Self-Drive Adventure: Explore Volcanoes, Nature, and the Caribbean
Self-Drive Adventure: Explore Volcanoes, Nature, and the Caribbean
Embark on a mesmerizing nine-day journey through Costa Rica, beginning and ending in the vibrant capital of San Jose. This trip is packed with breathtaking natural wonders, from the majestic Arenal Volcano and the lush rainforests of Tortuguero National Park to the untouched beaches of the Southern Caribbean Coast. Experience the unique Afro-Caribbean heritage of the local population, relax on unspoiled beaches, hike through iconic rainforests, and explore the rich underwater world with an extraordinary snorkeling adventure. Whether it's the awe-inspiring landscapes, the rich wildlife, or the relaxing Caribbean vibe, this tour promises unforgettable memories and a true taste of Costa Rica.
Highlights include the stunning Arenal Volcano, the wildlife-rich Tortuguero National Park, the surf and serenity of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, the pristine beauty of Cahuita National Park, and the rich history and culture of San Jose. Each destination offers a unique glimpse into the natural and cultural treasures of Costa Rica, making for an unparalleled adventure.
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Embark on an awe-inspiring journey through Costa Rica, where you'll experience the country's breathtaking natural landscapes, from towering volcanoes to untouched Caribbean shorelines. This nine-day adventure kicks off and concludes in San Jose, the historical capital, providing a full-circle exploration of unparalleled beauty. Traverse the grounds of Arenal Volcano National Park, delve into the wonders of Tortuguero National Park, and bask in the sun along the Southern Caribbean Coast. This trip offers an intimate look at Costa Rica's unique Afro-Caribbean heritage, stunning beaches, dense rainforests, and vibrant reef ecosystems through exciting hikes and an unforgettable snorkeling adventure. Prepare to be captivated and to gather memories that will endure a lifetime.
Tour Highlights:
- Arenal presents an opportunity to marvel at one of the most stunning volcanoes in Costa Rica, surrounded by a wildlife-rich park crisscrossed with scenic trails.
- Tortuguero is a haven for nature lovers, serving as the breeding site for green sea turtles and a place where one can enjoy beautiful beaches and wildlife sightings.
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca offers a glimpse into Caribbean life with its excellent surf, breathtaking landscapes, and a laid-back vibe.
- Cahuita National Park will surprise you with its unspoiled beaches, mesmerizing coral reefs, and lush coastal rainforests.
- San Jose, the heart and soul of Costa Rica, invites you to explore its rich history and culture through its museums, the iconic National Theatre, and its charming historic districts, a reflection of their European influence established in the mid-18th century.
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Itinerary
Explore Costa Rica's Natural Wonders: A 9-Day Adventure
Explore Costa Rica's spectacular nature, imposing volcanoes, and the pristine Caribbean beaches in this round-trip adventure that begins and ends in the capital city, San Jose. Enjoy nine days of memorable experiences, walking around Arenal Volcano National Park, discovering Tortuguero National Park, and relaxing on the Southern Caribbean Coast. Get to know a different side of Costa Rica, whose local population boasts Afro-Caribbean heritage. Explore the pristine beaches, hike through the emblematic rainforests, and admire the reef system during an unforgettable snorkelling tour. This journey is sure to impress, offering you memories to last a lifetime.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Arenal: Admire one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the country and its beautiful park, dotted with trails and rich in wildlife.
- Tortuguero: This park is home to the nesting grounds of green sea turtles, offering also spectacular beaches and opportunities to spot wild animals and birds.
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: A Caribbean seaside town famous for its surfing scene, beautiful scenery, and relaxed atmosphere.
- Cahuita National Park: This natural park will amaze you with its pristine beaches, beautiful coral reefs, and coastal rainforest.
