From the Atlantic to the Pacific, Self-Drive

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11 Days From

~~$1875~~

$1786

From the Atlantic to the Pacific, Self-Drive

11 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica

Visiting: Dolorosa, Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, San Carlos, Tamarindo

Tour operator:

Destination Services Costa Rica

Tour code:

453596

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

From: $1875 $1786 Travel Club discount: -$89

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Enjoy the highlights of Costa Rica on this eleven-day itinerary, including wonderful jungles, volcano and pristine beaches. This is a country of great natural beauty and every destination has something unique to offer. Whether you are watching the Arenal volcano whilst bathing in hot springs, exploring the dense jungle of Tortuguero or relaxing on the pristine beaches of Tamarindo and the Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica really is a nature lover's paradise.

Highlights

Tortuguero: Explore the network of canals, lagoons, and dense rainforests, with a chance to see turtles hatch
Puerto Viejo: Enjoy the calm waters and tropical paradise of this beach lover's haven, known for its unique blend of cultures
Arenal: Experience the majestic Arenal Volcano and find balance in the lush jungle, a top wellness tourism destination
Tamarindo: Discover the most developed beach on the Nicoya Peninsula, perfect for surfing, swimming, and enjoying a tropical getaway

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival San Jose (18Km – 30Min)

Location: Dolorosa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Welcome to Costa Rica. A local representative will greet you and assist you at the airport. Shared transfer from airport to the hotel in San Jose. Check-in at the hotel and then enjoy leisure time to refresh, relax and get comfortable at your hotel room. Explore by your own the city and its surroundings.

Overnight at San Jose.

Day 2 : San Jose – Tortuguero (117Km – 3.5Hrs By Land / 1.5Hr By Boat)

Location: Costa Rica

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early check-out from the hotel. Around 6:00 am a local representative will pick you up at the hotel lobby and take you on a shared transfer to your next destination: Tortuguero National Park, located in the North Caribbean Coast. On the way, around 8:30 am there will be a stop for breakfast in Guápiles city and then continue to La Pavona dock, where you will board a boat shared with others guests, that will take you to the lodge where you will immerse yourself in a perfectly quiet, laid back and tranquil stay. Around 1:00 pm, check-in and enjoy a delightful lunch (included). Afterwards, around 2:30 pm, meet your guide for an expedition through the Tortuguero Canals, a must activity while you are in Costa Rica. Explore the lagoons and hidden canals; as you go deeper into the forest the canals become smaller and the surrounding wildlife gets closer. Rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 3 : Tortuguero

Location: Costa Rica

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. Around 9:00 am meet your guide to discovering nature by taking a walk through the Lodge’s private trails. Enjoy free time in the morning to cool off in the pool and simply relax. Later this day, around 2:30 pm join to the guide and visit the small and picturesque village of Tortuguero. Afterwards, return to the Lodge to relax. Lunch and dinner included at the Lodge.

Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 4 : Tortuguero – Puerto Viejo (206Km – 4Hrs By Land/ 1.5Hr By Boat) / Car Hire Delivery

Location: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Villas Del Caribe or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the lodge and check-out. Around 9:30 am be ready to depart on a shared transfer by boat and land from Tortuguero to the Restaurant located in Guápiles city, where you will enjoy the lunch. After lunch, around 1:30 p.m., a local car rental representative will meet you at the restaurant and deliver you the rented vehicle and all the information regarding the contract. Afterwards, self-drive to your next destination: the Caribbean beach town of Puerto Viejo. Upon arrival, around 4:30 pm, check-in at the hotel in Puerto Viejo and free time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.

Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

Day 5 : Puerto Viejo

Location: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Villas Del Caribe or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy leisure time to simply relax or explore Puerto Viejo, its surrounding and beaches on your own.

Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

Day 6 : Puerto Viejo – Arenal (275Km – 5Hrs)

Location: San Carlos

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At a convenient time, self-drive to your next destination: La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the wonderful Arenal Volcano. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in Arenal, enjoy free time to relax and discover the natural beauty of this destination on your own.

Overnight in Arenal.

Day 7 : Arenal

Location: San Carlos

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy leisure time to simply relax or explore the Arenal region on your own.

Overnight in Arenal.

