Tambor Nature Self-Drive
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This 15-day tour starts in Liberia and finishes back there, offering a fantastic blend of beach time, wildlife, and adventure. Youll unwind on stunning Pacific beaches like Tamarindo, Samara, and Tambor before heading to the vibrant capital, San Jos. Then its off to Tortugueros lush canals for wildlife spotting and village life. The journey continues through the rainforest of Sarapiqui with optional rafting and chocolate tours, followed by Arenals volcano views and thrilling canopy tours. Finally, explore the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest with its incredible biodiversity before returning to Liberia. Expect a perfect mix of relaxation, nature, and culture throughout.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
15 daysHotel Rating
-5 star hotelsStarts
LiberiaEnds
LiberiaMinimum age
No minimum ageMaximum age
100Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
NoCountry
Costa RicaPassengers
$4,085.00
$990.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max 15
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
On this tour, all arrangements such as accommodation and transportation are pre-arranged for you. You may enjoy included activities and guided sightseeing, but you will need to navigate your way through the tour by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A packed itinerary, visiting multiple places each day with limited downtime, ideal for those who want to maximize sightseeing.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
NoGroup Size
Min 1 / Max 15Tranportation
N/ALanguage
EnglishLanguage
EnglishRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
On this tour, all arrangements such as accommodation and transportation are pre-arranged for you. You may enjoy included activities and guided sightseeing, but you will need to navigate your way through the tour by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A packed itinerary, visiting multiple places each day with limited downtime, ideal for those who want to maximize sightseeing.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Liberia - Tamarindo
Your adventure begins on arrival at Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia, located in the north-west of Costa Rica. Upon landing, a representative will meet you to assist with collecting your rental car. From there, you will drive to Tamarindo Beach, a lively coastal town known for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent opportunities for fun. This is the perfect place to settle in and start your holiday. You will spend your first night in Tamarindo Beach.
Day 2 - Tamarindo - Smara
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive to Smara, a charming beach town known for its relaxed atmosphere. The crescent-shaped bay features a long stretch of white sand fringed by palm trees, offering the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy the sun. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, soaking up the tranquil surroundings. Overnight in Smara.
Day 3 - Smara
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before setting out for the day. You can spend the morning relaxing on Samaras beautiful beach or exploring the surrounding area at your own pace. For those seeking adventure, we offer an optional ocean safari that includes a boat tour and snorkelling session. This excursion provides the chance to spot local marine life such as dolphins, whales, and sea turtles, all against the backdrop of Samaras stunning coastline. After the safari, return to your hotel where the rest of the day is yours to unwind and enjoy the facilities or explore further independently. The ocean safari is not included. Overnight in Samara.
Day 4 - Tambor
After breakfast, drive from Samara to Tambor Beach, a tranquil fishing village set within the calm horseshoe-shaped bay known as Bahia Ballena, or Whale Bay. This peaceful spot is prized for its expansive beach and secluded atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat. Spend the rest of the day at your leisurerelax at the hotel, take a stroll along the shore, or explore the surrounding area independently. Overnight in Tambor.
Day 5 - Tambor
After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Tambor. Relax at your hotel or on the expansive beach, or choose from a variety of local activities to suit your interests. You may also wish to explore the charming surrounding area independently, taking in the peaceful atmosphere of this tranquil coastal village. Overnight in Tambor.
Day 6 - San Jos
After breakfast, drive to San Jos, arriving in the early afternoon. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the capital at your own pace. Wander through the citys well-planned streets, visit landmarks that catch your eye, and discover the vibrant caf and restaurant scene scattered throughout San Jos. Overnight in San Jos.
Day 7 - Tortuguero
We start early this morning, driving through Braulio Carrillo National Park to the Caribbean plains, taking in the striking mountain scenery and passing through charming villages. Upon arrival, we meet our guide and enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant. You will leave your car securely parked here before continuing by shared transport to the pier. From there, we board a boat to explore the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. After arriving at the park, we check in to our eco-lodge and savour a delicious lunch. Later, we take another boat trip to Tortuguero village, where you can stroll along well-kept paths, visit the beaches, and experience local life. If travelling during turtle hatching seasonfrom September to Decemberyou may have the chance to see baby turtles making their way to the sea. The remainder of the day is yours to relax at the lodge, surrounded by tropical forest and abundant wildlife.
