Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive

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8 Days From

~~$1553~~

$1398

Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive

8 Days Starting and ending in Liberia

Visiting: Aguas Claras, Bijagua, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Liberia

Tour operator:

Destination Services Costa Rica

Tour code:

21434

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: $1553 $1398 (USD) Operator discount: -$155

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

Tour Overview

Discover Costa Rica’s exotic side during this eight-day nature-filled adventure. Visit the most predominant natural areas of western Costa Rica, seeing an active volcano, a cloud forest high up in the canopy, verdant rainforestS and beautiful beaches. Keep on the lookout for an extensive variety of wild animals, bugs, and fascinating plants. Accommodation is in eco-friendly, sustainable properties to enhance the trip’s natural experience.

Highlights

Rincon de la Vieja: Enjoy the volcanic views this idyllic national park offers and let the steaming mud pots and boiling water amaze you
Bijagua: With a system of sustainable tourism that helps the local community protect and preserve the surrounding natural environment, this captivating rural retreat is a leader in eco-tourism
Monteverde: Settled by American Quakers in the 1950s, this primary cloud forest is made up of six unique ‘life zones’ and is home to endangered species and an enormous variety of plant life
Manuel Antonio: Though it is Costa Rica’s smallest national park, the picturesque Manuel Antonio is full of wild animals, lush vegetation and beautiful beaches

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival Liberia – Rincon De La Vieja (35Km – 1 Hr)

Location: Aguas Claras

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Cañon de la Vieja or similar, Hacienda Guachipelin or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your Costa Rican adventure begins on arrival to Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia, in the north-western part of the country. Here, our representative awaits to greet and assist you as you collect your rental car for this exciting trip. Afterward, depart to the region of Rincon de la Vieja for your first night in Costa Rica.

Overnight in Rincon de la Vieja.

Day 2 : Rincon De La Vieja – Bijagua (100Km – 2 Hrs)

Location: Bijagua

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Celeste Mountain Lodge or similar, Rio Celeste Hideaway or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Today you can visit the Rincon de la Vieja National Park in the section known as Las Pailas. The Las Pailas area, which means ‘the cauldrons’ in Spanish, spectacularly showcases the awesome power of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, the largest and most active volcano in the region. Steam and sulphur pour out of the rust-coloured ground from natural fumaroles while coffee-coloured pools boil with hot volcanic water and grey volcanic mud bubbles, exploding in large pits. This special volcano experience is like no other in Costa Rica. Hike the 3.5 kilometre Las Pailas loop trail through the dry tropical forest to discover spectacular nature, mesmerizing volcanic activity, and impressive wildlife. The park is home to more than 300 bird species and other animals like armadillos, collared peccaries, iguanas, snakes, white-nosed coatis, and white-faced howler and spider monkeys. After your park visit, walk back to the hotel to collect your bags. In the early afternoon, transfer from Rincon de la Vieja to Bijagua, a small town located between two volcanoes, Miravalles and Tenorio. There are many activities to enjoy, such as hiking, natural hot springs, horseback riding, agricultural tours, bird-watching or butterfly spotting. Rincon de la Vieja National Park entrance fee is not included.

Overnight in Bijagua.

Day 3 : Bijagua

Location: Bijagua

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Celeste Mountain Lodge or similar, Rio Celeste Hideaway or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Have breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the day at leisure, exploring on your own or participating in an optional activity, for example, a horseback ride and hike to Rio Celeste, whose name translates to ‘Light Blue River’. The mysterious colour of the sky-blue waters is one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena in the country. As you follow the river’s trail, encounter hot springs, an abundance of tranquillity, and a remarkable waterfall. Horseback riding lasts one and a half hour each way, followed by a three-hour hike to arrive at Rio Celeste. Later, return to the hotel to relax.

Overnight in Bijagua.

Day 4 : Bijagua – Monteverde (110Km – 3 Hrs)

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation: Lodge

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

Meals Included: Breakfast

Have a delectable breakfast at the hotel before you are transferred to mystical Monteverde. Located in the Puntarenas province, this 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 day at leisure to explore on your own participate in an exciting optional activity like the Sky Walk or the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tours. The first choice 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. Sky Walk, Selvatura Treetop Walkaway and Don Juan Coffee tours are not included.

Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 5 : Monteverde

Location: Monteverde

Accommodation: Lodge

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

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, we recommend you drive and enjoy a hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Founded in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is world-renowned for its incredible biodiversity, conservation actions and contributions, as well as scientific research. The reserve’s 3,500 hectare of land hosts 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, and it is one of the most important private reserves in the world. It has four ecological ‘life zones’ with different ecosystems and 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. You can enhance today´s experience by joining one of the memorable tours you missed yesterday. Whether you choose to explore the cloud forest during the Sky Walk or the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tours, or you prefer getting closer to the fascinating Costa Rican culture while on the Don Juan Coffee tour, your day will be unforgettable. Sky Walk, Selvatura Treetop Walkaway and Don Juan Coffee tours are not included.

Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 6 : Monteverde – Manuel Antonio (190Km – 4 Hrs)

Location: Manuel Antonio

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Villa Bosque or similar, San Bada or similar, Parador Resort or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning after breakfast, descend towards the Quepos area, the proud home of the Manuel Antonio National Park, the country’s smallest natural park, but one of the most visited parks of all Costa Rican National System of Conservation Areas. Manuel Antonio National Park is a small biological peninsula found within an area devoted to different economic activities, such as agriculture, cattle and tourism development. It is one of the country’s most scenic and beautiful national parks as it covers pristine beaches, mangroves, and spectacular forests. Once you are checked in at the selected hotel, take the rest of the day at leisure or participate in an optional excursion like the Catamaran Relaxing or the Ocean Kayaking Tours. The catamaran will depart from Quepos and glide around the back of the Manuel Antonio National Park, touring the beautiful coastline. Afterwards, your captain will set anchor at Biesanz Bay, giving you the freedom to snorkel or simply rest on board, followed by a delicious barbecue lunch. And if you want an adventure, choose the thrilling Ocean Kayaking Tour and venture out on a kayak from Quepos Pier for a 2.5-hour journey. The tour allows you to discover stunning examples of nature, above and below the ocean’s surface, from pelicans to flying fish. Round-trip transportation from the hotel will be provided. The Catamaran Relaxing and Ocean Kayaking Tours are not included.

Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 7 : Manuel Antonio National Park

Location: Manuel Antonio

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Villa Bosque or similar, San Bada or similar, Parador Resort or similar

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. You can spend the day at leisure or enjoy an optional activity. You have again the great opportunity to unwind while enjoying the Catamaran Relaxing Tour or feel the thrills given by the exciting Ocean Kayaking tour. The Catamaran Relaxing and Ocean Kayaking Tours are not included.

Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 8 : Manuel Antonio – Depart Liberia (270Km – 4.5 Hrs)

Location: Liberia

Meals Included: Breakfast

Indulge in a flavourful breakfast and, at the appropriate time, drive from Manuel Antonio to Daniel Oduber International Airport to catch your flight back home.

What's Included

ACCOMMODATION:

7 nights' accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 Rincon de la Vieja:

Standard Hotel Category = Cañon de la Vieja or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hacienda Guachipelin or similar 5*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Hacienda Guachipelin or similar 5*

Day 2,3 Bijagua:

Standard Hotel Category = Celeste Mountain Lodge or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Celeste Mountain Lodge or similar 3*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Rio Celeste Hideaway or similar 5*

Day 4,5 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 6,7 Manuel Antonio:

Standard Hotel Category = Villa Bosque or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = San Bada or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Parador Resort 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:

7 breakfasts

TRANSPORT:

Air-conditioned transportation for the arrival transfer on a shared basis, from Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia to the car rental office
Air-conditioned transportation for the departure transfer on a shared basis, from the car rental company offices in Liberia to the Daniel Oduber Airport
Tour guides do not accompany guests during transport

CAR HIRE:

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

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

Gratuities for drivers and guides.
Entrance Fees for Optional Activities
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 Rincon de la Vieja:

Standard Hotel Category = Cañon de la Vieja or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hacienda Guachipelin or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Hacienda Guachipelin or similar 4*

Day 2,3 Bijagua:

Standard Hotel Category = Celeste Mountain Lodge or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Celeste Mountain Lodge or similar 3*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Rio Celeste Hideaway or similar 5*

Day 4,5 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 6,7 Manuel Antonio:

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

Mode of Transport

Air-conditioned transportation for the arrival transfer on a shared basis, from Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia to the car rental office Air-conditioned transportation for the departure transfer on a shared basis, from the car rental company offices in Liberia to the Daniel Oduber Airport Tour guides do not accompany guests during transport

Accommodation

Day 1 Rincon de la Vieja: Standard Hotel Category = Cañon de la Vieja or similar 3* Superior Hotel Category = Hacienda Guachipelin or similar 4* Deluxe Hotel Category = Hacienda Guachipelin or similar 4* Day 2,3 Bijagua: Standard Hotel Category = Celeste Mountain Lodge or similar 3* Superior Hotel Category = Celeste Mountain Lodge or similar 3* Deluxe Hotel Category = Rio Celeste Hideaway or similar 5* Day 4,5 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 6,7 Manuel Antonio: Standard Hotel Category = Villa Bosque or similar 3* Superior Hotel Category = San Bada or similar 4* Deluxe Hotel Category = Parador Resort or similar 5*

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 Rincon de la Vieja:

Standard Hotel Category = Cañon de la Vieja or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hacienda Guachipelin or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Hacienda Guachipelin or similar 4*

Day 2,3 Bijagua:

Standard Hotel Category = Celeste Mountain Lodge or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Celeste Mountain Lodge or similar 3*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Rio Celeste Hideaway or similar 5*

Day 4,5 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 6,7 Manuel Antonio:

Standard Hotel Category = Villa Bosque or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = San Bada or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Parador Resort 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 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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~~$1553~~ $1398 (USD)