We Love —
- Fantastic opportunity to visit one of the most biologically diverse countries on the planet
- This trip captures the highlights of Costa Rica in one itinerary from amazing volcanoes, to pristine beaches to stunning national parks
- A self-drive itinerary allows you freedom and adventure
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Here to Help —
Booking 35 days in advance and spending over £500 per person? No need to pay in full today! Just select the 30% deposit option on our payment page (terms & conditions apply)
For any additional information on this offer or assistance in making your reservation please call one of our dedicated team on 0844 8262098 or email sales@voyageprive.com
Opening hours are Monday to Friday 08:00 to 21:00 and Saturdays & Sundays from 09:00 to 17:30.
Your Destination —
The country's national parks are its greatest glory, with one-third of the country set aside as protected natural areas. As well as being a world leader in eco-tourism, Costa Rica superbly caters for visitors looking for an adrenalin kick, with options including whitewater rafting, zip line tours through the rainforest canopy, surfing and quad biking.
This complete tour will give you the full experience, from the quaint beauty of its capital city, the lush depths of its green forests and protected eco-reserves and the wild, unspoilt vistas of its Pacific coast.
It is quickly becoming more popular, so grab this chance to visit now, while landscapes are still exceptionally unspoilt and uncrowded...
There is literally so much to see and do in this fascinating country it is impossible to list it all!! However, we have listed below some of this itineraries highlights:
Driving in Costa Rica —
Driving is a great way to see Costa Rica - the roads are safe and landscape is awe inspiring. Driving on the right hand side on well maintained roads mean your journeys will be simple and stress free.
Populated areas such as San Jose generally have well signposted dual carriageways, and the smaller roads away from the main cities tend to be similar to UK countryside A roads.
Your Itinerary —
Hotel Rosa del Paseo 3*
• Welcome to San José, Costa Rica, and transfer to your accommodation.
• Night at the hotel.
San Jose
Whilst this city is not renowned for its natural beauty, it is a very cosmopolitan city that that is bustling and full of exciting sounds, scents and exotic vibes.
Day 2. SAN JOSE - TORTUGUERO (3 hours by road & 1 hour 30 minutes by boat)
Turtle Lodge
• Transferred to Tortuguero pier and breakfast is enjoyed on the road. Discover the Braulio tropical rainforest and its beautiful vegetation.
• Transferred by boat to the lodge.
• Lunch.
• During the afternoon you will embark on an interesting walk to a typical village.
• Back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Tortuguero
The Caribbean Coast is home to the beautiful town of Tortuguero and it's National Park. This sun drenched zone with its sparsely spaced coastal villages offers a completely laid back and relaxed atmosphere. The culture is vastly different on this coast compared to the rest of the country with its prominent Afro-Caribbean influence notable as well as the delicious cuisine found here.
Day 3 - TORTUGUERO
Turtle Lodge
• Breakfast.
• During the morning boat ride, meet monkeys, crocodiles, several birds and more abundant nature.
• Lunch at the lodge.
• Free afternoon, wherein you can opt to go for a nature-filled walk. A kayak or boat night tour in the reserve is highly recommended.
• Dinner and overnight.
Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge 3*
• Breakfast.
• After transfers by boat and by road, pick up your 4x4 car rental at Guápiles.
• Drive through the agricultural region of Sarapiqui.
• Enjoy the beautiful landscape dense with pineapple and palm tree fields.
• Take the time to have a walk around, to see the Sarapiqui River or to take a boat ride out to find crocodile, birds or monkeys.
• Highly recommended: a visit to the Pierella Ecological Garden, the Butterfly Farm, the pre-colombian museum, La Selva biological reserve, canopy walking, river rafting, horse-riding and mountain biking.
• Overnight in hotel.
Braulio Tropical Rainforest
Getting its name from Costa Rica's third president, Dr. Braulio Carrillo, the national park, full of tropical rainforest, spans northeast of the Central Valley. Flowing down from the Central Volcanic Corridor, Braulio Carrillo National Park (Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo) falls between the Poas Volcano to the west and the Irazu Volcano to the east. The protected zone encompasses 108,970 acres (44,100 ha) of rolling hills crammed with dark-green vegetation that teems with wildlife!
This beautiful region stretches from the top of Braulio Carrillo National park to the western village of San Miguel, from where Volcán Arenal and the western lowlands are easily accessible by road. This tropical paradise is carpeted by fruit plantations, and is hot and lusciously dense with vegetation. Sarapiquí’s sleepy village of Puerto Viejo is a primary river transport hub and a place you can see local plantation workers go about their everyday life stocking up on supplies. Ideal also for thrill-seekers wishing to take part in white-water rafting or kayaking. This is a good base for exploring the last primary rainforest in Costa Rica.
Maquenque 3*
• Breakfast.
• Drive to the north of Costa Rica along roads and tracks set against the backdrop of immense pineapple fields before arriving at the Boca Tapada region.
