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Tour Overview
Enjoy the highlights of Costa Rica on this eleven-day itinerary, including wonderful jungles, volcano and pristine beaches. This is a country of great natural beauty and every destination has something unique to offer. Whether you are watching the Arenal volcano whilst bathing in hot springs, exploring the dense jungle of Tortuguero or relaxing on the pristine beaches of Tamarindo and the Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica really is a nature lover's paradise. ...more ...less
Highlights
Tortuguero: Explore the network of canals, lagoons, and dense rainforests, with a chance to see turtles hatch
Puerto Viejo: Enjoy the calm waters and tropical paradise of this beach lover's haven, known for its unique blend of cultures
Arenal: Experience the majestic Arenal Volcano and find balance in the lush jungle, a top wellness tourism destination
Tamarindo: Discover the most developed beach on the Nicoya Peninsula, perfect for surfing, swimming, and enjoying a tropical getaway
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 by your own the city and its surroundings.
Overnight at San Jose.
Day 2
:
SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (117km – 3.5hrs by land / 1.5hr by boat)
Location: Costa Rica
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early check-out from the hotel. Around 6:00 am a local representative will pick you up at the hotel lobby and take you on a shared transfer to your next destination: Tortuguero National Park, located in the North Caribbean Coast. On the way, around 8:30 am there will be a stop for breakfast in Guápiles city and then continue to La Pavona dock, where you will board a boat shared with others guests, that will take you to the lodge where you will immerse yourself in a perfectly quiet, laid back and tranquil stay. Around 1:00 pm, check-in and enjoy a delightful lunch (included). Afterwards, around 2:30 pm, meet your guide for an expedition through the Tortuguero Canals, a must activity while you are in Costa Rica. Explore the lagoons and hidden canals; as you go deeper into the forest the canals become smaller and the surrounding wildlife gets closer. Rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 3
:
TORTUGUERO
Location: Costa Rica
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel. Around 9:00 am meet your guide to discovering nature by taking a walk through the Lodge’s private trails. Enjoy free time in the morning to cool off in the pool and simply relax. Later this day, around 2:30 pm join to the guide and visit the small and picturesque village of Tortuguero. Afterwards, return to the Lodge to relax. Lunch and dinner included at the Lodge.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4
:
TORTUGUERO – PUERTO VIEJO (206km – 4hrs by land/ 1.5hr by boat) / CAR HIRE DELIVERY
Location: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Villas Del Caribe or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast at the lodge and check-out. Around 9:30 am be ready to depart on a shared transfer by boat and land from Tortuguero to the Restaurant located in Guápiles city, where you will enjoy the lunch. After lunch, around 1:30 p.m., a local car rental representative will meet you at the restaurant and deliver you the rented vehicle and all the information regarding the contract. Afterwards, self-drive to your next destination: the Caribbean beach town of Puerto Viejo. Upon arrival, around 4:30 pm, check-in at the hotel in Puerto Viejo and free time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.
Overnight in Puerto Viejo.
Day 5
:
PUERTO VIEJO
Location: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Villas Del Caribe or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy leisure time to simply relax or explore Puerto Viejo, its surrounding and beaches on your own.
Overnight in Puerto Viejo.
Day 6
:
PUERTO VIEJO – ARENAL (275km – 5hrs)
Location: San Carlos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At a convenient time, self-drive to your next destination: La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the wonderful Arenal Volcano. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in Arenal, enjoy free time to relax and discover the natural beauty of this destination on your own.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 7
:
ARENAL
Location: San Carlos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy leisure time to simply relax or explore the Arenal region on your own.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 8
:
ARENAL – TAMARINDO (205km – 4hrs)
Location: Tamarindo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tamarindo Diria or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast included at the hotel and check-out. At a convenient time, self-drive to your next destination: Tamarindo beach, located in the North Pacific Coast of Guanacaste Province. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in Tamarindo and enjoy free time to relax at the resort facilities or explore the beach town on your own.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 9
:
TAMARINDO
Location: Tamarindo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tamarindo Diria or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Leisure day to relax and enjoy the tropical paradise of Tamarindo beach.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 10
:
TAMARINDO – SAN JOSE (260km – 5hrs) / CAR HIRE HOTEL RETURN
Location: Dolorosa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast included at the hotel and check-out. At a convenient time, self-drive to San Jose. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in San Jose and at the agreed time, meet the local car rental representative at the hotel lobby to return the vehicle. Enjoy free time to relax or go to explore the capital city on your own.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 11
:
DEPARTURE SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)
Location: Dolorosa
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.
