We Love —
- Setting off on a road trip through Costa Rica and exploring its stunning landscapes in complete freedom.
- Trying some of the very many activities available in Arenal, from whizzing along zip lines through the tree canopy to bathing in natural hot springs.
- Staying awhile longer in this beautiful location with an optional stopover in Corcovado National Park, nestled between lush jungle and heavenly beach.
Customer reviews —
On this trip to Costa Rica, we invite you to follow us from the Caribbean to the Pacific coast, via the majestic Arenal volcano and its primary forests. A festival of sounds and colours awaits you - from the blue of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the intense green of the forests and mangroves, the multi-coloured parrots at Corcovado, to the red of the giant flowers! Unforgettable...
Your itinerary in brief —
Embark on an exploration of Costa Rica's natural treasures, navigating its diverse landscapes with the freedom of a hire car. Between natural parks, volcanoes, and hanging bridges, there is plenty to discover on a 7, 9 or 11 night road trip.
From the majestic Arenal Volcano to the verdant Monteverde Cloud Forest, and the intricate network of hanging bridges at Mistico Park. Each destination offers a unique glimpse into the country's rich biodiversity.
Enhance your journey with an optional 3 night stay in Corcovado National Park, a sanctuary lauded as the most biologically intense place on Earth. Here, amidst untouched rainforests and secluded beaches, you'll be immersed in the unparalleled beauty of Costa Rica's natural world.
Choose the length of stay that suits you best:
7 night tour / 8 days (or 11 nights with optional Corcovado stay):
- Day 1: San José
- Day 2: San José - Tortuguero
- Day 3: Tortuguero - Arenal
- Day 4: Arenal
- Day 5: Arenal - Monteverde
- Day 6: Monteverde - Manuel Antonio
- Day 7: Manuel Antonio
- Day 8: Departure
9 night tour / 10 days (or 12 nights with optional Corcovado stay):
- Day 1: San José
- Day 2: San José - Tortuguero
- Day 3: Tortuguero
- Day 4: Tortuguero - Arenal
- Day 5: Arenal
- Day 6: Arenal - Monteverde
- Day 7: Monteverde
- Day 8: Monteverde - Manuel Antonio
- Day 9: Manuel Antonio
- Day 10: Departure
11 night tour / 12 days (or 14 nights with optional Corcovado stay):
- Day 1: San José
- Day 2: San José - Tortuguero
- Day 3: Tortuguero
- Day 4: Tortuguero - Arenal
- Days 5 & 6: Arenal
- Day 7: Arenal - Monteverde
- Day 8: Monteverde
- Day 9: Monteverde - Manuel Antonio
- Days 10 & 11: Manuel Antonio
- Day 12: Departure
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same
Please note that your hotels may be located inside or outside cities and towns. You may park your car inside or outside the hotels (subject to availability). Additional charges may apply on-site.
Your itinerary in detail —
7 night road trip
DAY 1: SAN JOSÉ
- Arrival in in San José.
- A local representative will meet and assist you at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Overnight stay in San José.
DAY 2: SAN JOSÉ - TORTUGUERO (3 HOURS DRIVE / 1.5 HOURS BY BOAT)
- Visit the wonderful region of Tortuguero, in the north of the Caribbean.
- Tortuguero is one of the most popular ecotourism destinations in Costa Rica.
- Created to protect endangered sea turtles, its canals, rivers, lagoons and rainforests make it a paradise for wildlife.
- You'll take a shared transfer from the hotel to Tortuguero.
- On the way, stop in the town of Guapiles to have a Costa Rican breakfast at a local restaurant, then continue to the pier where you'll board the boat to Tortuguero.
- Visit the charming village of Tortuguero in the afternoon.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included (drinks excluded).
Overnight stay in Tortuguero.
Please note: The order of activities in Tortuguero may vary depending on the organisation of the hotel.
DAY 3: TORTUGUERO - ARENAL (1H30 BY BOAT / 2H30 BY ROAD)
- Rise early today and join your guide to enjoy nature in all its splendour by taking a sunrise boat tour of Tortuguero National Park.
- Take a shared transfer by boat and land from Tortuguero to the restaurant located in Guapiles, where a traditional lunch (excluding drinks) awaits you.
- Meet the car hire representative to get your hire car, to continue onwards to your next destination - La Fortuna de San Carlos, where the impressive Arenal volcano is located.
Overnight stay in Arenal.
Breakfast and lunch included.
DAY 4: ARENAL
- After breakfast, explore the wonders of Arenal at your own pace.
- Try the natural hot springs, hike the lava trails of Arenal Volcano National Park, see the amazing La Fortuna waterfall or fly through the tree canopy on a zip line adventure*.
* These are optional excursions, available for an extra charge.
Overnight stay in Arenal.
Breakfast included
DAY 5: ARENAL - MONTEVERDE (3H DRIVE)
- Depart for Monteverde today.