• Take in the lush green rainforest of the Maquenque Eco Preserve, a shelter for 60% Costa Rica's birds and spot green and red macaws, parrots, frogs and more.
• Overnight in the hotel.
Boca Tapada
Boca Tapada Costa Rica is located in the northern lowlands near the mouth of the San Carlos river which forms the border between Costa Rica and Nicaracua. This remote and off the beaten path area of Costa Rica is home to hundreds of pineapple and sugar cane plantations as well as a rich biodiversity of plants and animals.
Boca Tapada is one of few remaining nesting sites of the endangered Great Green Macaw. One of the newest additions to the Boca Tapada area is the Maquenque Eco Preserve which has a mission of preserving the habitat of the Great Green Macaw as well as other species who habitat is dependent on the wetlands around Boca Tapada.
Day 6 - BOCA TAPADA
Maquenque 3*
• Breakfast.
• Spend the day enjoying the region of Boca Tapada. Highly recommended; an early morning tour to see the birds.
• Overnight at the hotel.
Arenal Volcano Inn 3*
• Breakfast.
• Set off for the Arenal Volcano, and marvel at the breathtaking nature along the way. Highly recommended: a stop off at the 'Del Toro' falls.
• Arrival at the Arenal Volcano and overnight in the hotel.
Arenal Volcano
Positioned within Costa Rica’s fertile northern lowlands, the Arenal Volcano is an unavoidable presence while traveling within this part of the country. It is tall and imposing and has a reputation that precedes itself. Arenal’s perfectly symmetrical shape makes it a sightseer’s dream, while its abundance of outdoor activities makes it an easy place to check things off your “must-do in Costa Rica” list.
Hacienda Guachipelin 2*
• Breakfast.
• Drive around the beautiful surrounding landscape of the Arenal Lake, and make your way through dry- tropical forest, lagoons, mangrove and rivers. Highly recommended: a boat trip on the Bebedero River in the Palo National Park.
• Drive onwards towards the Rincon de la Vieja, and observe how the landscape transforms into cattle-ranching savannahs.
• Diner and overnight in the hotel.
Rincon De La Vieja
Situated right in the northwest of Costa Rica, this stunning area of magnificent natural beauty offers a wealth of exciting activities including hiking trails, horseback riding, tubing, mountain biking and waterfall swimming. There are numerous waterfalls in the area, the largest of which are the Oropendola Waterfall (25 meters) and the La Victoria Waterfall (35 meters), which pour into the Colorado River.
The area around Rincon de La Vieja is active with geothermal activity and warm springs sites and bubbling mud pools can be discovered here. The mud is believed to be very therapeutic, and mud baths are a great way to relieve sore bodies following a long day of exploration.
The area surrounding the National park was once covered in dense forest but is now famous cowboy and cattle ranching land and so predominately comprised of dry open fields for pastures and grazing cattle.
Day 9 - RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA (closed on Mondays)
Hacienda Guachipelin 2*
• Breakfast.
• Today discover the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and enjoy a horse-ride - this is cowboy country!
• Overnight in the hotel.
Trapp Family 3*
• Breakfast.
• Drive to the biological reserve of Monteverde - one of the biggest tropical forest of Costa Rica.
• Overnight in the hotel.
Monteverde by Lake Arenal
Set atop the spine of Costa Rica’s continental divide, Monteverde is a world above the coastal towns that dot the country's famous shoreline. It is a place of cloud forests and coffee plantations, monkeys, mist, and friendly locals.
Day 11 - MONTEVERDE
Trapp Family 3*
• Breakfast.
• Enjoy your day in the magical reserve of Monteverde. Highly recommended: visit the butterfly farm, the canopy, suspension bridge and take a horse ride.
• Overnight in the hotel.
Tango Mar 4*
• Breakfast.
• Drive to the Pacific coast and enjoy the beautiful mountainous landscape. Highly recommended: stop off at the Aras El Manantial to observe the birds on your way.
• Take the ferry to reach the peninsula of Nicoya, wherein you will begin your luxurious beach stay.
• Enjoy a B&B stay at your 4* Tango Mar hotel.
Days 13- 14 - PLAYA QUIZALES
Tango Mar 4*
• Spend 2 entire days at leisure on this beautiful coast. White sand & crystal clear water will be at your entire disposal.
Day 15 - PLAYA QUIZALES / SAN JOSE (1 hour 30 minutes by ferry + 2 hours by road)
El Sesteo hotel 3*
• Breakfast.
• Drive to Alajuela where you will drop off your car rental.
• Transfer to your hotel in San Jose.
• Free at leisure.
• Overnight in the hotel.
Day 16 - SAN JOSE
• Breakfast.
• Free until your transfer to the airport.
Your Hotels —
Rosa Del Paseo 3*
Ideally located only 6 blocks from the centre of San Jose, this boutique hotel offers warm hospitality, comfortable accommodation, a charming garden and free WiFi.
