Self Drive Costa Rica

Once you have arrived at Juan Santamaría International Airport, a local representative will be waiting to greet you and hand over your travel documents. From there, your transfer will take you to your hotel in the heart of San José’s metropolitan area. If you’re arriving early, you might like to explore some of the capital’s cultural highlights – the representative will be able to give you a few suggestions to help you make the most of your time

San Jose - Braulio Carrillo National Park - Puerto Viejo. This morning, you'll collect your rental car from the hotel and drive east from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean coast. The route takes you through the rainforest-covered hills of Braulio Carrillo National Park, offering a scenic start to your journey.

Puerto Viejo is a relaxed seaside town known for its Afro-Caribbean culture, beautiful beaches, and rich biodiversity. Depending on your arrival time, you might choose to stretch out on the sand at Playa Cocles, Punta Uva, or Playa Chiquita, or visit the nearby Jaguar Rescue Center to learn about local wildlife conservation efforts.

The town offers a wide range of dining options, from traditional dishes to Caribbean-inspired flavours. Bread and Chocolate is a great spot for breakfast or lunch, while Chile Rojo serves Asian fusion and seafood in a beachfront setting, with vegan options also available. For a taste of Afro-Caribbean cooking, Restaurante Johanna is a popular local choice.

If you're in the mood for music or nightlife, head to Tasty Waves, Johnny’s Place, or The Lazy Mon – or simply relax with a cocktail and take in the ocean views.

Driving time: 4.5 to 5 hours

Puerto Viejo - Cahuita National Park - Puerto Viejo. After breakfast, make your way to Cahuita National Park, where you can walk through lush rainforest, relax on white-sand beaches, and take in views of vibrant coral reefs along the Caribbean coast.

It’s best to arrive in the morning when wildlife is at its most active. After paying the entrance fee, you’ll follow a coastal trail where you might spot howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, sloths, dart frogs, iguanas, and a variety of tropical birds – often without needing a guide.

The full trail runs just over eight kilometres one way, so if you’re planning to complete the entire route, you’ll need to return the same way to reach your car. If you’d prefer a shorter walk, the return route from Kelly Creek to Punta Cahuita covers around three and a half kilometres. Along the way, you’ll pass Playa Blanca and Puerto Vargas – both ideal for a swim or a relaxing break by the sea.

Puerto Viejo - La Fortuna.Today, you’ll leave the Caribbean coast and drive west to La Fortuna, a journey of around four and a half hours. This small town sits at the base of Arenal Volcano – one of Costa Rica’s most iconic and still-active peaks, rising to 1,657 metres. It serves as the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park and is a hub for outdoor adventure.

After checking in at your hotel, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the surrounding area. La Fortuna is known for its rainforest trails and abundant wildlife, offering a great introduction to the region’s natural beauty. Just outside town, you’ll find the impressive La Fortuna Waterfall, plunging 75 metres into a jungle pool – a popular spot for hiking and swimming.

If you're looking for more activity, you might choose to join a zip-lining tour through the canopy or head to Lake Arenal for kayaking with views of the volcano.

This morning, you’ll have the day free to explore the Arenal region at your own pace. A popular option is a 25-kilometre mountain biking route that runs along a scenic old road linking the Lake Arenal dam to the entrance of Arenal Volcano National Park – a great way to take in the surrounding landscapes.

You could book one of many optional tours available in the area, including zip-lining, birdwatching, a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall, a chocolate or coffee tour, or a relaxing massage at your hotel. For a gentler pace, safari floats offer a quiet way to spot wildlife from the water. Hikes on the 1968 lava fields reveal the volcano’s dramatic history, while a guided night walk at Danaus Eco-Centre lets you discover the region’s nocturnal wildlife.

To end the day, don’t miss the chance to soak in one of the local hot springs. Set within lush rainforest, these naturally heated pools are fed by thermal waters and surrounded by cascading falls – the perfect way to relax and recharge.

La Fortuna - Monteverde. After breakfast, you’ll set off for Monteverde, a lush mountain region in Costa Rica’s northwest often called the “Green Lung” of the country. The drive takes around three and a half hours, following a scenic route around Lake Arenal – so it’s worth getting an early start to allow time for stops along the way.

There are plenty of opportunities to pull over and enjoy the views or take a break during the journey. One good place to pause is the hillside town of Tilarán, a relaxed mountain village where you might go for a short walk, try horseback riding in the hills, or simply enjoy the scenery. The area also offers good birdwatching and windsurfing around the lake.

If you get hungry en route, you can stop at a roadside soda – a small, family-run restaurant serving traditional and affordable Costa Rican meals. A typical dish to try is the casado, a hearty plate of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and your choice of meat or fish – a satisfying local favourite before continuing your journey into the cloud forest.

This morning, you’re free to explore Monteverde however you choose. With no set schedule, it’s the perfect opportunity to follow your interests and make the most of what this cloud forest region has to offer.