Day 8 : Arenal – Tamarindo (205Km – 4Hrs)

Location: Tamarindo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Tamarindo Diria or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast included at the hotel and check-out. At a convenient time, self-drive to your next destination: Tamarindo beach, located in the North Pacific Coast of Guanacaste Province. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in Tamarindo and enjoy free time to relax at the resort facilities or explore the beach town on your own.

Overnight in Tamarindo.

Day 9 : Tamarindo

Location: Tamarindo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Tamarindo Diria or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Leisure day to relax and enjoy the tropical paradise of Tamarindo beach.

Overnight in Tamarindo.

Day 10 : Tamarindo – San Jose (260Km – 5Hrs) / Car Hire Hotel Return

Location: Dolorosa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast included at the hotel and check-out. At a convenient time, self-drive to San Jose. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in San Jose and at the agreed time, meet the local car rental representative at the hotel lobby to return the vehicle. Enjoy free time to relax or go to explore the capital city on your own.

Overnight in San Jose.

Day 11 : Departure San Jose (18Km – 30Min)

Location: Dolorosa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At the agreed time, a local representative will pick you up at the lobby and take you on shared transportation to Juan Santamaria International Airport to take your flight back home.

What's Included

Tour Guide

English and Spanish-speaking guides available during included activities on Day 2 and 3. Note: Guides are for activities only, without guarantee of continuous group companionship throughout the tour.
Accommodation

10 nights’ accommodation included. Options range from standard hotel categories such as Sleep Inn Hotel, Pachira Lodge, Villas Del Caribe, Casa Luna Hotel & Spa, to Tamarindo Diria or similar 3* accommodations.
Meals

The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches (Day 2-4), and 2 dinners (Day 2-3).
Transport

Includes arrival and departure shared transfers from/to Juan Santamaria Airport, as well as shared transfers between areas (land and boat), except during the self-drive part of the tour.
Entrance Fees and Activities

All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: guided visit to Tortuguero National Park (Day 2); guided Morning Walk in Tortuguero and guided visit to Tortuguero Village (Day 3).
Car Hire

4x4 car rental from Day 4-10, including car delivery and return at the hotel, GPS, additional driver, and daily basic insurance.
Other

Meet & Greet service and hotel taxes are included.

What's Not Included

International and Domestic flights
Car Hire Exclusions

Car Rental Full Insurance, deductible deposit: A deposit will be requested on the customer's credit card, as a guarantee of the corresponding deductible payment and of the charges not contemplated in the voucher of the agency, gasoline (the car must be returned with a full tank), 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 a fine being received, there will be an administration charge, any extra equipment not mentioned as included.
Departure taxes and Visa fees
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the programme
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
Optional tours and activities
Porterage and gratuities
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.

Requirements

Comfortable and light and quick dry 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, tennis shoes, hiking shoes, sandals, sweater, raincoat or jacket, bathing suit, a hat or cap and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. All drivers must carry their current driver's license. All drivers must carry an international personal credit card (Visa, MC, Diners Club, and AMEX)

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 for renting a car must be 21 years
All drivers must carry their current driver's license
All drivers must carry an international personal credit card (Visa, MC, Diners Club, and AMEX)
Please consider that the driving times and distances are estimated and that they can vary because of many circumstances, such as the specific route taken, hotel location, traffic, weather, road conditions, etc.
The order of activities in Tortuguero may vary according to the season and the disposition of the hotel
The start times and durations of excursions as well as transfers are approximate
In many hotels in Costa Rica, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed
No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1, 10 San Jose:

Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3*

Day 2-3 Tortuguero:

Standard Hotel Category = Pachira Lodge or similar 3*

Day 4-5 Puerto Viejo:

Standard Hotel Category = Villas Del Caribe or similar 3*

Day 6-7 Arenal:

Standard Hotel Category = Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar 3*

Day 8-9 Tamarindo:

Standard Hotel Category = Tamarindo Diria or similar 3*

CAR RENTAL OPTIONS

Car Group A = Daihatsu Bego or similar

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1, 10 San Jose:

Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3*

Day 2-3 Tortuguero:

Standard Hotel Category = Pachira Lodge or similar 3*

Day 4-5 Puerto Viejo:

