Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio 8 Days, Self-Drive

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~~$766~~

$729

Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio 8 Days, Self-Drive

8 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica

Visiting: Cementerio, San Carlos, Quepos, Dolorosa

Tour operator:

Destination Services Costa Rica

Tour code:

451780

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English

From: $766 $729 Travel Club discount: -$36

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Uncover Costa Rica during this eight-day exotic self-drive adventure. Beginning and ending in the capital, San Jose, this tour offers you the chance to discover different aspects of this emblematic destination. Spend precious time visiting the Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most stunning conservation areas on the planet.

Highlights

:San Jose: Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city was founded in the mid-18th century, boasting great cultural and historical landmarks
Visit its museums, the European-inspired National Theatre, and stroll the charming alleys of its historic neighbourhoods
Manuel Antonio: This picturesque national park is the smallest one in Costa Rica but it is full of wild animals, lush vegetation, and beautiful beaches

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival San Jose / Car Pick-Up

Location: Cementerio

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Villa Tournon or similar, Hotel Balmoral or similar, Park Inn or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Upon arrival to bustling San Jose, our representative will meet and greet you and then direct you to the car rental centre. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in San Jose.

Day 2 : San Jose – Arenal (129Km – 4 Hrs)

Location: San Carlos

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: San Bosco or similar, Montaña de Fuego or similar, Los Lagos or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, after breakfast, depart San Jose driving north. Stop for a photo opportunity in the charming village of Zarcero where you can see the Parque Francisco Alvarado and the Iglesia de San Rafael. The park sits in front of the pink and blue Church at the town centre, which is noted for its topiary garden and shrubs that have been trimmed into the shapes of various animals. Continue to the Arenal area, famous for its volcano, lake and hot springs. You may choose to visit one of the many hot springs facilities that offer visitors an ideal way to relax. Stay for dinner as well, as many of these facilities offer several restaurants (own expense).

Overnight in Arenal.

Day 3 : Arenal Volcano National Park

Location: San Carlos

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: San Bosco or similar, Montaña de Fuego or similar, Los Lagos or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a delectable breakfast, you will have the opportunity to visit the Arenal Volcano National Park on your own. You may choose to spend half the day hiking to Arenal National Park, enjoying the natural hot springs throughout the area, or spend the morning or afternoon enjoying a horseback ride through both pastures and rainforest to La Fortuna Waterfall. For extraordinary views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, the Sky Tram gondolas soar smoothly through the rainforest to an observation deck. You can ride the tram down the same route that you ascended or take a fast-paced Sky Trek zip line tour to the bottom.

Overnight in Arenal.

Day 4 : Arenal – Manuel Antonio (240Km – 6Hrs)

Location: Quepos

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Plaza Yara or similar, Costa Verde or similar, San Bada or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wake up to a tasty breakfast, and then drive to Manuel Antonio, one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica due to its beautiful beaches, rich wildlife, and an endless list of activities. Use the balance of the day to enjoy the exotic national park and beaches. Or, take a boat trip through the complex and beautiful estuaries and mangroves surrounding Damas Island. For something different, visit the local sustainable organic Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation which grows a variety of spices and essential oil plants, including vanilla, cocoa, pepper and cinnamon.

Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 5 : Manuel Antonio

Location: Quepos

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Plaza Yara or similar, Costa Verde or similar, San Bada or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Recharge your energies with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before enjoying a slow day of rest and relaxation.

Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 6 : Manuel Antonio

Location: Quepos

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Plaza Yara or similar, Costa Verde or similar, San Bada or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a rich breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Manuel Antonio or take a trip to Jaco to visit Jaco Beach, which is the most visited vacation destination in all of Costa Rica and is only about an hour away from Manuel Antonio.

Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 7 : Manuel Antonio – San Jose (177Km – 4 Hrs)

Location: Dolorosa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Villa Tournon or similar, Hotel Balmoral or similar, Park Inn or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a tasty breakfast and drive back to San Jose. Consider a stop at Poas Volcano National Park, one of the most visited sites in Costa Rica, which features short easy trails for hiking. A short trip from San Jose, the Poas Volcano contains one of the world's largest volcanic lakes, Lake Botos, which fills an inactive crater and is surrounded by a cloud forest. Or, head to Costa Rica's highest active volcano, Irazu, and on the way back visit the colonial Orosi Valley which is famous for having the oldest church in Costa Rica. If you are not interested in visiting volcanoes, there is plenty to do in San Jose. Visit one of the museums or head to Mercado Central, a very old and unique bustling food market.

Overnight in San Jose.

Day 8 : Departure San Jose / Car Drop-Off

Location: Dolorosa

Enjoy your last breakfast in San Jose, before you check out and head to the car rental centre. Return your vehicle at the car rental facility at the San Jose International Airport prior to your departure flight home.

