We Love —
- The eco-tourism paradise of Tortuguero National Park with its canals, rivers and lagoons.
- Experiencing the best of Costa Rica from San José's lively bars to the laid-back costal town of Puerto Viejo, its lush tropical rainforest and pristine beaches.
- Putting your feet up with a drink in hand in your comfortable hotels after days of exploration with the freedom in your own rental car.
Customer reviews —
Your itinerary in brief —
Drive through lush Costa Rica on this incredible road trip through some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes. Go at your own pace and discover tropical forests, heavenly beaches and exotic wildlife with a choice of 7, 9 or 11 nights.
Choose the length of trip that suits you best:
7 nights:
- Day 1: Arrival in San José
- Day 2: San José - Tortuguero
- Day 3: Tortuguero - Puerto Viejo
- Day 4: Puerto Viejo
- Day 5: Puerto Viejo - Sarapiquí
- Day 6: Sarapiqui - Arenal
- Day 7: Arenal
- Day 8: Arenal - SJO Airport - Departure
9 nights:
- Day 1: Arrival in San José
- Day 2: San José - Tortuguero
- Day 3: Tortuguero - Puerto Viejo
- Day 4 & 5: Puerto Viejo
- Day 6: Puerto Viejo - Sarapiquí
- Day 7: Sarapíqui - Arenal
- Days 8 & 9: Arenal
- Day 10: Arenal - Departure
11 nights:
- Day 1: Arrival in San José
- Day 2: San José - Tortuguero
- Day 3: Tortuguero - Puerto Viejo
- Day 4 - 6: Puerto Viejo
- Day 7: Puerto Viejo - Sarapiquí
- Day 8: Sarapiquí
- Day 9: Sarapiquí - Arenal
- Days 10 & 11: Arenal
- Day 12: Arenal - SJO Airport - Departure
Please note that the order of activities may be changed without affecting the interest of the programme.
Your hotels may be located inside or outside cities and towns. Please note that you can park your car inside or outside the hotels (subject to availability). Additional charges may apply on site.
Your itinerary in detail —
7 night tour
DAY 1: SAN JOSÉ
The capital of Costa Rica, San José is a bustling metropolis at gateway to stunning natural beauty where historic charm and modernity collide in an array of colonial architecture, vibrant markets and a lively cultural scene.
- 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 (4 hours drive + 1.5 hours by boat)
- Visit the wonderful region of Tortuguero, in the north of the Caribbean.
- A paradise for research and ecotourism, Tortuguero was created to protect endangered sea turtles and 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 Tortuguero National Park and Guapiles, followed by the charming village of Tortuguero in the afternoon.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included (drinks excluded).
Overnight stay in Tortuguero.
DAY 3: TORTUGUERO - PUERTO VIEJO (1 hour by boat + 3 hours by road)
- Join your experienced guide and discover the network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests of Tortuguero National Park on a sunrise boat trip.
- After breakfast back at the lodge, take a shared boat then land transfer to a restaurant in Guapiles, where you will enjoy a traditional lunch before moving on to Puerto Viejo - a tropical paradise boasting warm, calm waters.
- Meet your car hire company representative to receive your hire car and all the information you need for your road trip
Breakfast and lunch included (drinks excluded).
Overnight stay in Puerto Viejo.
DAY 4: PUERTO VIEJO
- Unwind on the beautiful beaches of this laid-back coastal town on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, known for its relaxed atmosphere and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture.
- Enjoy a free day to soak up the unique atmosphere.
- Opt to visit the charming Cahuita National Park, just a 30-minute drive from your hotel at an additional cost
Breakfast included (drinks excluded).
Overnight stay in Puerto Viejo.
DAY 5: PUERTO VIEJO - SARAPIQUI (4hrs drive)
- Today you'll discover Sarapiquí.
- It's a lush region characterised by its rich biodiversity, tropical rainforests, and meandering Sarapiquí River. It is a haven for eco-tourism, offering opportunities for wildlife watching, birding, and adventure activities like rafting and zip-lining.
- Optional excursions (at an extra cost): chocolate tour, rafting trip or a guided night hike in the Tirimbina reserve.
