Self-drive in Costa Rica

15 days

This 15-day Costa Rica vacation package is an ideal road trip to explore this natural wonderland. It is a vibrant destination full of opportunities for adventure. Enjoy the freedom to take spontaneous detours and side trips throughout this tour.

Spend an unforgettable time behind the wheel to explore this small but very surpassing country. With coasts on two oceans, peaks higher than 12,000 feet, pristine rainforests, wetlands, and one of the world’s densest flora and fauna populations, you do not want to miss this trip.

Waterfalls

Rainforests

Fascinating jungles

Abundant wildlife

Highlights

Marvel at the tremendous biological and geographic diversity of Tortuguero. Spend time at the impressive crater of Poas Volcano with its fumaroles. You can enjoy the matchless cultural diversity of the Southern Caribbean while visiting the Sarapiquí area, which is famous for its extraordinary biodiversity. Let yourself be immersed in the beauty of Arenal Volcano’s surroundings. Drive into Monteverde wildlife sanctuary and relax at the amazing white beaches of Manuel Antonio.

Itinerary

At your arrival, someone will be waiting for you, holding a visible placard with your last name. They will drive you to the hotel in San Jose. Throughout this trip, you will have your vehicle available for a delightful stroll through the country.

Your first destination in your Costa Rica vacation package is perfect for wildlife lovers with 400 species of birds. One can find animals such as monkeys, sloths, and many others roaming. You will also find 400 types of trees and at least 2,200 other plants. With all of this fabulous wildlife, you will find many optional activities such as boat trips, hiking, turtle watching, bird watching, canoeing, kayaking, and others.

Tortuguero National Park is an important breeding site for the green sea turtle. It is the only place in the world where turtles arrive in large quantities and return regularly throughout the year. Tortuguero means “land of many turtles,” and as its name suggests, you will have the opportunity to see these wonderful creatures. From the eight species of sea turtles, there are in the whole world, six nests in Costa Rica. Four of these species are found here in Tortuguero National Park.

In the Southern Caribbean of Costa Rica, you will experience an incomparable cultural diversity, where black, indigenous, and European people enjoy a relaxed lifestyle together. Here, in the middle of lush vegetation and a wide variety of wildlife, you can find the most diverse and attractive activities. Some of the activities include diving, surfing, hiking, sport fishing, dolphin tours, visits to Kekoldi Native Reserve, horseback riding, and bird-watching.

Enjoy these two days in the middle of the lush rainforest with the opportunity to see sloths, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, and raccoons. Do not forget the sea turtles, crabs, iguanas, birds, toucans, and frogs here. You will also have the ability to visit the beaches and the cities of Cahuita, Puerto Vargas, Pirikikí Beach, Chiquita Beach, Cocles Beach, Uva Beach, and Manzanillo Beach.

Sarapiqui is known for its amazing and rich biodiversity. Due to this, it is becoming a popular tourism destination for both families and natural adventure seekers. Located at the junction of the Puerto Viejo and Sarapiquí river, it draws adventure and nature lovers for exciting whitewater rafting or nature-viewing float trips. If you are an avid bird watcher, Sarapiquí is the place to see many of Costa Rica’s bird species. Here you can find hummingbirds, Quetzals, toucans, Aracaris, guans, and Great Green Macaws. The harmonious surroundings will allow you to relax and concentrate on the scenery. Your overnight stay will be in the Sarapiquí area.

Today you will go directly to the Arenal Volcano area in San Carlos. This area is surrounded by a natural beauty that will leave you breathless. Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy two days of adventure with the most varied activities. Most noteworthy are canopy excursions, fishing in the beautiful Arenal Volcano Lagoon, suspension bridges, sky tram, hiking the almost perfect conical form of its volcano, and relaxing in the hot springs.

Now you will travel to the Monteverde Reserve, an established wildlife sanctuary in 1972. It is now one of the major tourist destinations in Costa Rica. It draws many tourists as it has a great wealth of tropical jungles, bright quetzals, and a great variety of hummingbirds. You can also visit the nearby and beautiful Santa Elena Cloud Forest Community Reserve. There you will find more than 2000 species of plants, 400 birds, and 100 different mammals. Clouds settle in the forest providing moisture to the plants and animals that live there. It is a beautiful serene environment for those walking along the trails of this reserve.

Today you will go to the Manuel Antonio National Park, named by Forbes as one of the world’s most beautiful parks in 2011. There are three uniquely beautiful beaches, casual trails, and a dense rainforest that combines with animal life. This destination offers the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful beaches and sun while being surrounded by lush vegetation and vibrant wildlife forests.

Today, you’ll discover one of the most diversified environments of the world on an escorted hike over Manuel Antonio National Park. An experienced naturalist eye and closeness with the park permit your guide to identify and show you animals you would expect to omit on your own. Moreover, the guide carries along with a spotting scope so you can get up-close views of a broad diversification of wildlife from monkeys and sloths to toucans and hummingbirds. 

If you’re looking for some adventure, you may like a canopy tour or rafting. When looking for a relaxing time, enjoy the light sand beaches in the coastal park of Manuel Antonio, which are popular for swimming, snorkeling, and surf lessons.

Nearby, you will find the town of Quepos. It could be described as the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s just a 15-minute drive, and it has a great selection of restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. The streets of Quepos are easy to walk. With a mix of local shops, markets, and cafes, this town has all the amenities of a tourism-hub, yet maintains the charm of Costa Rica with an authentic laid-back feel.
*The park is closed every Monday.

Today you will make your drive back to San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, while you enjoy the road surrounded by spectacular vegetation.

Today your Costa Rica vacation package has come to an end and you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight back home. 

map, expenses & price

Self-drive in Costa Rica

Expenses included:
-Fifteen days of a 4×4 rental car. Free Mileage and tax included.
-Fourteen nights of hotel accommodations.
-Professional certified guides.
-Tours and excursions as listed.
-Entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park.
-Daily breakfast.

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