View offerCosta Rica / Costa Rica9 - 14 night road trip: Volcanoes & beaches of Costa Rica
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We Love —
- Discovering a country committed to preserving its biodiversity, considered one of the pioneers of environmental protection.
- Relaxing in the hot springs of the Arenal region and lounging on the soft sandy beaches of Tamarindo.
- Travelling in complete freedom with your hire car, and returning to your comfortable accommodation to rest and unwind.
Customer reviews —
8.2/10
61 reviews
Your itinerary in brief —
Discover the must-see places of Costa Rica and see its extraordinary landscapes on this 8, 10 or 12-night road trip. Marvel at natural parks and volcanoes, and relax on its idyllic seashores where golden sands meet azure waters.
Choose the length of your stay:
9 days / 8 nights:
- Day 1: San José
- Day 2: San José - Tortuguero
- Day 3 : Tortuguero - Arenal
- Day 4: Arenal
- Day 5: Arenal - Rincon de la Vieja
- Day 6: Rincon de la Vieja
- Day 7: Rincon de la Vieja - Tamarindo
- Day 8: Tamarindo
- Day 9: Tamarindo - Departure
11 days / 10 nights:
- Days 1 - 2: Similar to 8-night itinerary
- Day 3: Tortuguero
- Days 4 - 8: Similar to days 3 - 7 of the 8-night itinerary
- Days 9 & 10: Tamarindo
- Day 11: Tamarindo - Departure
13 days / 12 nights:
- Days 1 - 4: Similar to 10-night itinerary
- Days 5 - 6: Arenal
- Day 7: Arenal - Rincon de la Vieja
- Day 8: Rincon de la Vieja
- Day 9: Rincon de la Vieja - Tamarindo
- Days 10, 11 & 12: Tamarindo
- Day 13: Tamarindo - Departure
Please note: Passport details are required alongside booking information to secure entry to Tortuguero, ensuring a smooth reservation process.
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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 —
Offer 1: 8 night tour
DAY 1: SAN JOSÉ
- A local representative will meet you at San José airport and accompany you to your shared transfer.
- Check-in at your hotel in the city centre.
Overnight stay in San José.
DAY 2: SAN JOSÉ - TORTUGUERO (4 hrs drive and 1 hour by boat)
- Meet early in the hotel reception and stop in the town of Guápiles to enjoy a typical Costa Rican breakfast at a local restaurant.
- Proceed to the jetty amd board a boat to Tortuguero - one of Costa Rica's most popular ecotourism destinations.
- Gaze at the lush, green forest as you glide through the canals, then spend time strolling around the colourful town once you arrive.
Full board (excluding drinks)
Overnight stay in Tortuguero.
DAY 3: TORTUGUERO - ARENAL (1h30 by boat and 2h30 by road)
- Cruise Tortuguero National Park by boat at sunrise and discover its network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests with an expert. Tortuguero has an abundance of wildlife, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles and 60 species of mammals.
- Return to the lodge for breakfast.
- Travel by boat and overland from Tortuguero to the restaurant in Guápiles, where you will enjoy a traditional lunch.
- Collect your hire car in after lunch.
- Head for La Fortuna de San Carlos, home to the impressive Arenal volcano.
- Upon arrival at your hotel enjoy some free time to relax and enjoy the hotel's facilities.
Breakfast & lunch included.
Overnight stay in Arenal.
DAY 4: ARENAL
- Spend the day relaxing at the hotel, or, for the more adventurous, set off to explore the wonders of Arenal.
- Hike the lava trails of Arenal Volcano National Park, discover the stunning La Fortuna waterfall, get your adrenaline pumping in the rapids of the Balsa River while admiring the magnificent vegetation or soar over the treetops on a zip-line adventure (optional, extra charge).
Breakfast & lunch included.
Overnight stay in Arenal.
- Drive to your next destination, the Rincón de la Vieja volcano region, one of the most beautiful landscapes in the province of Guanacaste. This area is home to a rich variety of exotic plants and wildlife including pumas, monkeys, sloths, tapirs and jaguars.