What's Included
TOUR GUIDE:
Operated with English and Spanish-speaking guides only during included activities (Day 2, 3)*
*Please note you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only. There is no guarantee that you will be part of a group, or part of the same group during the tour.
ACCOMMODATION:
10 nights’ accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 10 San Jose:
Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3*
Day 2-3 Tortuguero:
Standard Category = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Day 4-5 Puerto Viejo:
Standard Hotel Category = Villas Del Caribe or similar 3*
Day 6-7 Arenal:
Standard Hotel Category = Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar 3*
Day 8-9 Tamarindo:
Standard Hotel Category = Tamarindo Diria or similar 3*
CAR RENTAL OPTIONS
Car Group A = Daihatsu Bego or similar
MEALS:
10 Breakfasts
3 Lunches (Day 2-4)
2 Dinners (Day 2-3)
TRANSPORT:
Arrival and departure shared transfers from/ to Juan Santamaria Airport
Shared transfers between areas (land and boat) (except during self-drive part)
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: guided visit to Tortuguero National Park (Day 2); guided Morning Walk in Tortuguero and guided visit to Tortuguero Village (Day 3)
OTHER:
Meet & Greet
Hotel Taxes
CAR HIRE:
4x4 Car rental from Day 4-10
Car delivery (Day 4)
Car return at the hotel (Day 10)
GPS
Additional driver
Daily Basic Insurance
What's Not Included
International and Domestic flights
Car Hire Exclusions
Car Rental Full Insurance, deductible deposit: A deposit will be requested on the customer's credit card, as a guarantee of the corresponding deductible payment and of the charges not contemplated in the voucher of the agency, gasoline (the car must be returned with a full tank), 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 a fine being received, there will be an administration charge, any extra equipment not mentioned as included. ...more ...less
Departure taxes and Visa fees
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the programme
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
Optional tours and activities
Porterage and gratuities
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
Requirements
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)
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Please Note
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 order of activities in Tortuguero may vary according to the season and the disposition of the hotel
The start times and durations of excursions as well as 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
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS Day 1, 10 San Jose:
Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3*
Day 2-3 Tortuguero:
Standard Hotel Category = Pachira Lodge or similar 3*
Day 4-5 Puerto Viejo:
Standard Hotel Category = Villas Del Caribe or similar 3*
Day 6-7 Arenal:
Standard Hotel Category = Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar 3*
Day 8-9 Tamarindo:
Standard Hotel Category = Tamarindo Diria or similar 3*
CAR RENTAL OPTIONS
Car Group A = Daihatsu Bego or similar
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 10 San Jose:
Standard Hotel Category = Sleep Inn Hotel or similar 3*
Day 2-3 Tortuguero:
Standard Category = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Day 4-5 Puerto Viejo:
Standard Hotel Category = Villas Del Caribe or similar 3*
Day 6-7 Arenal:
Standard Hotel Category = Casa Luna Hotel & Spa or similar 3*
Day 8-9 Tamarindo:
Standard Hotel Category = Tamarindo Diria or similar 3*
CAR RENTAL OPTIONS
Car Group A = Daihatsu Bego or similar
Check out our Q&As
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, shared arrival & departure transfer from/to San Jose airport to/from the hotel
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
ll entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: guided visit to Tortuguero National Park; guided Morning Walk in Tortuguero and guided visit to Tortuguero Village is included.
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Low
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 10 years old or above
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, English and spanish speaking local tour guide on this tour.
Are flights included in this tour?
International and Domestic flights are not included.
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.
...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.
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.