What's Included

ACCOMMODATION:

7 nights' accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1, 7 San Jose

Standard Hotel Category = Villa Tournon or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Balmoral or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 5*

Day 2-3 Arenal

Standard Hotel Category = San Bosco or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Montaña de Fuego or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Los Lagos or similar 5*

Day 4-6 Manuel Antonio

Standard Hotel Category = Plaza Yara or similar

Superior Hotel Category = Costa Verde or similar

Deluxe Hotel Category = San Bada or similar

CAR HIRE OPTIONS

Car Group A (1-4 pax): Daihatsu Bego or similar

MEALS:

7 Breakfasts

CAR HIRE:

8 days car rental pick-up/ drop-off at Juan Santamaria International Airport
Unlimited mileage

OTHER:

Meet & Greet
Hotel Taxes

What's Not Included

Entrance or Tour Fees

Applicable entrance or tour fees for suggested itinerary sites are not covered.
Personal Expenditures

Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, and meals not explicitly included in the programme.
Airport Charges

Airport taxes and airport porterage are not included.
Optional Tours

Optional tours are not included in the tour package.
Travel Tickets and Visa Fees

International flight tickets, visa fees, and local taxes are excluded.
Gratuities

Gratuities for drivers and guides are not included.
Car Hire Exclusions

LDW & SLC (Loss Damage Waiver & Supplement Liability Coverage), damage due to negligence or inappropriate driving, loss or damage to the vehicle's components, damage to the engine through negligence, theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition, fines for traffic law violations, and any extra equipment like GPS or baby seat are excluded.
Fuel Policy

Petrol deposit of 100 USD; refunded when returning the car with a full tank.

Requirements

Comfortable and light 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, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

Please Note

Please note that this tour is a suggested itinerary. While the sites listed may be visited independently, the package does not cover any applicable entrance or tour fees
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
Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 24 hours of the 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
For self-guided visits, you must pay your entrance fee directly at the front desk of each park or attraction

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1, 7 San Jose

Standard Hotel Category = Villa Tournon or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Balmoral or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 5*

Day 2-3 Arenal

Standard Hotel Category = San Bosco or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Montaña de Fuego or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Los Lagos or similar 5*

Day 4-6 Manuel Antonio

Standard Hotel Category = Plaza Yara or similar

Superior Hotel Category = Costa Verde or similar

Deluxe Hotel Category = San Bada or similar
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
Car Group A (1-4 pax): Daihatsu Bego or similar

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1, 7 San Jose

Standard Hotel Category = Villa Tournon or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Balmoral or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 5*

Day 2-3 Arenal

Standard Hotel Category = San Bosco or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Montaña de Fuego or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Los Lagos or similar 5*

Day 4-6 Manuel Antonio

Standard Hotel Category = Plaza Yara or similar
Superior Hotel Category = Costa Verde or similar
Deluxe Hotel Category = San Bada or similar

CAR HIRE OPTIONS

Car Group A (1-4 pax): Daihatsu Bego or similar

Check out our Q&As

What type of clothing is recommended for this tour?

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. It's recommended not to wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Is there a minimum age requirement for car rental on this tour?

Yes, the minimum age to rent a vehicle or be a driver is 21 years.
Do I need an international credit card to rent a vehicle?

Yes, the person who signs the contract must have an international credit card, such as Visa, MasterCard, or AMEX.
Can I pick up the rental car at any time from San José Airport?

Yes, pick-up service at the San José Airport is available 24 hours.
What happens if I return the rental car earlier than the agreed drop-off date?

If the vehicle is returned earlier than the agreed-upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund for any unused days.

What should I do in case of an accident or theft with the rental vehicle?

Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 24 hours of the incident.
Are entrance fees to parks and attractions included in the tour package?

No, the package does not cover any applicable entrance or tour fees. For self-guided visits, you must pay your entrance fee directly at the front desk of each park or attraction.
Are flights included in this tour?

International and Domestic flights are not included.
Are all entrance fees included in the price?

For self-guided visits, you must pay your entrance fee directly at the front desk of each park or attraction
Do you offer any travel insurance?

We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Are flights included in the tour?

No, they are not included
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Is there any option for solo traveller?

Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
What does the price include?

What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?

No, visa fees are not included

Reviews of this operator

Brian

Exotic Costa Rica

12-Feb-2022

We were delayed a couple of times in getting to Costa Rica and our tour operator, Roy, was extremely accommodating of the changes. The trip was partially guided, so though lodging and transportation were covered there were a few days where I could have used help coordinating afternoon activities.

Peter Herbert

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste

11-May-2022

A little aprehensive on 1st day with no tour leader... but ran better that clockwork, a few natural obstacles overcome. Good hotels, transport , drivers AND OUTSTANDING GUIDES.....A THEN THERE WAS THE WILDS OF COSTA RICA AND ITS PEOPLES ....

Jean Walsh

Exotic Costa Rica

17-Mar-2022

This trip was much anticipated and lived up to all of our expectations. We had a wonderful experience. If we had questions, Andres was immediately responsive. It was such a nice feeling to know we could reach him.

Susan Langton

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park

06-Jan-2022

Our trip was well organized, all of the service providers ( transfers, guides, accommodations) we friendly and professional, and each location was as promised. A bit more local information would have been useful in preparing for the trip, but nothing that wasn't able to be accommodated on the fly.

Marianne Brownell

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park

03-Oct-2022

Terrific experience!

Debra R

PURAVIDA CR

26-Jun-2023

Great staff taking care of us along the way! Hotel choices were unique and beautiful and accommodating.

Keith

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste

08-Mar-2022

A good tour with 4 completely different ecosystems. A couple of long travel days.

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Dec 19, 2024 - Dec 26, 2024

~~$766~~ $729