Ultimate Costa Rica Escape Self-Drive
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This 11-day self-drive tour starts in Liberia and finishes there too, offering a fantastic blend of adventure, wildlife, and stunning landscapes. Youll explore volcanic wonders at Rincon de la Vieja and Arenal, with options for canopy tours, kayaking, and relaxing hot springs. The journey continues through the lush Sarapiqui rainforest, where rafting and chocolate tours await, before cruising the waterways of Tortuguero National Park to spot turtles, monkeys, and exotic birds. Onwards to the Central Highlands and the vibrant Pacific coast, youll enjoy waterfalls, wildlife, and beachside relaxation. Its a varied trip that perfectly balances activity and downtime.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
11 daysHotel Rating
-5 star hotelsStarts
LiberiaEnds
LiberiaMinimum age
No minimum ageMaximum age
100Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
NoCountry
Costa RicaPassengers
$2,985.00
$729.00
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
Your Costa Rican adventure begins upon arrival at Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia, located in the north-west of the country. A representative will meet you and escort you to the car hire desk to collect your rental vehicle. From there, you will drive to the Rincon de la Vieja region, where you will spend your first night in Costa Rica. This area is known for its volcanic landscapes and natural beauty, offering a perfect introduction to the countrys diverse environment. Overnight accommodation is arranged in Rincon de la Vieja.
Day 2 - Arenal
After breakfast at the hotel, we explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park, focusing on the Las Pailas area. This volcanic landscape vividly displays the power of the regions largest and most active volcano, with steaming fumaroles, boiling pools, and bubbling mud pits. Accompanied by a bilingual naturalist guide, we hike the 3.5-kilometre Las Pailas loop trail through dry tropical forest, taking in views of volcanic activity, diverse wildlife, and over 300 bird species. After the hike, return to the hotel to collect your bags before driving to Arenal in the early afternoon. Upon arrival, you have the afternoon at leisure to explore independently or join an optional activity such as the Arenal Ecoglide Canopy Tour, kayaking on Lake Arenal, or relaxing at Tabacon Hot Springs. These activities offer a range of experiences from adrenaline-filled zip-lining to tranquil paddling or soothing thermal waters. Please note that park entrance fees and optional activities are not included. Overnight in Arenal.
Day 3 - Arenal
After breakfast, you have the option to explore Arenal Volcano National Park independently (entrance fee not included). As you hike, take in the lush surroundings and views of the dormant volcano, keeping an eye out for wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys, and anteaters. Later, return to the hotel to relax or explore the area at your leisure. You may also choose to join an optional activity, revisiting either the Canopy Tour at Arenal Ecoglide, a kayaking excursion, or a soothing visit to the Tabacon Hot Springs, depending on your preference from the previous day. Overnight in Arenal.
Day 4 - Sarapiqui
After breakfast, check out and drive to the Sarapiqui region, nestled in the foothills of Braulio Carrillo National Park. This area is characterised by lush rainforest, mountain streams, and pasturelands, offering a refreshing natural setting. You will stay in a comfortable lodge with thoughtfully designed rooms that blend with the surroundings. Take time to enjoy the environment and consider joining one of the optional activities available today. You can choose an exhilarating rafting trip on the Sarapiqui River, which features class IIIII rapids winding through tropical rainforest, or embark on a 2.5-hour chocolate tour. The chocolate tour includes a guided walk across a suspension bridge and through a section of Tirimbina forest to a former cacao plantation, where you will learn about the natural and cultural history of cacao and traditional cultivation methods. Alternatively, you may prefer a canopy tour that offers a unique perspective of the rainforest from above, gliding through the treetops on zip lines to appreciate the rich biodiversity of this region. Optional activities are not included. Overnight in Sarapiqui.
Day 5 - Tortuguero
Youll start the day with an early drive to the town of Guapiles, where you will meet your guide for the next few days and enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant. Afterwards, continue to the Tortuguero pier to leave your car in secure parking (parking fee not included) before boarding a boat to navigate the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Upon arrival, check in to your eco-lodge and have lunch. Later, take another boat trip to visit Tortuguero village, where you can wander along its well-kept paths, explore the beaches, and experience the local way of life. If travelling during turtle hatching seasonfrom September to Decemberyou may witness baby turtles making their way to the sea. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing at the lodge, surrounded by tropical forest and abundant wildlife.
Day 6 - Tortuguero
Today is a day to unwind and enjoy the tranquillity of Tortuguero. Spend your time relaxing by the pool or, if you prefer, join a three-hour guided boat tour through Tortuguero National Park. This excursion offers the chance to spot over 350 protected species, including a variety of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and sloths, while taking in the parks rich vegetation. Between July and September, you may also opt to take part in 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 7 - San Jos
After breakfast, depart by boat from Tortuguero to Guapiles. Upon arrival, enjoy a hearty lunch before collecting your rental car. Then, drive to the vibrant city of San Jos, arriving with time to explore some of its key sights or simply wander through its charming streets at your own pace. Overnight in San Jos.
Day 8 - San Jos - Vara Blanca
After breakfast, travel to the scenic area of Vara Blanca, where you can choose from a range of optional activities. A highlight is a visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a privately owned ecological park featuring five waterfalls, cloud and rainforests, and well-maintained hiking trails. Explore the gardens various exhibits, including the butterfly observatory and insect display, and observe over 100 species of animals. The park also offers an environmental education programme. Please note that the entrance fee to La Paz Waterfall Gardens is not included. Overnight in Vara Blanca.
Day 9 - Vara Blanca - Jaco
After breakfast, you will drive from Vara Blanca to the Central Pacific coast, arriving in the vibrant town of Jaco. This region is known for its sandy beaches and protected wildlife, offering a striking blend of ocean views and lush tropical vegetation. Take time to relax and appreciate the impressive coastal landscapes that make this area unique. Overnight in Jaco.
Day 10 - Jaco
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before spending the day at your leisure. You may choose to relax and make the most of the hotels facilities or take part in optional activities. For those seeking adventure, the canopy tour offers an exhilarating experience that combines excitement with environmental care. After a 15-minute tractor ride to the mountaintop, we descend through a series of zip lines spanning 14 cables and 15 platforms, covering a total distance of 3.5 kilometres. Along the way, admire stunning views of Herradura Bay, the Nicoya Gulf, and nearby islands, while keeping an eye out for Scarlet Macaws, chestnut-mandible toucans, and white-faced monkeys. Please note that optional activities are not included. Overnight in Jaco.
Day 11 - Liberia
After breakfast, depart Herradura Beach and drive to Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia for your onward flight. En route, return your rental car 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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