- San Jose: Costa Rica’s capital city was founded in the mid-18th century, boasting history and culture. Visit its museums, the European-inspired National Theatre, and stroll through its charming historic neighbourhoods.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Upon arrival to San Jose, meet and greet services at Juan Santamaria International Airport will direct you to your transport. Enjoy a relaxing drive before your drop off at your hotel in San Jose for the first night in Costa Rica. Overnight in San Jose.
Day 2: Start the day with an early breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, a representative of the car rental company will meet you in the hotel lobby to give you the rental car you will be using during the trip. Drive to the region of La Fortuna, northwest of San Jose, home of the iconic Arenal Volcano. Have the remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy the area and hotel facilities or join one of the optional activities available. A great choice is spending great moments of relaxation at the captivating Tabacon Hot Springs. Overnight in Arenal.
Day 3: Today after breakfast, enjoy the day at leisure to explore on your own or participate in an optional activity. Enjoy, for example, a guided or self-guided walking tour in Arenal Volcano National Park. Overnight in Arenal.
Day 4: Your day begins bright and early with a drive to the town of Guapiles. Arrive to the established local restaurant to enjoy breakfast and meet your guide for the following days. Afterwards, continue in shared transportation to a pier and then continue by boat, cruising the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Overnight in Tortuguero
Day 5: Today you will have some free time to relax by the pool and experience the Tortuguero National Park on a three-hour trip. Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 6: After breakfast, depart by boat back to Guapiles. Here, you will stop for a delicious lunch and pick up your rental car before driving yourself to the coastal Puerto Viejo area. Overnight in Puerto Viejo.
Day 7: Today, after breakfast, enjoy the day at leisure to explore on your own or participate in an optional activity, for example, snorkelling and hiking through the nearby Cahuita National Park. Overnight in Puerto Viejo.
Day 8: Take the morning to rest and relax. In the early afternoon, transfer back to San Jose for your last night in Costa Rica. Overnight in San Jose.
Day 9: Enjoy a tasty breakfast and, at the appropriate time, drive from Manuel Antonio to the airport for your flight back home. Breakfast included.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation
- Accommodation options from standard to deluxe in various locations
- Car hire options including unlimited mileage and various coverages
- Meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners
- Transportation including arrival and departure transfers, and shared land and boat transfers to/from Tortuguero
- Visits and activities in Tortuguero (excluding entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park and optional activities)
- Other inclusions: Meet and greet, hotel taxes
Exclusions
- Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, and meals not explicitly stated 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
- Car hire exclusions: Damage due to negligence or inappropriate driving, loss or damage to vehicle components, theft of vehicle with keys in the ignition, fines, and any extra equipment
- Petrol deposit 100 USD; refunded when returning full
Important Notes
Explore Costa Rica's spectacular nature, imposing volcanoes, and pristine Caribbean beaches in this round-trip adventure that begins and ends in the capital city, San Jose. Enjoy nine days of memorable experiences, walking around Arenal Volcano National Park, discovering Tortuguero National Park, and relaxing on the Southern Caribbean Coast. Get to know a different side of Costa Rica, whose local population boasts Afro-Caribbean heritage. Explore the pristine beaches, hike through the emblematic rainforests, and admire the reef system during an unforgettable snorkeling tour. This journey is sure to impress, offering you memories to last a lifetime.TOUR HIGHLIGHTS include:
- Arenal: Admire one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the country and its beautiful park, dotted with trails and rich in wildlife.
- Tortuguero: This park is home to the nesting grounds of green sea turtles, offering also spectacular beaches and opportunities to spot wild animals and birds.
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: A Caribbean seaside town famous for its surfing scene, beautiful scenery, and relaxed atmosphere.
- Cahuita National Park: This natural park will amaze you with its pristine beaches, beautiful coral reefs, and coastal rainforest.
- San Jose: Costa Rica's capital city was founded in the mid-18th century, boasting history and culture. Visit its museums, the European-inspired National Theatre, and stroll through its charming historic neighborhoods.
- The minimum age to rent a vehicle or be a driver is 21 years
- All drivers must have a valid driver's 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 of 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
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Wildlife