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Tour Overview
Embark on a Romantic Adventure in Costa Rica with this self-drive tour, offering a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation. Begin your journey in San José, then head to the thrilling Pacuare River for exhilarating white-water rafting and a stay at a luxury eco-lodge. Discover the lush surroundings and vibrant wildlife before moving on to Arenal, where the majestic volcano and soothing hot springs await. Continue to the picturesque Manuel Antonio, renowned for its stunning national park and biodiversity. Enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace with a 4x4 rental, and indulge in the comfort of superior accommodations throughout your 7-night stay. This tour promises an unforgettable experience, combining the thrill of adventure with the serenity of Costa Rica's natural beauty. ...more ...less
Highlights
Pacuare River offers thrilling white-water rafting with class III and IV rapids amidst stunning scenery.
Experience the vibrant nature and adventure at a secluded eco-hotel on the banks of the Pacuare River.
Explore the majestic Arenal Volcano, once one of the world's most active volcanoes.
Discover the lush jungle and wellness opportunities in the La Fortuna area, renowned for wellness tourism.
Visit Manuel Antonio, a small Oceanside village famous for its national park and rich biodiversity.
Enjoy the natural treasures and adventure opportunities in Manuel Antonio National Park.
Itinerary
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Welcome to Costa Rica. A local representative will greet you and assist you at the airport. Private transfer from the 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 – PACUARE (120km – 3hrs)
Location: San Jose, Pacuare River
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Pacuare Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early check-out from the hotel. Around 7:00 am a local representative will pick you up at the hotel lobby and take you on a shared transfer to your next destination: the exciting Pacuare River. Breakfast on the way. Arrival to the Operations Centre and after basic safety training on the riverbank, you'll embark on an exciting 1.5-hour river rafting trip over class II-III rapids to the Lodge. Upon arrival, around noon, check-in at the Lodge in Pacuare, enjoy lunch and get comfortable at your room. Free time to discover the natural surroundings. At night, dinner included.
Overnight in Pacuare.
Day 3
:
PACUARE
Location: Pacuare River
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Pacuare Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the Lodge. Leisure day to explore the nature trails of the Lodge, enjoy some birdwatching in the morning, learning about sustainability practices, enjoy the Lodge facilities and fall in love with nature. Lunch and dinner included.
Overnight in Pacuare.
Day 4
:
PACUARE – ARENAL (180km – 4hrs) / CAR HIRE DELIVERY
Location: Pacuare River, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Arenal Springs Resort & Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast at the Lodge. After breakfast, check-out and depart by raft for a fun-filled day of white-water rafting (approx. 3.5 hours over class III-IV rapids) on the Pacuare River’s most impressive section. You’ll float through lush canyons past pristine rainforest, crystalline waterfalls, and an array of tropical birds. A deli-style lunch will be served on the riverbank along the way, and you’ll be able to change into dry clothes at a private facility. Then 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: 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 at the resort facilities.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5
:
ARENAL
Location: Arenal
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Arenal Springs Resort & Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy leisure time to simply relax at the thermal hot springs of the hotel or explore Arenal region on your own.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 6
:
ARENAL – MANUEL ANTONIO (230km – 5hrs)
Location: Arenal, Manuel Antonio
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Parador Resort & Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel & check-out. At a convenient time, self-drive to Manuel Antonio beach, located in the Central Pacific Coast. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in Manuel Antonio and relax at the hotel facilities or the beach.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 7
:
MANUEL ANTONIO
Location: Manuel Antonio
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Parador Resort & Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and leisure day to enjoy the beach or go to explore the natural treasures of Manuel Antonio National Park on your own.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 8
:
DEPARTURE MANUEL ANTONIO (155km – 4.5hrs) / CAR HIRE DROP-OFF
Location: Manuel Antonio, San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At a convenient time, self-drive to the office of the Car Rental Company to return the vehicle, then, a shared shuttle will take you to Juan Santamaria International Airport to take your flight back home.
What's Included
Tour Guide
Operated with English- and Spanish-speaking guide during the activities on specific days.
Transport
Arrival private transfers from Juan Santamaria International Airport and shared transfers between areas as per itinerary.
Entrance Fees and Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, including guided white water rafting at Pacuare Lodge.
Other
Meet & Greet and hotel taxes are included.
Car Hire
4x4 Car rental from Day 4-8, including car delivery, drop-off, GPS, additional driver, and daily basic insurance.
What's Not Included
Unmentioned Services
Services not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
Departure Taxes
Departure taxes are not included.
Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included.
Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, and meals or items not stated explicitly in the programme are not included.
Optional Tours
Optional tours and activities are not included.
Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc., is not included.
Car Hire Exclusions
Car rental full insurance, deductible deposit, gasoline, damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence, and fines due to breaking traffic laws are not included.
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).
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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.
All mentioned transfers are included on a shared basis except transfer in. All mentioned excursions are included on a shared basis with other guests
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 San Jose:
Superior Hotel Category: Hotel Grano de Oro or similar 4*
Day 2-3 Pacuare:
Superior Hotel Category: Pacuare Lodge or similar 4*
Day 4-5 Arenal:
Superior Hotel Category: Arenal Springs Resort & Spa or similar 4*
Day 6-7 Manuel Antonio:
Superior Hotel Category: Parador Resort & Spa or similar 4*
CAR RENTAL OPTIONS
Car Group A = Daihatsu Bego or similar
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 San Jose:
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Grano de Oro or similar 4*
Day 2-3 Pacuare:
Superior Hotel Category = Pacuare Lodge or similar 4*
Day 4-5 Arenal:
Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Springs Resort & Spa or similar 4*
Day 6-7 Manuel Antonio:
Superior Hotel Category = Parador Resort & Spa or similar 4*
CAR RENTAL OPTIONS
Car Group A = Daihatsu Bego or similar
Mode of Transport
The tour includes private arrival transfers from Juan Santamaria International Airport, shared transfers between areas, and a 4x4 car rental from Day 4-8, with GPS and an additional driver option, ensuring a seamless self-drive experience.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of superior accommodation in Costa Rica, featuring stays at Hotel Grano de Oro in San Jose, Pacuare Lodge in Pacuare, Arenal Springs Resort & Spa in Arenal, and Parador Resort & Spa in Manuel Antonio, all rated 4 stars or similar.
Check out our Q&As
What kind of activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes guided white water rafting on the Pacuare River with class II-III rapids on Day 2 and class III-IV rapids on Day 4. There are also opportunities for birdwatching, exploring nature trails, and learning about sustainability practices at the Pacuare Lodge.
Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, the tour is operated with English- and Spanish-speaking guides during the activities on Day 2 and Day 4. However, you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only, and there is no guarantee that you will be part of a group or the same group during the tour.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights of accommodation in superior hotel categories. You will stay at Hotel Grano de Oro or similar in San Jose, Pacuare Lodge or similar in Pacuare, Arenal Springs Resort & Spa or similar in Arenal, and Parador Resort & Spa or similar in Manuel Antonio.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches on Days 2-4, and 2 dinners on Days 2-3.
Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, transportation includes arrival private transfers from Juan Santamaria International Airport on Day 1, shared transfers between areas as per the itinerary, and a shared shuttle from the Car Rental Company to the airport on Day 8. A 4x4 car rental is provided from Day 4-8 for the self-drive portion of the tour.
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What is the car rental policy for the tour?
The car rental includes a 4x4 vehicle from Day 4-8, car delivery on Day 4, car drop-off at the Car Rental Company on Day 8, GPS, an additional driver, and daily basic insurance. However, full insurance is not included, and a deductible deposit will be required on the customer's credit card.
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.
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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.
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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.
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