Exotic Costa Rica Self-Drive

Your Costa Rican adventure begins upon arrival at Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia, located in the north-west of the country. Our representative will be there to welcome you and assist with collecting your rental car for the journey ahead. Once settled, you will drive to the Rincon de la Vieja region, where you will spend your first night immersed in the natural surroundings of this volcanic area.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park, focusing on the Las Pailas sector. This area vividly displays the volcanic activity of Rincon de la Vieja, the largest and most active volcano in the region. You will witness steam and sulphur rising from fumaroles, bubbling volcanic mud pools, and hot springs that reveal the raw power beneath the earths surface. We hike the 3.5-kilometre Las Pailas loop trail through dry tropical forest, where you can spot a variety of wildlife including over 300 bird species, armadillos, peccaries, iguanas, snakes, coatis, and monkeys. After the hike, return to the hotel to collect your belongings before transferring in the early afternoon to Bijagua, a small town nestled between the Miravalles and Tenorio volcanoes. Bijagua offers a range of activities such as hiking, natural hot springs, horseback riding, agricultural tours, bird-watching, and butterfly spotting. Please note that the entrance fee to Rincon de la Vieja National Park is not included. Overnight in Bijagua.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a day at leisure in Bijagua. You may choose to explore independently or take part in an optional horseback ride and hike to Rio Celeste the Light Blue River. This strikingly coloured river is one of Costa Ricas most remarkable natural sights. The horseback ride lasts around one and a half hours each way, followed by a three-hour hike along the river trail. Along the way, you will encounter hot springs, peaceful surroundings, and a stunning waterfall. After your excursion, return to the hotel to relax and unwind. Overnight in Bijagua.

After a satisfying breakfast at the hotel, we transfer you to Monteverde in the Puntarenas province. Known for its misty cloud forests, coffee plantations, and abundant wildlife, Monteverde offers a unique blend of natural beauty and local culture. The small town of Santa Elena is charming, with cosy restaurants and artisan shops to explore. You have the day at leisure to discover the area independently or join an optional activity such as the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour. This involves a three-hour hike along trails and suspension bridges through the cloud forest, offering excellent opportunities to spot birds, monkeys, sloths, and diverse plant life. Alternatively, the Don Juan Coffee Tour provides insight into Costa Ricas coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane production, with a focus on coffee and its cultural significance. Both tours are not included. Overnight in Monteverde.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we suggest you drive to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for a rewarding hike. Established in 1972, this renowned reserve spans 3,500 hectares and protects 2.5% of the worlds biodiversity. It features four distinct ecological life zones, hosting a vast array of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects, arachnids, and diverse plant life including mosses, vines, and native cloud forest trees. To enrich your day, you may choose to join one of the guided tours you missed yesterdaythe Selvatura Treetop Walkway offers a 3-kilometre network of suspension bridges and trails through the forest canopy, while the Don Juan Coffee Tour provides insight into Costa Ricas coffee production and cultural heritage. Both tours are optional and not included. Overnight in Monteverde.

After breakfast, we drive south to the Quepos area, home to Manuel Antonio National ParkCosta Ricas smallest yet one of its most popular parks. This compact reserve features pristine beaches, mangroves, and lush forests, offering a striking contrast to the surrounding agricultural and tourism developments. Once checked in at your hotel, you have the afternoon at leisure to explore independently or join an optional excursion. Choose the Catamaran Relaxing Tour, which departs from Quepos and cruises along the coastline behind Manuel Antonio, stopping at Biesanz Bay for snorkelling or relaxation, followed by a barbecue lunch on board. Alternatively, the Ocean Kayaking Tour sets off from Quepos Pier for a 2.5-hour paddle, revealing marine life both above and below the waters surface. Round-trip transfers from the hotel are included for these activities, which are not part of the standard itinerary. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

After a hearty breakfast, you have the chance to explore Manuel Antonio National Park independently. The park features a flat, scenic trail that loops for approximately two miles, offering excellent opportunities for photography and taking in stunning views. Manuel Antonio is notable for hosting three of the four tropical primate species found in Costa Rica. Midway through your walk, pause at the renowned Third Beach to relax on the soft sand or enjoy the waves. Along the trail, you may spot sloths, various birds, reptiles, wild orchids, butterflies, and lush tropical plants. Please note that the park entrance fee is not included. You may spend the rest of the day at leisure or choose to join an optional activity such as the Catamaran Relaxing Tour or the Ocean Kayaking Tour, both providing unique ways to experience the coastline. Round-trip transfers for these excursions are included, but the tours themselves are not. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before driving from Manuel Antonio to Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia. Allow ample time for car return and check-in as you prepare for your departure flight home.