We Love —
- Exploring Costa Rica at our own pace with a convenient car hire, from misty cloud forests to sun-soaked beaches.
- Wandering the Santa Elena Reserve, spotting nocturnal wildlife, and sipping locally grown coffee.
- Unwinding in the charming beach town of Sámara, where gentle waves meet a laid-back atmosphere.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your itinerary in brief —
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica at your own pace with this 6 night self-drive adventure, blending majestic mountains, misty cloud forests, and serene beaches. Begin with an overnight stay in San José before driving to Monteverde, a haven of biodiversity. Here, you’ll enjoy exceptional experiences - from an evening walk to observe nocturnal wildlife to exploring the Santa Elena Reserve and delving into the rich traditions of coffee cultivation.
Your journey then continues to the Pacific coast and the inviting beach town of Sámara. This charming seaside escape offers a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for relaxation or outdoor pursuits such as hiking, kayaking, and snorkelling.
If you wish to linger longer by the sea, you can extend your stay in Sámara for an additional 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, or 15 nights.
Choose the length of your stay:
6 night road trip:
Day 1: Arrive at San José
Day 2: San José - Monteverde
Day 3: Monteverde
Day 4: Monteverde - Sámara
Day 5: Sámara
Day 6: Sámara
Day 7: Sámara - Depart from San José
8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 21 night road trip:
By opting for a longer stay, you'll extend your stay in Samara with an extra 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, or 15 nights.
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 —
6 night road trip
DAY 1: ARRIVE AT SAN JOSÉ
Welcome to Costa Rica. After landing at Juan Santamaría International Airport, a local representative will assist with your transfer to the hotel in San José. Settle in and relax, taking the evening to unwind before your adventure begins.
- Shared transfer from the airport
- Night at Sleep Inn Paseo Las Damas
DAY 2: SAN JOSÉ - MONTEVERDE
Your rental car will be delivered to the hotel, marking the start of your scenic self-drive to Monteverde. Enjoy a journey that winds through lush valleys and up into mist-shrouded mountains. As night falls, join the Kinkajou night walk for a magical encounter with Costa Rica’s nocturnal wildlife in the heart of the forest.
- Breakfast included
- Pick up your car hire
- Drive to Monteverde
- Kinkajou night walk (with roundtrip transportation, local tour guide, and entrance fee to Kinkajou reserve)
- Night at Hotel de Montaña Monteverde
DAY 3: MONTEVERDE
Spend the morning discovering the ethereal Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, where hanging mosses, orchids, and bromeliads thrive in the misty canopy. Keep your eyes peeled for the resplendent quetzal and playful monkeys as you follow the forest trails. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s coffee heritage with the El Pueblo Coffee Tour, a hands-on experience that ends with a rich tasting session.
- Breakfast included
- Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (self-hike; entrance fee to the reserve included)
- El Pueblo coffee tour (guided tour of the coffee plantation and facilities, demonstration of the coffee production process, coffee tasting, tasting of sugar cane juice, sugar cane liquor, sugar cane honey, and snacks)
- Night at Hotel de Montaña Monteverde
DAY 4: MONTEVERDE - SÁMARA
Before departing, you may opt (at an extra price; available at the next stage of the booking process) to soar across the forest on a Selvatura Park Canopy Tour or wander its Hanging Bridges for breathtaking views of the treetops. Then, journey down from the cool mountain air to the sun-drenched Pacific coast. Arrive in Sámara, where golden beaches and ocean breezes invite you to slow down and relax.
- Breakfast included
- Optional excursion (at an extra price; available at the next stage of the booking process)
- Drive to Sámara
- Night at Hotel Sol Sámara
DAY 5: SÁMARA
Venture into the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve on the Samara Trails Hike, exploring one of Guanacaste’s last remaining tropical dry forests. Your naturalist guide will reveal the region’s fascinating biodiversity and the delicate balance of this rare ecosystem. The hike offers a peaceful connection with nature, surrounded by birdsong and panoramic views of the coast.
- Breakfast included
- Samara Trails hike
- Night at Hotel Sol Sámara
DAY 6: SÁMARA
Enjoy a free day to soak up the relaxed coastal rhythm - swim, stroll the beach, or simply unwind. For a touch of adventure, opt (at an extra price; available at the next stage of the booking process) for an Ocean Kayaking & Snorkelling trip to nearby Chora Island, where turquoise waters and tropical fish await. Whether paddling, snorkelling, or sunbathing, the day is yours to enjoy the sea at your own pace.
- Breakfast included
- Free day or optional excursion (at an extra price; available at the next stage of the booking process)
- Drive to Sámara
- Night at Hotel Sol Sámara
DAY 7: SÁMARA - DEPART FROM SAN JOSÉ
Bid farewell to the coast as you drive back through the countryside toward San José. Relish the changing scenery on your final stretch through Costa Rica’s vibrant landscapes. Return your rental car near the airport, then take your shuttle transfer for your onward flight home.
- Breakfast included
- Drop off your car hire
- Shared transfer to the airport
8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 OR 21 NIGHT ROAD TRIP
By opting for a longer stay, you'll extend your stay in Samara with an extra 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, or 15 nights.
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which 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 without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Just for you:
Hand-picked just for you
At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in thoughtfully selected hotels.
Your hotels:
San José: Sleep Inn Paseo Las Damas
Monteverde: Hotel de Montaña Monteverde
Sámara: Hotel Sol Sámara
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Included extras —
3GB included mobile internet data, to make your journey easier
Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your included eSIM and enjoy connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family without limits.
Please note: 3GB of internet data represents around 30 hours of web browsing/audio streaming or 3 to 4 hours of video streaming/social networking/video calls.
Optional extras —
Canopy Tour, Selvatura Park in Monteverde on day 4
Glide through Costa Rica’s stunning cloud forest on Selvatura Park’s world-famous canopy tour, where adrenaline meets awe-inspiring scenery. This guided adventure features 13 zip lines, 15 platforms, and over a few miles of aerial trails - including a nearly half-mile cable, the exhilarating Tarzan Swing, and the optional Superman finale.
Hanging Bridges, Self-Hike in Monteverde on day 4
Experience an unforgettable adventure at Selvatura Park as you walk across suspension bridges that span Monteverde’s lush cloud forest. The trail stretches roughly 1.9 miles, featuring eight bridges between 180 and 515 feet long and 4 feet wide, each built to hold 50 to 80 people at once safely. The excursion includes admission to the Selvatura Suspension Bridges.
Ocean Kayaking & Snorkelling in Samara on day 6
Just off the coast of Sámara, Chora Island is a tranquil paradise of white sands and turquoise waters. This kayaking and snorkelling excursion lets you reach the island with ease, explore the vibrant seabed, and observe Costa Rica’s diverse marine life - or simply unwind on the deserted beach with drinks and fresh fruit. Suitable for all levels, with a brief safety session provided by your guide before departure.
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 destinations —
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:
- 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.
