This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable self-drive adventure through Costa Rica with the "Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste." Begin your journey in the vibrant capital, San Jose, exploring its rich cultural landmarks. Venture to Tortuguero, where you can witness the nesting grounds of green sea turtles and explore lush wildlife. Discover the majestic Arenal Volcano and its surrounding trails, then immerse yourself in the unique biodiversity of Monteverde's cloud forests. Conclude your trip in the lively beach town of Tamarindo, perfect for surfing and enjoying the local cuisine. This 9-night tour includes accommodation options ranging from standard to deluxe, car hire with unlimited mileage, and meals, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. Enjoy the freedom to explore Costa Rica's stunning landscapes and vibrant culture at your own pace. ...more ...less
Highlights
San Jose: Explore Costa Rica’s vibrant capital with its cultural and historical landmarks, including museums and the European-inspired National Theatre.
Tortuguero: Discover the nesting grounds of green sea turtles, with opportunities to spot wild animals and birds in this unique park.
Arenal: Visit one of Costa Rica's most beautiful volcanoes and its park, rich in wildlife and scenic trails.
Monteverde: Experience the primary cloud forest, home to many endangered species and fascinating plant life, settled by American Quakers in the 1950s.
Tamarindo: Enjoy the lively beach resort known for its surfing, vibrant nightlife, and bustling restaurant scene.
Itinerary
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Upon arrival to bustling San Jose, our representative will meet and greet you and then direct you to your transport, which will drop you off at your hotel in San Jose for your the night in Costa Rica.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 2
:
SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (135km – 4 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
Location: San Jose, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero Village
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your day begins early with a morning departure, travelling by bus through the Braulio Carrillo National Park towards the Caribbean plains to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery and quaint villages. Indulge in a tasty breakfast en route and continue through the jungle by boat, cruising the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Arrive at your eco-lodge and enjoy a tasty lunch. Board the boat again for a visit to Tortuguero village, where you will get to walk around town, stroll along the beach, and experience the locals’ way of living. During the turtle hatching season, we will look for the baby turtles trying to find their way down to the ocean. Nesting is from July to September and hatching from September to December. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel, surrounded by the beautiful tropical forest and wildlife. Lunch and dinner included
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 3
:
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will have some free time to relax by the pool and experience the Tortuguero National Park on a three-hour trip. Observe over 350 protected species of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and sloths, as well as lush vegetation. During the July to September season, you can join an optional late night turtle nesting tour, purchasable directly at the lodge. Lunch and dinner included
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4
:
TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
Location: Tortuguero, Guapiles, Arenal
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Arenal Montechiari or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Early in the morning depart by boat back to Guapiles. From there, take the ground transportation to the restaurant for lunch. After a nice meal, a representative of the car rental company will meet you at the restaurant to give you the rental car you will be using for the rest of the trip. Then you can drive yourself to the Arenal area and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore on your own.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5
:
ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
Location: Arenal Volcano National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Arenal Montechiari or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to visit the Arenal Volcano National Park on your own. During the hike, enjoy the verdant landscapes and the backdrop of the now-dormant volcano as you keep a lookout for animals that live in this national park. You have the chance to see sloths, howler monkeys, and even anteaters, to name a few. The entrance fee to Arenal Volcano National Park is not included. Afterwards, enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Arenal
Day 6
:
ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (120km – 3 hrs)
Location: Monteverde, Santa Elena
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Monteverde Country Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin the day with an early breakfast. You can have the morning at leisure or start your journey early to Monteverde Cloud forest area. Admire the transition of the rainforest to the cloud forest where you will reach an altitude of 1,200 metres above sea level. Monteverde, located in the Puntarenas province, is a place of cloud forests and mist, coffee plantations, monkeys and friendly locals. The town of Santa Elena is small and quaint, filled with inviting restaurants and folksy artisan shops, while the nearby rainforest hosts a remarkable amount of biodiversity. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore on your own or participate in an exciting optional activity like the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour, what includes a 3-hour hike along a network of trails and suspension bridges in the cloud forest of Monteverde. Be on the lookout for birds, monkeys, sloths, insects, and interesting plants of all shapes and sizes. The Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour takes you through and above the rainforest. A series of eight suspension bridges, connected by trails for a total 3 km in length, provides a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy!
