Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean, Self-drive

Explore Costa Rica´s spectacular nature, imposing volcanoes, and the pristine Caribbean beaches in this round-trip adventure that begins and ends in the capital city, San Jose. Enjoy nine days of memorable experiences, walking around Arenal Volcano National Park, discovering Tortuguero National Park, and relaxing on the Southern Caribbean Coast. Get to know a different side of Costa Rica, whose local population boasts Afro-Caribbean heritage. Explore the pristine beaches,  hike through the emblematic rainforests, and admire the reef system during an unforgettable snorkelling tour. This journey is sure to impress, offering you memories to last a lifetime. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Arenal: Admire one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the country and it’s beautiful park, dotted with trails and rich in wildlife.

Tortuguero: This park is home to the nesting grounds of green sea turtles, offering also spectacular beaches and opportunities to spot wild animals and birds.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: A Caribbean seaside town famous for its surfing scene, beautiful scenery, and relaxed atmosphere. 

Cahuita National Park: This natural park will amaze you with its pristine beaches, beautiful coral reefs, and coastal rainforest.

San Jose: Costa Rica’s capital city was founded in the mid-18th century, boasting history and culture. Visit its museums, the European-inspired National Theatre, and stroll through its charming historic neighbourhoods.

Day 1: ARRIVAL SAN JOSE

Upon arrival to San Jose, meet and greet services at Juan Santamaria International Airport will direct you to your transport. Enjoy a relaxing drive before your drop off at your hotel in San Jose for the first night in Costa Rica. 

• Overnight in San Jose.

Day 2: SAN JOSE – ARENAL (130km – 4 hrs)

Start the day with an early breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, a representative of the car rental company will meet you in the hotel lobby to give you the rental car you will be using during the trip. Drive to the region of La Fortuna, northwest of San Jose, home of the iconic Arenal Volcano. Have the remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy the area and hotel facilities or join one of the optional activities available. A great choice is spending great moments of relaxation at the captivating Tabacon Hot Springs. Take time to relax your mind and body as you enjoy these therapeutic volcanic hot water springs, surrounded by the natural beauty of the rainforest and the imposing volcano. The magnificent infrastructure of the pools, the stunning waterfalls and inviting wet bars will make your visit unforgettable. The visit to Tabacon Hot Springs is not included.

• Overnight in Arenal.

Day 3: ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK

Today after breakfast, enjoy the day at leisure to explore on your own or participate in an optional activity. Enjoy, for example, a guided or self-guided walking tour in Arenal Volcano National Park. Admire the verdant landscapes and the backdrop of the now-dormant volcano, as you keep a lookout for animals that live in this spectacular national park. If you are lucky you might spot sloths, howler monkeys, and even anteaters. Afterwards, return to the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure or participate in one of the optional activities available. The exciting Arenal Nature Night Hike is a fantastic choice. This experience will take you to explore the depths of nature in its most spectacular moment – nightfall. Your night will be full of amphibians, reptiles, insects and excitement for all those brave enough to enter the rainforest with nothing more than the natural lighting and a flashlight. The mysteries of the tropical rainforest will be yours to discover, together with one of our experienced naturalist guides. The Arenal Natura Night Hike is not included.

• Overnight in Arenal.

Day 4: ARENAL – GUAPILES – TORTUGUERO (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)

Your day begins bright and early with a drive to the town of Guapiles. Arrive to the established local restaurant to enjoy breakfast and meet your guide for the following days. You must leave the car locked at the restaurant’s parking lot. Afterwards, continue in shared transportation to a pier and then continue by boat, cruising the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Arrive, check in, and enjoy a delicious lunch at your eco-lodge. Board the boat again for a visit to the stunning Tortuguero village. Stroll its beautifully arranged streets, explore its laid-back beaches and get closer to the locals. During the turtle hatching season, we will look for the baby turtles trying to find their way down to the ocean. Nesting is from July to September, hatching from September to December. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel, surrounded by the beautiful tropical forest and wildlife.

• Overnight in Tortuguero

Day 5: TORTUGERO NATIONAL PARK

Today you will have some free time to relax by the pool and experience the Tortuguero National Park on a three-hour trip. Observe over 350 protected species of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and sloths, as well as lush vegetation. During the July to September season, you can join an optional Late Night Turtle Nesting Tour purchasable directly at the lodge or enjoy an exciting Tortuguero Canopy Tour. The Canopy tour is a unique experience in Tortuguero, offering visitors 11 platforms, 4 suspension bridges, 7 cables, 1 scaling wall and the fantastic Tarzan swing. This is an ideal tour for adventure seekers! The Late Night Turtle Nesting and Tortuguero Canopy tours are not included.

Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 6: TORTUGERO – GUAPILES – PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA (220km – 2 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)

After breakfast, depart by boat back to Guapiles. Here, you will stop for a delicious lunch and pick up your rental car before driving yourself to the coastal Puerto Viejo area. Have the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere and the local Afro-Caribbean culture of the region.

Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

Day 7: CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK

Today, after breakfast, enjoy the day at leisure to explore on your own or participate in an optional activity, for example, snorkelling and hiking through the nearby Cahuita National Park. This is the most important coral reef of Costa Rica. Packed full of sea life, so be prepared to see many different species of coral, an abundance tropical fish, sharks, eels, sea urchins, shellfish, crustaceans, algae, sea turtles, lobster, shrimp and more. After discovering the beauty of the underwater world, you can hike through Cahuita National Park, with the possibility of observing various types of snakes, such as boas, eyelash vipers, as well as sloths, white-faced and howler monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, racoons, blue Morpho butterflies. and much more. The afternoon is at leisure to participate in other optional activities or simply relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. Snorkelling and hiking through Cahuita National Park are not included.

Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

Day 8: PUERTO VIEJO – SAN JOSE (215km – 5 hrs)

Take the morning to rest and relax. In the early afternoon, transfer back to San Jose for your last night in Costa Rica.

 Overnight in San Jose.

Day 9: DEPART SAN JOSE (25km – 30 min)

Enjoy a tasty breakfast and, at the appropriate time, drive from Manuel Antonio to the airport for your flight back home. Drop off your car at the car rental office and take a shuttle transfer to the airport.

• Breakfast included.

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.