Self-drive through the stunning landscapes of Costa Rica
Discover the diverse landscapes of Costa Rica and visit some of the country’s most fascinating places on a 15-day self-drive journey. Experience towering volcanoes, verdant national parks and atmospheric cloud forests at your own pace.
Begin in the bustling capital of San Jose before heading to Arenal, famed for its iconic volcano, lush surroundings, and rejuvenating hot springs. Explore at your leisure with options like hiking, wildlife tours, or visiting Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Continue to Rincon de la Vieja for thrilling outdoor activities and stunning waterfalls, then venture into the misty Monteverde cloud forest, rich with biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Conclude with a serene retreat to Isla Jesusita in the Gulf of Nicoya, staying in eco-friendly glamping accommodations. Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or seasonal whale watching, and don’t miss the mesmerising bioluminescence tours. This self-paced exploration promises an unforgettable Costa Rican adventure.
Self-drive journey through Costa Rica
Accommodation detailed in itinerary
13 breakfasts, 3 lunch, 3 dinners
Car hire (unlimited mileage)
Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary
Our holidays are ATOL Protected
We will help you plan your holiday
Customers rate us highly on Trustpilot
Highlights
- Travel through scenic Costa Rica by rental car at your own pace
- Choose from an array of cultural and adventurous activities across a range of impressive National Parks
- Discover incredible landscapes filled with abundant wildlife in the enigmatic cloud forest
- Observe the majestic volcanoes of Arenal and Rincon de la Vieja
- Enjoy island life from unique eco-friendly glamping accommodation
What's Included
- International flights
- 13 nights’ accommodation as detailed
- 19 meals; 13 breakfasts, 3 lunch, 3 dinners
- 8 days of car hire with unlimited mileage (4WD)
- Full cover insurance & 1 additional driver
- Transfers & domestic flights as per itinerary
Prices from £4,299 pp*
Excludes:
- Meals not indicated in your itinerary
- Local departure taxes payable locally
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc
- Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)
- Camera or video fees at any sites
- Fuel
Quick Itinerary
Sef-Drive In Costa Rica 15-Day Itinerary
Day 1 UK - San José
On arrival, you will be transferred to your centrally located hotel.
Days 2 - 4 Arenal
Your rental car will be delivered to your hotel. Drive to the exceptional region of Arenal, renowned for its natural beauty and the only conical-shaped volcano in Costa Rica.
Spend the next three nights exploring the area at your own pace. A wide variety of activities can be arranged whether you want to appreciate the fauna and flora, or prefer to go hiking or white-water rafting. After a long day take the chance to relax in one of the natural hot springs.
We also recommend visiting the picturesque Arenal Lake, as well as the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, an ideal spot for bird-watching.
Days 5 - 6 Rincon de la Vieja
Drive to Rincon de la Vieja in the province of Guanacaste, part of the dry forests of Costa Rica and an important protected national park. It is also home to one of the most active and interesting volcanoes in the country and an impressive array of beautiful waterfalls.
There is a plethora of activities on offer at Rincon de la Vieja including horse riding, cycling, zip-lining or simply hiking in the surrounding verdant landscape.
Days 7 - 9 Monteverde
Drive to the mountainous region of Monteverde, part of the Costa Rican cloud forest known for its abundance of natural resources and its extraordinary array of plants and animal species that inhabit its incredible landscapes.
Due to the immense conservation efforts of the region, Monteverde is considered a natural laboratory where constant studies and research takes place to preserve the natural environment.
Monteverde offers several activities which can be educational, cultural or adventurous.
Days 10 - 13 Isla Jesusita, Gulf of Nicoya
After dropping off the car in Puntarenas, travel by boat to the beautiful Isla Jesusita, to stay in eco-friendly glamping accommodation surrounded by nature. Spend the days paddle-boarding or kayaking at leisure or perhaps join a whale watching tour (in season) or experience the magical bio-luminescence tour.
Days 14 - 15 San Jose - UK
Take the ferry back to Puntarenas for a transfer to San Jose for your onward flight. On day 15 you will land back in the UK from Costa Rica.
Why book a holiday to Costa Rica with Latin Routes?
Truly Individual and Trusted
- Truly individual holidays – every holiday we create is designed around you, the places you want to see and the things that are important to you.
- Dedicated Travel Specialists – your dedicated Specialist will have firsthand knowledge of the destinations and experiences we offer, enabling us to make perfect recommendations.
- First-class service – all our excursions and transport partners have been hand-selected to ensure they provide the best quality, experience and value.
- 100% financial protection – our holidays are ATOL protected and we’re an assured member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO).
- My Routes Rewards programme – as a thank you for being our trusted customer, we offer one of the most generous and flexible reward programmes in the industry.
What makes our Self-Drive In Costa Rica Truly Individual?
Award-winning UK tour operator
An award-winning and leading UK tour operator providing Truly Individual holidays across Latin America
Every holiday we create is designed around you, the places you want to see and the things that are important to you.
Our passionate team of knowledgeable Latin America Travel Specialists are ready to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
We consistently achieve 5-star ratings on Trustpilot, reflecting our first-class service and premium holiday experiences.
What Our Clients Say About Us
Speak to a Costa Rica Holiday Specialist
All our Costa Rica itineraries can be tailored to your unique requirements. Enquire about our Self-Drive In Costa Rica options and let us plan your perfect Latin American adventure.