If adventure is not something you are interested in, join the interesting Don Juan Coffee Tour to understand Costa Rica´s coffee, chocolate and sugar cane production (with the emphasis on coffee!). The tour offers an interesting opportunity to learn about coffee and its production as well as to get close to the fascinating Costa Rican folklore
Accommodation Name: Monteverde Country Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, enjoy you can a hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Founded in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is world-famous for its outstanding biodiversity, conservation actions and contributions, as well as scientific research. The reserve is home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, and it is one of the most important private reserves, not just in Costa Rica but the world. It hosts hundreds of species of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids, as well as a large variety of flora, such as mosses, vines or the autochthonous trees of the cloud forest. Entrance to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is not included. You can enhance today´s experience by joining one of the memorable tours you missed yesterday. Whether you choose to explore the cloud forest during the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour, or you prefer getting closer to the fascinating Costa Rican culture while on the Don Juan Coffee tour, your day will be unforgettable. Selvatura Treetop Walkaway and Don Juan Coffee tours are not included.
Savour a delectable breakfast and start your journey to the upbeat beach town of Tamarindo, located in the Guanacaste province. On arrival, take the rest of the day to enjoy the spectacular surrounding areas, scenic beach or the relaxing hotel facilities.
Overnight in Pacific Coast.
Day 9
:
PACIFIC COAST
Location: Tamarindo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pasatiempo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tamarindo is a lively destination where you can have some fun, to enjoy the warm sun, and relax on the spectacular beach. If you are feeling adventurous, jump on a board and try your hand at surfing Tamarindo's famous waves. Have the day at leisure to explore the area or relax at the hotel, enjoying the facilities. Surfing is not included.
Overnight in Pacific Coast.
Day 10
:
PACIFIC COAST – DEPART SAN JOSE (260km – 4.5hrs)
Location: Tamarindo, Juan Santamaria International Airport, San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
Indulge in a rich breakfast and, at the appropriate time, drive from Tamarindo to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your onward flight. Drop off your car the car rental office and then take a shuttle transfer to the airport.
Breakfast included.
What's Included
Transportation
Air-conditioned transportation for the arrival transfer on a shared basis, from Juan Santamaria Airport to your first hotel.
Shared Transfers
Shared land and boat transfers to/from Tortuguero.
Departure Transfer
Air-conditioned transportation for the departure transfer on a shared basis, from the car rental company offices in San José to the Juan Santamaria Airport.
Car Hire
Car rental from day 4 with unlimited mileage, applicable local taxes (VAT), 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, and coverage up to 70,000 USD per person or 175,000 USD per accident. ...more ...less
Visits and Activities
All activities in Tortuguero except the entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park and optional activities.
Other
Meet and greet on Day 1 and hotel taxes.
What's Not Included
Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme.
Airport Taxes
Airport taxes are not included.
Airport Porterage
Airport porterage is not included.
Optional Tours
Optional tours are not included.
Flights and Visa Fees
International/domestic flight tickets or visa fees and local taxes are not included.
Gratuities
Gratuities for drivers and guides are not included.
