You were dead until you accidentally went off-roading in Costa Rica (2023)

Travelers, start your engines: you are about to enter[Scenic route., a fast-paced exploration of the world's most incredible international road trips, from the lush jungles of Rwanda and ancient Peruvian mountains to Irish seaside villages, dreamy Japanese forests and twisting Romanian hills. For more reasons to hit the road - plus tips, interviews and a custom playlist - check out the rest of our coverageHere.

Okay, right - you haveNo choiceBut drive off-road in Costa Rica. This isn't the kind of driving where you crank up the music and hit the cruise control. Also, you shouldn't completely trust your map and weather apps without thinking twice. With the two-wheel drive you can certainly not cope alone. But the inevitable adventure is what makes a vacation trip a trip to remember.

Costa Rica is famous for its beautiful landscapes, wildlife at every turn, and laid-back tropical atmosphere - and the best way to experience all of these different personalities is to drive through them. For a relatively narrow country, you have to traverse quite a bit of land to get from easy surfing beaches to suspension bridges in cloud forests, from waterfalls to volcanic rivers, from vegan snacks to coffee tastings.

Along the way, you may come across paths that lead to sheer cliffs, twisty turns, or dirt roads. But often on such more challenging trails one is less likely to encounter excessive tourism and instead finds bounty in nature. There is a feeling of triumph when traveling here, best captured in moments of stopping and enjoying the breathtaking views.

This 400km loop covers the country's most iconic sights while taking you deep into the pulse of the 'Pura Vida' atmosphere. Shrink beneath a vast, lush landscape, fall in love at the sight of an endangered butterfly, or discover a new passion for sliding down slippery cliffs. This is Costa Rica, where you feel like you can breathe the earth and everything on it at the same time. Grab sunscreen, poncho,cheeredand DEET and head to the coast. Here's how to go on a road trip in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica has two international airports: one in San Jose and one in Guanacaste. Or it acts as a starting point.

However, assuming you want to bury your feet in the golden sands as soon as possible, land in Liberia. All major car rental companies are available here, as well as some highly rated independent options. You can even have an RVRiders of the CoastDelivery to the terminal when you want to land.

The main roads leading to urban areas are easy to navigate with any type of vehicle, but to get to the countryside comfortably you will need an SUV or 4x4. The extra ground clearance you get on less developed roads gives you invaluable security.

Don't forget: cars with manual transmissions are standard equipment here, so you should specify if you want an automatic transmission when you make your booking. Also, be sure to check what the rental agreement and mandatory, expensive insurance cover.

Spend a lazy few days in the boho-chic coastal town of Tamarindo, known for its surfing, sun and sustainability. Sharing the shore with iguanas, it's impossible not to indulge in Tarmarindo's laid-back vibe.

From here, the drive to Monteverde takes three hours, but a few worthwhile stops make this leg a full-day trip.

Go east on 152 until you reachLADE Spafor a taste of luxury R&R. Enjoy an outdoor lavender bath with panoramic views of the pristine jungle.

Driving north through Liberia and into Canas are winding ups and downs and long stretches of manicured roads weaving through authentic Costa Rican towns. This is a legendary cycling route, so be sure to share it with others. After Tilaran, turn south and be glad you hopped on a 4x4 - it's a tough drive and chances are you won't see anyone else on this stretch. Finally, it's time for the pit stopIndian stone, an unseen archeological site, private waterfall and bathing area hidden in a bamboo forest. Look up as you descend – families of toucan color the sky.

On the last detour, the highway is more like a cliff hike and you play slalom with the rebellious cows. But it's worth checking out Ficus La Raiz in Santa Elena. The numerous roots of the tree reach into the river bed below and form a natural bridge, the typical Costa Rican backdrop for vacation photos.

Nothing seems more surreal than arriving in Monteverde. Clouds subtly rise to the tops of hills, and rainbows stretch across emerald valleys, connecting distant peaks. The region is teeming with life. This is the home of nature and adventure travel, and aimless exploration is a lot of fun with the right gear.

Have breakfast atKolibri-CaféWatch the hummingbirds and make sure the coatis don't steal the latte. Move toPark Selvaturawhere you can see howling monkeys and cross a series of suspension bridges. For even more excitement, opt for the cable car. Visit the orchid garden and try to find the smallest flowering plant in the world.

Be sure to plan your tripSavia MonteverdeThis is a protected cloud forest reserve. Here you can climb hollow trees or sustainably built treehouses to watch the sunset from the canopy. Choose a picnic among the treetops. Once at the bottom the tour becomes a night tour as the guide with flashlights and extensive knowledge observes all activities and hunts for frogs, birds and other strange creatures in the dark.

As you head out of town, immerse yourself in the full coffee experience, including a permaculture farm tour and sommelier-style tastingEcological sanctuary. Now you are on your way to San Jose. This 85-mile stretch is the least predictable in terms of timing and traffic, and Waze is a better friend. From unannounced construction work to washed out roads causing delays, be careful and plan on extra driving hours.

San Jose is a lively center with many cultural attractions, nightlife and of course traffic jams. The rule of thumb for the metropolitan area is: Regardless of the estimated time of arrival given in the app, this should be doubled. Even if you're not used to driving in busy urban cities - especially international ones - extra vigilance is required.

Costa Rica's largest city offers amazing amenities. The boutique district of Escazu is the most convenient place to stay in the capital and there are numerous accommodation options. Some other places worth seeing are:central market, an important landmark dating back to 1880. If you can, stop byLankester Botanic Gardenswith an impressive collection of plants including an amazing display of native cacti. The only thing you don't want to do in San Jose is leave before you've eaten Chilena Torta at Spoon. It's a cake to fly with.

When you're ready, it's time to head to La Fortuna. When you see signs warning you about wildlife crossings, come closer. If you plan your arrival at sunset, you will be doubly rewarded: Sherbet tones paint a colorful picture behind the monumental silhouetteWulkan Arenal. One of the first things you'll want to do (and maybe repeat every day you're here) is take a dip in the geothermally heated river.entryIt is located next to the roadside exit nearbyTabacon-Spa, just 15 minutes southwest of the city.

Look for sloths from La Fortuna to Liberia

The small resort town of La Fortuna is best explored on foot. Stroll the brightly painted facades overlooking the central square and visit a vegan-friendly venueMediterranean cafefor melodies, tapas and wine.

La Fortuna offers a great opportunity to try itWild camping. Gather your supplies and head west toward the rural village of El Castillo. Then park at a pizzeria on the lazy shore of Lake Arenal. Just make sure you learned about the snakes and poisonous frogs to avoid from your previous night tour. You must return to popular attractions such as spotting sloths in the wetlandsBogarins SpurBut waking up to paradise is worth the extra miles.

Once you have experienced a surprisingly exciting slow water rideAdventures of Calypso, You are on the final leg of this amazing road trip.

Liberia is still 85 miles away and some of the best in the country is yet to come. Halfway to the airport is the Rio Celeste, a turquoise waterhole in the middle of a lush forest. The setting is peaceful and absolutely picturesque. After the swim, take a lunch breakTom's German Bakeryand make your way to the final stop: Las Hornillas Geysers. Yellowstone, Costa Rica, bubbles at the base of the majestic Miravalles Volcano.

From here you can fly home from Liberia Airport - although you probably don't want to leave. It just depends when you come back next time.

Colleen Kellyis a contributor to Thrillist.

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