On our first self drive adventure of Costa Rica, repeat guests Helen & Ken found our mascot, which is a warthog, in the souvenir shop of the Poas Volcano national park. No, there are no warthogs in Costa Rica! They do have "pig looking" mammals called Peccaries, but anyway, he was named "Juan" and he had some incredible adventures in this gem of a country which is a biodiversity hotspot, home to nearly 5% of the world's species despite its small size. The country’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from rainforests and cloud forests to dry forests and coastal areas, support thousands of plant and animal species. This includes iconic wildlife like sloths, toucans, and jaguars, as well as numerous endemic species. Costa Rica’s commitment to conservation and eco-tourism has helped preserve its rich biodiversity, making it a top destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Here are some videos of his 30 day adventure, we hope you can join us on our next Costa Rica adventure!
San Jose to Boca Tapada - self drive Costa Rica here we go!
Not far from Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, Juan and his new travel buddies up tackled their first muddy 4x4 tracks en route to the Nicaraguan border, where they enjoyed a refreshing drink and lunch. They then headed to Boca Tapada, a tranquil region surrounded by lush rainforests and the San Carlos River. Known for its exceptional birdwatching, the area offers a chance to spot the endangered great green macaw amidst its rich biodiversity. It's pretty thirsty work, so Juan also spent a bit of time aquatinting himself with the local beers...
Rincon de la Vieja, Cacao Farm Stay & Tamarindo Beach
The 4x4 self-drive journey winds through Guanacaste’s mountains, skirting Arenal Lake and passing between the Miravalles and Tenorio volcanoes en route to Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Juan spent two nights on a working cacao farm, savouring chocolate produced on the farm and hummingbird sightings outside his charming cabin. The adventure continued to the west coast, with a stay at a hotel overlooking Tamarindo’s surf beach. This lively town, full of shops and restaurants, offering a vibrant contrast to the serene mountains—a perfect stop before heading further along the coast. There were lots of water crossings and because we were here in November, we were luck to see the green turtles on the beach near Ostional.
Nicoya Peninsula, Puntarenas, Tarcoles and the Tulin River
After another fun cocktail hour, Juan and his group headed south along the coastal route toward the Nicoya Peninsula, passing charming towns like Sámara and Playa Carrillo. Along the way, they tackled exciting 4x4 tracks and even drove on the beach—complete with a quick recovery handled expertly by the local team! Their lodge near Paquera offered amazing ocean views, a fabulous pool, and a well-earned arrival cocktail.
The next day, they ferried to Puntarenas and drove the scenic "Costanera" route to Tarcoles, where a boat tour revealed crocodiles, wild birds, and lush mangroves. They wrapped up the day at a tranquil lodge near the Tulin River, surrounded by nature and hummingbirds.
Savegre River, Drake Bay, Corcovado National Park and San Vito
Juan’s adventure took him through the Savegre River region, past vast palm oil plantations, and across Costa Rica’s longest river then onto a small ferry carrying three cars at a time. Navigating narrow 4x4 tracks and fallen trees, the group reached Drake Bay, where a boat ride brought them to the wildlife-rich Corcovado National Park. Boasting over 5% of the planet’s biodiversity, it’s home to peccaries, tapirs, sloths, monkeys, and more. Heading south, they visited the Panama border and stayed in San Vito, a charming Italian-founded village and were shown around by Lado, a local of the area.
San Gerardo de Dota, Cartago and Turrialba Homestay
After visiting the San Vito botanical gardens, Juan and his group said goodbye to their local guide, Lado, and journeyed into the cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota. This area is known for its stunning nature and the elusive Quetzal, a bird revered by the Mayans and Aztecs, often seen perched on wild avocado trees above 2,000m.
The group then travelled through Cartago, Costa Rica's former capital, stopping to see the country’s largest Catholic church and enjoy fresh churros. They spent two nights at a homestay, where the hosts’ talented daughters performed songs, including a Christmas melody, adding a festive touch to the adventure.
Guayabo & the Limon Province
Juan’s adventure continued with a classic coffee tour (a must in Costa Rica!) and a visit to the country’s most significant pre-Columbia archaeological site of Guayabo, rich in ancient structures. Next, they headed to the Caribbean coast to relax on the beautiful beaches before, sadly, returning to San Jose for a farewell dinner, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.
Goodbye Costa Rica, it’s been Juan-derful.
Find out more about this and our other adventures here: www.selfdriveadventures.com
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