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees for optional activities mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Car Hire Exclusions
Damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving, loss or damage to aerials, jack, safety triangles and vests, windscreen, wipers, petrol cap, luggage covers, or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle, damage to the engine through negligence, theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition, damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fines due to breaking traffic laws and regulations during the hire period, any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat, etc), and petrol deposit 100 USD; refunded when returning full. ...more ...less
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.r> ...more ...less
Please Note
Please note that the maximum occupancy in the Double room for the Hotel Wyndham Tamarindo is 2 adults and 1 child
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 hrs.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 San Jose
Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Hilton San Jose La Sabana or similar 5*
Day 2-3 Tortuguero
Standard Hotel Category = Pachira Lodge or similar Lodge
Superior Hotel Category = Evergreen Lodge or similar Lodge
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aninga Lodge or similar Lodge
Day 4-5 Arenal
Standard Hotel Category = Arenal Montechiari or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Springs or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
Day 6-7 Monteverde
Standard Hotel Category =Monteverde Country Lodge or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Poco a Poco or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Monteverde Gardens & Lodge or similar 4*
Day 8-9 Tamarindo
Standard Hotel Category = Pasatiempo or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Tamarindo Diriá or similar 5*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
Car Group A: Daihatsu Bego or similar
Car Group B: Suzuki Grand Vitara or similar
Car Group C: Toyota Fortuner or similar
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 San Jose
Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Hilton San Jose La Sabana or similar 5*
Day 2-3 Tortuguero
Standard Category = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Superior Category = Laguna Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Deluxe Category = Pachira/ Evergreen/Aninga Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Day 4-5 Arenal
Standard Hotel Category = Arenal Montechiari or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Springs or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
Day 6-7 Monteverde
Standard Hotel Category =Monteverde Country Lodge or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Poco a Poco or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Monteverde Gardens & Lodge or similar 4*
Day 8-9 Tamarindo
Standard Hotel Category = Pasatiempo or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Tamarindo Diriá or similar 5*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
Car Group A = Daihatsu Bego or similar
Car Group B = Suzuki Grand Vitara or similar
Car Group C = Toyota Fortuner or similar
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes air-conditioned shared transfers from Juan Santamaria Airport to your hotel, shared land and boat transfers to/from Tortuguero, and a rental car from day 4 with unlimited mileage. The tour does not include guides during transport.
Accommodation
Enjoy 9 nights of accommodation with options ranging from standard to deluxe categories. Stay at the Sleep Inn or Hilton San Jose La Sabana in San Jose, Turtle Beach Lodge or Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero, Arenal Montechiari or Arenal Kioro in Arenal, Monteverde Country Lodge or Monteverde Gardens in Monteverde, and Pasatiempo or Tamarindo Diria in Tamarindo.
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Check out our Q&As
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Tortuguero National Park?
In Tortuguero National Park, you can expect to see over 350 protected species of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and sloths, as well as lush vegetation. During the turtle hatching season, you may also witness baby turtles making their way to the ocean.
What activities are available in Monteverde?
In Monteverde, you can explore the cloud forest, participate in the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour, or join the Don Juan Coffee Tour to learn about Costa Rica's coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane production. The Selvatura tour includes a hike along trails and suspension bridges, offering a bird's-eye view of the rainforest canopy.
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What is included in the car hire for this tour?
The car hire includes unlimited mileage, applicable local taxes (VAT), insurance with no excess, Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Supplemental Liability Coverage (SLC), emergency contact service, a replacement car in case of an accident, full-full petrol rate, a second driver, and coverage up to 70,000 USD per person or 175,000 USD per accident.
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Are there any meals included during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches on days 2, 3, and 4, and 2 dinners on days 2 and 3.
What are the accommodation options available during the tour?
Accommodation options vary by location and include standard, superior, and deluxe categories. For example, in San Jose, options include Sleep Inn (3*), Park Inn (4*), and Hilton San Jose La Sabana (5*). Similar categories are available in Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde, and Tamarindo.
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What should I wear and bring for the tour?
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for traveling in Costa Rica. Visitors should avoid 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.
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
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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.
...more ...less
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.
...more ...less
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.
