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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10 Days From

$1912

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Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable self-drive adventure through Costa Rica with the "Essential Costa Rica" package. Begin your journey in the vibrant capital of San Jose, exploring its rich cultural landmarks. Venture to Tortuguero National Park, renowned for its green sea turtle nesting grounds and diverse wildlife. Experience the awe-inspiring Arenal Volcano and its lush surroundings, before heading to the cloud forests of Monteverde, a haven for endangered species and unique plant life. Conclude your trip at the picturesque Manuel Antonio National Park, where pristine beaches meet abundant wildlife. Enjoy nine nights of accommodation with options ranging from standard to deluxe, and savor included breakfasts, select lunches, and dinners. With a rental car from day four, explore at your own pace, taking in the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant ecosystems of Costa Rica. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • San Jose: Explore Costa Rica’s vibrant capital with its cultural and historical landmarks, including the European-inspired National Theatre.

  • Tortuguero: Discover the nesting grounds of green sea turtles and enjoy the park's spectacular beaches and wildlife.

  • Arenal: Visit one of Costa Rica's most beautiful volcanoes and explore its mesmerizing park filled with trails and wildlife.

  • Monteverde: Experience the unique cloud forest settled by American Quakers, home to many endangered species and fascinating plants.

  • Manuel Antonio: Explore Costa Rica's smallest national park, rich in wild animals, lush vegetation, and beautiful beaches.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : ARRIVAL SAN JOSE

Location: San José

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Forum or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

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: San Jose, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero Village

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Lodge or similar

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: Tortuguero National Park

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Lodge or similar

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: Tortuguero, Guapiles, Arenal

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Arenal Montechiari or similar

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.

  • Overnight in Arenal.

Day 5 : ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK

Location: Arenal Volcano National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Arenal Montechiari or similar

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. 

  • Overnight in Arenal.

Day 6 : ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (120km – 3 hrs)

Location: Monteverde, Santa Elena

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Monteverde Country Lodge or similar

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 Cloud Forest Reserve, Monteverde

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Monteverde Country Lodge or similar

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: Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Villa Bosque or similar

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: Manuel Antonio National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Villa Bosque 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. 

  • Overnight in Pacific Coast.

Day 10 : PACIFIC COAST – DEPART SAN JOSE (160km – 3 hrs)

Location: Manuel Antonio, San José

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

  • Transportation

    Air-conditioned transportation for the arrival and departure transfers on a shared basis, and shared land and boat transfers to/from Tortuguero.

  • Car Hire

    Car rental from day 4 with 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, and coverage up to 70,000 USD per person or 175,000 USD per accident. ...more ...less

  • Visits and Activities

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

  • Other

    Meet and greet on Day 1 and 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 and Porterage

    Airport taxes and airport porterage are not included.

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours are not included.

  • International Flights and Visa Fees

    International flight tickets or visa fees and local taxes are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for drivers and guides are not included.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees for optional activities mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • 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, any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat, etc), and petrol deposit 100 USD; refunded when returning full. ...more ...less

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.r>
...more ...less

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



Mode of Transport

Travel in air-conditioned transportation for shared arrival and departure transfers, with shared land and boat transfers to/from Tortuguero. From day 4, enjoy the freedom of a rental car with unlimited mileage and comprehensive insurance coverage.

Accommodation

Enjoy 9 nights of accommodation with options ranging from standard 3-star hotels like Holiday Inn Express Forum to deluxe 5-star hotels such as Real Intercontinental, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your stay in Costa Rica.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Tortuguero National Park?

    In Tortuguero National Park, you can expect to see over 350 protected species of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and sloths, as well as lush vegetation. During the turtle hatching season, you may also witness baby turtles making their way to the ocean.

  • What activities are available in Monteverde?

    In Monteverde, you can explore the cloud forest during the Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour, which includes a 3-hour hike along trails and suspension bridges. Alternatively, you can join the Don Juan Coffee Tour to learn about Costa Rica's coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane production. ...more ...less

  • What is included in the car hire for this tour?

    The car hire includes 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, a second driver, and coverage up to 70,000 USD per person or 175,000 USD per accident. ...more ...less

  • Are there any meals included during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches on days 2, 3, and 4, and 2 dinners on days 2 and 3.

  • What is the minimum age requirement to rent a vehicle on this tour?

    The minimum age to rent a vehicle or be a driver is 21 years.

  • What should I wear when visiting Costa Rica on this tour?

    Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for traveling in Costa Rica. Visitors should avoid wearing 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.

  • 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. ...more ...less

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. ...more ...less

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.

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Wednesday

May 12, 2025 - May 21, 2025
$1912 (USD)

Tuesday - Thursday

May 13, 2025 - May 22, 2025
$1912 (USD)

Wednesday - Friday

May 14, 2025 - May 23, 2025
$1912 (USD)

Thursday - Saturday

May 15, 2025 - May 24, 2025
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Friday - Sunday

May 16, 2025 - May 25, 2025
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Saturday - Monday

May 17, 2025 - May 26, 2025
$1912 (USD)

Sunday - Tuesday

May 18, 2025 - May 27, 2025
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Monday - Wednesday

May 19, 2025 - May 28, 2025
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Tuesday - Thursday

May 20, 2025 - May 29, 2025
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May 21, 2025 - May 30, 2025
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May 22, 2025 - May 31, 2025
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Friday - Sunday

May 23, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025
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Saturday - Monday

May 24, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025
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Sunday - Tuesday

May 25, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
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Monday - Wednesday

May 26, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025
$1912 (USD)

Tuesday - Thursday

May 27, 2025 - Jun 05, 2025
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Wednesday - Friday

May 28, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
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Thursday - Saturday

May 29, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$1912 (USD)

Friday - Sunday

May 30, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025
$1912 (USD)

Saturday - Monday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 09, 2025
$1912 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Destination Services Costa Rica requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services costa rica charges.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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

10 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica

Visiting: San José, San Jose, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero Village, Tortuguero, Guapiles, Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Santa Elena, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Manuel Antonio National Park, Manuel Antonio ...more ...less

Tour code:

32951

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

21-99

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1912 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 14-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

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