NB: Prices correct on 25-Apr-2025 but subject to change.
This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating self-drive adventure through Costa Rica with the "Fantasy on Beaches and Volcanoes" tour. Begin your journey in San José, where you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Experience the awe-inspiring Arenal Volcano, once one of the world's most active, and immerse yourself in the lush jungle surroundings. Discover the wellness haven of La Fortuna before heading to the vibrant Tamarindo Beach on the Nicoya Peninsula, renowned for its surf spots and tropical serenity. Enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace with a 4x4 rental, and unwind with six nights of comfortable accommodation and daily breakfasts. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation, making it ideal for travelers of all kinds.
Highlights
Arenal Volcano, once one of the world's most active volcanoes, offers a majestic sight with smoke and ash still visible.
Experience the lush jungle and find balance in the La Fortuna area, a renowned wellness tourism destination.
Tamarindo, located on the Nicoya Peninsula, is a top surf spot and adventure wonderland.
Enjoy the tropical serenity of Tamarindo beach, perfect for swimming, surfing, and water sports.
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Tamarindo after a day of beach activities.
Itinerary
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Welcome to Costa Rica. A local representative will greet you and assist you at the airport. Shared transfer from airport to the hotel in San Jose. Check-in at the hotel and then enjoy leisure time to refresh, relax and get comfortable at your hotel room. Explore on your own the city and its surroundings.
Overnight at San Jose.
Day 2
:
SAN JOSE – ARENAL (160km – 4hrs) / CAR HIRE HOTEL DELIVERY
Location: San Jose, Arenal
Accommodation:
Hotel
Accommodation Name: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At the agreed time a representative of the car rental company will meet you at the hotel lobby to deliver the contract and the rental car. Drive towards the Arenal area; take into consideration that the road trip can take around 4 hours and it is more convenient to arrive at the destination before nightfall. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in Arenal and enjoy free time to relax or discover the surroundings on your own.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 3
:
ARENAL – TAMARINDO (200km – 4.5hrs)
Location: Arenal, Tamarindo
Accommodation:
Resort
Accommodation Name: Tamarindo Diria or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Drive to Tamarindo Beach on the north pacific coast; take into consideration that the road trip can take around 4.5 hours and it is more convenient to arrive before nightfall. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in Tamarindo. Enjoy free time at the Resort facilities or explore the beach on your own.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 4
:
TAMARINDO
Location: Tamarindo
Accommodation:
Resort
Accommodation Name: Tamarindo Diria or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Leisure day to relax and discover Tamarindo on your own.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 5
:
TAMARINDO
Location: Tamarindo
Accommodation:
Resort
Accommodation Name: Tamarindo Diria or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast included at the hotel. Enjoy leisure time to simply relax or continue exploring Tamarindo region on your own.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 6
:
TAMARINDO – SAN JOSE (250km – 5hrs) / CAR HIRE HOTEL RETURN
Location: Tamarindo, San Jose
Accommodation:
Resort
Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Drive to the city of San Jose; take into consideration that the road trip can take around 5 hours. At the time agreed with the car rental company, return the car at the hotel lobby in San Jose. Check-in at the hotel in San Jose and relax or go to explore the city on your own.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 7
:
DEPARTURE SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)
Location: San José, Juan Santamaria International Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At the agreed time, a local representative will pick you up at the lobby and take you on shared transportation to Juan Santamaria International Airport to take your flight back home.
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Comfortable and light and quick dry 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, tennis shoes, hiking shoes, sandals, sweater, raincoat or jacket, bathing suit, a hat or cap and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. All drivers must carry their current driver's license. All drivers must carry an international personal credit card (Visa, MC, Diners Club, and AMEX).
Please note that this tour is a suggested itinerary. While the sites listed may be visited independently, the package does not cover any applicable entrance or tour fees
The minimum age for renting a car must be 21 years
All drivers must carry their current driver's license
All drivers must carry an international personal credit card (Visa, MC, Diners Club, and AMEX)
Please consider that the driving times and distances are estimated and that they can vary because of many circumstances, such as the specific route taken, hotel location, traffic, weather, road conditions, etc.
The start times and durations of the transfers are approximate
In many hotels in Costa Rica, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed
No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
This self-drive tour includes a 4x4 car rental with hotel delivery and return from Day 2 to Day 6, allowing you to explore Costa Rica at your own pace. Shared transfers are provided for arrival and departure from Juan Santamaria Airport.
Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights of comfortable accommodation in Costa Rica, staying at standard 3-star hotels. Begin and end your journey in San Jose at the Sleep Inn Hotel or similar. Experience the tranquility of Casa Luna Hotel & Spa in Arenal, and relax at Tamarindo Diria in Tamarindo.
Check out our Q&As
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 6 nights of accommodation in standard hotel categories. In San Jose, you will stay at the Sleep Inn Hotel or a similar 3-star hotel. In Arenal, the accommodation is at Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or a similar 3-star hotel. In Tamarindo, you will stay at Tamarindo Diria or a similar 3-star hotel.
What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 6 breakfasts.
What is included in the car hire during the tour?
The car hire includes a 4x4 car rental with hotel delivery and return from Day 2 to Day 6, GPS, an additional driver, and daily basic insurance.
Are there any specific requirements for drivers on this tour?
Yes, all drivers must carry their current driver's license and an international personal credit card (Visa, MC, Diners Club, and AMEX). The minimum age for renting a car is 21 years.
What is not included in the car hire?
The car hire does not include full insurance, gasoline (the car must be returned with a full tank), and any damage to the vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving. Fines due to breaking traffic laws and regulations are the responsibility of the driver.
What activities can I do in Tamarindo?
In Tamarindo, you can enjoy great swimming, surfing, fishing, and water sports during the day. The area also offers a vibrant nightlife come sunset.
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
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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.
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.
Not what you're looking for?
People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:
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