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Tour Overview
Enjoy the highlights of Costa Rica on this nine-day itinerary. Beginning and ending in the capital, San Jose, this tour offers you the chance to discover different aspects of this emblematic destination. Visit the most predominant natural areas of Costa Rica, such as Arenal Volcano National Park, and spend precious time in mesmerising Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica’s most famous beaches. Enjoy the comfort of the rented car for part of the tour so you can explore on your own the Guanacaste province which has so much to offer. ...more ...less
Highlights
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
Tamarindo: This busy beach resort is great for a night out, surfing, and exploring the bustling restaurant scene
Itinerary
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Upon arrival to bustling San Jose, our representative will meet and greet you and then direct you to your shared transport, which will drop you off at your hotel in San Jose for your night in Costa Rica.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 2
:
San Jose – Tortuguero (135Km – 4 Hrs By Road / 2 Hrs By Boat)
Location: Roxana
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your day begins early with a pick up from the hotel. Indulge in a tasty breakfast en route in a restaurant in Guapiles and continue through the jungle by boat, cruising the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Arrive at your lodge in time to enjoy a tasty lunch. Dinner in the evening is also included.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 3
:
Tortuguero National Park
Location: Roxana
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Pachira Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Make the most of your stay in Tortuguero. After breakfast, enjoy a boat trip on the Tortuguero canals, an essential activity while in Costa Rica. Discover its network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests through a boat tour guided by an expert naturalist guide. Abundant wildlife inhabits Tortuguero, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. Lunch and dinner is served at the hotel.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4
:
Tortuguero (Car Pick-Up) – Arenal (210Km – 5 Hrs By Road / 2 Hrs By Boat)
Location: El Castillo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Arenal Paraiso or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we depart Tortuguero by shared boat and land transfers back to Guapiles, where we stop for lunch in a local restaurant. After a tasty meal, pick up your car and drive to the Arenal area. Arrive at Arenal and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5
:
Arenal
Location: El Castillo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Arenal Paraiso or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to a breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the area. Optionally, you can take advantage of the activities that are available in the area.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 6
:
Arenal – Guanacaste/Tamarindo (200Km – 4 Hrs)
Location: Tamarindo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pasatiempo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel drive to your next destination, the paradise Guanacaste, located in the North Pacific. Upon arrival at Tamarindo Beach free afternoon to enjoy the hotel facilities and the beach.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 7
:
Tamarindo
Location: Tamarindo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pasatiempo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover Tamarindo and surrounding beaches on your own; take an optional excursion available on the spot.
Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 8
:
Tamarindo – San Jose (260Km – 4.5Hrs)
Location: San José
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Autentico or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a free morning by the beach. In the afternoon drive to San Jose and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 9
:
Departure San Jose Airport (Car Drop Off)
Location: San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your last breakfast and at the agreed time return the car and transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your onward flight.
What's Included
ACCOMMODATION:
8 night’s accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,8 San Jose
Hotel Category A = Hotel Autentico or similar 3*
Hotel Category B = Park Inn or similar 4*
Hotel Category C = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 3*
Hotel Category D = Hilton Sabana or similar 3*
Day 2,3 Tortuguero
Hotel Category A, B = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Hotel Category C = Mawamba Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Hotel Category D = Manatus Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Day 4,5 Arenal
Hotel Category A = Magic Mountain or similar 4*
Hotel Category B = Arenal Paraiso or similar 3*
Hotel Category C = Arenal Manoa or similar 4*
Hotel Category D = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
Day 6,7 Guanacaste/Tamarindo
Hotel Category A = Hotel Pasatiempo or similar 3*
Hotel Category B = Tamarindo Diria or similar 4*
Hotel Category C = Cala Luna or similar 4*
Hotel Category D = Capitán Suizo or similar 4*
CAR HIRE (Day 4-9):
Car Group B = Suzuki Vitara 4x4 or similar
MEALS:
8 Breakfasts
3 Lunches (Day 2, 3, 4)
2 Dinners (Day 2, 3)
TRANSPORT:
Arrival shared transfers from Juan Santamaria Airport
Shared transfers between areas throughout the itinerary (land and boat) except during self-drive part
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: guided boat tour in Tortuguero National Park (Day 3)
OTHER:
Meet & Greet
Hotel Taxes
CAR HIRE:
4x4 Car rental from day 4
Car delivery (Day 4)
Car return at the airport (Day 9)
GPS
Daily Basic Insurance
What's Not Included
Tour guide
Services not mentioned in the itinerary
International and Domestic flights
Departure taxes
Visa fees
Optional tours and activities
Tips and gratuities
Expenditures of a personal nature or items not stated explicitly in the program
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
NOT INCLUDED IN CAR HIRE
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
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>
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Please Note
The minimum age for renting a car is 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.