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of
55%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
10 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica
Visiting:
San José, San Jose, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero Village, Tortuguero, Guapiles, Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Santa Elena, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Tamarindo
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[{"title":"Day 1: ARRIVAL SAN JOSE ","name":"San José","description":"<p>Upon arrival to bustling San Jose, our representative will meet and greet you and then direct you to your transport, which will drop you off at your hotel in San Jose for your the night in Costa Rica.<br /></p><ul><li><b>Overnight in San Jose.</b></li></ul>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"},{"title":"Day 2: SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (135km – 4 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)","name":"San Jose","description":"<p>Your day begins early with a morning departure, travelling by bus through the Braulio Carrillo National Park towards the Caribbean plains to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery and quaint villages. Indulge in a tasty breakfast en route and continue through the jungle by boat, cruising the rivers and canals of <strong>Tortuguero National Park.</strong> Arrive at your eco-lodge and enjoy a tasty lunch. Board the boat again for a visit to <strong>Tortuguero village</strong>, where you will get to walk around town, stroll along the beach, and experience the locals’ way of living. During the turtle hatching season, we will look for the baby turtles trying to find their way down to the ocean. Nesting is from July to September and hatching from September to December. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel, surrounded by the beautiful tropical forest and wildlife. Lunch and dinner included<br></p><br/><ul><br/><li><strong>Overnight in Tortuguero.</strong></li><br/></ul><br/>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"},{"title":"Day 2: SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (135km – 4 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)","name":"Tortuguero Village","description":"<p>Your day begins early with a morning departure, travelling by bus through the Braulio Carrillo National Park towards the Caribbean plains to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery and quaint villages. Indulge in a tasty breakfast en route and continue through the jungle by boat, cruising the rivers and canals of <strong>Tortuguero National Park.</strong> Arrive at your eco-lodge and enjoy a tasty lunch. Board the boat again for a visit to <strong>Tortuguero village</strong>, where you will get to walk around town, stroll along the beach, and experience the locals’ way of living. During the turtle hatching season, we will look for the baby turtles trying to find their way down to the ocean. Nesting is from July to September and hatching from September to December. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel, surrounded by the beautiful tropical forest and wildlife. Lunch and dinner included<br></p><br/><ul><br/><li><strong>Overnight in Tortuguero.</strong></li><br/></ul><br/>","lat":"10.542484","lng":"-83.502355"},{"title":"Day 4: TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat) ","name":"Tortuguero","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Early in the morning depart by boat back to Guapiles. From there, take the ground transportation to the restaurant for lunch. After a nice meal, a representative of the car rental company will meet you at the restaurant to give you the rental car you will be using for the rest of the trip. Then you can drive yourself to the Arenal area and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore on your own.</p><ul> <li style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Arenal</strong>.</li></ul>","lat":"10.542484","lng":"-83.502355"},{"title":"Day 4: TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat) ","name":"Guapiles","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Early in the morning depart by boat back to Guapiles. From there, take the ground transportation to the restaurant for lunch. After a nice meal, a representative of the car rental company will meet you at the restaurant to give you the rental car you will be using for the rest of the trip. Then you can drive yourself to the Arenal area and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore on your own.</p><ul> <li style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Arenal</strong>.</li></ul>","lat":"10.213679","lng":"-83.789089"},{"title":"Day 4: TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat) ","name":"Arenal","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Early in the morning depart by boat back to Guapiles. From there, take the ground transportation to the restaurant for lunch. After a nice meal, a representative of the car rental company will meet you at the restaurant to give you the rental car you will be using for the rest of the trip. Then you can drive yourself to the Arenal area and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore on your own.</p><ul> <li style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Arenal</strong>.