Breakfast included (drinks excluded).
Overnight stay in Sarapiquí.
DAY 6: SARAPIQUI - ARENAL (1 hour drive)
- Your next destination is La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the Arenal Volcano, which once erupted regularly but now lies dormant. The region is a hotspot for adventure tourism, offering activities such as hiking, hot springs, and canopy tours.
- Take advantage of the many activities on offer (at an extra cost) including hot springs, hikes to the volcano, chocolate tour, zip-line adventure, suspension bridges, canyoning, coffee tour and cooking classes.
Breakfast included (drinks excluded).
Overnight stay in Arenal.
DAY 7: ARENAL
- Enjoy your day at leisure to relax or explore the natural wonders of the Arenal region.
Breakfast included (drinks excluded).
Overnight stay in Arenal.
DAY 8: ARENAL - SJO AIRPORT - DEPARTURE
- Enjoy a final breakfast at your Arenal hotel.
- Return your rental car to the car hire company near Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO).
- From the car rental agency, a shared shuttle bus will take you to the airport for your return flight home.
9 night tour
DAYS 1 - 3: similar to the 7 night itinerary.
DAY 4 & 5: PUERTO VIEJO
- Enjoy free days to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Puerto Viejo and the surrounding area.
- Visit the charming Cahuita National Park, just a 30-minute drive from your hotel, or take a guided tour at an additional cost.
Breakfast included (drinks excluded).
Overnight stays in Puerto Viejo.
DAY 6: PUERTO VIEJO - SARAPIQUI (4hrs drive)
- Visit the evergreen region of Sarapiquí, known for its astonishingly rich biodiversity making it a dream destination for adventurers.
- Enjoy optional activities such as a chocolate tour, a fun and exciting rafting trip or a guided night hike in the Tirimbina reserve.
Breakfast included (drinks excluded).
Overnight stay in Sarapiquí.
DAY 7: SARAPIQUI - ARENAL (1h 5min drive)
- Your next destination is La Fortuna de San Carlos, home to the magnificent Arenal volcano.
- Take advantage of the many opportunities to enjoy and discover the region.
Breakfast included (drinks excluded).
Overnight stay in Arenal.
DAYS 8 & 9: ARENAL
- Enjoy your day at leisure to relax or discover the natural wonders of the Arenal region.
Breakfast included (drinks excluded).
Overnight stays in Arenal.
DAY 10: ARENAL - SJO AIRPORT - DEPARTURE
- Enjoy a final breakfast at your Arenal hotel.
- Return your rental car to the car hire company near Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO).
- From the car rental agency, a shared shuttle bus will take you to the airport for your return flight home.
11 night tour
DAYS 1 - 7: similar to 9-night itinerary
DAY 8: SARAPIQUI
- Enjoy a free day to relax surrounded by the pristine nature of Sarapiquí or explore the beauty of this region on an optional guided tour.
- Opt for incredible activities such as a chocolate tour, white water rafting or a guided night walk at La Tirimbina Reserve.
Breakfast included (drinks excluded).
Overnight stay in Sarapiquí.
DAY 9: SARAPIQUI - ARENAL (1 hour drive)
- Head to La Fortuna de San Carlos, home to the magnificent Arenal volcano.
Breakfast included (drinks excluded).
Overnight stay in Arenal.
DAYS 10 & 11: ARENAL
- Spend your free days relaxing or discovering the natural wonders of the Arenal region at your leisure.
Breakfast included (drinks excluded).
Overnight stays in Arenal.
DAY 12: ARENAL - SJO AIRPORT - DEPARTURE
- Enjoy a final breakfast at your Arenal hotel.
- Return your rental car to the car hire company near Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO).
- From the car rental agency, a shared shuttle bus will take you to the airport for your return flight home.
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.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
You'll enjoy carefully selected accommodation in either the Standard or Superior categories, depending on the package you choose:
- San José: Sleep Inn (Standard category) or Radisson (Superior category)
- Tortuguero: La Baula Lodge (Standard category) or Evergreen Lodge (Superior category)
- Puerto Viejo: Villas del Caribe (Standard category) or Cariblue Beach and Jungle Resort (Superior category)
- Sarapiqui: Hacienda La Isla (Standard category) or Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge (Superior category)
- Arenal: Eco Arenal (Standard category) or Mountain Paradise Wellness & Spa (Superior category)
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Single rooms are available at an extra cost. The maximum room capacity is 3 adults or 2 adults + 1 child.
