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Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive

tourhub | Destination Services Costa Rica | Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive | 32950 | Map

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10 Days From

~~$1747~~

$1498

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive

10 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica

Visiting: Cementerio, Costa Rica, San Carlos, Monteverde, Tamarindo

Tour operator:

Destination Services Costa Rica

Tour code:

32950

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Beach Tours, Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion, Walking

From: $1747 $1498 (USD) Operator discount: -$175 Travel Club discount: -$75 -14%

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Uncover essential Costa Rica during this 10-day exotic adventure. Beginning and ending in the capital, San Jose, this self-drive tour offers you the chance to discover different aspects of this emblematic destination. Visit the most predominant natural areas of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano National Park, and the cloud forest of Monteverde. Enjoy an unforgettable excursion in Tortuguero, in a shared shuttle and boat, and spend precious time in mesmerising Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica’s most famous beaches, indulging in the fun surf town atmosphere and getting closer to the inspiring local culture and adventurous spirit. During the trip, keep an eye out for a variety of animals and don’t forget to mingle with the friendly locals for an all-round experience.

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
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
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
Tamarindo: This busy beach resort is great for a night out, surfing, and exploring the bustling restaurant scene

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival San Jose

Location: Cementerio

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn or similar 3, Park Inn or similar 4, Hilton San Jose La Sabana or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

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: Costa Rica

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge or similar Lodge, Evergreen Lodge or similar Lodge, Aninga Lodge or similar Lodge

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: Costa Rica

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge or similar Lodge, Evergreen Lodge or similar Lodge, Aninga Lodge or similar Lodge

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: San Carlos

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Arenal Montechiari or similar 3, Arenal Springs or similar 4, Arenal Kioro or similar 5*

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 or participate in an exciting optional activity like the Sky Walk guided tour. The Sky Walk 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! Sky Walk, tour is not included.

Overnight in Arenal.

Day 5 : Arenal Volcano National Park

Location: San Carlos

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Arenal Montechiari or similar 3, Arenal Springs or similar 4, Arenal Kioro or similar 5*

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

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Monteverde Country Lodge or similar 3, Poco a Poco or similar 4, Monteverde Gardens & Lodge or similar 4*

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

The optional tours are not included

Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 7 : Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Monteverde Country Lodge or similar 3, Poco a Poco or similar 4, Monteverde Gardens & Lodge or similar 4*

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.

Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 8 : Monteverde – Pacific Coast (190Km – 4 Hrs)

Location: Tamarindo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pasatiempo or similar 3, Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 4, Tamarindo Diriá or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 3, Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 4, Tamarindo Diriá or similar 5*

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: Cementerio

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

ACCOMMODATION:

9 nights' accommodation

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

MEALS:

9 breakfasts
3 lunches on days 2, 3, 4
2 dinners on days 2, 3

TRANSPORT:

Air-conditioned transportation for the arrival transfer on a shared basis, from Juan Santamaria Airport to your first hotel
Shared land and boat transfers to/from Tortuguero
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
Tour guides do not accompany guests during transport

CAR HIRE:

Car rental from day 4
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
Coverage up to 70.000 USD per person or 175.000 USD per accident
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
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 Porterage
Optional Tours
Flight Tickets and Visa Fees

International / domestic flight tickets or visa fees and local taxes.
Gratuities
Entrance Fees for Optional Activities
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 are the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle.

In the event of fine being received there will be an administration charge, any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat, etc), petrol deposit 100 USD; refunded when returning full.

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 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

Check out our Q&As

What activities are included in the Tortuguero part of the tour?

All activities in Tortuguero are included except for the entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park and any optional activities.
Is there a guide provided for the transportation segments of the tour?

No, tour guides do not accompany guests during transport.
What is the policy for car rental in terms of insurance and additional drivers?

The car rental includes insurance with no excess, Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Supplemental Liability Coverage (SLC), and allows for a second driver. Coverage is up to 70,000 USD per person or 175,000 USD per accident.
What should I do in case of an accident with the rental car?

In case of an accident, you must notify the incident within 24 hours and a replacement car will be provided.
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

Low

What are the car hire options available for this tour?

Car hire options include Car Group A: Daihatsu Bego or similar, Car Group B: Suzuki Grand Vitara or similar, and Car Group C: Toyota Fortuner or similar.
What is the policy on early vehicle return?

If the vehicle is returned earlier than the agreed drop-off date, the rental company will not refund for any unused days.
What are the requirements for renting a vehicle?

The minimum age to rent a vehicle is 21 years. All drivers must have a valid driver's license, and the person signing the contract must have an international credit card.
Are flights included in this tour?

International and Domestic flights are not included.
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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Sunday - Tuesday

Feb 16, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025

~~$1747~~ $1498 (USD)