The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive

The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive

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10 Days From

$1721

The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive

10 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica

Visiting: San José, Guápiles, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, Arenal, Monteverde, San Jose, Puntarenas, Tortuga Island

Tour code:

453587

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Physical rating:

EASY

Age range:

21-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $1721 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 26-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable self-drive adventure through Costa Rica with "The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive" tour. This journey takes you through the country's most stunning natural wonders, starting in San José and venturing into the heart of ecotourism at Tortuguero. Explore its intricate network of canals and rainforests, and witness the magic of turtle hatching. Continue to Arenal, where the majestic volcano and lush jungles offer a serene backdrop for wellness and relaxation. Discover the unique Monteverde Cloud Forest, a paradise for nature lovers, with its misty trails and diverse wildlife. Conclude your journey with a day cruise to the idyllic Tortuga Island, where white sand beaches and turquoise waters await. With a mix of guided activities and the freedom of self-driving, this tour promises a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences in Costa Rica's breathtaking landscapes.

Highlights

  • Tortuguero is one of Costa Rica's most popular ecotourism destinations, featuring a network of canals, lagoons, and dense rainforests.

  • Experience the majestic Arenal Volcano, once one of the world's most active volcanoes, and enjoy the lush jungle surroundings.

  • Monteverde Cloud Forest offers a unique misty environment, perfect for nature lovers seeking diverse wildlife and plant life.

  • Relax on the white sand beaches of Tortuga Island, accessible only by boat, with clear turquoise waters and incredible views.

  • Explore the vibrant village of Tortuguero and witness the natural beauty of the area, including the chance to see turtles hatch.

  • Discover the wellness tourism offerings in the La Fortuna area, renowned for its natural beauty and tranquility.

  • Engage in adventure and adrenaline activities in Monteverde, along with cultural and culinary experiences.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : ARRIVAL SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)

Location: San José

Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn Hotel or similar

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)

Location: San José, Guápiles, Tortuguero National Park

Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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

Location: Tortuguero

Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Location: Tortuguero, Guápiles, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano

Accommodation Name: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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

Location: Arenal

Accommodation Name: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

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)

Location: Arenal, Monteverde

Accommodation Name: Country Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation Name: Country Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

Location: Monteverde, San Jose

Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

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)

Location: San Jose, Puntarenas, Tortuga Island

Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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

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

  • Tour Guide

    Operated with English and Spanish-speaking guides only during included activities on specific days.

  • Transport

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

  • Entrance Fees and Activities

    All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, including guided visits to Tortuguero National Park and Tortuga Island.

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What's Not Included

  • Services Not Mentioned

    Services not mentioned in the itinerary are excluded.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights are not included.

  • Departure Taxes

    Departure taxes are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees are not included.

  • Personal Expenditures

    Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, and meals or items not stated explicitly in the programme are excluded.

  • Optional Tours and Activities

    Optional tours and activities are not included.

  • Porterage and Gratuities

    Porterage and gratuities are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc., is not included.

  • Car Hire Exclusions

    Car rental full insurance, deductible deposit, gasoline, damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence, and fines due to breaking traffic laws are not 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 Category = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Day 4-5 Arenal:
  • Standard Hotel Category = Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar 3*
Day 6-7 Monteverde:
  • Standard Category = Country Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
CAR RENTAL OPTIONS
  • Car Group A = Daihatsu Bego or similar 

Mode of Transport

Experience a mix of shared transfers and self-drive adventures with a 4x4 car rental from Day 4-8, including shared transfers from Juan Santamaria Airport and between areas, with land and boat transport options.

Accommodation

Enjoy 9 nights of comfortable accommodation in Costa Rica, staying at standard hotels and lodges such as the Sleep Inn Hotel in San Jose, Turtle Beach Lodge in Tortuguero, Casa Luna Hotel & Spa in Arenal, and Country Lodge in Monteverde.

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Check out our Q&As

  • What languages are the tour guides fluent in during the included activities?

    The tour guides are fluent in English and Spanish during the included activities on Day 2, 3, and 9.

  • What type of vehicle is provided for the self-drive portion of the tour?

    A 4x4 car rental is provided from Day 4 to Day 8, with a Daihatsu Bego or similar vehicle.

  • Are meals included during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches on Days 2-4 and 9, and 2 dinners on Days 2-3.

  • What activities are included in the tour itinerary?

    The tour includes a guided visit to Tortuguero National Park, a guided morning walk in Tortuguero, a guided visit to Tortuguero Village, and a one-day tour to Tortuga Island in a catamaran.

  • Is there a minimum age requirement for renting a car during the tour?

    Yes, the minimum age for renting a car is 21 years.

  • What should I bring for the tour in terms of clothing and accessories?

    It is recommended to bring comfortable, light, and 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.

  • What is the policy on unused services during the tour?

    There is no refund for unused services, and splitting of the package is not allowed.

  • 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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May 18, 2025 - May 27, 2025
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Friday - Sunday

May 30, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025
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Saturday - Monday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 09, 2025
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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

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