Self-drive in Costa Rica - Coast to Coast
Costa Rica is an amazing country. Stretching from the Caribbean to the Pacific coast, and squeezed right in between North and South America, with a territory of only 51 000 square kilometers, it offers unique experiences especially for the nature lover. The country is also famous for being the most peaceful country in the Americas with very low crime level. Costa Rica has many different microclimates and therefore a wide range of wildlife. In addition to the interesting flora and fauna when the traveler stops for a short break, or an overnight stay in a town or a city, one is met by friendly Ticos (as Costa Ricans are also called) who are always ready for a chat or anxious to show you the way. Thus one of the best ways to experience Costa Rica is a self drive across the country.
We offer a variety of Self Drive Tours in Costa Rica from 8 to 21 days. The itinerary bellow is just for one of them. You are welcome to request a special quote, if you are interested in a tour different from the one below.
Tour Highlights:
♦ San Jose (1161m) - Costa Ricas cheerful capital;
♦ Tortuguero National Park on the Carribean coast offers an exceptional variety of flora and fauna;
♦ Arenal Volcano (1657m) - one of the youngest and most active volcanos in the world;
♦ Samara Beach - a popular sea resort on the Pacific.
Trip plan:
Day 1: After arrival in San Jose. A guide with a sign with your name on will take you from the airport to your hotel and present you with you your welcome kit with practical information. Overnight stay at a 3* hotel in San Jose City.
Day 2: Transfer to Tortuguero National Park. Early in the morning a bilingual guide will meet you in your hotel in San Jose. Transfer to Pachira Lodge in luxury minibus, stop for breakfast on route. Today you are invited to one of the most exotic regions in Costa Rica: The Tortuguero National Park. Rich flora and fauna abound in this park. The park is made up by a system of natural and man – made canals that serve as waterways for transportation and exploration. This tour would generally allow you to admire flora and fauna in their natural habitat, including orchids, birds, monkeys, crocodiles, toucans, etc., as well as the Humid Tropical Forest, where marine turtles like the Chelonia Midas ( green turtle ) lay their eggs. (Seasonal July through September). Accommodation in Pachira lodge (or similar) in Tortuguero. (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 3: Tortuguero National Park. Opportunity to explore the Tortuguero National Park area. Hiking and boat trips are included. On turtle nesting season (July to October), there is an optional tour at night available upon request at the hotel (Not included). Overtnight stay at Pachira Lodge (or similar) in Tortuguero. (B)
Day 4: Transfer to Siquirres. Pick up car rental. Self drive to Arenal. Nothing short of “awesome” is the only way to describe the feeling one has when seeing Arenal Volcano for the first time. Moving through the valleys of the agriculturally rich Northern Zone up through San Carlos and into the towering rain forest, this is one of the most inviting regions in Costa Rica. Overnight stay the Magic Mountain Hotel (or similar) in La Fortuna de Arenal. (B)
Day 5: Free day in Arenal. Overnight stay in La Fortuna de Arenal. (B)
Day 6: Self drive to Monteverde. Founded in the 1950's by a group of Quakers from the U.S., Monteverde has gained international renown as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. The reserve spreads out over 10,500 hectares of land that hold six different life zones. The climate and terrain of the preserve produce an incredible bio-diversity. There are at least 400 bird species in this high elevation rain forest, including the Resplendent Quetzal, ancient holy bird of the Mayans, over 100 species of mammals, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles and an estimated 2,500 species of plants making Monteverde a true "nature lover's paradise". Delicate orchids, more than 400 species, grace the limbs of majestic trees. Their captivating colors of whites, lilacs, and yellows contrast with the emerald green of the forest. Overnight stay at Cloud Forest Lodge (or similar) in Monte Verde. (B)
Day 7: Free day in Monteverde. (B)
Day 8: Self drive to Samara. Playa Samara is one of the nicest beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula. Not only is it a wide and beautiful, sandy beach but it is also very safe for swimming as there is a coral reef protecting the coast from waves and currents. Snorkeling, windsurfing and diving are some of the popular water sport activities available in this area. The vacation homes of many wealthy Costa Ricans dot the landscape. Even though Sámara is somewhat secluded, you can find and buy anything you might need during your stay. Overnight stay at Hotel Sol (or similar) in Samara. (B)
Day 09 & 10: Free days at Samara Beach. Hotel Sol Samara (or similar). (B)
Day 11: Self drive to San Jose. Drop off Rental Car. Hotel Sleep Inn. Standard Room. (B)
Day 12: Transfer to International Airport Juan Santamaria.
Included in the price: ► Accommodation and boarding: decent hotels, usually 3* and lodges with private facilities. B = breakfast / L = lunch / D = dinner. ►, 8 days' car rental (Daihatsu Terios / BeGo 4x4 or similar), free mileage, free cell phone in case of emergency, during the car rental period, personalized information, maps, brochures, vouchers, airport transfers upon arrival and departure, local Travel Program Support, 24 hours emergency service.
Not included the price: ► Flight ticket, ► Basic car insurance (appr. US $18,00 daily), ► Departure fee at the Airport (UD $ 26 - to be paid before check in at the Airport.), ► entrance fees, other meals outside the program, alcohol drinks and other personal expenses.
Practical information: Standard car hiring includes: The rental car company will freeze US $ 750.00 to cover eventual damages. The amount is release upon retur of the vehicle in case of no damages.
Icluded: free mileage, local taxes and a Costa Rica map (simple).
Not included: gas, mandatory basic insurance CDW (Collision Damage Waiver – damage to the car) and LDW (Theft Protection) $ 750.00 deductible and Damage to third parties 20% with a cost of US $ 18.00 per day. Valid credit card required (VISA / MasterCard / American Express, Diner’s club) Recommended valid credit card secondary driver. Available Zero Deductible additional insurance (Total Insurance), including CDW (without own risk), without damage to third parties. With a cost of US $ 9.00, the rental car company will freeze US $ 100.00 from your credit car refundable once the rental car is returned. Optional second driver charge (US$ 2.00 per Day, Minimum rental car days: 3 days; Minimum age: 21 year old.
Recommended travel period of the year: November - April
Recommended equipment: Rain gear, Light clothes, preferably with long sleeves, to protect you from occasional insect assaults, light sports shoes, mosquito repellent, sun tan oil, personal medicines... and a pocket size Spanish dictionary.
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