Day 8 - Tortuguero
Today is a day to unwind and enjoy the tranquillity of Tortuguero. Spend time relaxing by the pool or take an optional three-hour guided tour through Tortuguero National Park, where we explore its rich biodiversity. Youll have the chance to spot over 350 protected species, including a variety of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and sloths, while admiring the parks lush vegetation. During the turtle nesting season from July to September, you may also choose to join a late-night turtle nesting tour, available to book directly at the lodge. Please note that the entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park is not included. Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 9 - Tortuguero - Sarapiqui - Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
After breakfast, depart by boat from Tortuguero to Guapiles. Upon arrival, enjoy a tasty lunch and collect your rental car before driving to Sarapiqui, located just north of San Jose. Nestled in the foothills of Braulio Carrillo National Park and bordered by mountain streams, lush rainforest and pasturelands, this tranquil area offers a refreshing change of scenery. We settle into comfortable accommodation featuring thoughtfully designed rooms, providing a peaceful base from which to explore the surrounding rainforest. Overnight in Sarapiqui.
Day 10 - Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
After breakfast, you can choose from several optional activities in the Sarapiqui area. Enjoy a floating safari on the Sarapiqui River, where youll observe the rich flora and fauna of the rainforest from the water. Alternatively, experience the thrill of rafting on the rivers class IIIII rapids, surrounded by lush tropical scenery. For a cultural insight, join a chocolate tour that includes a guided walk across a suspension bridge and through a former cacao plantation, where youll learn about the traditional cultivation and history of cacao. If you prefer an adrenaline rush, try the canopy tour, which offers a unique perspective of the forest from above as you glide along zip lines through the treetops. These activities are optional and not included in your package. Overnight in Sarapiqui.
Day 11 - Arenal
After breakfast, depart Sarapiqui and drive to Arenal. The area surrounding Arenal Volcanoone of Costa Ricas most active volcanoesis a haven for adventure enthusiasts. Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore the hotel grounds and nearby surroundings, or join an optional activity. You might choose a Canopy Tour at Arenal Ecoglide Park, which features 15 cables and 18 platforms designed to immerse you in the treetops, including the thrilling Tarzan Swing. Alternatively, enjoy a kayaking excursion on Lake Arenal, where guides provide equipment and instruction before leading you along the shoreline with spectacular views of the volcano and opportunities to spot local birdlife and howler monkeys. For a more relaxing option, unwind at the renowned Tabacon Hot Springs. Optional activities are not included in the itinerary. Overnight in Arenal.
Day 12 - Arenal
After breakfast, take the opportunity to explore Arenal Volcano National Park independently. As you hike through the lush landscape, enjoy views of the dormant volcano and keep an eye out for wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys, and anteaters. For those seeking more adventure, the area offers activities including zip lining, hanging bridges, and kayaking. Spend the afternoon at your leisurerelax, explore the surroundings, or join an optional activity. You may wish to revisit the Canopy Tour at Arenal Ecoglide, enjoy kayaking on the lake, or unwind at the renowned Tabacon Hot Springs, depending on your preference. Overnight in Arenal.
Day 13 - Monteverde
Begin the day with an early breakfast before setting off for Monteverde Cloud Forest, located at around 1,200 metres above sea level. As you travel, observe the landscape shift from rainforest to misty cloud forest. Monteverde, in Puntarenas province, is known for its rich biodiversity, coffee plantations, and friendly local community. The nearby town of Santa Elena offers charming restaurants and artisan shops to explore. Spend the day at leisure discovering the area independently or join optional activities such as the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour. This three-hour hike takes you along trails and suspension bridges, providing a unique view of the forest canopy where you may spot birds, monkeys, sloths and a variety of plants. Alternatively, you might prefer the Don Juan Coffee Tour, which offers insight into Costa Ricas coffee, chocolate and sugar cane production, with a focus on coffee and local traditions. Optional activities are not included. Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 14 - Monteverde
After a hearty breakfast, set out on a hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Established in 1972, this renowned reserve is celebrated for its remarkable biodiversity and vital role in conservation and scientific research. It shelters around 2.5% of the worlds species, including a vast array of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids, alongside diverse plant life such as mosses, vines and native cloud forest trees. Spend the afternoon at your leisure to relax or join an optional activity. You may wish to revisit the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour for a unique perspective above the canopy, or explore Costa Rican culture on the Don Juan Coffee Tour. Entrance fees to the reserve and optional activities are not included. Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 15 - Monteverde - Liberia
After breakfast, drive from Monteverde to Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia for your departure flight. Return your rental car at the agency before taking a shuttle transfer to the airport. Breakfast is included.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Dates for 2027 haven't been released yet.
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