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Costa Rican Highlights By Car - Self-Drive Tour
Included Services
- 5 stops in 11 days: San José, La Fortuna (volcano Arenal), Playa Samara, Monteverde, Quepos/ Manuel Antonio Nationalpark
- 10 nights in hotels with a 2,5-3,5* standard, incl. breakfast
- on you way there are plenty options and activities possible, for example hikes in the nationalparks, observing animals, volcano hikes, Canopy, horseriding, cycling, bathing and watersports, museums and theatres etc.
In 11 days you can see a lot of a country, especially with the freedom of traveling by car. If you're wanting to see Costa Rica's most beautiful sights: its natural wonders and attractions, this trip is perfect for you. We'll organize your route, though you still have flexibility each day to move at your own pace. See the recently active Arenales Volano, relax or snorkel at Playa Carrillo beach, and hike in the Moteverder or Santa Elena nature reserves. You can also do great tour of the jungle canopy in Selvatura Park, which is very popular among travelers. Lastly, see the diverse nature in the Manuel Antonio National Park before heading back to the capital, San José. More information you can find in our detailed itinerary.
Route of the self-drive tour "Costa Rican Highlights By Car"
On this 11-day rental car trip through Costa Rica, you will experience highlights such as the Arenal Volcano, the rainforest reserve in Monteverde and Manuel Antonio National Park. But even with so many sights, you'll still have plenty of time to enjoy a nice mix of activities and relaxation, especially while visiting the beaches of Sámara and Manuel Antonio. With the freedom of flexibility, you can explore all of these and more at your own pace.
Below you'll find the day-by-day breakdown of the Costa Rican Highlights tour.
These highlights are waiting for you on this tour
- mystic cloud forest
- many activities possible
- rope bridge
- National Park in the north of Costa Rica
- The most active volcano in the country
- Popular among bird enthusiasts
- One of the most scenic national parks
- Great natural beaches
- Lots of great hiking trails
Itinerary
Your journey through Costa Rica begins here in San Jose. If you wish, we can arrange to pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel (optional). After settling in, you can either rest, or go for a stroll through the capital of Costa Rica.
Hotel in San José, 3,5* standard
Hotel in San José, 3,5* standard
After breakfast, pick up your rental car and drive to La Fortuna, a small village at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. Peacefully surrounded by mountains and the 30km long Lake Arenal, La Fortuna offers much to see. On a clear day, you'll be able to see the near-perfect peak of the volcano from afar. After more than 40 years of being active, the Arenal Volcano has been dormant since 2010. But you'll see that it has not lost any of its fascinating presence. Around the volcano there are numerous restaurants, bars and shops. Take some time here before the day is over.
Hotel in La Fortuna, 3* standard 
Breakfast
Hotel in La Fortuna, 3* standard Breakfast
The area around the Arenal Volcano offers a variety of optional excursions, from hiking in the national park to active tours such as mountain biking, horseback riding, climbing the Cerro Chato Volcano, canyon and canopy tours and much more. An excursion to the Caño Negro wetlands in the north of the country is also available. Additionally, the area is also known for the many thermal baths, the mineral water of which is perfect for relaxing after an active day in the evening.
Hotel in La Fortuna, 3* standard 
Breakfast
Hotel in La Fortuna, 3* standard Breakfast
Today you'll drive south to Playa Carrillo/Samara Beach. You will surely like the atmosphere of this small beach resort boasting one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Located on the Nicoya peninsula, it is in the province of Guanacaste on the Pacific Coast. On weekends, many locals and tourists flock here to relax on the palm-fringed sandy beach. During the week, however, you will practically be alone.
Hotel in Samara, 3* standard 
Breakfast
Hotel in Samara, 3* standard Breakfast
Playa Carillo/Samara offers a variety of activities, such as snorkelling, diving, surfing, sport fishing and horseback riding. You can also rent a canoe and go bird watching. Of course, you are also more than welcome to simply relax and lay out at the beach. Immerse yourself in the Pura Vida atmosphere and enjoy breathtaking sunsets!
Hotel in Samara, 3* standard 
Breakfast
Hotel in Samara, 3* standard Breakfast
Today you'll head back to Monteverde to the cloud forest, about 1,400 meters above sea level. At this altitude it can be a bit chilly, so be sure to pack a light jacket or sweater for your trip. A rarely seen, but most famous animals in this area is the colorful bird, the quetzal. The best chances to catch a glimpse of one is between March and May.
