From the Atlantic to the Pacific, Self-Drive

Enjoy the highlights of Costa Rica on this eleven-day itinerary, including wonderful jungles, volcano and pristine beaches. This is a country of great natural beauty and every destination has something unique to offer. Whether you are watching the Arenal volcano whilst bathing in hot springs, exploring the dense jungle of Tortuguero or relaxing on the pristine beaches of Tamarindo and the Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica really is a nature lover's paradise. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Tortuguero: Tortuguero, is one of Costa Rica's most popular ecotourism destinations. This destination is you "must stop" while in Costa Rica. Discover its Network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests and had the chance to see the turtles hatch. 

Puerto Viejo: Located in Limon province on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a beach lover’s paradise. Boasting warm, calm waters, this tropical paradise is ideal for laid-back travellers seeking a getaway in a quaint beach community. With its relaxed atmosphere and its own unique blend of Latino, Afro-Caribbean and Bribri indigenous cultures, Puerto Viejo is a lively place to have a fun relaxing vacation.

Arenal: Prior to December 2010 the Arenal Volcano was one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world and it was a truly majestic sight. Today there are no lava eruptions, but you can still see smoke/ash spew out of the top of the volcano. Find the balance between mind, body and spirit surrounded by nature thanks to the lush jungle and the imposing Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna area is recognized worldwide for being one of the most prominent wellness tourism destinations in the world.

Tamarindo: The most developed beach on the vibrant Nicoya Peninsula and one of Costa Rica's best-known surf spots. Tamarindo beach is also a wonderland of adventure and has the serenity of a tropical getaway. This is a destination for anyone that is travelling through Costa Rica, from newlyweds to families. Great swimming, surf, fishing, and water sports during the day, buzzing nightlife come sunset.

Day 1: ARRIVAL SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)

Welcome to Costa Rica. A local representative will greet you and assist you at the airport. Shared transfer from airport to the hotel in San Jose. Check-in at the hotel and then enjoy leisure time to refresh, relax and get comfortable at your hotel room. Explore by your own the city and its surroundings. 

Overnight at San Jose.

Day 2: SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (117km – 3.5hrs by land / 1.5hr by boat)

Early check-out from the hotel. Around 6:00 am a local representative will pick you up at the hotel lobby and take you on a shared transfer to your next destination: Tortuguero National Park, located in the North Caribbean Coast. On the way, around 8:30 am there will be a stop for breakfast in Guápiles city and then continue to La Pavona dock, where you will board a boat shared with others guests, that will take you to the lodge where you will immerse yourself in a perfectly quiet, laid back and tranquil stay. Around 1:00 pm, check-in and enjoy a delightful lunch (included). Afterwards, around 2:30 pm, meet your guide for an expedition through the Tortuguero Canals, a must activity while you are in Costa Rica. Explore the lagoons and hidden canals; as you go deeper into the forest the canals become smaller and the surrounding wildlife gets closer. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. 

Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 3: TORTUGUERO

Breakfast at the hotel. Around 9:00 am meet your guide to discovering nature by taking a walk through the Lodge’s private trails. Enjoy free time in the morning to cool off in the pool and simply relax. Later this day, around 2:30 pm join to the guide and visit the small and picturesque village of Tortuguero. Afterwards, return to the Lodge to relax. Lunch and dinner included at the Lodge. 

Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 4: TORTUGUERO – PUERTO VIEJO (206km – 4hrs by land/ 1.5hr by boat) / CAR HIRE DELIVERY

Breakfast at the lodge and check-out. Around 9:30 am be ready to depart on a shared transfer by boat and land from Tortuguero to the Restaurant located in Guápiles city, where you will enjoy the lunch. After lunch, around 1:30 p.m., a local car rental representative will meet you at the restaurant and deliver you the rented vehicle and all the information regarding the contract. Afterwards, self-drive to your next destination: the Caribbean beach town of Puerto Viejo. Upon arrival, around 4:30 pm, check-in at the hotel in Puerto Viejo and free time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. 

Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

Day 5: PUERTO VIEJO

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy leisure time to simply relax or explore Puerto Viejo, its surrounding and beaches on your own. 

Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

Day 6: PUERTO VIEJO – ARENAL (275km – 5hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At a convenient time, self-drive to your next destination: La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the wonderful Arenal Volcano. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in Arenal, enjoy free time to relax and discover the natural beauty of this destination on your own. 

Overnight in Arenal.

Day 7: ARENAL

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy leisure time to simply relax or explore the Arenal region on your own. 

Overnight in Arenal.

Day 8: ARENAL – TAMARINDO (205km – 4hrs)

Breakfast included at the hotel and check-out. At a convenient time, self-drive to your next destination: Tamarindo beach, located in the North Pacific Coast of Guanacaste Province. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in Tamarindo and enjoy free time to relax at the resort facilities or explore the beach town on your own.

Overnight in Tamarindo.

Day 9: TAMARINDO

Breakfast at the hotel. Leisure day to relax and enjoy the tropical paradise of Tamarindo beach. 

Overnight in Tamarindo.

Day 10: TAMARINDO – SAN JOSE (260km – 5hrs) / CAR HIRE HOTEL RETURN

Breakfast included at the hotel and check-out. At a convenient time, self-drive to San Jose. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in San Jose and at the agreed time, meet the local car rental representative at the hotel lobby to return the vehicle. Enjoy free time to relax or go to explore the capital city on your own. 

Overnight in San Jose.

Day 11: DEPARTURE SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At the agreed time, a local representative will pick you up at the lobby and take you on shared transportation to Juan Santamaria International Airport to take your flight back home. 

Comfortable and light and quick dry 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, tennis shoes, hiking shoes, sandals, sweater, raincoat or jacket, bathing suit, a hat or cap and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. All drivers must carry their current driver's license. All drivers must carry an international personal credit card (Visa, MC, Diners Club, and AMEX)