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Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park, Self-drive

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park, Self-drive

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~~$1912~~

$1721

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park, Self-drive

10 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica

Visiting: Cementerio, Costa Rica, San Carlos, Monteverde, Tamarindo

Tour operator:

Destination Services Costa Rica

Tour code:

32951

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: $1912 $1721 (USD) Operator discount: -$191

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

Tour Overview

Uncover essential Costa Rica during this 10-day exotic adventure. Beginning and ending in the capital, San Jose, this tour offers you the chance to discover different aspects of this emblematic destination. Enjoy an unforgettable excursion in Tortuguero, in a shared shuttle and boat and then visit the most predominant natural areas of Costa Rica, including the Arenal Volcano National Park, and the cloud forest of Monteverde. Spend precious time visiting the Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most stunning conservation areas on the planet. During the trip, keep an eye out for a variety of animals, bugs, as well as plants and don’t forget to mingle with the friendly locals for a versatile experience.

Highlights

:San Jose: Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city was founded in the mid-18th century, boasting great cultural and historical landmarks
Visit its museums, the European-inspired National Theatre, and stroll the charming alleys of its historic neighbourhoods
Tortuguero: This park is home to the nesting grounds of the green sea turtles, offering spectacular beaches and fantastic opportunities to spot wild animals and birds
Arenal: Admire one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the country and its mesmerising park, dotted with trails and rich in wildlife
Monteverde: Settled by American Quakers in the 1950s, this primary cloud forest is made out of six unique ‘life zones’, hosting many endangered species, as well as a variety of fascinating plants
Manuel Antonio: This picturesque national park is the smallest one in Costa Rica but it is 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

Upon arrival to bustling San Jose, our representative will meet and greet you and then direct you to your transport, which will drop you off at your hotel in San Jose for your the night in Costa Rica.

Overnight in San Jose.

Day 2 : San Jose – Tortuguero (135Km – 4 Hrs By Road / 2 Hrs By Boat)

Location: Costa Rica

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge or similar Lodge, Evergreen Lodge or similar Lodge ,Aninga Lodge or similar Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your day begins early with a morning departure, travelling by bus through the Braulio Carrillo National Park towards the Caribbean plains to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery and quaint villages. Indulge in a tasty breakfast en route and continue through the jungle by boat, cruising the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Arrive at your eco-lodge and enjoy a tasty lunch. Board the boat again for a visit to Tortuguero village, where you will get to walk around town, stroll along the beach, and experience the locals’ way of living. During the turtle hatching season, we will look for the baby turtles trying to find their way down to the ocean. Nesting is from July to September and hatching from September to December. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel, surrounded by the beautiful tropical forest and wildlife. Lunch and Dinner included

Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 3 : Tortuguero National Park

Location: Costa Rica

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge or similar Lodge, Evergreen Lodge or similar Lodge ,Aninga Lodge or similar Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will have some free time to relax by the pool and experience the Tortuguero National Park on a three-hour trip. Observe over 350 protected species of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and sloths, as well as lush vegetation. During the July to September season, you can join an optional late night turtle nesting tour, purchasable directly at the lodge. Entrance fee to the Tortuguero National Park is not included. Lunch and dinner included

Overnight in Tortuguero.

Day 4 : Tortuguero – Arenal (210Km – 5 Hrs By Road / 2 Hrs By Boat)

Location: San Carlos

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Arenal Montechiari or similar 3* ,Arenal Springs or similar 4* ,Arenal Kioro or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Early in the morning depart by boat back to Guapiles. From there, take the ground transportation to the restaurant for lunch. After a nice meal, a representative of the car rental company will meet you at the restaurant to give you the rental car you will be using for the rest of the trip. Then you can drive yourself to the Arenal area and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore on your own or participate in an exciting optional activity like the Sky Walk guided tour. The Sky Walk guided tour takes you through and above the rainforest. A series of eight suspension bridges, connected by trails for a total 3 km in length, provides a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy! Sky Walk, tour is not included.

Overnight in Arenal.

Day 5 : Arenal Volcano National Park

Location: San Carlos

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Arenal Montechiari or similar 3* ,Arenal Springs or similar 4* ,Arenal Kioro or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to visit the Arenal Volcano National Park on your own. During the hike, enjoy the verdant landscapes and the backdrop of the now-dormant volcano as you keep a lookout for animals that live in this national park. You have the chance to see sloths, howler monkeys, and even anteaters, to name a few. The entrance fee to Arenal Volcano National Park is not included. Afterwards, return to the hotel with the afternoon at leisure to participate in an optional activity. You can enhance today´s experience by joining one of the memorable tours you missed yesterday. Whether you choose to explore with the Sky Walk guided tour. Sky Walk is not included.

Overnight in Arenal.

Day 6 : Arenal – Monteverde (120Km – 3 Hrs)

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Monteverde Country Lodge or similar 3* ,Poco a Poco or similar 4* ,Monteverde Gardens & Lodge or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin the day with an early breakfast. You can have the morning at leisure or start your journey early to Monteverde Cloud forest area. Admire the transition of the rainforest to the cloud forest where you will reach an altitude of 1,200 metres above sea level. Monteverde, located in the Puntarenas province, is a place of cloud forests and mist, coffee plantations, monkeys and friendly locals. The town of Santa Elena is small and quaint, filled with inviting restaurants and folksy artisan shops, while the nearby rainforest hosts a remarkable amount of biodiversity. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore on your own. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore on your own. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore on your own or participate in an exciting optional activity like the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour, what includes a 3-hour hike along a network of trails and suspension bridges in the cloud forest of Monteverde. Be on the lookout for birds, monkeys, sloths, insects, and interesting plants of all shapes and sizes. The Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour takes you through and above the rainforest. A series of eight suspension bridges, connected by trails for a total 3 km in length, provides a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy!