From the Atlantic to the Pacific, Self-Drive
11 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica
Visiting:
Dolorosa, Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, San Carlos, Tamarindo
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On the way, around 8:30 am there will be a stop for breakfast in Guápiles city and then continue to La Pavona dock, where you will board a boat shared with others guests, that will take you to the lodge where you will immerse yourself in a perfectly quiet, laid back and tranquil stay. Around 1:00 pm, check-in and enjoy a delightful lunch (included). Afterwards, around 2:30 pm, meet your guide for an expedition through the Tortuguero Canals, a must activity while you are in Costa Rica. Explore the lagoons and hidden canals; as you go deeper into the forest the canals become smaller and the surrounding wildlife gets closer. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. </p><p><strong>Overnight in Tortuguero. </strong></p>","lat":"10.542484","lng":"-83.502355"},{"title":"Day 3: TORTUGUERO","name":"Costa Rica","description":"<p>Breakfast at the hotel. Around 9:00 am meet your guide to discovering nature by taking a walk through the Lodge’s private trails. Enjoy free time in the morning to cool off in the pool and simply relax. Later this day, around 2:30 pm join to the guide and visit the small and picturesque village of Tortuguero. Afterwards, return to the Lodge to relax. Lunch and dinner included at the Lodge. </p><p><strong>Overnight in Tortuguero. </strong></p>","lat":"10.542484","lng":"-83.502355"},{"title":"Day 4: TORTUGUERO – PUERTO VIEJO (206km – 4hrs by land/ 1.5hr by boat) / CAR HIRE DELIVERY","name":"Puerto Viejo de Talamanca","description":"<p>Breakfast at the lodge and check-out. Around 9:30 am be ready to depart on a shared transfer by boat and land from Tortuguero to the Restaurant located in Guápiles city, where you will enjoy the lunch. After lunch, around 1:30 p.m., a local car rental representative will meet you at the restaurant and deliver you the rented vehicle and all the information regarding the contract. Afterwards, self-drive to your next destination: the Caribbean beach town of Puerto Viejo. Upon arrival, around 4:30 pm, check-in at the hotel in Puerto Viejo and free time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. </p><p><strong>Overnight in Puerto Viejo. </strong></p>","lat":"9.654015","lng":"-82.754941"},{"title":"Day 5: PUERTO VIEJO","name":"Puerto Viejo de Talamanca","description":"<p>Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy leisure time to simply relax or explore Puerto Viejo, its surrounding and beaches on your own. </p><p></p><p><strong>Overnight in Puerto Viejo.</strong></p>","lat":"9.654015","lng":"-82.754941"},{"title":"Day 6: PUERTO VIEJO – ARENAL (275km – 5hrs)","name":"San Carlos","description":"<p>Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At a convenient time, self-drive to your next destination: La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the wonderful Arenal Volcano. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in Arenal, enjoy free time to relax and discover the natural beauty of this destination on your own. </p><p><strong>Overnight in Arenal.</strong></p>","lat":"10.462387","lng":"-84.70276"},{"title":"Day 7: ARENAL","name":"San Carlos","description":"<p>Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy leisure time to simply relax or explore the Arenal region on your own. </p><p></p><p><strong>Overnight in Arenal.</strong></p>","lat":"10.462387","lng":"-84.70276"},{"title":"Day 8: ARENAL – TAMARINDO (205km – 4hrs)","name":"Tamarindo","description":"<p>Breakfast included at the hotel and check-out. At a convenient time, self-drive to your next destination: Tamarindo beach, located in the North Pacific Coast of Guanacaste Province. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in Tamarindo and enjoy free time to relax at the resort facilities or explore the beach town on your own.</p><p><strong>Overnight in Tamarindo.</strong></p>","lat":"10.309","lng":"-85.83412"},{"title":"Day 9: TAMARINDO","name":"Tamarindo","description":"<p>Breakfast at the hotel. Leisure day to relax and enjoy the tropical paradise of Tamarindo beach. </p><p></p><p><strong>Overnight in Tamarindo.</strong></p>","lat":"10.309","lng":"-85.83412"},{"title":"Day 10: TAMARINDO – SAN JOSE (260km – 5hrs) / CAR HIRE HOTEL RETURN","name":"Dolorosa","description":"<p>Breakfast included at the hotel and check-out. At a convenient time, self-drive to San Jose. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in San Jose and at the agreed time, meet the local car rental representative at the hotel lobby to return the vehicle. Enjoy free time to relax or go to explore the capital city on your own. </p><p><strong>Overnight in San Jose. </strong></p>","lat":"9.930845","lng":"-84.07983"},{"title":"Day 11: DEPARTURE SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)","name":"Dolorosa","description":"<p>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. </p>","lat":"9.930845","lng":"-84.07983"}]
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