Each room features cable TV, a fan and a private bathroom with a shower and towels. Just 5 minutes from the city buzz of San Jose, fabulous restaurants, coffee shops, bars and markets are only a heartbeat away.
Located with the Tortuguero National Park, the Turtle Lodge boasts an outdoor pool, buffet restaurant, beautiful on-site gardens, a bar with a billiards table and a gorgeous open terrace. Guests can also enjoy relaxing in the hammocks located throughout the garden.
Each of the rooms are charmingly decorated with rustic décor and feature a private bathroom with shower and toilet, seating area and fan. The hotel can arrange a variety of exciting activities including kayaking, bird watching, river tours and hiking.
Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge 3*
Uniquely designed the Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge is built as a 15th century Pre-Columbian village and is furnished in a Palenque-style, oozing indigenous charm.
The restaurant and its romantic terrace reveal sweeping views of the Sarapiqui River and the Rainforest below and the inviting Botos Waterfall and Pool is only 15 yards away.
This ecolodge features a beautiful swimming pool, free WiFi and offers a range of activiting including water sports, horse riding, hiking and canoeing.
Each spacious room is surrounded by lush, tropical vegetation, and brightly decorated with light furnishings, tiled floors, nightstands and a private bathroom with a shower and toilet.
Awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Tripadvisor, this boutique eco-lodge has 14 guest rooms all situated along the riverwalk in Boca Tapada. Featuring a restaurant, bar/lounge, laundry facilities and an outdoor pool.
The guest rooms are wonderfully spacious and opens onto a delightful balcony in amongst beautiful nature. Each room comes equipped with a ceiling fan and enjoys a nightly turn-down service.
Another Certificate of Excellence Tripadvisor winner, this hotel is ideally located next to Arenal Volcano National Park and is only 7 minutes drive away from La Fortuna town centre.
Featuring a garden spa, swimming pool, bar and restaurant serving Italian, International and Costa Rican cuisine, this 4* hotel is luxurious nestled amongst nature and offers activities such as canoeing, hiking and horseback riding.
The guest rooms, some with views, are all air-conditioned with free WiFi, cable TV, a private bathroom and terrace, and come with a coffee machine and minibar.
Adventure beckons at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín, positioned at the foot of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica and surrounded by lush gardens with native trees and exotic flowers. This eco-tourism hotel is also a working horse and cattle ranch, celebrating the Guanacaste region’s cowboy heritage in the heart of the savannah.
Offering comfortable ranch-style rooms with well-appointed traditional wood furniture, each room has views of the volcano and the Hacienda. Wide and inviting verandas out front welcome you to relax and meet fellow travellers, and the large, refreshing swimming pool beside beckons to guests to take a dip in the natural mineral spring waters fresh from the volcano.
All rooms have either two double beds, or one double and one single bed, and each has a private bathroom with hot water heated by solar panels.
Trapp Family Lodge 3*
Located amongst the tropical forest of Monteverde Reserve, the Trapp Family Lodge features a restaurant, gardens with a terrace and free WiFi. Wonderful restaurant options are accessible with 5km of the hotel or guests can choose to dine in the hotel's own excellent restaurant, specialising in local dishes and international cuisine.
Each comfortable guest room fashions a rustic decor and features its own seating area with sofa, working desk, cable TV, and a balcony with views of the garden.
From here guests can visit the Monteverde Reserve by foot or horse ride and can try a canopy tour or go bird watching.
Boasting its own private beach and outdoor pools, overlooking the stunning Gulf the Gulf of Nicoya on Quizales Beach, this 4* hotel is luxurious and relaxing.
A Tripadvisor traveller's Choice winner, the Tango Mar Beach Hotel has sun terraces, gardens, tennis courts, a spa which offers deluxe massage services, solarium, fitness centre, 2 restaurants, snack bar and golf course.
Snorkelling and fishing tours, as well as horse riding and bike rides into the mountains can be arranged and Tortuga Island can be reached by boat in 20 minutes, while Montezuma town is only 30 minutes’ drive away.
This minimalist style throughout the hotel is continued into the bedrooms with air conditioning, flat-screen cable TVs, coffee makers and a minibars. Each room has a beautiful private bathrooms as wells as a balcony overlooking the gardens or the sea.
El Sesteo 3*
Located in the western central area of the city, just two blocks from Metropolitan Park La Sabana and of the New National Stadium, Hotel El Sesteo is located in a very safe and quiet area, away from all the hustle and noise.
With a swimming pool, jacuzzi, free WiFi and beautiful gardens, El Sesteo promises guests a comfortable stay. Each room features a queen and a twin bed, private bathroom with hot water, cable TV and aerial-fans.
Please note that, whilst we aim to place you in these hotels, subject to availability you may stay in alternative hotels, all of which will be of the same standard or better.
Your Journey —
Flights: The flights included are with either a scheduled or no frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Transfers: Private airport transfers to / from San José are included.
Car hire: This offer includes hire of a 4x4 for 11 days including insurance and 2 drivers (see next tab for 'what's included?')
