eng
First rental of this type of vehicle in a professional context where the rental must take place from France to Canada. Many questions and Cooldrive (Marlène) has been a valuable support in guiding my choices. Efficiency and responsiveness beforehand, and on-site a vehicle and service that met our expectations. No complaints. Great!
Over 50 000
rentals since 2011 !
rentals since 2011 !
Costa Rica, this land of adventure and wild nature, awaits you for an unforgettable getaway. Whether you want to explore tropical forests, discover paradise beaches, or admire unique wildlife, renting a fitted 4x4 vehicle is the ideal solution for a tailored experience. Set off to discover this enchanting country, its majestic volcanoes like Poás, or the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity.
Road trip ideas in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is an ideal destination for a camper van trip, offering varied landscapes between volcanoes, cloud forests, and paradise beaches. Discover three emblematic itineraries tailored to your length of stay, combining wild nature, adventure, and nomadic comfort on Costa Rican roads.
Volcanic and Caribbean escape – 7 to 10 days
Start your road trip from the central valley by exploring the Arenal volcano and its surroundings. Then head north to discover Tenorio National Park and the spectacular Rio Celeste waterfall, with its unreal blue waters. Continue to the Caribbean coast by passing through Cahuita National Park, where you can spot howler monkeys, sloths, and iguanas. This compact loop combines volcanic mountains and tropical beaches, ideal for a first camper van trip in Costa Rica.
Great nature and adventure crossing – 14 days
This itinerary takes you from the central valley to the cloud forests of Monteverde, passing by Arenal volcano. Explore the trails of Tenorio National Park, then head down to the Pacific coast via the Guanacaste region. Visit the national parks of Carara and Manuel Antonio, renowned for their exceptional biodiversity. You will discover varied ecosystems, rivers to explore by kayak, and preserved beaches, all while benefiting from regular stops to rest your van and enjoy local activities.
Complete journey – 21 days
Travel the entirety of Costa Rica in three weeks: start in San José and the Irazú volcano, then explore the Caribbean coast and Tortuguero Park. Cross the cloud forests of Monteverde and Arenal volcano before heading down to the Pacific coast. Finish with the national parks of Manuel Antonio, Marino Ballena, and Corcovado, renowned for their jungle trails, waterfalls, and exceptional wildlife. This complete itinerary offers a total immersion in Costa Rica's natural diversity, with enough time to fully enjoy each destination.
All the towns where you can rent a motorhome in Costa Rica
Discover on this map all the cities in Costa Rica where you can rent your motorhome or campervan.
Use the search engine to find out exactly which departure and return towns you can use to organise your road trip.
To do this, enter the first letters of the country in the corresponding field and discover all the cities in Costa Rica or elsewhere.
Loading the interactive map...
Traveling in a 4x4 in Costa Rica: climate, seasons, and rates
Costa Rica offers a stable tropical climate year-round, with temperatures rarely falling below 20°C, making it an ideal destination for van adventures. However, understanding the country's two distinct seasons and their impact on accommodation rates and road conditions is essential for planning a successful trip.
The dry season: the sunny summer from December to April
The dry season, which runs from December to April, represents the immense sunny summer of Costa Rica with maximum sunshine and reduced rainfall. During this period, temperatures range from 20°C to 35°C depending on the regions and altitude. In San José, daytime temperatures hover around 26°C, while on the Pacific coast, particularly in Puntarenas, the thermometer averages 32°C. This season is the most popular among travelers, meaning higher accommodation and camping rates, but also excellent road conditions and great visibility for exploring the tropical landscapes.
This is the best time for a safari from San José or to explore regions like Guanacaste, which receives virtually no rain for six months. Pleasant nights and sunny days create perfect conditions for camper van travel, with little risk of difficult weather affecting your vehicle or journeys.
The rainy season: the green season from May to November
The rainy season, also known as the green season or temporada verde, runs from May to November and is characterized by high humidity and typical afternoon thunderstorms of the tropical climate. Rainfall peaks, often in the form of intense but brief showers that generally last one to two hours. Temperatures cool slightly, ranging from 22°C to 32°C, while the landscapes become lush and green. This season reveals Costa Rica in its full natural expression, with spectacular forests and impressive waterfalls, particularly around Monteverde where temperatures drop to 12-20°C.
Traveling by camper van during this period offers a major advantage: accommodation and camping rates are significantly reduced, as there are clearly fewer tourists. However, the Caribbean coast, particularly Limón and Tortuguero, experiences particularly abundant rainfall year-round, with up to 3500mm annually in Limón. The Osa Peninsula and the southern Pacific coast, including Manuel Antonio and Uvita, are also very wet. Despite the humidity, this season allows for a more authentic and less commercial experience of the country, with particularly active wildlife and generally passable roads for vans.
Rates and crowds: adjusting your budget to the season
The dry season from December to April corresponds to the high tourist season, attracting the largest number of travelers. Rates for campgrounds, van spots, and tourist services peak during this period. Conversely, the rainy season from May to November offers significantly reduced rates, making it an excellent option for camper van travelers looking to minimize their expenses. Regions like San José and the Central Valley experience sporadic rain generally in the late afternoon and at night, allowing for comfortable van travel during daylight hours.
