Volcano Nature and Caribbean Self-Drive
New
This 9-day tour starts and ends in San Jos, offering a fantastic mix of adventure, wildlife, and relaxation. Youll explore the stunning Arenal region with its iconic volcano and soothing hot springs, then cruise through the lush canals of Tortuguero National Park, spotting diverse wildlife along the way. The journey continues to the vibrant Caribbean coast at Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, where you can soak up Afro-Caribbean culture, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, and hike through Cahuita National Park. With plenty of free time to explore or unwind, this trip perfectly balances nature, culture, and laid-back beach vibes.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
9 daysHotel Rating
-5 star hotelsStarts
San JosEnds
San JosMinimum age
No minimum ageMaximum age
100Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
NoCountry
Costa RicaPassengers
$2,405.00
$582.00
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 - San Jos
Upon arrival at Juan Santamara International Airport in San Jos, you will be met and directed to your transport. Enjoy a comfortable drive to your hotel in the city, where you will spend your first night in Costa Rica. This initial evening allows you to settle in and prepare for the adventures ahead. Overnight in San Jos.
Day 2 - San Jos - Arenal
Begin the day with an early breakfast at your hotel. A representative from the car rental company will meet you in the lobby to provide your rental vehicle for the journey ahead. You will then drive northwest to the La Fortuna region, home to the iconic Arenal Volcano. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. You may choose to unwind at the hotel or take part in optional activities. A popular choice is visiting the Tabacon Hot Springs, where you can soak in naturally heated volcanic waters surrounded by rainforest and views of the volcano. The hot springs feature well-designed pools, waterfalls and wet bars, offering a memorable experience. Please note that the visit to Tabacon Hot Springs is not included. Overnight in Arenal.
Day 3 - Arenal
After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the Arenal area independently or join an optional activity. You might choose a guided or self-guided walk through Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can admire lush landscapes and the impressive dormant volcano. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys and anteaters that inhabit the park. Return to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon or take part in another optional experience. The Arenal Nature Night Hike is a popular choice, offering a chance to discover nocturnal amphibians, reptiles and insects with the guidance of an experienced naturalist. This night walk reveals the rainforests unique atmosphere after dark. Please note that optional activities are not included. Overnight in Arenal.
Day 4 - Guapiles - Tortuguero
We begin the day with an early drive to the town of Guapiles, where you will enjoy breakfast at a well-established local restaurant and meet your guide for the upcoming days. Your rental car will remain securely locked in the restaurants parking lot. From here, we continue by shared transport to a pier before boarding a boat to cruise the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at your eco-lodge. Later, we take another boat trip to visit the charming Tortuguero village. Wander its neatly arranged streets, explore the tranquil beaches, and connect with the local community. If travelling during turtle hatching seasonfrom September to Decemberyou may witness baby turtles making their way to the sea. The remainder of the day is yours to relax at the lodge, surrounded by lush tropical forest and abundant wildlife.
Day 5 - Tortuguero
Today offers a leisurely start with time to relax by the pool before embarking on a three-hour guided tour of Tortuguero National Park. We will explore the parks rich biodiversity, spotting over 350 protected species including birds, monkeys, crocodiles and sloths amid the lush vegetation. During the July to September season, you may choose to join an optional Late Night Turtle Nesting Tour, available to book directly at the lodge, to witness turtles nesting on the beach. Alternatively, adventure seekers can opt for the Tortuguero Canopy Tour, which features 11 platforms, four suspension bridges, seven cables, a climbing wall and a Tarzan swingan exhilarating way to experience the forest from above. Both optional tours are not included. Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 6 - Tortugero - Guapiles - Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
After breakfast, we travel by boat back to Guapiles, where you will stop for lunch and collect your rental car. From there, you will drive to the coastal town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisureimmerse yourself in the laid-back Caribbean atmosphere and explore the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture that defines the region. Overnight in Puerto Viejo.
Day 7 - Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
After breakfast, spend the day at your leisure to explore Puerto Viejo or join an optional excursion to Cahuita National Park. This park features Costa Ricas most significant coral reef, teeming with marine life including tropical fish, sharks, sea turtles, and more. You can snorkel to discover this vibrant underwater world before hiking through the parks trails, where you may encounter wildlife such as sloths, howler and white-faced monkeys, snakes like boas and eyelash vipers, anteaters, armadillos, raccoons, and colourful blue Morpho butterflies. The afternoon is free to enjoy other optional activities or simply relax at your hotel. Snorkelling and hiking in Cahuita National Park are not included. Overnight in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Day 8 - San Jos
Spend a leisurely morning at your hotel, taking time to relax before your journey. In the early afternoon, transfer back to San Jose for your final night in Costa Rica. This allows you to unwind and prepare for your departure the following day. Overnight in San Jose.
Day 9 - San Jos
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before driving from Manuel Antonio to the airport for your departure. Return your rental car at the designated office and take the shuttle transfer to catch your flight home. 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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