Embark on a memorable 15-day journey through Costa Rica, discovering a country known for its diverse landscapes and rich natural beauty. From the bustling streets of San Jose to the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio, this itinerary takes you on a scenic drive through rainforests, cloud forests, volcanoes, and tropical jungles. Begin by exploring the vibrant capital before heading to Tortuguero, a wildlife-rich paradise accessible only by boat. Continue your adventure with visits to Arenal’s majestic volcano, the geothermal wonders of Rincón de la Vieja, and the mystical cloud forests of Monteverde. Finally, unwind in the coastal beauty of Manuel Antonio, famous for its national park and stunning beaches. Whether you’re hiking through lush forests, soaking in hot springs, or simply relaxing by the beach, this self-drive program allows you to experience the diverse wonders of Costa Rica at your own pace.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Tortuguero: This park is home to the nesting grounds of the green sea turtles, offering spectacular beaches and fantastic opportunities to spot wild animals and birds.
Arenal: Admire one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the country and its mesmerising park dotted with trails and rich in wildlife.
Rincon de la Vieja: Enjoy the volcanic views this spectacular national park has to offer. But watch your step as you wander around the fascinating steaming mud pots and boiling water.
Monteverde: Settled by American Quakers in the 1950s, this primary cloud forest is made out of six unique ‘life zones’, hosting many endangered species, as well as a variety of fascinating plants.
Manuel Antonio: Jewel of the Costa Rican Coastline, settled in the nature reserve of Manuel Antonio National Park. Its beautiful fauna and flora and the most wonderful beaches in the world impress all nature lovers.
Day 1: ARRIVAL SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)
Welcome to Costa Rica. A local representative will greet you and assist you at the airport. Private transfer from the airport to the hotel in San Jose. Check in at the hotel and then enjoy leisure time to refresh, relax and get comfortable in your hotel room. Explore by your own the city and its surroundings.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 2: SAN JOSÉ – TORTUGUERO (117km – 3.5hrs by land / 1.5hr by boat)
Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in San Jose and begin our journey. Traveling by bus, we pass through the lush rainforest of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Along the way, we stop for breakfast at a local restaurant surrounded by vibrant tropical vegetation. After breakfast, we continue towards the dock, passing by extensive banana plantations. From there, we board a boat and navigate the scenic canals of Tortuguero, an area only accessible by water. Tortuguero is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture, diverse wildlife, and, most notably, as a nesting site for the impressive green sea turtles. We arrive at the lodge around lunchtime, where we are welcomed with a refreshing cocktail and a plentiful buffet lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the colorful village of Tortuguero. The remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy the hotel's facilities and services.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 3: TORTUGUERO
In the early morning, before breakfast, we embark on a boat excursion through the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park to witness the awakening of the vibrant wildlife. Upon returning to the lodge, a breakfast buffet will be served. The rest of the day is at leisure, perfect for relaxing by the pool. Lunch is served at the lodge. During the nesting season of the green sea turtle and the leatherback turtle (July to October), we recommend booking a night tour to witness the extraordinary spectacle of these majestic creatures nesting and laying their eggs.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4: TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (174km – 4hrs / 1.5hr by boat) / CAR HIRE DELIVERY
After enjoying the breakfast buffet at your lodge, we depart by boat through the jungle-lined canals of Tortuguero, returning to the harbor. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Following lunch, a rental car representative will meet you to deliver your vehicle, so you can drive to your next destination: Arenal, known for its majestic volcano. The Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s seven active volcanoes. Although it hasn’t erupted since 2010, this dormant giant still causes occasional tremors in the area. With its iconic conical shape, Arenal stands as a striking natural landmark surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5: ARENAL
Breakfast included at the hotel. Enjoy leisure time to simply relax or explore the Arenal region on your own.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 6: ARENAL – RINCON DE LA VIEJA (150km – 3.5 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to your next destination: Guanacaste, Costa Rica’s cattle and cowboy province, home to the Rincón de la Vieja volcano. The name Rincón de la Vieja literally translates to “The Old Woman’s Corner.” It refers to a local legend about a Chorotega girl whose father threw her beloved into the volcano’s crater. Heartbroken, she withdrew to the volcano’s summit and lived there as a hermit, gaining a reputation for having healing powers. According to tradition, she used volcanic mud, thermal springs, and herbal remedies to cure illnesses—practices still believed by many to hold healing properties today. This one-million-year-old volcanic area is not only rich in cultural lore, but also in natural beauty. As you approach the region, keep an eye out for local wildlife such as howler monkeys, coatis, and agoutis. You’ll overnight on an authentic ranch set in the heart of the stunning dry tropical forest. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the hotel’s facilities and services.
