Essential Costa Rica Self-Drive Tour: Explore Manuel Antonio National Park and More
Essential Costa Rica Self-Drive Tour: Explore Manuel Antonio National Park and More
Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through the heart of Costa Rica, starting and finishing in the vibrant city of San Jose. This adventure will take you from the enchanting beaches and rich wildlife of Tortuguero, through the majestic Arenal Volcano National Park, into the mystical cloud forests of Monteverde, and finally to the unparalleled biodiversity of Manuel Antonio National Park. Along the way, experience the warmth of Costa Rican culture, explore San Jose's historic treasures, and discover the ultimate blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether it's wildlife spotting, engaging with locals, or soaking up the scenic views, this tour encapsulates the best of Costa Rica.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Wander through San Jose's historical heart, witness green sea turtles in Tortuguero, stand in awe of Arenal Volcano, explore the renowned biodiversity of Monteverde's cloud forests, and relax in the stunning landscapes of Manuel Antonio National Park.
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Set off on a captivating 10-day exploration that uncovers the natural wonders and vibrant culture of Costa Rica, starting and ending in the bustling city of San Jose. This immersive tour invites you to traverse the magical waterways of Tortuguero via a shared shuttle and boat trip, experience the majesty of the Arenal Volcano National Park, and wander through the mystical cloud forests of Monteverde. Your adventure doesn’t stop there; prepare to be amazed by the stunning beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park, a crown jewel of conservation efforts. Seize every moment to encounter an impressive variety of wildlife, intriguing insects, and rare plants, all while enjoying the genuine hospitality and warmth of the local communities for a rich and varied experience.
Tour Highlights:
San Jose: Dive into the heart and soul of Costa Rica's capital, where history and culture converge. Discover the city’s fascinating museums, the elegant European-inspired National Theatre, and the charming backstreets of its historical districts.
Tortuguero: Explore the unspoiled beaches and dense jungles of this vital sanctuary, world-renowned for its green sea turtle nesting grounds. An absolute paradise for wildlife lovers, it offers unmatched opportunities to spot a diverse range of fauna and avian species in their natural surroundings.
Arenal: Be mesmerized by the tranquil beauty of one of Costa Rica’s most iconic volcanoes, surrounded by a national park filled with wildlife-rich trails and breathtaking landscapes.
Monteverde: Journey into the heart of a primary cloud forest, brought to life by American Quakers in the 1950s. Home to six distinct ecological zones, it serves as a sanctuary for countless endangered species and a variety of mesmerizing plant life.
Manuel Antonio: Despite its status as the smallest national park in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio captures the hearts of all who visit with its spectacular wildlife, lush vegetation, and pristine beaches, solidifying its place as a premier destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
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Itinerary
Uncover Essential Costa Rica: 10-Day Exotic Adventure
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through Costa Rica, starting and concluding in the vibrant capital city of San Jose. Experience the wonder of Tortuguero with shared shuttle and boat transport, explore the stunning landscapes of Arenal Volcano National Park and the enchanting cloud forest of Monteverde, and marvel at the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park. Along the way, witness a diverse collection of flora and fauna and engage with the welcoming locals for a truly immersive experience.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
- San Jose: Dive into the rich culture and history of Costa Rica's capital, visiting museums and the National Theatre, and wandering through historic neighborhoods.
- Tortuguero: Explore the nesting grounds of green sea turtles, enjoy beautiful beaches, and have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife and birds.
- Arenal: Be mesmerized by one of the country's most stunning volcanoes and its surrounding national park, teeming with trails and wildlife.
- Monteverde: Discover the unique biodiversity of this primary cloud forest established by American Quakers, home to many endangered species and a plethora of plants.
- Manuel Antonio: Visit Costa Rica's smallest, yet incredibly diverse national park for an encounter with wild animals, lush vegetation, and pristine beaches.
Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Arrival in San Jose, transfer to hotel.
Day 2: Depart for Tortuguero via Braulio Carrillo National Park, enjoy a boat cruise, visit Tortuguero village, and stay at an eco-lodge.
Day 3: Free time in Tortuguero with options for exploring Tortuguero National Park.
Day 4: Leave for Arenal, with self-drive adventure starting from Guapiles.
Day 5: Visit Arenal Volcano National Park on your own; optional activities available.
Day 6: Early breakfast, then travel to Monteverde Cloud forest area for a day of exploration.
Day 7: Hike through Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, with optional tours available.
Day 8: Travel to the stunning beachside location of Manuel Antonio National Park.
Day 9: Explore Manuel Antonio National Park at your leisure.
Day 10: Breakfast followed by departure to the airport for the flight home, car drop-off included.
Experience the extraordinary diversity of Costa Rica's natural beauty and culture on this unforgettable journey.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- 9 nights accommodation
- Accommodation options for different days and locations
- Car hire options including various car groups
- 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
- Transport including air-conditioned transfers and shared land/boat transfers
- Car hire from day 4 with unlimited mileage, local taxes, insurance with no excess, Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Supplemental Liability Coverage (SLC), emergency contact service, replacement car in case of accident, full-full petrol rate, second driver, coverage up to 70.000 USD per person or 175.000 USD per accident
- All activities in Tortuguero except the entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park and optional activities
- Meet and greet on Day 1
- Hotel taxes
Exclusions
- Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, and meals not explicitly included in the programme
- Airport taxes
- Airport porterage
- Optional tours
- International flight tickets or visa fees and local taxes
- Gratuities for drivers and guides
- Entrance fees for optional activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Items not included in car hire: damage due to negligence, loss or damage to the vehicle components, engine damage through negligence, theft of the vehicle with keys in the ignition, damage under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fines, extra equipment, and petrol deposit
Important Notes
Uncover essential Costa Rica during a 10-day exotic adventure, beginning and ending in San Jose, featuring excursions to Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde cloud forest, and Manuel Antonio National Park. Experience diverse wildlife, plants, and friendly locals.TOUR HIGHLIGHTS include visiting San Jose for its cultural sites, exploring Tortuguero's green sea turtle nesting grounds, admiring Arenal Volcano, discovering Monteverde's unique ecosystem, and enjoying the wildlife and beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park.
- The minimum age to rent a vehicle or be a driver is 21 years
- All drivers must have a valid drivers license
- The person who signs the contract must have an international credit card, Visa or Master Card, AMEX
- Pick-up service at the San José Airport is 24 hours
- Pick-up service at the Liberia Airport are from Monday to Sunday, 05:00 to 21:00 hrs. Pick-up outside these times are subject to a surcharge.
- Pick-up hours at other locations are from Monday to Sunday, 08:00 to 17:00 hrs
- All pick-up times at other locations will be set according to the office hours.
- Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 24 hours of incident
- If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days.
- Deposit by credit card: Visa or Master Card only
- Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to tour contents without prior notice
- For self-guided visits, you must pay your entrance fee directly at the front desk of each park or attraction
- Recommended arrival before 14:00 hrs.
- Recommended departure time after 15:00 hrs.
Themes
Adventure
Cultural Immersion
Wildlife
Walking & trekking