If adventure is not something you are interested in, join the interesting Don Juan Coffee Tour to understand Costa Rica´s coffee, chocolate and sugar cane production (with the emphasis on coffee!). The tour offers an interesting opportunity to learn about coffee and its production as well as to get close to the fascinating Costa Rican folklore

The optional tours are not included

Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 7 : Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Monteverde Country Lodge or similar 3* ,Poco a Poco or similar 4* ,Monteverde Gardens & Lodge or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, enjoy you can a hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Founded in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is world-famous for its outstanding biodiversity, conservation actions and contributions, as well as scientific research. The reserve is home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, and it is one of the most important private reserves, not just in Costa Rica but the world. It hosts hundreds of species of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids, as well as a large variety of flora, such as mosses, vines or the autochthonous trees of the cloud forest. Whether you choose to explore the cloud forest during the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour, or you prefer getting closer to the fascinating Costa Rican culture while on the Don Juan Coffee tour, your day will be unforgettable. Selvatura Treetop Walkaway and Don Juan Coffee tours are not included.

Overnight in Monteverde .

Day 8 : Monteverde – Pacific Coast (190Km – 4 Hrs)

Location: Tamarindo

Accommodation: Hotel

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

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning after breakfast, head towards a stunning beachside destination, descending to Manuel Antonio National Park. On arrival, take the rest of the day to enjoy the surrounding areas, hotel facilities or the spectacular beach.

Overnight in Pacific Coast.

Day 9 : Pacific Coast

Location: Tamarindo

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 Pacific Coast.

Day 10 : Pacific Coast – 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

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 San Jose

Standard Hotel Category = Holiday Inn Express Forum or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Holiday Inn Escazu or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Real Intercontinental or similar 5*

Day 2-3 Tortuguero

Standard Category = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)

Superior Category = Laguna Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)

Deluxe Category = Pachira/ Evergreen/Aninga Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)

Day 4-5 Arenal

Standard Hotel Category = Arenal Montechiari or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Springs or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*

Day 6-7 Monteverde

Standard Hotel Category = Monteverde Country Lodge or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Poco a Poco or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Monteverde Gardens & Lodge or similar 4*

Day 8-9 Manuel Antonio

Standard Hotel Category = Villa Bosque or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = San Bada Hotel or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = 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

MEALS:

9 breakfasts,
3 lunches on days 2, 3, 4
2 dinners on days 2, 3

TRANSPORT:

Air-conditioned transportation for the arrival transfer on a shared basis, from Juan Santamaria Airport to your first hotel
Shared land and boat transfers to/from Tortuguero
Air-conditioned transportation for the departure transfer on a shared basis, from the car rental company offices in San José to the Juan Santamaria Airport
Tour guides do not accompany guests during transport

CAR HIRE:

Car Rental from day 4

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

VISTITS AND ACTIVITIES:

All activties in Tortuguero except the entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park and optional activities

OTHER:

Meet and greet on Day 1
Hotel taxes

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 flight tickets or visa fees and local taxes.
Gratuities

Gratuities for drivers and guides.
Entrance Fees for Optional Activities

Entrance fees for optional activities mentioned in the itinerary.
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.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 San Jose

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

Day 2-3 Tortuguero

Standard Hotel Category = Pachira Lodge or similar Lodge
Superior Hotel Category = Evergreen Lodge or similar Lodge
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aninga Lodge or similar Lodge

Day 4-5 Arenal

Standard Hotel Category = Arenal Montechiari or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Springs or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*

Day 6-7 Monteverde

Standard Hotel Category = Monteverde Country Lodge or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Poco a Poco or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Monteverde Gardens & Lodge or similar 4*

Day 8-9 Manuel Antonio

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

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 San Jose

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

Day 2-3 Tortuguero

Standard Category = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Superior Category = Laguna Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Deluxe Category = Pachira/ Evergreen/Aninga Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)

Day 4-5 Arenal

Standard Hotel Category = Arenal Montechiari or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Springs or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*

Day 6-7 Monteverde

Standard Hotel Category = Monteverde Country Lodge or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Poco a Poco or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Monteverde Gardens & Lodge or similar 4*

Day 8-9 Manuel Antonio

Standard Hotel Category = Villa Bosque or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = San Bada Hotel or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = 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 type of clothing is recommended for this tour?

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. It's recommended not to 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.
Is there a minimum age requirement for car rental during the tour?

Yes, the minimum age to rent a vehicle or be a driver is 21 years.
What documents are required for car rental?

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.
Are there any specific pick-up service hours for the car rental?

Pick-up service at the San José Airport is 24 hours. Pick-up service at the Liberia Airport is from Monday to Sunday, 05:00 to 21:00 hrs, with pick-up outside of these times subject to a surcharge. Pick-up hours at other locations are from Monday to Sunday, 08:00 to 17:00 hrs.
What happens if the rental car is returned earlier than the agreed drop-off date?

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.

What is the policy on accidents or thefts involving the rental car?

Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 24 hours of the incident.
Are entrance fees to parks and attractions included in the tour price?

For self-guided visits, you must pay your entrance fee directly at the front desk of each park or attraction. Entrance fees are not included in the tour price.
What is the recommended arrival and departure time for this tour?

Recommended arrival is before 14:00 hrs, and recommended departure time is after 15:00 hrs.
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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~~$1912~~ $1721 (USD)