The diverse natural habitats of Costa Rica lend themselves to a self-drive adventure, and many visitors return surprised at just how easy it is to drive around this picturesque and progressive country. This itinerary takes in three of the most appealing experiences on offer in Costa Rica; immersing yourself in the activity hub of the Arenal Volcano region, seeking wildlife and adventure in the Monteverde Cloud Forest and then unwinding on a beautiful stretch of Pacific coastline. Some key activities have been included in the itinerary as well as ample free time to arrange further tours that best suit your interests. This allows you to take full advantage of the freedom that comes with having your own vehicle at your disposal. Whether you are travelling as part of a couple, group of friends or on a family holiday with young children or teenagers, you will find a Costa Rican experience to suit every possible interest.
ESSENTIAL COSTA RICA
HIGHLIGHTS
- Soaking in hot springs and immersing yourself in adventure in the Arenal Volcano region.
- Kayaking with your private guide on Costa Rica's largest lake.
- Searching for sloths, toucans and playful monkeys in the wildlife haven of the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
- Retreating to a coastal hideaway surrounded by mangroves, where nearby beaches are frequented by sea turtles.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive San José
Arrive in Costa Rica's capital city San José today, where you will be met at the airport and transferred privately to your attractive hotel set in a converted mansion house.
Overnight: Hotel Grano de Oro
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Day 2 Drive to Arenal
Your hire car will be delivered to your hotel this morning in preparation for your leisurely drive to the Arenal Volcano region, a journey of around three hours. The afternoon is free for you to relax in the thermal springs at your hotel, or to begin exploring. Though the perfect cone of the Arenal Volcano is often shrouded by cloud, many of the attractions of this region lie in the activity-filled national parks and forests that surround the volcano. These include hikes to historic lava flows, exploring hanging bridges in the rainforest canopy, rafting in the surrounding rivers or mountain biking around Lake Arenal.
Overnight: Amor Arenal
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Day 3 Arenal activities
You will be met by your guide this morning for a private kayaking excursion on Lake Arenal. This is the largest lake in Costa Rica, covering an expanse of over 30 square miles, and is edged by tropical forests meaning you will be ever on the lookout for wildlife. The afternoon is free for you to arrange further activities in Arenal; you are completely spoilt for choice in this region, and having your own car affords you the utmost freedom. You may also wish to take advantage of some of the activities on offer at your hotel, which include horse riding through serene trails and relaxation in the spa.
Option: this afternoon you could take the scenic gondola ride up to the treetops at the Sky Tram complex, and then descend along a network of canopy zip lines. This exciting zip lining course is suitable for all ages and abilities, and offers fantastic views of the lake and volcano on a clear day.
Overnight: Amor Arenal
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Day 4 Drive to Monteverde
Depart Arenal today for your scenic drive around Lake Arenal ascending to the cooler cloud forest climes of Monteverde, a journey of approximately three hours. After time to settle into your comfortable lodge, you may wish to explore the neighbouring cloud forest reserve of Aguti. This pristine reserve is connected to your hotel by a short bridge, and access is complimentary for hotel guests. This evening you could dine on the tasty farm-to-table creations on offer at your hotel, or venture into Monteverde town with its bustling bars and eateries.
Option: an alternative activity when you arrive this afternoon could be to visit a traditional Costa Rican plantation to gain a fascinating insight into the coffee, sugarcane and chocolate production in the region.
Overnight: Senda Monteverde
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Day 5 Monteverde Cloud Forest activities
You will be met by an expert naturalist guide this morning for a private nature walk in the renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The keen eyes of your guide will help you locate fascinating forest dwellers that initially seem invisible, such as tiny poison dart frogs in the undergrowth and sloths dozing in the treetops. Other creatures make their presence known to you by their lively calls; howler and capuchin monkeys for example, colourful toucans and the curious three wattled bellbird. The rest of the day is free for you to arrange further activities in Monteverde.
Option: a popular activity for a free afternoon in Monteverde is to visit the Sky Tram complex. Here you can ascend to the cloud forest canopy in a cable car, stroll along a network of canopy walkways high in the treetops and then perhaps choose to descend to ground level on an exhilarating zip lining adventure.
Overnight: Senda Monteverde
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Day 6 Drive to Nosara
Bid farewell to the cloud forest today as you drive south east towards your beach hotel on the Pacific coast. Lagarta Lodge enjoys a tranquil location surrounded by mangroves, just a ten-minute drive from the bohemian surf town of Nosara. This setting feels a world away from some of the bustling resort towns on other stretches of Costa Rica's Pacific coast, meaning you can enjoy a few days of complete relaxation surrounded by nature and tranquil beaches.
Overnight: Lagarta Lodge
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Day 7 - 8 Beach relaxation
By now you may well be ready to just completely unwind on the beach, and there are a number to choose from - all within walking distance of the hotel. With a car at your disposal you may wish to head further afield to explore pristine natural reserves such as Ostional, known for the mass arrivals of Olive Ridley sea turtles between July and December. The hotel can also arrange a variety of other activities for you such as surf lessons or mangrove kayaking.
Overnight: Lagarta Lodge
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Day 9 Drive to San José
This morning leave the coast behind for the drive back to San José. Here you will leave your hire car at the airport in time for your flight home.
Option: rather than flying home this afternoon, you could spend the night in a stylish coffee plantation hotel near San José and then take a scenic flight the following day to the Osa Peninsula. This wild outpost is one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet, and an adventurous few days can be spent searching for wildlife whilst staying in a world-class rainforest lodge.
Overnight: Overnight Flight
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
| Low | £ 1,785 | $ 2,363 |
| Mid | £ 1,980 | $ 2,621 |
| High | £ 2,195 | $ 2,906 |
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast, and one à la carte lunch at Senda Monteverde.
- Private arrival transfer in San José
- Activities detailed in the itinerary, with private guide.
- Car hire from Day 2 (4-wheel drive) including insurance cover, unlimited mileage, additional driver and GPS.
EXTRAS
- International flights to/from Costa Rica.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance.
- Local car hire fees (where applicable).
BOOKING NOTES
- Price is per person, based on two people sharing a room.
- If you are interested in adding any of the optional enhancements listed, please speak to your specialist about prices and how best to fit them into the itinerary.
