rica?
While knowing some basic Spanish is helpful, especially in rural areas, most people in tourist spots speak enough English to help. Having a translation app or learning simple phrases can make things easier.
