Want the freedom of driving yourself, but without the hassle of making your own travel arrangements? Our self-drive Costa Rica package is perfect for you! We set you up with a 4×4 and make all your reservations, so you get to spend your time exploring.
After picking up your car, you’ll head to the nearby Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation and Inn to spend your first night. Enjoy some Costa Rican coffee and an enviable view in the morning, before starting out on your countrywide trip.
Your first tourist destination is the Arenal area, famous for adventure tours, hot springs, and, of course, the Arenal Volcano. You’ll have amazing views of this natural wonder from your hotel, Lomas del Volcan. Enjoy a hike in the national park plus some time soaking in hot springs, then take a nature-filled tour of Cano Negro and the Frio River.
Next up is Monteverde. World renowned for its protected cloud forest, this peaceful area has fresh mountain air and plenty of activities. Try one of the most iconic with a combination canopy tour exploring the forest via gondola (tram), hanging bridges, and the Costa Rican favorite, zip lining.
Leave the cool air of the hills and make your way to the Pacific Ocean, where you’ll be staying in Tamarindo at the Diria Hotel. Right on the beach, this hotel has enviable access to both the ocean and the funky surfer town. Speaking of surfing, you’ll get to try your hand at it with lessons. End your beach time with a catamaran tour at sunset, perfect for marine life watching and soaking up the final rays with a drink in hand.
Your time in Costa Rica ends with a night at the upscale Xandari Resort & Spa in the Central Valley, before heading back home from the international airport in San Jose.
What’s included in ‘Self-Drive Countrywide Journey’?
Lodging & Meals:
- 1 night at Finca Rosa Blanca—including breakfast
- 3 nights lodging at Lomas del Volcan—including a daily breakfast
- 2 nights lodging at Hotel Belmar
- 4 nights lodging at Tamarindo Diria—including a daily buffet breakfast
- 1 night at Xandari Resort—including breakfast
Transportation:
- Exclusive Airport ‘Meet and Greet’ service.
- 4×4 rental car for 11 days
- Round ground transfer for all tours
All private transfers include an English-speaking driver.
Tours and Activities:
- Arenal Volcan Hike and Ecotermales Hot Springs tour
- Tour of Caño Negro and Frio River by boat
- Combo canopy tour
- Surf lessons
- Sunset catamaran tour on the Pacific Ocean
You will receive a 100% accurate price when you inquire with us and share your travel dates. Final package pricing includes taxes, domestic transport, tours and lodging as described unless otherwise indicated. The package does NOT include international airfare or optional travel insurance or any other services not expressly mentioned.
Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica!
Start your trip with a personal touch as you are met by our staff at the airport. They’ll show you to your rental car and make sure that you are all set for your self drive Costa Rica journey. Head to Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn, where you’ll get your first taste of the beverage that makes Costa Rica famous.
Finca Rosa Blanca
Day 2: Head to Arenal
Enjoy the scenery and change in climate as you head to the highlands for your next destination, Arenal. You’ll be staying in the rustic mountain cabins of Lomas del Volcan.
Lomas del Volcan
Day 3: Arenal Volcano Hike & Hot Springs
The Arenal area is famous for many things, but especially for its namesake volcano and the hot springs that its subterranean processes create. You’ll enjoy a half-day tour, first hiking in the national park and then relaxing in the Ecotermales hot springs.
Lomas del Volcan
Day 4: Caño Negro and Frio River Boat Tour
Today is all about nature! Enjoy a two-hour tour down the Frio River, where you can hope to see three different types of monkeys, sloths, turtles, and Jesus Christ lizards, named for their ability to walk on water. Bird lovers will be happy to hear there are some 200 species that can be spotted.
Lomas del Volcan
Day 5: Arenal to Monteverde
Make one of Costa Rica’s most iconic journeys as you head from the Arenal area to Monteverde. You will be staying at the Hotel Belmar, a little bit of the Alps set on nine acres of pristine cloud forest.
Hotel Belmar
Day 6: Canopy Tour Combo
Monteverde is known worldwide for its cloud forest and the biodiversity that inhabits it. Today, get up close and personal with a combination canopy tour: a gondola ride, hanging bridges, walking trails, and zip lining.
Hotel Belmar
Day 7: Monteverde to Tamarindo
Today’s drive takes you from the cool mountains to the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. If you’re feeling adventurous, turn a rest stop into an activity with a tour of the Mining Museum in Abangares. In Tamarindo, you’ll be staying at the iconic Diria, one of the few truly beachfront hotels in the country.
Tamarindo Diria
Day 8: Enjoy the Beach!
Make the most of the Diria’s enviable location, or head to the shops for some souvenir shopping. You won’t need the car today, as it’s all within walking distance.
Tamarindo Diria
Day 9: Surf Lesson
Getting jealous watching all those surfers out on the water? Today’s your day to give it a shot! You’ll be standing up on a board in no time.
Tamarindo Diria
Day 10: Sunset Catamaran Tour
Spend your last day in Tamarindo trying out your new surf skills, and then enjoy your last evening on a catamaran tour is search of marine life – with a cocktail in hand!
Tamarindo Diria
Day 11: Tamarindo to San José Area
Spend most of your day on the road heading back to the Central Valley before your flight home. Take a short break in Nicoya to visit the oldest colonial church in Costa Rica, then stretch your legs once you get to Caldera. You’ll be staying in the modern boutique Xandari Resort. Enjoy your private balcony with views over the Central Valley.
Xandari Resort & Spa
Day 12: Head home!
Drop off your car then board your international flight from the San José airport.