Overnight in Rincon de la Vieja.
Day 7: RINCON DE LA VIEJA
Today, after breakfast, enjoy the day at leisure exploring the area, where volcanic hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and lush tropical forests await in the spectacular Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park—perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, or simply unwinding in nature’s geothermal spas.
Overnight in Rincon de la Vieja.
Day 8: RINCON DE LA VIEJA – MONTEVERDE (130km – 3hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to your next destination: Monteverde. The small mountain village of Santa Elena, nestled in the region, is often described as a tropical version of Switzerland, with its charming wooden houses and cool alpine climate. This unique weather—marked by a constant interplay of mist and sunshine—creates the perfect conditions for one of the world’s most famous cloud forests. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the hotel’s facilities and services.
Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 9: MONTEVERDE
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to explore the wonders of Monteverde, such as the mystical cloud forests, hanging bridges, hummingbird gardens, and the famous Monteverde Butterfly Garden—or embark on a thrilling zip-line adventure through the canopy.
Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 10: MONTEVERDE – PUNTARENAS (140km – 3hrs)
At your preferred time, drive to Puntarenas, a charming coastal town located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the hotel’s facilities and services.
Overnight in Puntarenas.
Day 11: PUNTARENAS – MANUEL ANTONIO (60km – 1hr)
At your preferred time, drive to your next destination, Manuel Antonio. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and pass by vast African palm oil plantations. Upon arrival in Manuel Antonio, you'll be greeted by a stunning combination of pristine sandy beaches, idyllic bays, and lush tropical jungle. The area also offers a wide variety of excellent restaurants and entertainment options. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the hotel’s facilities and services.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 12: MANUEL ANTONIO
Begin your day with a luscious breakfast and then, take the opportunity to visit the Manuel Antonio National Park on your own. The trail is flat, picturesque and loops through the park, making your course about two miles long. The park is a great place to take pictures or just to admire the impressive views. One of the highlights of this tour is that Manuel Antonio is home to three of the four existing tropical primates living in Costa Rica. Halfway through the hike, enjoy a leisurely stop at the world-famous ‘Third Beach’. Take a rest on the soft sand or play in the waves. Throughout the hike, it is common to see sloths, birds and reptiles as well as admire wild orchids, butterflies and tropical vegetation. The entrance fee to the Manuel Antonio National Park is not included.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 13: MANUEL ANTONIO
Indulge in a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy another day exploring the most beautiful and natural wonders of Manuel Antonio.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 14: MANUEL ANTONIO – SAN JOSE (160km – 4hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and begin your journey back to the city of San Jose. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day exploring the vibrant capital, soaking in its culture, and making the most of your final night in this beautiful country.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 15: DEPARTURE SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)
It's time to say goodbye to Costa Rica. At the designated time, drive to the car rental office to return the vehicle. The car rental company will provide a shuttle service to the airport.
Comfortable and light and quick dry clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, tennis shoes, hiking shoes, sandals, sweater, raincoat or jacket, bathing suit, a hat or cap and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. All drivers must carry their current driver's license. All drivers must carry an international personal credit card (Visa, MC, Diners Club, and AMEX).
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