- Spot rare emerald toucans and blue-crowned motmots sparkling in the sunlight, and you admire the profusion of vibrant orchids that bloom in the area.
Overnight stay in the town of Liberia.
Breakfast included.
DAY 6: RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA
- Enjoy spending the day at leisure, exploring the rainforest.
- Many optional adventure activities are available at the hotel (at an additional cost).
Overnight stay in the town of Liberia.
Breakfast included.
DAY 7: RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA - TAMARINDO (2h drive)
- Continue to Tamarindo beach on the northern Pacific coast. Tamarindo is the most developed beach on the vibrant Nicoya Peninsula and one of Costa Rica's best-known surf spots.
- Check in at your hotel.
Overnight stay in Tamarindo.
Breakfast included.
DAY 8: TAMARINDO
- Enjoy a free day in Tamarindo.
Overnight stay in Tamarindo.
Breakfast included.
- After a last breakfast at your Tamarindo hotel, head to the car rental office near Juan Santamaría International Airport to return your rental vehicle.
- A shared shuttle will then take you to the airport for your return flight *.
* Please note: It is advisable to take a flight after 1pm.
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Offer 2: 10 night tour
DAYS 1 - 2:
- Similar to Days 1 - 2 of the 8-night tour.
DAY 3: TORTUGUERO
- Meet your guide for an early morning nature walk along the lodge's private trails and learn about the flora and fauna that live in this magical place.
- Return to the lodge for breakfast.
- After lunch, take a boat through the canals of Tortuguero National Park.
Overnight stay in Tortuguero.
Full board (drinks not included).
DAYS 4 - 8:
- Similar to Days 3 - 7 of the 8-night itinerary
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Offer 3: 12 night tour
DAYS 1 - 4:
- Similar to the 10-night itinerary.
DAYS 5 - 6: ARENAL
- Today you will have plenty of time to relax at the hotel, or head out to explore Arenal if you are feeling adventurous.
Overnight stay in Arenal.
Breakfast included.
DAY 7: ARENAL - RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA (3 hours drive)
- Set off in your hire car to your next destination, the region around the Rincon de la Vieja volcano.
Overnight stay in Liberia.
Breakfast included.
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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.
Please note: Passport details are required alongside booking information to secure entry to Tortuguero, ensuring a smooth reservation process.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
Enjoy some R&R at every stage of your adventure in comfortable rooms in carefully selected hotels.
Standard hotels:
- San José: Sleep Inn
- Tortuguero: La Baula Lodge
- Arenal: Upgrade to Magic Mountain
- Rincon de la Vieja: Buena Vista del Rincon
- Tamarindo: Pasatiempo
Superior hotels:
- San José: Park Inn
- Tortuguero: Evergreen Lodge
- Arenal: Mountain Paradise
- Rincon de la Vieja: Hacienda Guachipelin
- Tamarindo: Wyndham Tamarindo
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Maximum room capacity: 3 adults OR 2 adults + 1 child.
Single rooms available at extra cost.
Your dining choices
This offer is based on a bed and breakfast stay except for in Tortuguero where you will enjoy an included dinner (excluding drinks).
Included extras —
Complimentary 1GB of mobile data
Stay connected on your travels with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your complimentary eSIM and stay connected wherever you go. Share your hotspot, keep in touch with home, and explore without worrying about roaming charges. Check that your phone is eSIM compatible here.
Optional excursions —
Hiking along the Rivière Celeste and Tenorio National Park
Hike through the rainforest of Tenorio National Park and discover the spectacular beauty of the Celeste River, with its turquoise waters, magical waterfall and thermal springs. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, from the Tenorio volcano to the ‘Teñideros’, and end the excursion with a delicious lunch.
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.
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.
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.
Bird Observation
Discover the bird ecosystems at dawn along the Gallery Trail, where over 380 species will leave you in awe. This family-friendly hike offers the chance to observe eagles, toucans, and hummingbirds while exploring pristine forests and enchanting landscapes.
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.
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.
