Caribbean to Pacific, Self-drive

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~~$1850~~

$1665

Caribbean to Pacific, Self-drive

10 Days Starting and ending in San Jose

Visiting: Cementerio, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita, Turrialba, Pacuare, Copey District, Manuel Antonio

Tour operator:

Destination Services Costa Rica

Tour code:

32963

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English

From: $1850 $1665 (USD) Operator discount: -$185

NB: Prices correct on 20-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Depart on a 10-day coast-to-coast journey discovering the wild side of Costa Rica. Stay in a picturesque Caribbean beach town and explore the country’s inland in search for the awe-inspiring quetzal bird. Hike in lush rainforests, snorkel over an incredible reef, get an adrenaline rush on a white-water rafting adventure, and vbserve the vast variety of flora and fauna throughout the tour. Prepare yourself for a stunning trip you will never forget!

Highlights

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: A Caribbean seaside town famous for its surfing scene, beautiful scenery, and relaxed atmosphere
Cahuita National Park: Boasting beautiful coral reefs, this natural park will amaze you with its pristine beaches and coastal rainforest
Turrialba: Found in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, the verdant town of Turrialba is the base to a great white-water rafting adventure down the River Pacuare
San Gerardo de Dota: Set in a deep forested valley, this charming remote area is great for fishing and bird-watching
Manuel Antonio: Costa Rica’s smallest national park is a fascinating site, full of wild animals, lush vegetation, and beautiful beaches

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival San Jose

Location: Cementerio

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Forum or similar 3, Holiday Inn Escazu or similar 4, Real Intercontinental or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Upon arrival to San Jose, the meet and greet services at Juan Santamaria International Airport will direct you to your transport. You will be transferred to the selected hotel in San Jose for your first night in Costa Rica.

Overnight in San Jose.

Day 2 : San Jose – Puerto Viejo De Talamanca (215Km – 5 Hrs)

Location: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Villas del Caribe or similar 3, Cariblue or similar 4, Le Cameleon or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, a representative of the car rental company will meet you in the hotel lobby to give you the rental car you will be using for your trip. Drive yourself towards the beautiful Puerto Viejo, passing through Braulio Carrillo National Park and its rainforest and admiring the spectacular mountain scenery, as well as the quaint villages of Costa Rica Caribbean region. Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the surroundings on your own or join an optional activity like a Horseback riding session. Meet your experienced guide, a great horse lover with whom you will share this wonderful experience. Once assigned to a horse, you are ready to ride towards Punta Uva to enjoy a beautiful stroll along the shores of the Caribbean Sea and reach the estuaries of Punta Uva River. Afterwards, begin returning along the paths of the wetland, an ideal time to learn about the different species of animals and plants encountered on your way. And if horseback riding is not your cup of tea, enjoy a memorable Canopy Tour. This consists of 9 aerial platforms and 13 ground platforms, with a total of 2,760 m of cable. The guide will teach you about the flora and fauna of the primary forest, including its use by the indigenous people. It is a great way to indulge in the Southern Caribbean coastal experience. The Canopy Tour and Horseback Riding are not included.

Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

Day 3 : Cahuita National Park

Location: Cahuita

Accommodation Name: Villas del Caribe or similar 3, Cariblue or similar 4, Le Cameleon or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Indulge in a flavorous breakfast at your hotel and enjoy the day at leisure, exploring on your own or participating in an optional activity, such as snorkelling and hiking through the nearby Cahuita National Park. This is the most important coral reef of Costa Rica. Full of sea life, be prepared to see many different species of coral, an abundance of tropical fish, sharks, eels, sea urchins, shellfish, crustaceans, algae, sea turtles, and more. After discovering the beauty of the underwater world, you can hike through Cahuita National Park, with the possibility of observing various types of snakes, sloths, white-faced and howler monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, and many others. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure relaxing or participating in an optional activity. If you didn´t adventure yourself into joining the exciting Canopy Tour or the relaxing Horseback Riding experience, today you have another chance! The optional activities mentioned, as well as snorkelling and hiking through Cahuita National Park are not included.

Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

Day 4 : Puerto Viejo – Turriabla (180Km – 4 Hrs)

Location: Turrialba

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Villa Florencia or similar 3, Guayabo Lodge or similar 3.5, Casa Turire or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day with a rich breakfast at your hotel. Then, drive to the village of Turrialba. Enjoy a four-hour journey and have the rest of the day at leisure. Explore the mesmerising surroundings or just relax, luxuriating in the hotel facilities. Unwind and prepare yourself for an optional rafting adventure down the River Pacuare or a memorable river canyoning experience tomorrow.