- Monteverde is a unique blend of natural beauty and tranquillity combined with adventurous and adrenaline-filled activities like zip lines and nighttime jungle walks.
Overnight stay in Monteverde.
Breakfast included.
DAY 6 : MONTEVERDE - MANUEL ANTONIO (3H30 DRIVE)
- Visit the village of Manuel Antonio and its magnificent beach.
- Famous for its national park, the lively village of Manuel Antonio is located on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
Overnight stay in Monteverde.
Breakfast included.
DAY 7: MANUEL ANTONIO
- Enjoy a free day to discover for yourself the amazing flora and fauna of the Central Pacific Coast.
- Hike to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, or take time to simply savour some relaxing beach time on the soft sandy beaches of Manuel Antonio, and a refreshing dip in its transparent turquoise waters.
Overnight stay in Manuel Antonio.
Breakfast included.
DAY 8: END OF THE ITINERARY (3H DRIVE)
- Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel prior to departure.
- Return to the hire car office near Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO).
- A shared shuttle will take you to the airport for your flight home.
- If you choose the optional stay in Corcovado National Park, you'll leave your hire car in Manuel Antonio, before being transferred to your lovely getaway destination...
9 night road trip
DAYS 1 & 2:
- These days are identical to the itinerary of the 7 night tour.
DAY 3: TORTUGUERO
- Join the guide for a walk along the private trails of Evergreen Lodge and discover the flora and fauna of this magical place.
- In the afternoon, after lunch, enjoy nature in all its splendour as you cruise the canals, lagoons and rainforest of Tortuguero National Park by boat.
Overnight stay in Tortuguero.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
DAYS 4-6:
- These days are identical to the itinerary of Days 3-5 of the 7 night tour.
DAY 7: MONTEVERDE
- Enjoy a free day to discover for yourself the many natural wonders of Monteverde.
Overnight stay in Monteverde.
Breakfast included.
DAYS 8-10:
- These days are identical to the itinerary of Days 6-8 of the 7 night tour.
11 night road trip
DAYS 1 - 4:
- These days are identical to Days 1-4 of the 9 night itinerary.
DAYS 5 - 6: ARENAL
- Explore Arenal at your own leisurely pace, with the added pleasure of having plenty of time to try all the incredible activities that are available in this destination.
Overnight stay in Arenal.
Breakfast included.
DAYS 7 -12:
- These days are identical to Days 6-10 of the 9 night itinerary.
Optional 3-night stay in Corcovado
DAY 1: MANUEL ANTONIO - CORCOVADO (2 HOURS TRAVEL TIME)
- At the agreed time, meet your driver in the hotel lobby for a private transfer to your next destination: the South Pacific coast, where the impressive Corcovado National Park is located.
- Arrive in Sierpe and meet your guide for the boat transfer to your lodge.
- Relish spending the next two nights in a place where relaxation and adventure co-exist harmoniously in a pure and natural environment.
Overnight stay at Drake Bay or Rancho Corcovado
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
DAYS 2 - 3: CORCOVADO
- Make the most of your days in Corcovado.
- During your stay, you can enjoy one (1) of the following two excursions-experiences:
- Hike to Corcovado National Park (San Pedrillo Station): Visit Corcovado National Park, known as the most biologically diverse place on the planet according to National Geographic, with an expert guide.
- Caño Island & snorkelling: Explore one of the largest and healthiest coral formations on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Prepare for an incredible underwater adventure, where sea turtles, rays, dolphins, moray eels, barracudas, sharks, humpback whales, tuna, and other aquatic animals are frequently seen.
Please note: Your choice of one (1) included excursion-experience in Corcovado must be indicated in advance, at the time of making your booking.
Overnight stay at Drake Bay or Rancho Corcovado
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included
DAY 4: CORCOVADO - SAN JOSE (3.5 HOURS BY CAR / 45 MINUTES DOMESTIC FLIGHT - YOUR CHOICE)
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
- Check out at the agreed time and prepare for the journey to San José.
- Shared transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO).
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, that comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
At each of your stops, choose between carefully selected Standard or Superior Hotels.
Standard hotels:
- San José: Sleep Inn (or similar)
- Tortuguero: La Baula Lodge (or similar)
- Arenal: Arenal Paraiso (or similar)
- Monteverde: Monteverde Country Lodge (or similar)
- Manuel Antonio: Tabulia Tree (or similar)
Superior hotels:
- San José: Radisson (or similar)
- Tortuguero: Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
- Arenal: Arenal Manoa (or similar)
- Monteverde: El Establo (or similar)
- Manuel Antonio: Si Como No Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge(or similar)
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Possibility to stay in a single room with supplement. The maximum capacity of the room is 3 adults or 2 adults + 1 child.
