Costa Rica Enchantment: 9-Day Self-Drive Adventure
Costa Rica Enchantment: 9-Day Self-Drive Adventure
Embark on a captivating nine-day journey through Costa Rica, starting and ending in the vibrant capital of San Jose. This adventure is crafted to showcase the diverse beauty and natural wonders of Costa Rica, including the majestic Arenal Volcano National Park and the pristine sands of Tamarindo, one of the nation's top beach destinations. With the convenience of a rented car, you'll have the freedom to explore the rich offerings of Guanacaste province at your pace. Discover the unique ecosystems of Tortuguero Park, the nesting site of green sea turtles, and indulge in the lively atmosphere of Tamarindo with its excellent surfing and dining experiences.
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Embark on an unforgettable nine-day journey through the heart of Costa Rica, starting and finishing in the vibrant capital of San Jose. This adventure is perfectly crafted to showcase the diverse beauty and natural wonders of this iconic country. From the majestic Arenal Volcano National Park to the serene beaches of Tamarindo, you are invited to experience the essence of Costa Rica. With a rented car at your disposal for part of your trip, set out to explore the wonders of Guanacaste province at your own pace, unveiling the rich tapestry of landscapes and cultures that make this area truly unique.
Tour Highlights include:
- Tortuguero National Park, a haven for green sea turtles, offers breathtaking beaches and unmatched wildlife spotting opportunities. Here, the rhythm of nature sets the pace, offering a serene escape and the chance to witness one of the most remarkable natural phenomena on the planet.
- Arenal, where you can gaze upon one of the most iconic volcanoes of Costa Rica. The area surrounding Arenal Volcano is a natural playground, filled with lush trails and an abundance of wildlife, offering a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
- Tamarindo, a lively beach resort renowned for its excellent surfing conditions, vibrant nightlife, and diverse culinary scene. It's the ideal spot to soak up the sun, hit the waves, and experience the dynamic atmosphere of one of Costa Rica's most popular coastal towns.
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Itinerary
Enjoy the highlights of Costa Rica on this nine-day itinerary. Beginning and ending in the capital, San Jose, this tour offers you the chance to discover different aspects of this emblematic destination. Visit the most predominant natural areas of Costa Rica, such as Arenal Volcano National Park, and spend precious time in mesmerising Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica’s most famous beaches. Enjoy the comfort of the rented car for part of the tour so you can explore on your own the Guanacaste province which has so much to offer. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Tortuguero: This park is home to the nesting grounds of the green sea turtles, offering spectacular beaches and fantastic opportunities to spot wild animals and birds. Arenal: Admire one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the country and its mesmerising park, dotted with trails and rich in wildlife. Tamarindo: This busy beach resort is great for a night out, surfing, and exploring the bustling restaurant scene. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Enjoy your last breakfast and at the agreed time return the car and transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your onward flight.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- 8 night’s accommodation
- Day 1,8 San Jose: Hotel Category A = Hotel Autentico or similar 3*, B = Studio Hotel or similar 4*, C = Hilton Garden Inn La Sabana or similar 3*, D = Hilton San José La Sabana or similar 3*
- Day 2,3 Tortuguero: Category A, B, C = Pachira Lodge or similar 2*, D = Manatus Lodge or similar 4*
- Day 4,5 Arenal: Category A = Hotel Arenal Paraiso or similar 3*, B = Hotel Arenal Manoa or similar 4*, C = Hotel Arenal Springs or similar 4*, D = Hotel Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
- Day 6,7 Guanacaste/Tamarindo: Category A = Hotel Pasatiempo or similar 3*, B = Hotel Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 3*, C = Hotel Tamarindo Diria or similar 4*, D = Hotel Capitán Suizo or similar 4*
- Car Hire (Day 4-9): Car Group B = Suzuki Vitara 4x4 or similar
- Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches (Day 2, 3, 4), 2 Dinners (Day 2, 3)
- Transport: Arrival shared transfers from Juan Santamaria Airport, shared transfers between areas (land and boat) except during self-drive
- All entrance fees and activities mentioned: guided boat tour in Tortuguero National Park (Day 3)
- Other: Meet & Greet, 4x4 Car rental from day 4 (includes car delivery, car return at the airport Day 9, GPS, Daily Basic Insurance)
Exclusions
- Tour guide
- Services not mentioned in the itinerary
- International and Domestic flights
- Departure taxes
- Visa fees
- Optional tours and activities
- Tips and gratuities
- Expenditures of a personal nature or items not stated explicitly in the program
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
- Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
- Car Rental Full Insurance, Deductible deposit, Gasoline (the car must be returned with a full tank)
- Damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving
- Loss or damage to aerials, jack, safety triangles and vests, windscreen, wipers, petrol cap, luggage covers, or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle
- Damage to the engine through negligence
- Theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition
- Damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fines due to breaking traffic laws and regulations during the hire period are the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle. In the event of a fine being received, there will be an administration charge
- Any extra equipment not mentioned as included
Important Notes
Enjoy the highlights of Costa Rica on this nine-day itinerary, starting and ending in San Jose. Discover Arenal Volcano National Park and the stunning Tamarindo beach. Take advantage of a rented car to explore Guanacaste province freely.
- Tour highlights include Tortuguero Park, known for green sea turtle nesting grounds, beautiful beaches, and wildlife spotting opportunities; Arenal, with its captivating volcano and wildlife-rich park; and Tamarindo, perfect for nightlife, surfing, and its lively restaurant scene.
- The minimum age for renting a car is 21 years.
- All drivers must have a current driver's license and an international credit card (Visa, MC, Diners Club, AMEX).
- Driving times and distances may vary due to route, traffic, weather, and road conditions.
- Itineraries and activities may change due to weather, technical problems, or security reasons.
- Early check-in, late check-out, and room preferences in hotels are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
- In Costa Rica, triple rooms may be a double room with an extra bed or sofa bed and might not meet international triple room standards.
- No refunds for unused services. Package splitting is not allowed.
Themes
Adventure
Cultural Immersion
Expeditions
Nature
Wildlife