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Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable self-drive adventure through Costa Rica with the "Fantasy on Beaches and Volcanoes" tour. Begin your journey in San Jose, where you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Drive to the majestic Arenal Volcano, once one of the world's most active, and immerse yourself in the lush jungle surroundings. Continue to the vibrant Tamarindo Beach on the Nicoya Peninsula, renowned for its surf spots, adventure activities, and serene tropical ambiance. Enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace with a 4x4 rental, and relax in comfortable 3-star accommodations throughout your stay. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, wellness, and adventure, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. ...more ...less
Highlights
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
Tamarindo: The most developed beach on the vibrant Nicoya Peninsula and one of Costa Rica's best-known surf spots
Tamarindo beach is also a wonderland of adventure and has the serenity of a tropical getaway
Great swimming, surf, fishing, and water sports during the day, buzzing nightlife come sunset
Itinerary
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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 on your own the city and its surroundings.
Overnight at San Jose.
Day 2
:
SAN JOSE – ARENAL (160km – 4hrs) / CAR HIRE HOTEL DELIVERY
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 the agreed time a representative of the car rental company will meet you at the hotel lobby to deliver the contract and the rental car. Drive towards the Arenal area; take into consideration that the road trip can take around 4 hours and it is more convenient to arrive at the destination before nightfall. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in Arenal and enjoy free time to relax or discover the surroundings on your own.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 3
:
ARENAL – TAMARINDO (200km – 4.5hrs)
Location: Tamarindo
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Tamarindo Diria or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Drive to Tamarindo Beach on the north pacific coast; take into consideration that the road trip can take around 4.5 hours and it is more convenient to arrive before nightfall. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in Tamarindo. Enjoy free time at the Resort facilities or explore the beach on your own.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 4
:
TAMARINDO
Location: Tamarindo
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Tamarindo Diria or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Leisure day to relax and discover Tamarindo on your own.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 5
:
TAMARINDO
Location: Tamarindo
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Tamarindo Diria or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast included at the hotel. Enjoy leisure time to simply relax or continue exploring Tamarindo region on your own.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 6
:
TAMARINDO – SAN JOSE (250km – 5hrs) / CAR HIRE HOTEL RETURN
Location: Dolorosa
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Drive to the city of San Jose; take into consideration that the road trip can take around 5 hours. At the time agreed with the car rental company, return the car at the hotel lobby in San Jose. Check-in at the hotel in San Jose and relax or go to explore the city on your own.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 7
:
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
Accommodation
6 nights' accommodation including stays in San Jose at Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3*, in Arenal at Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar 3*, and in Tamarindo at Tamarindo Diria or similar 3*.
Meals
6 breakfasts are included in the tour package.
Transport
Arrival and departure shared transfers from/to Juan Santamaria Airport are provided, along with a 4x4 car rental with hotel delivery and return from Day 2 to Day 6, including GPS, an additional driver, and daily basic insurance.
Other Inclusions
The package includes a meet & greet service upon arrival, hotel taxes, and the specified car hire inclusions.
CAR HIRE
4x4 Car rental, with hotel delivery and return (Day 2-6), GPS, additional driver, and daily basic insurance.
What's Not Included
Tour Guide
A tour guide is not included in the package.
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to attractions and sites are not covered.
Flights & Departure Taxes
International and domestic flights, as well as departure taxes, are not included.
Visa Fees
Any applicable visa fees are to be borne by the traveler.
Personal Expenses
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, meals not stated explicitly in the program, and any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are excluded.
Optional Tours & Activities
Optional tours and activities are not included.
Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included in the tour price.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
Car Hire Exclusions
Car rental full insurance, deductible deposit, gasoline (car must be returned with a full tank), damage to a third party or the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving, loss or damage to vehicle components, damage to the engine through negligence, theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition, fines, and any extra equipment not mentioned as included are excluded. ...more ...less
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.
The start times and durations of the 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, 6 San Jose:
Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3*
Day 2 Arenal:
Standard Hotel Category = Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar 3*
Day 3-5 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, 6 San Jose:
Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3*
Day 2 Arenal:
Standard Hotel Category = Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar 3*
Day 3-5 Tamarindo:
Standard Hotel Category = Tamarindo Diria or similar 3*
CAR RENTAL OPTIONS
Car Group A = Daihatsu Bego or similar
Mode of Transport
Arrival and departure shared transfers from/to Juan Santamaria Airport are provided, along with a 4x4 car rental with hotel delivery and return from Day 2 to Day 6, including GPS, an additional driver, and daily basic insurance.
Check out our Q&As
What type of car is included in the rental?
The car rental included is a 4x4 car, such as a Daihatsu Bego or similar, with hotel delivery and return from Day 2 to Day 6. It includes GPS, an additional driver, and daily basic insurance.
Are there any meals included in the tour package?
Yes, 6 breakfasts are included in the tour package.
Is a tour guide provided during the trip?
No, a tour guide is not included in the package.
What should I bring for the trip?
Comfortable and light quick-dry clothing, sun protection, sunglasses, tennis shoes, hiking shoes, sandals, a sweater, raincoat or jacket, bathing suit, a hat or cap, and mosquito repellent are recommended. All drivers must carry their current driver's license and an international personal credit card.
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What are the accommodation options during the tour?
The accommodation options include: Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3* in San Jose, Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar 3* in Arenal, and Tamarindo Diria or similar 3* in Tamarindo.
Are entrance fees to attractions included?
No, entrance fees to attractions and sites are not covered.
What happens if I arrive early or need a late check-out at the hotel?
Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.
Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
What is the minimum age for renting a car?
The minimum age for renting a car is 21 years.
What are the exclusions related to the car rental?
Car rental full insurance, deductible deposit, gasoline (car must be returned with a full tank), damage to a third party or the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving, loss or damage to vehicle components, damage to the engine through negligence, theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition, fines, and any extra equipment not mentioned as included are excluded.
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.
...more ...less
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.
Destination Services Costa Rica requires a minimum deposit of
20%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services costa rica charges.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Fantasy on Beaches and Volcanoes, Self-Drive
7 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica
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