Your dining choices
Embark on a voyage of discovery thanks to the included breakfast during the programme and the full-board option (excluding drinks) in Tortuguero.
Your optional excursions —
Arenal: Rio Celeste & Tenorio Volcano hike
One of the most incredible places in Costa Rica, with its magnificent turquoise-blue waters that, combined with the surrounding nature, create a setting to be admired. Located on the slopes of the Tenorio volcano, this unique river offers incredible beauty.
Itinerary:
- The tour begins with a walk along a 5 mile trail that takes you through the forest, past the magical waterfall, the blue lagoon, the viewpoint offering a view of the Tenorio volcano and the surrounding hills.
- Two of the most interesting points are "Las Ollas", mud-filled fumaroles, and "Los Teñideros", where the river acquires its characteristic colour.
- On the way back, you'll walk along the banks of the river, admiring the bubbling waters and its magnificent natural surroundings.
- The day ends with a delicious lunch.
- Approximate departure time: 07:30
- Approximate duration: 9 hours
- Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide (English and Spanish), snacks, lunch, entrance fees
- What to bring: Hiking shoes, comfortable walking clothes, change of clothes, raincoat, jacket, sunscreen, camera, insect repellent
Puerto Viejo: HIKING & SNORKELING CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK - min 2 people
Snorkel in Costa Rica's most important coral reef, and observe 35 different species of coral, tropical fish, sharks, molluscs, crustaceans, algae, sea turtles, sea sponges, among others.
This excursion takes place on a 15-person capacity boat, with captain and guide, around the Cahuita National Park. This park is the first place in the world where, square meter by square meter, more biodiversity can be found in the different terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
- Approximate departure time: 08:00
- Approximate duration: 4 hours
- Included: Transportation, bilingual guide (English and Spanish), snorkeling equipment, entrance fees, lunch
- What to bring: Insect repellent, bathing suit, towel, water bottle, sunscreen
- Voluntary donation to enter the park
Excursion to Maleku Village
Meet the indigenous Maleku people in the Guatuso region of Costa Rica.
Please note that this excursion is for a minimum of two (2) people.
La fortuna waterfall horse back riding in Arenal
Enjoy an unforgettable horseback riding tour starting at the foot of the mountain, passing through beautiful landscapes and forest along the way, before reaching the waterfall and enjoying a refreshing swim in a natural pool.
- Walking distance: some 500 meters into the forest to reach the waterfall, which is 70 m high.
- Departure time: 08h30 -14h00
- Duration: 12:30 hrs / 18:30 hrs
- What's included: Transportation, entrance fee, guide (Eng & ES)
- What to bring: Long Pants, comfortable shoes to walk, Towel, hat or cap, sun block, swimsuit, camera
- Minimum age: 6 years old
AMA Extreme - Min. 2 people
This activity for the Ama Extreme excursion is the perfect combination of adrenalin, fun and adventure. Experience the longest and highest line above the Fortuna waterfall.
Your optional services —
Full car hire insurance cover
Enhance your holiday experience with convenient car hire, and the peace of mind of extra coverage...
Your journey to Costa Rica —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking. This flight may include one or more stopovers. The stopover may be technical (without a change of aircraft) or transit (with a change of aircraft).
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
As the eco-and adventure-tourism capital of Central America, Costa Rica is a magnet for nature enthusiasts, thrill seekers and those who want to step off the beaten track.
La Pura Vida (the pure life) is the unofficial motto of the country, and it's easy to see why - emerald rainforests, pastel-coloured hummingbirds, smouldering volcanic peaks, tumbling rivers...this verdant chunk is one of the most bio-diverse spots on the planet.
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 white water rafting, zip line tours through the rainforest canopy, surfing and quad biking.
It is quickly becoming more popular, so grab this chance to visit now, while landscapes are still exceptionally unspoiled.
