This is trip is for those who want to get to know Costa Rica in all its glorious beauty! Having a rental car gives you great flexibility; you can do what you want whenever you want…all you need is a great adventurous spirit!
Day 01 Arrival / San Jose
Upon arrival to San Jose, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Located in the center of the country, San Jose is a bustling city full of culture, great restaurants, and lively nightlife. A great place to start your vacation! Lodging at the Palm House Inn Hotel in San Jose
Day 02 San Jose / Tortuguero (B, L, D)
Early in the morning you'll head towards Tortuguero, in the North Caribbean Lowlands. Along the way, you'll stop at a local restaurant for breakfast. Then continue to the docks, where you'll board a small boat that will take you to the hotel. Upon arrival, you'll have lunch and then you'll visit the small town of Tortuguero as well as the Turtle museum ($1 entrance fee to be paid on the spot). Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure Lodging at Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero
Day 03 Tortuguero Canals (B, L, D)
Today you'll enjoy boat tours along the protected canals: a truly tropical experience amidst this unique and lush setting. This is the perfect moment for wildlife viewing, as surely you'll encounter many birds, butterflies, monkeys and sloths. With some luck, you may even spot caimans, crocodiles and even otters! Tortuguero is best known for the endangered Green Turtles that come to its beaches to lay their eggs. From July to October (for additional price), it's possible to see them at this delicate task of building their nests! odging at Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero
Day 04 Tortuguero / Manuel Antonio (B)
Early in the morning you will be transferred to Tortuguero airport for your local flight back to San Jose. Upon arrival, you will be given a 4x4, and you are off on your own to explore the country! Follow south to your next destination: Manuel Antonio, located along the southern Pacific Coastline. This spectacular national park and beach destination is a vital stop during your vacation to Costa Rica. Famous for its light sand, great hiking spots, and astonishing wildlife, Manuel Antonio will surely be an experience you never forget. Here you can kayak, zip-line, go horseback riding, scuba dive, fish, and a lot more! (Approximate driving time: 3,5 hours). Spend the afternoon at your leisure. Lodging at the Hotel Mimos in Manuel Antonio
Day 05 Manuel Antonio (B)
Today spend your day at leisure in Manuel Antonio. We suggest you explore the beautiful beaches inside the park (the park is closed on Mondays!), or book one of the many tours available! Lodging at the Hotel Mimos in Manuel Antonio
Day 06 Manuel Antonio National Park / Arenal (B)
At your preferred time drive to La Fortuna are, home of the famous Arenal Volcano Before 1968, when it made an explosive eruption, nobody knew it was a volcano! Now, it's one of the most active volcanoes in the country. On clear nights, it's possible to see the lava and ash flowing from its fiery crater. Additionally, La Fortuna area offers many more attractions and activities: hot springs, nature hikes, rafting, boat and lake tours among many others. (Approximate driving time Manuel Antonio-Arenal: 4 hrs). Lodging at the Arenal Volcano Inn in Arenal
Day 07 Arenal (B)
Spend your day at leisure. We suggest a hike to a volcano's look out point, a visit to the hot springs, or a visit to one of the many attractions nearby like Cano Negro Natural Reserve. Lodging at the Arenal Volcano Inn in Arenal
Day 08 Arenal / Monteverde (B)
Today, you'll head towards Monteverde area (Approximate driving time Arenal-Monteverde: 3,5 hrs). If you enjoy nature and eco-tourism, Monteverde is the place for you with its cloud-covered, misty mountains and lush rain forest. Here you will encounter countless species of indigenous flora and fauna and many exciting activities, such as mountain biking, visiting butterfly gardens, horseback riding, and hiking. Lodging at the Trapp Lodge in Monteverde
Day 09 Monteverde (B)
Today is at your leisure. There are many options available in the area: explore the Cloud Forest any way you prefer! Lodging at the Trapp Lodge in Monteverde
Day 10 Monteverde / Rincon de la Vieja (B)
Today, drive north to Rincon de la Vieja area (Approximate driving time Monteverde-Rincon de la Vieja: 4-5 hrs). This beautiful and off the beaten path area is home to the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano along with some of the most beautiful tropical wilderness and wildlife available. Another of Costa Rica's many bird watching havens; this area offers hundreds of different species. This park is surely a great destination for any eco-tourist, nature lover. Lodging at the Canon de la Vieja Lodge in Rincon de la Vieja
Day 11 Rincon de la Vieja (B)
Today, spend your day at leisure in this beautiful rustic area! Lodging at the Canon de la Vieja Lodge in Rincon de la Vieja
Day 12 Rincon de la Vieja / Tamarindo (B)
Today drive to Tamarindo beach, in the North Pacific (Approximate driving time Rincon de la Vieja-Tamarindo: 1,5-2 hrs). This beach town is a relaxing getaway for every type of traveler! Tamarindo and its surrounding areas offer some of the best surfing around as well as magnificent beaches. Enjoy the delicious and abundant dining options running all along the coastline! Lodging at the Jardin Del Eden in Tamarindo
Day 13 Tamarindo (B)
Spend your day at your leisure. There is a lot to do around! Lodging at the Jardin Del Eden in Tamarindo
Day 14 Tamarindo / San Jose (B)
Today, drive back to San Jose. Around 5:00 pm, a rental car representative will come to the hotel and pick up the car. Lodging at the Palm House Inn Hotel in San Jose
Day 15 Departure (B)
At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport.