Hotel in Monteverde, 2,5* standard 
Breakfast
Hotel in Monteverde, 2,5* standard Breakfast
As you can see, Monteverde offers a lot of interesting excursions and activities to choose from. We recommend one of the hikes in Monteverde or Santa Elena. For these trails, you can choose to go on your own or pay a local guide on site to accompany you. Another option is a visit to the slopes of Selvatura. The canopy tour will get your adrenaline pumping as you'll slide on steel ropes from platform to platform among the tree tops. Don't worry: you'll be wearing safety equipment the entire time. There is also a snake museum, butterfly garden and a hummingbird gallery in Monteverde. The choice is yours!
Hotel in Monteverde, 2,5* standard 
Breakfast
Hotel in Monteverde, 2,5* standard Breakfast
Today you'll continue your trip across Puntarenas to Manuel Antonio. On the way you can stop at Carara National Park, which is a diverse forest developed from the mix of the dry northern region and humid southern coast. Along with the plantlife diversity is its range of wildlife. Here, beautiful red macaw parrots nest, along with many other colorful birds. In addition to this national park, you'll have the opportunity in Manuel Antonio to visit a public beach, located just outside.
Hotel in Quepos, 3* standard 
Breakfast
Hotel in Quepos, 3* standard Breakfast
Today you'll visit another national park: the famous Manuel Antonio National Park (closed Mondays!). Though small, this park is very popular for its rainforest treehouses, diverse plant and wildlife and beautiful tropical beaches. Stroll around the well-marked trails in this enchanting park and bask in the wonderful nature within.
Hotel in Quepos, 3* standard 
Breakfast
Hotel in Quepos, 3* standard Breakfast
Enjoy your morning in Quepos before heading back through the valley to San José. You can return your rental car at the hotel at 5pm at the latest. Back in San José, you can visit one of the several museums: the Jade Museum, Gold and Mint Museum or the National Museum, all located in the city center. Another recommendation is the National Theatre (Teatro Nacional). There is also an option to go on a guided tour of the city to round out your trip.
Hotel in San José, 3,5* standard 
Breakfast
Hotel in San José, 3,5* standard Breakfast
Today is your last day in Costa Rica. We are more than happy to arrange a transfer to the airport upon request (optional). Additionally, should you wish to extend your stay, we can also make arrangements for that as well. No matter your decision, we are sure that you will leave with great memories of your time here.
Breakfast
Breakfast
Services
Included
- 10 nights in hotels iwth 2,5-3,5* standard, incl. breakfast
- Rental car in desired category incl. liability and full comprehensive insurance with 1000 USD cost sharing
Not Included
- International flights to / from Costa Rica
- Transfers in/out: booking available on request
- Other meals and drinks not listed above
- Optional services and offers
- Travel insurance
- Costa Rica Departure Tax
- Tips and gratuities
Important Information
- If you want to include some activities and excursions before departure, let us know on your inquiry. We will send you an individual offer.
- Visa and vaccination requirements and general information about country and people of Costa Rica
- Rental Car information
Prices and for our self-drive tour "Costa Rican Highlights By Car"
Compact Sedan Elite*
| Category: Compact Sedan Elite | Amount of Travelers | Price per person from | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person in Single Room | 1 Person | $ 2,090.00 CAD | Contact |
| Price per person in Double Room | 2 people | $ 980.00 CAD | Contact |
| Price per person in Single Room / Double Room | 3 people | $ 1,020.00 CAD | Contact |
| Price per person in Double Room | 4 people | $ 750.00 CAD | Contact |
Intermediate SUV (2WD)*
| Category: Intermediate SUV (2WD) | Amount of Travelers | Price per person from | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person in Single Room | 1 Person | $ 2,100.00 CAD | Contact |
| Price per person in Double Room | 2 people | $ 1,030.00 CAD | Contact |
| Price per person in Single Room / Double Room | 3 people | $ 1,060.00 CAD | Contact |
| Price per person in Double Room | 4 people | $ 780.00 CAD | Contact |
With click on "contact" you can send us a non-binding request
Prices are valid until 31.10.2020
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