Overnight in Turrialba.

Day 5 : Pacuare River

Location: Pacuare

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Villa Florencia or similar 3, Guayabo Lodge or similar 3.5, Casa Turire or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Have a nice breakfast to make sure your energy reserves are high for today’s adventurous outing. Adventure in the optional Pacuare white-water rafting experience, keeping in mind that this considered one of the best rafting rivers in Costa Rica! Feel the adrenaline rush as you paddle through the thrill of the rapids, and observe the natural beauty that surrounds you, admiring the paradisiacal cascading waterfalls and a variety of tropical flora and fauna. The Pacuare white-water rafting experience is not included.

Overnight in Turrialba.

Day 6 : Turriabla – San Gerardo De Dota (120Km – 3 Hrs)

Location: Copey District

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Suria Lodge or similar 3, Trogón Lodge or similar 4, Savegre Lodge or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a delectable breakfast at your designated hotel, drive yourself to San Gerardo de Dota, in the Los Quetzales National Park, a cloud forest reserve where the iconic quetzal bird lives. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the area on your own or join an optional activity. Visiting the Guayabo Monument is a fantastic choice. Veiled in the shadow of the Turrialba Volcano, like a mythical lost city from a storybook, lies a mysterious ancient city that was home to over 10,000 people who seemed to have mysteriously vanished just before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. This area, known as Guayabo National Monument, is Costa Rica’s most important archaeological site and its only named national monument. A guide will walk you through the park while explaining the findings of the excavations and the history of the people that once lived there. Another great activity is the Tropical Biking Tour at CATIE. This tour takes place in and around the plantations and botanical gardens of CATIE. The topography of the trails used on this tour is for all levels of bike riders and children over eight years old. As you go along, your naturalist guide will explain the great diversity of forest and fruit plantations, which can include coffee, cocoa, sugar cane, citrus, plantain, bananas, macadamia, pineapple, mangosteen, mango, avocado and many other exotic species from tropical countries all over the world. Thanks to the diversity in flowers and fruits, the plantation is also an ideal site for the observation of birds, mammals and some reptiles. The Canyoneering and Canopy Tour is another memorable activity availed today. Canyoning involves rappelling and descending cliffs and waterfalls within the canyon. Begin this exciting tour with an introduction of our guides and the equipment, as well as with a safety speech, to help you familiarise with the activity. Your guide will make sure you know the mechanisms and procedures for canyoning, ensuring you a safe and fun experience. You are off on a 2-3 hour adventure, rappelling down four waterfalls, zip lining down four canopy cables, and walking across a 40m hanging bridge – all giving you an unforgettable adrenaline rush! The optional activities mentioned are not included.

Overnight in San Gerardo de Dota.

Day 7 : San Gerardo De Dota

Location: Copey District

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Suria Lodge or similar 3, Trogón Lodge or similar 4, Savegre Lodge or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wake up and savour a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Spend a new day exploring the magnificent beauty of Costa Rica. Join an optional activity in San Gerardo de Dota or just wander around this area and admire the landscaped surroundings. San Gerardo de Dota is proudly hosting a large population of quetzal birds. And one of the most interesting options is to go out on an optional ‘quetzal quest’. This bird’s metallic green plumage, bright red breast, spikey head, and its incredible tail feathers make spotting a quetzal in flight a magical experience.

Overnight in San Gerardo de Dota.

Day 8 : San Gerardo De Dota – Manuel Antonio (150Km – 3 Hrs)

Location: Manuel Antonio

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Villa Bosque or similar 3, San Bada Hotel or similar 4,Parador or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After indulging in a delicious breakfast, drive to the Central Pacific Coast down the Pan-American Highway to San Isidro de El General. Enjoy a beautiful drive, admiring the stunning surroundings, take the road to the South Pacific, and finally the coastal route will take you to the town of Quepos, just outside of Manuel Antonio National Park. Check in to your hotel and have the afternoon to enjoy the inspiring area.

Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 9 : Manuel Antonio National Park

Location: Manuel Antonio

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Villa Bosque or similar 3, San Bada Hotel or similar 4,Parador or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin your day with a luscious breakfast and then, take the opportunity to visit the Manuel Antonio National Park on your own. The trail is flat, picturesque and loops through the park, making your course about two miles long. The park is a great place to take pictures or just to admire the impressive views. One of the highlights of this tour is that Manuel Antonio is home to three of the four existing tropical primates living in Costa Rica. Halfway through the hike, enjoy a leisurely stop at the world-famous ‘Third Beach’. Take a rest on the soft sand or play in the waves. Throughout the hike, it is common to see sloths, birds and reptiles as well as admire wild orchids, butterflies and tropical vegetation. The entrance fee to the Manuel Antonio National Park is not included.

Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 10 : Manuel Antonio – Depart San Jose (160Km – 3 Hrs)

Location: Cementerio

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a tasty breakfast and, at the appropriate time, drive from Manuel Antonio to the airport for your flight back home. Drop off your car at the car rental office and take a shuttle transfer to the airport.

Breakfast included.

What's Included

Accommodation

9 nights' accommodation in a variety of comfortable stays across Costa Rica, including options from standard to deluxe accommodations.
Car Hire

A choice of a Daihatsu Bego, Suzuki Grand Vitara, or Toyota Fortuner with unlimited mileage, comprehensive insurance, and 24/7 emergency support. Unlimited mileage, Applicable Local taxes (VAT), Insurance with No excess Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Supplemental Liability Coverage (SLC), Emergency contact service Replacement car in case of accident Full-Full petrol rate Second driver, Coverage up to 70.000 USD per person or 175.000 USD per accident.
Meals

9 breakfasts included throughout the tour.
Transport

Air-conditioned transportation for arrival and departure transfers on a shared basis, from Juan Santamaria Airport to the first hotel and from the car rental company offices in San Jose to the Juan Santamaria Airport.
Other Inclusions

Meet and greet on Day 1, hotel taxes.
Park Entrance Fees

All monuments and visits as indicated: Snorkelling and hiking in Cahuita National Park, rafting on the Pacuare River, ‘quetzal quest’ morning hike, hike in Manuel Antonio National Park.

What's Not Included

Personal Expenditures

Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme.
Airport Taxes
Airport Porterage
Optional Tours
Flight Tickets and Visa Fees

International / domestic flight tickets or visa fees and local taxes.
Gratuities

Gratuities for drivers and guides.
Car Hire Exclusions

Damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving, Loss or damage to aerials, jack, safety triangles and vests, windscreen, wipers, petrol cap, luggage covers, or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle, Damage to the engine through negligence, Theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition, Damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the Influence of alcohol or drugs, Fines due to breaking traffic laws and regulations during the hire period are the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle. In the event of fine being received there will be an administration charge, Any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat, etc), Petrol deposit 100 USD; refunded when returning full.

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

Please Note

The minimum age to rent a vehicle or be a driver is 21 years
All drivers must have a valid driver's license
The person who signs the contract must have an international credit card, Visa or Master Card, AMEX
Pick-up service at the San José Airport is 24 hours
Pick-up service at the Liberia Airport are from Monday to Sunday, 05:00 to 21:00 hrs. Pick-up outsideof these times are subject to a surcharge.
Pick-up hours at other locations are from Monday to Sunday, 08:00 to 17:00 hrs
All pick-up times at other locations will be set according to the office hours.
Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 24 hours of incident
If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days.
Deposit by credit card: Visa or Master Card only
Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to tour contents without prior notice
For self-guided visits, you must pay your entrance fee directly at the front desk of each park or attraction
Recommended arrival before 14:00 hrs.
Recommended departure time after 15hrs.
Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Mondays

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 San Jose:

Category Standard = Holiday Inn Express Forum or similar 3*
Category Superior = Holiday Inn Escazu or similar 4*
Category Deluxe = Real Intercontinental or similar 5*

Day 2-3 Puerto Viejo:

Category Standard = Villas del Caribe or similar 3*
Category Superior = Cariblue or similar 4*
Category Deluxe = Le Cameleon or similar 5*

Day 4-5 Turrialba:

Category Standard = Villa Florencia or similar 3*
Category Superior = Guayabo Lodge or similar 3.5*
Category Deluxe = Casa Turire or similar 5*

Day 6-7 San Gerardo de Dota:

Category Standard = Suria Lodge or similar 3*
Category Superior = Trogón Lodge or similar 4*
Category Deluxe = Savegre Lodge or similar 5*

Day 8-9 Manuel Antonio:

Category Standard = Villa Bosque or similar 3*
Category Superior = San Bada Hotel or similar 4*
Category Deluxe = Parador or similar 5*

CAR HIRE OPTIONS
VEHICLE CAR GROUP
Daihatsu Bego A
Suzuki Grand Vitara B
Toyota Fortuner C

Mode of Transport

Navigate Costa Rica at your own pace with a self-drive adventure. Start with an air-conditioned transfer from Juan Santamaria Airport to your hotel, then take the wheel of a Daihatsu Bego, Suzuki Grand Vitara, or Toyota Fortuner. Enjoy unlimited mileage, comprehensive insurance, and 24/7 emergency support for a seamless journey.

Accommodation

Experience a variety of comfortable stays across Costa Rica, from the bustling heart of San Jose to the serene beaches of Puerto Viejo and the lush forests of San Gerardo de Dota. Choose from standard, superior, or deluxe accommodations, including reputable hotels like Holiday Inn Express Forum and the luxurious Real Intercontinental.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 San Jose:

Category Standard = Holiday Inn Express Forum or similar 3*
Category Superior = Holiday Inn Escazu or similar 4*
Category Deluxe = Real Intercontinental or similar 5*

Day 2-3 Puerto Viejo:

Category Standard = Villas del Caribe or similar 3*
Category Superior = Cariblue or similar 4*
Category Deluxe = Le Cameleon or similar 5*

Day 4-5 Turrialba:

Category Standard = Villa Florencia or similar 3*
Category Superior = Guayabo Lodge or similar 3.5*
Category Deluxe = Casa Turire or similar 5*

Day 6-7 San Gerardo de Dota:

Category Standard = Suria Lodge or similar 3*
Category Superior = Trogón Lodge or similar 4*
Category Deluxe = Savegre Lodge or similar 5*

Day 8-9 Manuel Antonio:

Category Standard = Villa Bosque or similar 3*
Category Superior = San Bada Hotel or similar 4*
Category Deluxe = Parador or similar 5*

CAR HIRE OPTIONS

Car Group A = Daihatsu Bego or similar
Car Group B = Suzuki Grand Vitara or similar
Car Group C = Toyota Fortuner or similar

Check out our Q&As

What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

Easy
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Yes, English speaking local guide on this tour.
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

As details in itinerary.
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Yes, Airport transfer is included.
Are flights included in this tour?

No, International and domestic flights are not included.

Are all entrance fees included in the price?

For self-guided visits, you must pay your entrance fee directly at the front desk of each park or attraction.
Do you offer any travel insurance?

We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Are flights included in the tour?

No, they are not included
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Is there any option for solo traveller?

Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
What does the price include?

What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?

No, visa fees are not included

Reviews of this operator

Brian

Exotic Costa Rica

12-Feb-2022

We were delayed a couple of times in getting to Costa Rica and our tour operator, Roy, was extremely accommodating of the changes. The trip was partially guided, so though lodging and transportation were covered there were a few days where I could have used help coordinating afternoon activities.

Peter Herbert

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste

11-May-2022

A little aprehensive on 1st day with no tour leader... but ran better that clockwork, a few natural obstacles overcome. Good hotels, transport , drivers AND OUTSTANDING GUIDES.....A THEN THERE WAS THE WILDS OF COSTA RICA AND ITS PEOPLES ....

Jean Walsh

Exotic Costa Rica

17-Mar-2022

This trip was much anticipated and lived up to all of our expectations. We had a wonderful experience. If we had questions, Andres was immediately responsive. It was such a nice feeling to know we could reach him.

Susan Langton

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park

06-Jan-2022

Our trip was well organized, all of the service providers ( transfers, guides, accommodations) we friendly and professional, and each location was as promised. A bit more local information would have been useful in preparing for the trip, but nothing that wasn't able to be accommodated on the fly.

Marianne Brownell

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park

03-Oct-2022

Terrific experience!

Debra R

PURAVIDA CR

26-Jun-2023

Great staff taking care of us along the way! Hotel choices were unique and beautiful and accommodating.

Keith

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste

08-Mar-2022

A good tour with 4 completely different ecosystems. A couple of long travel days.

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~~$1850~~ $1665 (USD)