Your dining choices
Throughout your tour, enjoy a bed and breakfast stay, except in Tortuguero, which will be full board (see details in the itinerary) - excluding drinks. If you choose the Corcovado National Park optional stopover, enjoy full board (excluding drinks) in your accommodation in the park, as well as breakfast at your hotel in San José. Some restaurant recommendations (which we have tried & tested):
Your included extras & excursions —
eSIM with 1GB internet
Enjoy easy access to the internet with a handy 1GB eSIM, bookable at the next stage of the booking process. Install your eSIM before departure in just a few taps.
Note: please check that your phone is eSIM-compatible before departure.
Your optional extras & excursions —
Bird Observation
Equestrian and Cultural Adventure at La Fortuna Waterfall
Ride through the Arenal rainforest to the La Fortuna waterfall for a refreshing swim. Then discover the indigenous Maleku culture and finish off with a tropical snack.
Arenal volcano hike and lake cruise
Explore the Arenal volcano with a panoramic hike followed by a cruise on Lake Arenal, offering incredible views of this natural colossus and its surroundings. Enjoy an unforgettable combination of nature, history and observation of the local wildlife.
Ama Extreme: Zip Line Over the La Fortuna Waterfall
Discover Ama Extreme, the longest and highest zip line over the La Fortuna Waterfall, for an adrenaline-packed adventure with breathtaking views. Cross seven canopy lines, soar over a 120-metre canyon, and glide at 70 km/h along a 980-metre zip line, all while being guided by safety experts.
Historical Walk at Mistico Park
Explore the tropical rainforest of Mistico Park with expert guides who will unveil its secrets and unique wildlife. Observe the biodiversity from the canopy to the forest floor and discover the fascinating interactions within the ecosystems.
Hike in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Explore the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, a 310-hectare community-managed reserve offering rich biodiversity. Accompanied by a naturalist guide, admire the flora and fauna while enjoying views of the Arenal Volcano in a peaceful setting.
Kayak Trip to Damas Island
Explore the beautiful mangroves of Costa Rica on a kayak trip to Damas Island. Paddle beneath a lush canopy while observing a variety of birds, reptiles, and monkeys, accompanied by an expert guide.
Visit to Manuel Antonio National Park
Catamaran Cruise
Your optional services —
Full coverage insurance for your Standard or Superior car hire
Upgrade to full coverage car insurance on your Standard OR Superior hire car, for a worry-free trip with every eventuality covered.
This insurance releases you from any legal liability. If you are involved in an accident while driving a rental car and damage is caused to third-party property, the third-party insurance will cover up to ¢10,000,000.00 in third-party property damage.
National Car Rental guarantees that all policyholders or all insured persons will be covered under this insurance policy.
This insurance policy covers up to ¢40 million PER PERSON and up to ¢100 million PER ACCIDENT involving the rental vehicle. This policy covers ‘all amounts for which the insured, or other parties covered by this policy, are held liable by final judgment, in connection with such accident and the personal or property damage caused thereby’. This cover excludes the driver and any family member thereof, any person living in the driver's household, or any family member of the latter.
According to this insurance policy, the hirer is liable for 20% of all damages, which under no circumstances will be less than USD 250.
This cover becomes mandatory when the LDW is refused.
The cover does not apply in case of negligence.
Your journey to Costa Rica —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destination —
Costa Rica
Nestled in Central America, Costa Rica is a haven for eco-tourism and outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its motto La Pura Vida (the pure life), the country charms visitors with its lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and rich biodiversity. Offering a blend of adventure and tranquillity, Costa Rica invites you to discover its natural treasures.
Must-See Highlights:
- Arenal Volcano: Experience hot springs and dramatic volcanic scenery.
- Guanacaste: This a sun-drenched province in Costa Rica, is renowned for its golden beaches, biodiverse dry forests, and serene volcanic landscapes, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation.
- Manuel Antonio National Park: Compact yet teeming with wildlife, it’s a perfect blend of beaches and trails.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest: A mist-laden paradise, home to rare flora and fauna.
Culinary Culture:
Costa Rican cuisine emphasises freshness and simplicity. Staples include gallo pinto, a breakfast dish of rice and beans, and casado, a hearty meal of protein, rice, and salad. Don't miss a cup of locally grown coffee, often paired with traditional pastries such as tamal asado. Tropical fruits like guava and rambutan are abundant and a must-try.
Dive Deeper:
For those keen to explore off the beaten path, visit the Nicoya Peninsula, part of a Blue Zone renowned for longevity. Learn about Costa Rica’s indigenous cultures, such as the Bribri, who excel in sustainable farming and chocolate-making traditions. Adventure-seekers can traverse less-travelled trails in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, with its bubbling mud pools and waterfalls.
Good to Know:
The local currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC), though US dollars are widely accepted. The dry season (December to April) is ideal for travel, but the green season (May to November) offers lush landscapes and fewer crowds. Getting around is easiest by rental car or domestic flights for remote regions.
