Discover the best way to explore Costa Rica’s volcanoes, beaches, and jungles — with the freedom of your own 4×4 SUV.
The Pura Vida Way to Travel
There’s no better way to explore Costa Rica than with a set of wheels and a spirit for adventure. But not just any wheels — if you’re planning to uncover the country’s real gems, a 4×4 SUV rental is the way to go.
Why? Because Costa Rica’s most unforgettable places aren’t always paved in asphalt. From misty cloud forests to hidden beaches and bumpy backroads, having your own 4×4 lets you travel on your terms — no tour bus, no schedule, no limits.
This 10-day Costa Rica itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience everything from volcanoes to surf towns, with confidence, comfort, and freedom.
🗓️ Day-by-Day 10-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in San José + Pick Up Your SUV
- Land at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
- Pick up your SUV rental with Sun Valley Rent A Car
- Overnight in San José or drive straight to Arenal
Optional Stop: Grab lunch at a mountain-view soda in Grecia or Sarchí on your way out of the Central Valley.
Day 2-3: Drive to Arenal Volcano (La Fortuna)
- Distance: 3–4 hours from San José
- Highlights: Hot springs, La Fortuna waterfall, volcano hikes
- 4×4 Tip: Great roads, but rural curves make SUVs more comfortable for the ride
Don’t miss: An evening soak at Tabacón or the free Río Chollín hot springs
Day 4–5: Monteverde Cloud Forest Adventure
- Distance: ~3.5 hours from Arenal
- Highlights: Hanging bridges, ziplining, cloud forest trails
- 4×4 Tip: This is one of the bumpiest drives in Costa Rica — your SUV will earn its keep here!
Local tip: Stay at a lodge with views over the Gulf of Nicoya at sunset.
Day 6–9: Head to the Coast – Manuel Antonio National Park
- Distance: 4–5 hours from Nosara or Santa Teresa via the coastal highway
- Highlights: White-sand beaches, rainforest trails, sloths, monkeys, and a waterfall adventure
- 4×4 Tip: The drive to Nauyaca Waterfalls involves gravel roads — your SUV will come in handy
Must-do:
- Spend a morning exploring Manuel Antonio National Park
- On the second day, head 1 hour south to Nauyaca Waterfalls, one of Costa Rica’s most stunning falls — hike in or go by horseback
Day 9: Return to San José via the Scenic Route
- Distance: ~3.5 hours
- Optional stop: Crocodile Bridge at Tarcoles, or a beach detour in Jaco
- Drop off your SUV at your hotel or return to the airport area
Day 10: Departure Day – ¡Hasta Luego, Costa Rica!
- Head back to the airport, return your SUV
- Grab your last gallo pinto and maybe a souvenir from the artisan shops
🛻 Why This Itinerary Works Best with a 4×4 SUV
- ✅ Flexibility to go where public transport can’t
- ✅ Comfort for long drives with curves and hills
- ✅ Confidence on rainy or unpaved routes
- ✅ Space for luggage, surfboards, coolers, and friends
- ✅ Freedom to stop anywhere: waterfalls, viewpoints, roadside fruit stands
Costa Rica rewards travelers who explore — and a 4×4 SUV gets you deeper into that experience.
🚙 Ready to Hit the Road?
At Sun Valley Rent A Car, we make it easy and worry-free:
- Airport pickup/drop-off
- 4×4 SUV fleet (Suzuki Grand Vitara, Suzuki Jimny, Nissan Xtrail & more)
- CDW + liability insurance included
- Cooler, booster seat, and second driver included
👉 Book your SUV today and experience Costa Rica like it was meant to be: free, wild, and unforgettable.