Costa Rica Selfdrive Holiday Itinerary
Enjoy the freedom of the open road as you explore the varied scenery, exotic flora and rich wildlife of this amazingly diverse yet compact country.
8 days from £1,860pp plus international flights.
Full itinerary
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Call: 01473 890499
Start planning your tailor-made holiday now. Tell us what you want, and we will tailor make your perfect trip.
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© GVivi,Shutterstock
Day 1
San Jose
Welcome to Costa Rica. On arrival at San Jose international airport a representative is waiting to welcome you to Costa Rica. You will be handed all the necessary documentation for your holiday and then a private, guided transfer will take you to your overnight accommodation in the city, Studio Hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure so you can rest after your flight and look forward to the holiday to come.
© Arenal Springs Hotel
Day 2
Drive to Arenal
After a hearty breakfast, you will collect a vehicle which will be yours for the next seven days. From San Jose, it's a straightforward drive of about three and a half hours to your first hotel, Arenal Springs, within sight of the well-known volcano. On arrival, you'll be shown to your junior suite. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the hotel facilities which include a swimming pool and hot thermal springs, and you can have a relaxing soak in the healing waters to help you get into the holiday mood.
Breakfast
© Sky Adventures
Day 3
Exploring Arenal
After a generous buffet breakfast you'll set off for your morning adventure. Take the sky tram for a 1,250 metre, 20 minute ride to the start of the Sky Trek. This is where the thrills really begin! The trek consists of a series of zip-lines that stretch for 1.7 miles high above the treetops, and with breath-taking views of Arenal volcano and lake. In the afternoon you can stretch your legs with a guided hike at the base of the volcano (extra cost), through forest and past a recent lava flow. The walk will take about two and a half hours, and then you'll be taken back to the hotel.
Breakfast
© DanielBlindt
Day 4
Drive to Monteverde
It's time to continue your journey, with a three-hour drive to Poco a Poco in Monteverde cloud forest. This is an enchanting land of lush forests, exotic flowers and hummingbirds. Known for it's incredible biodiversity and unique ecosystem, Monteverde is a must for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Poco a Poco has lovely tranquil gardens, a restaurant and also a pool with swim up bar - perfect for a bit of downtime this afternoon.
Breakfast
© GQMarks
Day 5
Exploring Monteverde Cloudforest
This morning you'll join a guide for a walk along trails in the Santa Elena cloudforest reserve. Your route will take in various viewpoints, and all the time you'll be on the look out for wildlife. If you're lucky you may see a quetzal with its iridescent green plumage. The foliage is lush and you should spot some of the hundreds of species of orchids that thrive here. The afternoon is free to enjoy the hotel or explore the town.
Breakfast
© Capitan Suizo
Day 6
Drive To Tamarindo Beach
Following breakfast you'll be back on the road, heading towards the Pacific coast. The drive should take around three and a half hours, and you'll have some lovely sea views towards the end of the journey. Hotel Capitan Suizo is at one end of Tamarindo Beach, which extends for some four kilometres. Your room, cooled by air conditioning, has a terrace where you can unwind and bask in the warmth of the sun's rays. When you feel the pangs of hunger head down to the open air restaurant by the beach to sample the chef's fine culinary creations as you dine by candlelight.
Breakfast
© Esteban Chinchilla M
Day 7
At leisure on the coast
The whole day is free for you to do just as you wish. You can have a lazy day on the beach, topping up your tan, going for a walk along the sand, swimming in the warm sea and treating yourself to a massage as you listen to the ocean breeze in the trees. You could take a catamaran cruise or, if feeling more energetic, go surfing, kayaking or diving. On land you can explore by bike or horseback. Tonight you can toast your Costa Rican holiday as you enjoy a cocktail at the ocean-front sunset bar.
Breakfast
© SeanDavis
Day 8
Drive To San José Airport. Time for home.
Having breakfasted and packed your bags it's time to leave. San José International Airport is about five hour's drive away, and soon you'll be on your way back home.
Breakfast
Call: 01473 890499
Start planning your tailor-made holiday now. Tell us what you want, and we will tailor make your perfect trip.
Enquire
