Exploring Costa Rica in a Road Trip: A Solo Female Traveler’s 7 Days Iterinary

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of the open road, especially when it’s through the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica. From misty cloud forests to tropical beaches, Costa Rica offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. As a solo female traveler, safety, comfort, and a sense of discovery were my top priorities. In this blog, I’ll take you through my unforgettable Costa Rican road trip, sharing the highlights, insider tips, and practical advice for anyone planning their own journey.

Whether you’re traveling solo or with company, this Costa Rican road trip itinerary will give you the perfect mix of nature, wildlife, and serene beaches. Plus, I’ve included recommendations for where to stay, eat, and what to do—ensuring you have everything you need to embark on your Costa Rican adventure.

Day 1: San José – Gateway to Costa Rica

San José, the vibrant capital of Costa Rica, served as the starting point of my journey. Upon landing, the city greeted me with its bustling streets, colorful murals, and lively markets. While many travelers may quickly move on to Costa Rica’s natural wonders, San José offers a rich cultural experience worth spending at least a day exploring.

If you’re looking for convenience and comfort, Hotel Presidente in downtown San José is a great choice. It offers easy access to key attractions like the National Theatre and Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, both must-visits if you’re spending time in the city.

Start with a morning visit to the Mercado Central where you can try authentic Costa Rican dishes like Gallo Pinto for breakfast. Afterward, explore the city’s artistic side at the Jade Museum, where the history of the indigenous peoples comes alive through centuries-old artifacts.

For dinner, I recommend Restaurante Grano de Oro, where the fusion of local flavors with French cuisine is simply divine. The rooftop setting, coupled with the outstanding service, makes for a fantastic evening before embarking on the road trip the next day.

Day 2: San José to La Fortuna – The Heart of Adventure

Early the next morning, I packed up and hit the road towards La Fortuna, home to the famous Arenal Volcano. The drive took around 3 hours, offering scenic views of lush green valleys and charming small towns.

For accommodation, I stayed at Arenal Springs Resort & Spa. This place is perfect if you want to soak in natural hot springs with a view of the Arenal Volcano. The rooms were cozy, and the resort offered shuttle services to the town center, making it easy to explore.

Start your day with a hike in Arenal Volcano National Park. The trails are well-marked and relatively easy, with each turn revealing stunning views of the volcano and surrounding rainforest. Keep an eye out for wildlife—sloths and howler monkeys are frequently spotted along the way.

After working up an appetite, I treated myself to lunch at Soda Viquez, a small local eatery known for its traditional Costa Rican dishes. The casado with fish was particularly memorable. Later in the afternoon, head to La Fortuna Waterfall, a spectacular 200-foot cascade. The hike down to the waterfall is steep but manageable, and the reward of swimming in the cool waters is well worth the effort.

Cap off your evening with a dip in one of La Fortuna’s many hot springs. I recommend Tabacon Thermal Resort, where you can enjoy the natural volcanic hot springs set in a lush, tropical garden.

Day 3-4: La Fortuna to Monteverde – Into the Cloud Forest

On day three, I made my way towards Monteverde, Costa Rica’s famed cloud forest. The journey took around 4 hours, with a mix of paved and bumpy roads that wind through mountain ranges.

If you’re looking to stay right in the heart of the cloud forest, Monteverde Lodge & Gardens is ideal. This eco-lodge blends seamlessly with the surrounding nature and offers guided tours to help you experience the area’s unique ecosystem.

Monteverde is all about immersing yourself in nature. I began with the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, where I joined a guided tour to learn about the flora and fauna. Walking through the mist-covered forest felt otherworldly, and spotting exotic birds like the Resplendent Quetzal was the highlight of my trip.

If you’re an adrenaline junkie like me, zip-lining through the cloud forest canopy is an absolute must. I booked a tour with Sky Adventures Monteverde, and soaring above the treetops was both exhilarating and surreal.

In the evening, I dined at Restaurante Celajes, where you can enjoy gourmet Costa Rican dishes while watching the sunset over the mountains.

Day 5-6: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio – Beaches and Wildlife

The next leg of my trip took me from the cool, misty heights of Monteverde down to the sun-drenched beaches of Manuel Antonio. The 4-hour drive was filled with beautiful coastal views, and the shift in landscape was refreshing.

For beach lovers, Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort offers the best of both worlds. I woke up to the sound of waves and spent my days alternating between lounging on the beach and exploring the rainforest.

Manuel Antonio National Park is the crown jewel of this region, and it’s easy to see why. I spent the entire day hiking through the park’s trails, marveling at the incredible biodiversity. Monkeys, iguanas, and colorful birds are easy to spot, and the beaches within the park are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.

For a great dinner experience, head to El Avion, a restaurant inside a repurposed airplane with stunning views of the ocean. The seafood was fresh, and the cocktails were the perfect way to end the day.

Day 7: Manuel Antonio to Uvita – The Perfect Final Stop

On the final leg of my journey, I made my way further south to Uvita, a small coastal town known for its laid-back vibe and whale-watching opportunities.

For a peaceful and authentic Costa Rican experience, I stayed at Oxygen Jungle Villas. The private villas here are nestled in the jungle, offering tranquility and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

The main attraction in Uvita is Marino Ballena National Park, where you can go whale watching between December and April. I was fortunate enough to visit during whale season and booked a boat tour through Dolphin Tours, which allowed me to witness humpback whales up close—an unforgettable experience.

End your day with a visit to Playa Uvita. Its iconic whale tail-shaped sandbar is visible during low tide, and the sunsets here are nothing short of magical.

For a final dinner, I recommend La Parcela, a restaurant perched on a cliffside overlooking the ocean. The views are stunning, and the fresh fish dishes are a perfect reflection of Costa Rica’s coastal cuisine.

My Costa Rican road trip was filled with adventure, relaxation, and plenty of memorable experiences. Traveling as a solo female in Costa Rica felt safe and empowering, and I encourage anyone looking for a mix of nature, wildlife, and beach time to make this trip. From the vibrant capital of San José to the tranquil beaches of Uvita, this itinerary captures the essence of what makes Costa Rica such a special destination. Don’t forget to use the affiliate links above for the best accommodations, restaurants, and experiences during your trip!