The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive

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~~$1721~~

$1639

The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive

10 Days Starting and ending in San José

Visiting: San José

Tour operator:

Destination Services Costa Rica

Tour code:

453587

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

EASY

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

From: $1721 $1639 Travel Club discount: -$82

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

Tour Overview

Enjoy the highlights of Costa Rica on this ten-day itinerary, including wonderful rainforests, volcano, cloud forests, tropical jungles and a secluded Island. 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, walking in the canopy of Monteverde’s cloud forest or relaxing on the pristine jungle of Tortuguero, Costa Rica really is a nature lover's paradise.

Highlights

Tortuguero: Tortuguero, is one of Costa Rica's most popular ecotourism destinations
This destination is you "must stop" while in Costa Rica
Discover its Network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests and had the chance to see the turtles hatch
Arenal: Prior to December 2010 the Arenal Volcano was one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world and it was a truly majestic sight
Today there are no lava eruptions, but you can still see smoke/ash spew out of the top of the volcano
Find the balance between mind, body and spirit surrounded by nature thanks to the lush jungle and the imposing Arenal Volcano
La Fortuna area is recognized worldwide for being one of the most prominent wellness tourism destinations in the world
Monteverde: A true nature lovers paradise with a marvellous diversity of wildlife and plant life
Monteverde Cloud Forest is unique from Costa Rica’s other forests, with a constant mist that looks like clouds and gives the forest its name
Monteverde is a unique blend of natural beauty and tranquillity combined with adventure and adrenaline activities, cultural and culinary experiences to discover the secrets of the forest! Tortuga Island: Relax on a paradise accessible only by boat, its beauty consists of white sand beach, clear turquoise water and incredible views
A Tortuga Island day cruise is one of the best day trips from San Jose city

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Itinerary

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

Location: San José

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 José – Tortuguero (117Km – 3.5Hrs By Land / 1.5Hr By Boat)

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

Breakfast at the hotel. Around 9:00 am meet your guide to discover 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 – Arenal (174Km – 3.5Hrs / 1.5Hr By Boat) / Car Hire Delivery

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 (included). After lunch, around 1:30 pm, 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, around 4:00 pm, check-in at the hotel in La Fortuna and free time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.

Overnight in Arenal.

Day 5 : Arenal

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

Overnight in Arenal.

Day 6 : Arenal – Monteverde (80Km – 1.5 By Land / 1.5Hr By Boat)

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At the convenient time, self-drive to your next destination: Monteverde Cloud forest Region. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in Monteverde, enjoy free time to relax and discover the natural beauty of this destination on your own.

Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 7 : Monteverde

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to explore the wonders of Monteverde, such as its biological reserves, experience a Zipline adventure flying over the treetop forest canopy, walk through the suspension bridges or enjoy some cultural experience like a coffee tour or a Costa Rican cooking class.

Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 8 : Monteverde – San Jose (145Km – 3.5Hrs) / Car Hire Hotel Return

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At the convenient time, self-drive 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 9 : San Jose – Tortuga Island – San Jose (98Km – 2Hrs / 2 Hours – 1.5Hr By Catamaran)

Around 6:00 am meet a local representative at the hotel lobby for a one day experience to Tortuga Island, located in the Nicoya Peninsula in Puntarenas Province. Breakfast on the way. You will arrive at Puntarenas city where you will board a catamaran that will take you through the ocean admiring incredible landscapes while enjoying music and some tropical snacks on board. Arrive at the charming Tortuga Island. Once there, enjoy the beach, its turquoise waters, sunbathe and relax! Lunch is served on the beach. Around 3:00 pm, get ready to return to San Jose enjoying the sunset aboard the catamaran and then continue by land.

Overnight in San Jose.

Day 10 : Departure San Jose (18Km – 30Min)

Location: San José

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:

Operated with English and Spanish-speaking guides only during included activities (Day 2, 3, 9)*

*Please note you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only. There is no guarantee that you will be part of a group, or part of the same group during the tour.

ACCOMMODATION:

9 nights’ accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1, 8-9 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 Arenal:

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

Day 6-7 Monteverde:

Standard Hotel Category = Country Lodge or similar 3*

CAR RENTAL OPTIONS

Car Group A = Daihatsu Bego or similar

MEALS:

9 Breakfasts
4 Lunches (Day 2-4, 9)
2 Dinners (Day 2-3)

TRANSPORT:

Arrival and departure shared transfers from/ to Juan Santamaria Airport
Shared transfers between areas throughout the itinerary (land and boat) (except during self-drive part)

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); One Day Tour to Tortuga Island in Catamaran (Day 9)

OTHER:

Meet & Greet
Hotel Taxes

CAR HIRE:

4x4 Car rental from Day 4-8
Car delivery (Day 4)
Car return at the hotel (Day 8)
GPS
Additional driver
Daily Basic Insurance

What's Not Included

Services not mentioned in the itinerary
International and Domestic flights
Departure taxes
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.

NOT INCLUDED IN CAR HIRE

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

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

Tortuga Island tour (on Day 9) operates only on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
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, 8-9 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 Arenal:

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

Day 6-7 Monteverde:

Standard Hotel Category = Country Lodge or similar 3*

CAR RENTAL OPTIONS

Car Group A = Daihatsu Bego or similar

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1, 8-9 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 Arenal:

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

Day 6-7 Monteverde:

Standard Hotel Category = Country Lodge or similar 3*

CAR RENTAL OPTIONS

Car Group A = Daihatsu Bego or similar

Check out our Q&As

Is a Meet & Greet Service provided by a company representative included in the tour?

Yes, Meet and greet on Day 1
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

Yes, 10 years old or above
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

Operated with English and Spanish-speaking guides only during included activities (Day 2, 3, 9)*
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Yes, shared arrival & departure transfer from/to San Jose airport to/from the hotel
Are flights included in this tour?

No, not international nor domestic flights to/from Costa Rica are not included

Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

Yes, we will inform you about the confirmed hotel's list with a personalized welcome letter sent to your own email address
Are all entrance fees included in the price?

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); One Day Tour to Tortuga Island in Catamaran (Day 9)
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

If a solo traveler is allowed for the tour, a single room with a specific rate will be available for you to book. If single room should not show available, solo traveler booking is on request
What is the maximum group size?

25 people
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

Low
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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~~$1721~~ $1639