Self-drive in Costa Rica

Self-drive through the stunning landscapes of Costa Rica

Discover the diverse landscapes of Costa Rica and visit the country’s most fascinating places on a 14-day self-drive journey. Experience towering volcanoes, verdant national parks and mesmerising cloud forests at your own pace and choose from a variety of special excursions and activities in each region.

From the capital San Jose, drive through the province of Alajuela, renowned for its natural beauty, where you can observe the Arenal volcano, before heading to Monteverde’s enigmatic cloud forest, home to abundant wildlife. Continue to Guanacaste province where you will visit the Rincon de la Vieja volcano, followed by the popular beaches of Tamarindo.

Highlights

• Travel through scenic Costa Rica by rental car at your own pace
• Choose from an array of cultural and adventurous activities across a range of impressive National Parks
• Discover incredible landscapes filled with abundant wildlife in the enigmatic cloud forest
• Observe the majestic volcanoes of Arenal and Rincon de la Vieja

Quick Itinerary

Day 1 - San Jose

Days 2 - 4 - Arenal

Days 5 & 6 - Monteverde

Days 7 & 8 - Rincon de la Vieja

Days 9 - 12 -Tamarindo

Day 13 - Depart San Jose

Day 14 - Arrive back in the UK

Truly Individual Holiday

Any element of this holiday can be tailormade to your requirements, including the places you want to see and the things that are important to you. Just contact one of our Travel Specialists today.

Day 1 - San Jose

On arrival, you will be transferred to your centrally located hotel. 

Days 2 - 4 - Arenal

Your rental car will be delivered to your hotel. Drive to the exceptional region of Arenal, renowned for its natural beauty and the only conical-shaped volcano in Costa Rica.

Spend the next three nights exploring the area at your own pace. A wide variety of activities can be arranged whether you want to appreciate the fauna and flora, or prefer to go hiking or white-water rafting. After a long day take the chance to relax in one of the natural hot springs.

We also recommend visiting the picturesque Arenal Lake, as well as the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, an ideal spot for bird-watching.

Meals: B

Days 5 & 6 - Monteverde

Drive to the mountainous region of Monteverde, part of the Costa Rican cloud forest known for its abundance of natural resources and its extraordinary array of plants and animal species that inhabit its incredible landscapes.

Due to the immense conservation efforts of the region, Monteverde is considered a natural laboratory where constant studies and research takes place to preserve the natural environment.

Monteverde offers several activities which can be educational, cultural or adventurous.

Meals: B

Days 7 & 8 - Rincon de la Vieja

Drive to Rincon de la Vieja in the province of Guanacaste, part of the dry forests of Costa Rica and an important protected national park. It is also home to one of the most active and interesting volcanoes in the country and an impressive array of beautiful waterfalls.

There is a plethora of activities on offer at Rincon de la Vieja including horse riding, cycling, zip-lining or simply hiking in the surrounding verdant landscape.

Meals: B

Days 9 - 12 - Tamarindo

Drive to Tamarindo, where you will find some of the prettiest and most popular beaches such as Avellena or Ventanas beach. It is an area of dry weather, with crystalline water and formidable vegetation. There are multiple sites to visit in the area which are quite close to each other. The lodging options are varied, from all-inclusive resorts to charming boutique hotels. 

Meals: B

Day 13 - Depart San Jose

Head back to San Jose and return the rental car before taking your onward flight.

Meals: B

Day 14 - Arrive back in the UK

Today you will land back in the UK from Costa Rica

Price from £3,199 per person

(Valid for 2024 departures, based on 2 people sharing a room)

Includes:

• International flights

• 12 nights’ accommodation as detailed

• 12 breakfasts

• 11 days of car hire with unlimited mileage (4WD)

• Full cover insurance

• GPS

• 1 additional driver

Excludes:

• Meals not indicated in your itinerary

• Local departure taxes payable locally

• Where applicable locally payable car hire-related charges

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc

• Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)

• Camera or video fees at any sites

• Fuel