Nature lovers can visit the Monteverde Orchid Garden in Santa Elena, home to a colourful collection of over 400 orchid species. If you’re curious about butterflies and insects, the nearby Butterfly Gardens also showcase a variety of native species, along with spiders and other fascinating creatures. For a quieter experience in nature, the Curi-Cancha Reserve offers peaceful trails through the forest and excellent birdwatching. Alternatively, you can head into the Monteverde or Santa Elena reserves to explore the area's unique biodiversity on foot.

If you're looking for more adventure, there are plenty of activities available locally. You could set out on a guided night walk, cross hanging bridges through the forest canopy, go zip-lining, ride through the countryside on horseback, or take in the views on the Treetopia Tram & Trek. Whether you’re here for the wildlife, the landscapes, or the adrenaline, Monteverde delivers.

Monteverde - Rincon de la Vieja. Today, you'll travel north to Rincon de la Vieja, a region known for its rugged volcanic terrain and rich biodiversity. Located in the Guanacaste province, it’s home to the largest volcano in Costa Rica’s northwest, standing at 1,895 metres and surrounded by a cluster of smaller craters.

The national park offers a mix of tropical, cloud, and mountain forests, creating a refuge for a wide variety of plant and animal life. You might spot sloths, monkeys, tapirs, kinkajous, and even the occasional jaguar or puma. Birdlife is just as impressive, with colourful motmots and emerald toucanets often seen flitting through the canopy. Towering laurel and Guanacaste trees provide a natural shelter for many of these species.

Whether you spend the afternoon exploring forest trails, searching for wildlife, or simply soaking up the scenery, Rincon de la Vieja is an ideal place to enjoy Costa Rica’s wilder side.

After breakfast, the day is yours to spend however you choose. Rincon de la Vieja offers a wide range of activities, whether you're looking for adventure, nature, or a bit of both.

You might decide to hike in Rincon de la Vieja National Park with an English-speaking guide. These trails take you through tropical forest landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, where you'll encounter bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and sulphur-rich thermal pools. Keep in mind that the park is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

For something more adrenaline-fuelled, you could go tubing along the river – a fun and refreshing way to experience the area’s natural beauty, suitable for both adults and children. If you're interested in history and culture, there’s the chance to join an archaeology tour based at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín, which explores the lives of ancient peoples who once inhabited the region.

Those looking for a thrill might opt for the Canyon Canopy Tour, which combines zip-lining, rock climbing, and rappelling through a dramatic river gorge. Alternatively, you can hike to La Cangreja Waterfall within the national park – a rewarding trek that leads to a striking cascade hidden deep in the forest. Hikes in the park range from one to five hours, depending on the trails you choose, allowing you to tailor your day to your interests and energy levels.

Rincon de la Vieja - Tamarindo. This morning, you'll set off on a scenic drive from Rincon de la Vieja to the Pacific coast, travelling through Guanacaste’s diverse landscapes. The journey takes just under two hours, passing volcanic ranges, rural villages, and farmland along the way. You might want to pause for a casual roadside meal—try a traditional dish with fresh local produce or cool down with a batido, a fruit smoothie made with milk, popular throughout the region.

Once you arrive at the coast, you can settle into your hotel or head straight out to explore. A sea kayaking and snorkelling tour from Tamarindo Beach is a great way to spend the afternoon. As you paddle toward the white sands of Capitán Island, take in the clear waters and vibrant reef life just below the surface, ideal for spotting colourful fish and coral.

If you're visiting between October and March, consider a visit to Las Baulas National Marine Park, where leatherback turtles come ashore at night to nest. It’s a rare and remarkable sight.

For the next two days, you’ll have time to unwind and enjoy Tamarindo at your own pace. Spend the morning relaxing on the soft sands, listening to the waves and soaking up the coastal sunshine. Whether you stretch out with a good book or take a refreshing swim in the warm Pacific waters, it’s a perfect place to pause and recharge.

If you’re in the mood for more activity, there are plenty of tours available locally that you can book on-site. Options range from exploring nearby beaches by ATV or jet ski to joining a kayak or fishing tour out on the water. Scuba diving and extreme watersports are also available for those looking for a thrill, while surf lessons are a popular way to experience Tamarindo’s laid-back beach culture. For something different, you could even spend a full day at Hacienda Guachipelín for a mix of adventure and nature.

In the evening, make sure to take a moment to admire the sunset—ideally with your favourite drink in hand. The views here are spectacular, and there’s no better way to end the day than with the sky glowing above the ocean.

Tamarindo - San Jose. Today, you’ll make your way back to San José, heading inland from the Pacific coast. As you drive through the changing landscapes, take time to enjoy the final views of Costa Rica’s coastline before the road climbs back into the central highlands.

Once you arrive at your hotel in the capital, you can settle in and relax. It’s the perfect chance to unwind and enjoy your last evening in Costa Rica before tomorrow’s departure.

After your final breakfast in Costa Rica, it’s time to begin your journey home. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll drive to Juan Santamaría International Airport.

Before heading to the terminal, you’ll stop at the car rental office to return your vehicle. From there, a representative will take you to the airport’s main terminal in time for your departure.