For camper van travelers, the transition period between April and May, or from September to October, can offer a good compromise: moderate rates, reduced crowds, and generally acceptable weather conditions. Regardless of the chosen season, Costa Rica remains accessible by van thanks to its stable temperatures and regional climate diversity, allowing for drier areas even during the wet season.
All vehicles for rent in Costa Rica
This list gives you a good overview of the offer of motorhomes, campervans, and other vehicles in Costa Rica. Please note that not all of these vehicles are necessarily available at all rental agencies of our partners. To find out about the available vehicle options for your road trip, please use the search form at the top of this page. You can then filter the results by rental company, price, type of motorhomes, compare rental offers and their options, check availability, save your offers, and of course book online when your choice is made!
Practical tips for traveling in a camper van in Costa Rica
Costa Rica, with its varied landscapes from the beaches of Santa Teresa to the hills of Monteverde, offers a unique road trip experience in a camper van, provided you are well aware of the local specifics.
Driving and regulations
In Costa Rica, driving is on the right, and a national driver's license is sufficient, with no need for an international permit. The minimum age to rent a vehicle is 21 years, and it is essential to have a credit card for the security deposit. Speed limits are 25 km/h in towns, 60-80 km/h on secondary roads, and 100 km/h on highways. Be cautious on unpaved roads, especially in rural areas or near Manuel Antonio National Park, where road conditions can be challenging, especially during the rainy season.
Sleeping and connecting
Wild camping is tolerated in many places, especially by the sea or near volcanoes, but it is prohibited to camp directly on the beaches themselves, such as in Santa Teresa or in turtle nesting areas. There are many paid campgrounds that often offer cold showers, but dump stations and water sources are rare, especially in remote areas. It is advisable to download offline maps and use apps like iOverlander to locate spots and services.
Local tips & safety
Costa Rica has a low crime rate, but it is recommended to keep your belongings secure, especially in parking lots in Monteverde or near Manuel Antonio National Park. Camper vans are often equipped with secure storage and tinted windows. Avoid leaving valuables visible and respect environmental rules, particularly by avoiding excessive noise and lights in natural areas. Don't forget to check with park offices or local residents for any temporary closures or restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions in Costa Rica
What are the advantages of renting a fitted 4x4 to explore Costa Rica?
A fitted 4x4 in Costa Rica allows easy access to often rugged roads, trails, and remote areas, especially during the rainy season. These vehicles offer comfort and autonomy with a rooftop tent for sleeping, integrated kitchen, and storage space. They are adapted to the diversity of landscapes, from beaches to volcanoes, ensuring a complete and secure adventure experience throughout the country.
Where can you park and camp overnight with a camper van or 4x4 in Costa Rica?
You can park and camp freely almost anywhere in Costa Rica, including "wild camping." Many free spots exist near beaches, volcanoes, or in nature. For more comfort, paid campgrounds with facilities are also available. The iOverlander app is recommended to find and choose the best camping spots.
Is wild camping allowed with a fitted 4x4 in Costa Rica?
Yes, wild camping is legal and common in Costa Rica. However, it is prohibited to camp directly on certain protected beaches, particularly those that serve as nesting sites for sea turtles. It is advisable to camp behind the beaches, under the palm trees, avoiding risky areas like under coconut trees.
What equipment is generally included with a van or fitted 4x4 in Costa Rica?
Fitted 4x4s often include a rooftop tent, awning, comfortable bed, equipped kitchen with stove, refrigerator, and storage. Some models also offer water and electricity equipment, facilitating autonomy. These vehicles are designed to provide comfort and practicality when traveling on difficult roads or trails.
Can you cross Costa Rica's borders with a rented 4x4?
No, it is not possible to cross Costa Rica's land borders with a rental vehicle. Rental agreements generally prohibit leaving the country for insurance and local regulation reasons. Therefore, you need to plan an itinerary exclusively within Costa Rican territory.
How does the pickup and return of a fitted 4x4 work in Costa Rica?
Most rental agencies have their offices near Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José. It is advisable to arrive the day before to rest before the morning pickup. The return takes place at the same location, often between 9 AM and 6 PM, with an inspection of the vehicle to check its condition.
What tips for driving a 4x4 in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica, you drive on the right. Roads can be narrow, winding, and sometimes unpaved, especially in rural or mountainous areas. It is important to adjust your speed, prioritize 4x4 vehicles for trails, and check weather conditions, especially during the rainy season. A driving manual is often provided with the vehicle.
How to manage water and sanitary needs during a road trip in a 4x4 in Costa Rica?
Gas stations often offer free refills of water tanks. Toilets and showers are available in campgrounds, gas stations, restaurants, and supermarkets. When wild camping, you need to plan your own hygiene solutions.
They traveled in Costa Rica
Discover the latest verified customer reviews translated into your language and published on Trustpilot and Verified Reviews platforms.