Standard Hotel Category = Villas Del Caribe or similar 3*

Day 6-7 Arenal:

Standard Hotel Category = Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar 3*

Day 8-9 Tamarindo:

Standard Hotel Category = Tamarindo Diria or similar 3*

CAR RENTAL OPTIONS

Car Group A = Daihatsu Bego or similar

Check out our Q&As

Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Yes, shared arrival & departure transfer from/to San Jose airport to/from the hotel
Are all entrance fees included in the price?

ll entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: guided visit to Tortuguero National Park; guided Morning Walk in Tortuguero and guided visit to Tortuguero Village is included.
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

Low
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

Yes, 10 years old or above
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Yes, English and spanish speaking local tour guide on this tour.

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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Friday - Monday

Oct 11, 2024 - Oct 21, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Saturday - Tuesday

Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 22, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Sunday - Wednesday

Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 23, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Monday - Thursday

Oct 14, 2024 - Oct 24, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Tuesday - Friday

Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 25, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Wednesday - Saturday

Oct 16, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Thursday - Sunday

Oct 17, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Friday - Monday

Oct 18, 2024 - Oct 28, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Saturday - Tuesday

Oct 19, 2024 - Oct 29, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Sunday - Wednesday

Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 30, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Monday - Thursday

Oct 21, 2024 - Oct 31, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Tuesday - Friday

Oct 22, 2024 - Nov 01, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Wednesday - Saturday

Oct 23, 2024 - Nov 02, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Thursday - Sunday

Oct 24, 2024 - Nov 03, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Friday - Monday

Oct 25, 2024 - Nov 04, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Saturday - Tuesday

Oct 26, 2024 - Nov 05, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Sunday - Wednesday

Oct 27, 2024 - Nov 06, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Monday - Thursday

Oct 28, 2024 - Nov 07, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Tuesday - Friday

Oct 29, 2024 - Nov 08, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Wednesday - Saturday

Oct 30, 2024 - Nov 09, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Thursday - Sunday

Oct 31, 2024 - Nov 10, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Friday - Monday

Nov 01, 2024 - Nov 11, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Saturday - Tuesday

Nov 02, 2024 - Nov 12, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Sunday - Wednesday

Nov 03, 2024 - Nov 13, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Monday - Thursday

Nov 04, 2024 - Nov 14, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Tuesday - Friday

Nov 05, 2024 - Nov 15, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Wednesday - Saturday

Nov 06, 2024 - Nov 16, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Thursday - Sunday

Nov 07, 2024 - Nov 17, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Friday - Monday

Nov 08, 2024 - Nov 18, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Saturday - Tuesday

Nov 09, 2024 - Nov 19, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Sunday - Wednesday

Nov 10, 2024 - Nov 20, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Monday - Thursday

Nov 11, 2024 - Nov 21, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Tuesday - Friday

Nov 12, 2024 - Nov 22, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Wednesday - Saturday

Nov 13, 2024 - Nov 23, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Thursday - Sunday

Nov 14, 2024 - Nov 24, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Friday - Monday

Nov 15, 2024 - Nov 25, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Saturday - Tuesday

Nov 16, 2024 - Nov 26, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Sunday - Wednesday

Nov 17, 2024 - Nov 27, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Monday - Thursday

Nov 18, 2024 - Nov 28, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Tuesday - Friday

Nov 19, 2024 - Nov 29, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Wednesday - Saturday

Nov 20, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Thursday - Sunday

Nov 21, 2024 - Dec 01, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Friday - Monday

Nov 22, 2024 - Dec 02, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Saturday - Tuesday

Nov 23, 2024 - Dec 03, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Sunday - Wednesday

Nov 24, 2024 - Dec 04, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Monday - Thursday

Nov 25, 2024 - Dec 05, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Tuesday - Friday

Nov 26, 2024 - Dec 06, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Wednesday - Saturday

Nov 27, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Thursday - Sunday

Nov 28, 2024 - Dec 08, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Friday - Monday

Nov 29, 2024 - Dec 09, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Saturday - Tuesday

Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 10, 2024

~~$1875~~ $1786

Travel Club discount: -$89

Sunday - Wednesday

Dec 01, 2024 - Dec 11, 2024

~~$1932~~ $1840