Self-drive in Costa Rica - Coast to Coast

Itinerary:

Day 1. San Jose
Welcome to Costa Rica! For your added comfort, once you have passed immigration and customs and stepped out of the airport doors, you will have one of our local partner's representatives waiting for you outside with a sign with your name on it. He will drive you to your hotel in San José.

Day 2. San Jose - Tortuguero
Tortuguero National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most incredible destinations at the Caribbean coast. It’ s beaches attract thousands of nesting sea turtles. The surrounding rainforest is filled with wildlife. And because there are no roads to Tortuguero National Park, just getting here is an adventure. Tortuguero is one of the wettest places in Costa Rica, receiving over 6 meters (20 feet) of rain each year. This is an eco-travel paradise, filled with stunning biodiversity. Each year between June and October, tens of thousands of green sea turtles return to the dark sand beach to lay their eggs. Tortuguero is more than just sea turtles. Lying just beyond the beach are a handful of serpentine rivers that reach deep into the jungle, opening up a lush wilderness filled with wildlife. You can explore the rivers by motor boat, kayak or canoe. As you cruise through the waterways, look for monkeys, sloths,parrots, crocodiles, caimans and dozens of other exotic animals. All told, Tortuguero is home to 60 mammal species, 57 amphibian species, 111 reptile species, over 300 bird species, over 400 tree species and over 2,000 plant species! With so much biodiversity, it’s no wonder Tortuguero is the Caribbean coast’s top eco-destination and Costa Rica’s third-most visited national park. B/-/-

Day 3. Tortuguero National Park
Rise and shine bright and early this morning, where you have a chance to enjoy a famous Costa Rican coffee, or tea at the restaurant before heading out in search of adventure. You have the opportunity of enjoy by your own a walk at the hotel trails or take an optional excursion (not Included). In the afternoon join a guided Canal Tour to experience the jungle which surrounds the nearby canals. Through an infinite network of river canals and mangroves you will experience a truly unique contact with nature. Your guide will explain what they’ve learnt about this beautiful jungle flora and fauna. Their experience in the field has provided them with plenty of knowledge about the many species of wildlife that call this jungle home. B/L/D

Day 4. Tortuguero - Arenal/ Fortuna
The Northern Plains of Costa Rica showcases some very scenic countryside towns. Small agriculture communities and cattle ranches cover rolling hills and deep valleys. The plains, rainforests and rivers make the north central a must-see in any Costa Rica program. The main attraction is the iconic Arenal Volcano. The Arenal Volcano area is Costa Rica’s premier region of exploration and excitement: Arenal is synonymous to adventure and Eco-discovery, where you can embark in a wide variety of activities. Enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting or canyoning, or combine adventure with ecological discovery in a canopy tour. Hike the volcano or explore the rainforest strolling through hanging bridges. Feel transformed by the beauty and variety of our wildlife and tropical jungle. Get ready for a life changing adventure! B/L/D

Day 5. Free day at Arenal/Foruna
Enjoy your day relaxing at your hotel and surroundings or ask your travel consultant about the many optional activities that are offered in the area. B/-/-

Day 6. Arenal - Monteverde
A startling haven for all that is living and natural, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve promises a journey that will make you one with nature–at a whole new level. Located in the Cordillera de Tilarán, Monteverde is one of the top ecotourism destinations the world over, being one of the most spectacular wildlife sanctuary and nature reserve in the world. It is actually home to some of the most endangered species in the planet. Its elevation is from 600 meters to 1800 meters above sea level in some isolated areas. It currently houses about 2,000 plant & tree species, 400 bird species, 100 species of mammals and around 1,200 amphibians and reptiles as well as hundreds of unique fern and orchid species. Birds are one of the main attractions in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve as a lot of them would migrate there and a variety of species are for everyone to see alive and freely hovering. Some of the famed birds found in the cloud forest are the bare-necked umbrella birds, the endangered Bellbird, quetzals and over 30 species of hummingbirds. What’s there to do in Monteverde? ( Note, activities are optional if not included in our proposal ) Tours are available for all nature lovers or first-time nature explorers alike. Considering the size of the reserve, hanging bridges and trails are good for hiking and sight-seeing. There is even a special private birding tour if you’re interested in learning more about these famous flying species. For the more active we offer zip lining! As the weather here is quite chilly and misty, due to the village being high up in the Tilaran Mountain Range, do bring some thick clothes and a light jacket to stay warm. B/-/-

Day 7. Free day at Monteverde
Enjoy your day relaxing at your hotel and surroundings or ask your travel consultant about the many optional activities that are offered in the area. B/-/-

Day 8. Monteverde - Samara 
Sitting along the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula in the province of Guanacaste, Samara is small sunny town with pristine beaches and picture-perfect scenery. Samara is considered to be one of the safest beaches, making it an ideal location for family getaways. A quaint little town, Samara lies at the foot of a steep hill. The main road here leads straight into town and ends at the stunning Playa Samara or Samara Beach. Samara and its surrounding environment offers an ideal place to relax and have a good time. Here, a variety of exotic plants and animals can be found along the five kilometer strip of Samara Beach, along with a stunning coral reef that lies just offshore. A short boat trip away is the gorgeous and remote Isla Chora. In town, you will find everything from a supermarket to a number of gift stores, reatuarants and bars. With its ideal location along the Pacific Ocean, Samara boasts countless aquatic and outdoor entertainment. Horseback riding, stand up paddle boarding, sport fishing, surfing, canopy tours, yoga and kayaking are just a few of the fun activities you can try out. If you have some extra time and a 4WD, explore the hidden beaches north of Sámara, such as Playas Barrigona and Buenavista. B/-/-

Day 09 & 10. Samara
Enjoy your day relaxing at your hotel and surroundings or ask your travel consultant about the many optional activities that are offered in the area. B/-/-

Day 11. Samara - San Jose
San José, the capital city surrounded by the mountainous scenarios of the central valley, with a privileged climate full of culture. It is undoubtedly the place where the cultural and gastronomic options
of the country converge. It will be enough to tour the boulevard of the central avenue to meet the emblematic National Theater, museums, shopping malls, the colorful central market and enjoy the different gastronomic options, art exhibitions and cultural shows. B/-/-

Day 12. Departure
A privately driven vehicle will provide you with a transfer from your hotel to San José Airport today. Depart from International Airport. B/-/- 

For more practical information or questions about the Car Rental, Insurance etc. please get a quote from us!