</li></ul>","lat":"10.462626","lng":"-84.703179"},{"title":"Day 6: ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (120km – 3 hrs)","name":"Santa Elena","description":"<p>Begin the day with an early breakfast. You can have the morning at leisure or start your journey early to Monteverde Cloud forest area. Admire the transition of the rainforest to the cloud forest where you will reach an altitude of 1,200 metres above sea level. <strong>Monteverde</strong>, located in the Puntarenas province, is a place of cloud forests and mist, coffee plantations, monkeys and friendly locals. The town of <strong>Santa Elena</strong> is small and quaint, filled with inviting restaurants and folksy artisan shops, while the nearby rainforest hosts a remarkable amount of biodiversity. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore on your own or participate in an exciting optional activity like the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour, what includes a 3-hour hike along a network of trails and suspension bridges in the cloud forest of Monteverde. Be on the lookout for birds, monkeys, sloths, insects, and interesting plants of all shapes and sizes. The Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour takes you through and above the rainforest. A series of eight suspension bridges, connected by trails for a total 3 km in length, provides a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy! </p><br/><p></p><br/><p>If adventure is not something you are interested in, join the interesting Don Juan Coffee Tour to understand Costa Rica´s coffee, chocolate and sugar cane production (with the emphasis on coffee!). The tour offers an interesting opportunity to learn about coffee and its production as well as to get close to the fascinating Costa Rican folklore</p><br/><p></p><br/><p>The optional tours are not included<br></p><br/><ul><br/><li><strong>Overnight in Monteverde.</strong></li><br/></ul><br/>","lat":"10.31426","lng":"-84.82502"},{"title":"Day 7: MONTEVERDE","name":"Monteverde","description":"<p>After a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, enjoy you can a <strong>hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve</strong>. Founded in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is world-famous for its outstanding biodiversity, conservation actions and contributions, as well as scientific research. The reserve is home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, and it is one of the most important private reserves, not just in Costa Rica but the world. It hosts hundreds of species of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids, as well as a large variety of flora, such as mosses, vines or the autochthonous trees of the cloud forest. Entrance to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is not included. You can enhance today´s experience by joining one of the memorable tours you missed yesterday. Whether you choose to explore the cloud forest during the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour, or you prefer getting closer to the fascinating Costa Rican culture while on the Don Juan Coffee tour, your day will be unforgettable. Selvatura Treetop Walkaway and Don Juan Coffee tours are not included.<br></p><br/><ul><br/><li><strong>Overnight in Monteverde.</strong></li><br/></ul><br/>","lat":"10.297332","lng":"-84.82551"},{"title":"Day 8: MONTEVERDE – PACIFIC COAST (190km – 4 hrs)","name":"Monteverde","description":"<p>Savour a delectable breakfast and start your journey to the upbeat beach town of <b>Tamarindo</b>, located in the Guanacaste province. On arrival, take the rest of the day to enjoy the spectacular surrounding areas, scenic beach or the relaxing hotel facilities. <br /></p><ul><li><b>Overnight in Pacific Coast.</b></li></ul>","lat":"10.297332","lng":"-84.82551"},{"title":"Day 8: MONTEVERDE – PACIFIC COAST (190km – 4 hrs)","name":"Tamarindo","description":"<p>Savour a delectable breakfast and start your journey to the upbeat beach town of <b>Tamarindo</b>, located in the Guanacaste province. On arrival, take the rest of the day to enjoy the spectacular surrounding areas, scenic beach or the relaxing hotel facilities. <br /></p><ul><li><b>Overnight in Pacific Coast.</b></li></ul>","lat":"10.297572","lng":"-85.841153"},{"title":"Day 9: PACIFIC COAST","name":"Tamarindo","description":"<p>Tamarindo is a lively destination where you can have some fun, to enjoy the warm sun, and relax on the spectacular beach. If you are feeling adventurous, jump on a board and try your hand at surfing Tamarindo's famous waves. Have the day at leisure to explore the area or relax at the hotel, enjoying the facilities. Surfing is not included.<br /></p><ul><li><b>Overnight in Pacific Coast.</b></li></ul>","lat":"10.297572","lng":"-85.841153"},{"title":"Day 10: PACIFIC COAST – DEPART SAN JOSE (260km – 4.5hrs)","name":"Tamarindo","description":"<p>Indulge in a rich breakfast and, at the appropriate time, drive from Tamarindo to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your onward flight. Drop off your car the car rental office and then take a shuttle transfer to the airport.<br /></p><p> </p><ul><li><b>Breakfast included. </b></li></ul>","lat":"10.297572","lng":"-85.841153"},{"title":"Day 10: PACIFIC COAST – DEPART SAN JOSE (260km – 4.5hrs)","name":"San José","description":"<p>Indulge in a rich breakfast and, at the appropriate time, drive from Tamarindo to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your onward flight. Drop off your car the car rental office and then take a shuttle transfer to the airport.<br /></p><p> </p><ul><li><b>Breakfast included. </b></li></ul>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"}]