Too rigid computer system
Very good customer experience with Cooldrive. I highly recommend it! Thanks to the team who were attentive and available for organizing my trip to Canada.
Great experience with Cooldrive. I highly recommend it 100%. Reliable, attentive, available, responsive. Thanks to Marléne for her support.
Initially, the camper offered online was not available, but a good alternative was quickly provided. The communication regarding the various steps to be taken is clear. The camper was from 2025 and was clean and complete. The pick-up in Norway took longer than expected (4 hours), but in the end, it became a vacation to never forget. Highly recommended!
No unpleasant surprises
Cooldrive recommended that I take out insurance, which turned out to be unable to handle an issue that arose during the stay.
Top rates and service
Impeccable
Quick and efficient response
Everything was quick and quite simple. Just a small downside upon arrival, we waited a good amount of time before being taken care of.
Perfect
Interesting price, clear file and follow-up. Very easy to get answers to our questions, very pleasant staff.
We rented a campervan for a trip to Iceland. Everything went well. Good service from Cooldrive.
Great vacation in the Baltic States. When everything goes well, it is easy to speak highly of the people who helped you. But beyond the quality of the vehicle and the welcome from the rental company, it is also important to note the support received from Cooldrive, which responded quickly to all our requests. This provides a sense of security that allows you to truly relax, knowing that in case of...
great experience! The CoolDrive agents are very helpful with all the procedures
Incorrect information about the rental dates resulting in a charge for an additional day despite my inquiries to Cool Drive right after my booking. Refusal to modify my reservation because it did not lead to a change in price. Incorrect information confirmed by the rental company that was expecting a response the next day...
The whole booking, communication, and actual rental experience has been smooth, effective, and enjoyable. Not sure how that could have been any better, at least in our experience, other than perhaps a final communication just before the start of the rental (but really, we had all info and details already). Collection and return of the motorhome was smooth and friendly staff (from iCaravan). All in...
Very good from the quote to the rental, I recommend!
Good and quick communication, easy to book and easy to follow all the instructions.
Easy to contact intermediary. For my part, a big thank you to Marlene for her availability and responsiveness.
Excellent service, speed, and courtesy
Easy communication, in French
They have always responded quickly to all my requests and their website is very functional!
Everything was well arranged, clear information in advance, and the handover of the mobile home went smoothly.
It is convenient to book a vehicle without too many questions. However, personally, I went to Iceland, and the story surrounding the insurance was really not clear with the rental agency.
Diversity of offerings, clear presentation of the site, available options. No surprises on the price; you know what you're paying for. I recommend it and will probably use it again for other camper van trips.
Responsiveness to emails and requests is excellent.
Everything went well.
Hello, very bad experience with the rental made with Causeway Campers Ltd: the rented camper was damaged from a previous accident with many parts taped up, including the rear bumper, which came loose during the jolts in the middle of the trip that I had to reattach after notifying them with makeshift means, causing stress on the road in the second part of the trip (photo available if needed); upon...
Motorhome and campervan rental companies in Costa Rica
Below you’ll find all the motorhome and campervan rental companies we work with in Costa Rica.
These are exclusively professional rental companies in Costa Rica, renowned for the quality, reliability and maintenance of their fleet of vehicles.
Renting a motorhome with CoolDrive from one of these companies gives you the guarantees and insurance you need to make sure your trip goes smoothly in Costa Rica.
Click on the logo to access the rental company’s details.
Special offers on motorhome rentals in Costa Rica
Here are the promotional offers currently available for each motorhome and campervan rental company in Costa Rica.
The conditions for applying these discounts are managed individually for each rental offer and depend mainly on the dates of your trip in Costa Rica.
To find out exactly what promotions are available in Costa Rica, the easiest way is to carry out a search and look at the offers on offer.
You can then save these offers in your customer area or make your booking request directly.
Most promotions are limited in time, so make the most of them before they’re gone!
Why choose CoolDrive Nomad?
A team of enthusiasts and professionals to serve and advise you
And simply the best platform for booking motorhomes and campervans around the world!
Tips
A company created in 2011 with thousand rentals track record with a dedicated experts team to make your camper customer experience a successful trip
Lowest Price guaranteed
Compare with our hundreds of partner rental companies and a few challengers, then come back to us!
Complete offer
Certainly the most comprehensive and diverse offer for motorhome and campervan rentals around the world
Customer satisfaction
Insurance, guarantees, customer satisfaction, what to ask for more for your motorhome rental abroad
Cancellation Insurance
Book your motorhome rental without stress, with the guarantee that you will be reimbursed according to the insurance conditions
Baggage insurance
Receive compensation for the replacement of your belongings in case of loss, theft, or damage to your baggage
Serenity+ Pack free*
Find out more
Stay connected
An eSIM with several GB to stay connected and surf the web, even on the other side of the world
Park4Night+
Premium version of the app offered for 1 year to easily find a spot to park overnight
Free Mobility Pack
Find out more