Magic Costa Rica 9 Days, Self-drive
9 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica
Visiting: San José, San Jose, Guapiles, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero, Arenal, Guanacaste, Tamarindo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
798674
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
21-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 9-day self-drive adventure through Costa Rica with the "Magic Costa Rica" tour. Begin your journey in the vibrant city of San José before heading to the lush landscapes of Tortuguero National Park, renowned for its green sea turtle nesting grounds and diverse wildlife. Experience the awe-inspiring Arenal Volcano, surrounded by trails and rich biodiversity. Continue to the lively beach resort of Tamarindo, perfect for surfing and enjoying the local cuisine. This tour offers a blend of guided excursions and self-exploration, with accommodations ranging from cozy lodges to comfortable hotels. Enjoy included meals, shared transfers, and a 4x4 car rental for the ultimate freedom to explore. Whether you're seeking nature, adventure, or relaxation, this tour provides an unforgettable Costa Rican experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL SAN JOSE
Location: San José
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Autentico or similar
Upon arrival to bustling San Jose, our representative will meet and greet you and then direct you to your shared transport, which will drop you off at your hotel in San Jose for your night in Costa Rica.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 2 : SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (135km – 4 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
Location: San Jose, Guapiles, Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your day begins early with a pick up from the hotel. Indulge in a tasty breakfast en route in a restaurant in Guapiles and continue through the jungle by boat, cruising the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Arrive at your lodge in time to enjoy a tasty lunch. Dinner in the evening is also included.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 3 : TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Location: Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Make the most of your stay in Tortuguero. After breakfast, enjoy a boat trip on the Tortuguero canals, an essential activity while in Costa Rica. Discover its network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests through a boat tour guided by an expert naturalist guide. Abundant wildlife inhabits Tortuguero, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. Lunch and dinner is served at the hotel.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4 : TORTUGUERO (CAR PICK-UP) – ARENAL (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)
Location: Tortuguero, Guapiles, Arenal
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Magic Mountain or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we depart Tortuguero by shared boat and land transfers back to Guapiles, where we stop for lunch in a local restaurant. After a tasty meal, pick up your car and drive to the Arenal area. Arrive at Arenal and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5 : ARENAL
Location: Arenal
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Magic Mountain or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to a breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the area. Optionally, you can take advantage of the activities that are available in the area.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 6 : ARENAL – GUANACASTE/TAMARINDO (200km – 4 hrs)
Location: Arenal, Guanacaste, Tamarindo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pasatiempo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel drive to your next destination, the paradise Guanacaste, located in the North Pacific. Upon arrival at Tamarindo Beach free afternoon to enjoy the hotel facilities and the beach.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 7 : TAMARINDO
Location: Tamarindo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pasatiempo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover Tamarindo and surrounding beaches on your own; take an optional excursion available on the spot.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 8 : TAMARINDO – SAN JOSE (260km – 4.5hrs)
Location: Tamarindo, San José
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Autentico or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a free morning by the beach. In the afternoon drive to San Jose and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 9 : DEPARTURE SAN JOSE AIRPORT (CAR DROP OFF)
Location: San José, Juan Santamaria International Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your last breakfast and at the agreed time return the car and transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your onward flight.
What's Included
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Transport
Arrival shared transfers from Juan Santamaria Airport and shared transfers between areas throughout the itinerary (land and boat) except during the self-drive part.
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Car Hire
4x4 Car rental from day 4, including car delivery, car return at the airport, GPS, and daily basic insurance.
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Entrance Fees and Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, including a guided boat tour in Tortuguero National Park on Day 3.
What's Not Included
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Tour Guide
A tour guide is not included in the package.
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Departure Taxes
Departure taxes are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included.
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Optional Tours and Activities
Optional tours and activities are not included.
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Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities are not included.
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
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Drinks and Camera Fees
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, and camera/video camera fees (if any) are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc., is not included.
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Car Hire Exclusions
Car rental full insurance, deductible deposit, gasoline, damage to a third party or to 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, damage caused through driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fines due to breaking traffic laws, and any extra equipment not mentioned as included are not covered.
Requirements
Comfortable and light 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, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.Please Note
- The minimum age for renting a car is 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.
- We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.
- Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
- 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
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Accommodation options
Day 1,8 San Jose
- Hotel Category A = Hotel Autentico or similar 3*
- Hotel Category B = Studio Hotel or similar 4*
- Hotel Category C = Hilton Garden Inn La Sabana or similar 3*
- Hotel Category D = Hilton San José La Sabana or similar 3*
- Hotel Category A, B, C = Pachira Lodge or similar 2*
- Hotel Category D = Manatus Lodge or similar 4*
- Hotel Category A = Hotel Arenal Paraiso or similar 3*
- Hotel Category B = Hotel Arenal Manoa or similar 4*
- Hotel Category C = Hotel Arenal Springs or similar 4*
- Hotel Category D = Hotel Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
- Hotel Category A = Hotel Pasatiempo or similar 3*
- Hotel Category B = Hotel Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 3*
- Hotel Category C = Hotel Tamarindo Diria or similar 4*
- Hotel Category D = Hotel Capitán Suizo or similar 4*
- Car Group B = Suzuki Vitara 4x4 or similar
Accommodation options
Day 1,8 San Jose
- Hotel Category A = Hotel Autentico or similar 3*
- Hotel Category B = Park Inn or similar 4*
- Hotel Category C = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 3*
- Hotel Category D = Hilton Sabana or similar 3*
- Hotel Category A, B = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
- Hotel Category C = Mawamba Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
- Hotel Category D = Manatus Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
- Hotel Category A = Magic Mountain or similar 4*
- Hotel Category B = Arenal Paraiso or similar 3*
- Hotel Category C = Arenal Manoa or similar 4*
- Hotel Category D = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
- Hotel Category A = Hotel Pasatiempo or similar 3*
- Hotel Category B = Tamarindo Diria or similar 4*
- Hotel Category C = Cala Luna or similar 4*
- Hotel Category D = Capitán Suizo or similar 4*
- Car Group B = Suzuki Vitara 4x4 or similar
Mode of Transport
Experience seamless transportation with shared transfers from Juan Santamaria Airport and between areas, including land and boat transfers. Enjoy the freedom of a self-drive adventure with a Suzuki Vitara 4x4 or similar from day 4 to 9, complete with GPS and basic insurance.Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights of comfortable accommodation in Costa Rica, with options ranging from 3-star to 5-star hotels. Stay in San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal, and Tamarindo, with choices like Hotel Autentico, Turtle Beach Lodge, Magic Mountain, and Hotel Pasatiempo, ensuring a pleasant stay throughout your journey.Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 8 nights of accommodation with options ranging from 3-star to 5-star hotels, depending on the location and category chosen. For example, in San Jose, options include Hotel Autentico or similar for Category A, and Hilton Sabana or similar for Category D.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches on days 2, 3, and 4, and 2 dinners on days 2 and 3.
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Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is included. This includes arrival shared transfers from Juan Santamaria Airport, shared transfers between areas throughout the itinerary (land and boat), and a 4x4 car rental from day 4 to day 9.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a guided boat tour in Tortuguero National Park on day 3, along with all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary.
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What is the minimum age requirement for renting a car during the tour?
The minimum age for renting a car during the tour is 21 years.
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What should I bring for the tour in terms of clothing and accessories?
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for traveling in Costa Rica. It is advised to avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
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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.
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Low Deposit
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.
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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.