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.
Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
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
No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,8 San Jose
Hotel Category A = Hotel Autentico or similar 3*
Hotel Category B = Studio Hotel or similar 4*
Hotel Category C = Hilton Garden Inn La Sabana or similar 3*
Hotel Category D = Hilton San José La Sabana or similar 3*
Day 2,3 Tortuguero
Hotel Category A, B, C = Pachira Lodge or similar 2*
Hotel Category D = Manatus Lodge or similar 4*
Day 4,5 Arenal
Hotel Category A = Hotel Arenal Paraiso or similar 3*
Hotel Category B = Hotel Arenal Manoa or similar 4*
Hotel Category C = Hotel Arenal Springs or similar 4*
Hotel Category D = Hotel Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
Day 6,7 Guanacaste/Tamarindo
Hotel Category A = Hotel Pasatiempo or similar 3*
Hotel Category B = Hotel Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 3*
Hotel Category C = Hotel Tamarindo Diria or similar 4*
Hotel Category D = Hotel Capitán Suizo or similar 4*
CAR HIRE (Day 4-9):
Car Group B = Suzuki Vitara 4x4 or similar
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,8 San Jose
Hotel Category A = Hotel Autentico or similar 3*
Hotel Category B = Park Inn or similar 4*
Hotel Category C = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 3*
Hotel Category D = Hilton Sabana or similar 3*
Day 2,3 Tortuguero
Hotel Category A, B = Turtle Beach Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Hotel Category C = Mawamba Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Hotel Category D = Manatus Lodge or similar (Lodge Standard)
Day 4,5 Arenal
Hotel Category A = Magic Mountain or similar 4*
Hotel Category B = Arenal Paraiso or similar 3*
Hotel Category C = Arenal Manoa or similar 4*
Hotel Category D = Arenal Kioro or similar 5*
Day 6,7 Guanacaste/Tamarindo
Hotel Category A = Hotel Pasatiempo or similar 3*
Hotel Category B = Tamarindo Diria or similar 4*
Hotel Category C = Cala Luna or similar 4*
Hotel Category D = Capitán Suizo or similar 4*
CAR HIRE (Day 4-9):
Car Group B = Suzuki Vitara 4x4 or similar
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with shared transfers from Juan Santamaria Airport, shared land and boat transfers between areas, and a 4x4 car rental from day 4 to 9, including GPS and basic insurance.
Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights of comfortable accommodation with options ranging from 2-star lodges in Tortuguero to 5-star hotels in Arenal, ensuring a pleasant stay throughout your journey in Costa Rica.
Check out our Q&As
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Tortuguero National Park?
Tortuguero National Park is home to abundant wildlife, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. You can also spot green sea turtles nesting on the beaches.
What activities are included in Tortuguero National Park?
The tour includes a guided boat tour on the Tortuguero canals, where you can explore the network of canals, lagoons, and dense rainforests with an expert naturalist guide.
What meals are included during the tour?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches (on Days 2, 3, and 4), and 2 dinners (on Days 2 and 3).
What type of car is provided for the self-drive part of the tour?
A Suzuki Vitara 4x4 or a similar vehicle is provided for the self-drive part of the tour from Day 4 to Day 9.
Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available, especially during the free days in Arenal and Tamarindo. These can be arranged on the spot.
What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable and light clothing, sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent are recommended. Visitors should avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings.
What are the accommodation options in San Jose?
In San Jose, the accommodation options include Hotel Autentico or similar 3* (Category A), Studio Hotel or similar 4* (Category B), Hilton Garden Inn La Sabana or similar 3* (Category C), and Hilton San José La Sabana or similar 3* (Category D).
What are the accommodation options in Tortuguero?
In Tortuguero, the accommodation options include Pachira Lodge or similar 2* (Categories A, B, C) and Manatus Lodge or similar 4* (Category D).
What are the accommodation options in Arenal?
In Arenal, the accommodation options include Hotel Arenal Paraiso or similar 3* (Category A), Hotel Arenal Manoa or similar 4* (Category B), Hotel Arenal Springs or similar 4* (Category C), and Hotel Arenal Kioro or similar 5* (Category D).
What are the accommodation options in Tamarindo?
In Tamarindo, the accommodation options include Hotel Pasatiempo or similar 3* (Category A), Hotel Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 3* (Category B), Hotel Tamarindo Diria or similar 4* (Category C), and Hotel Capitán Suizo or similar 4* (Category D).
What is the minimum age for renting a car?
The minimum age for renting a car is 21 years.
What documents are required for renting a car?
All drivers must carry their current driver's license and an international personal credit card (Visa, MC, Diners Club, and AMEX).
What is not included in the car hire?
The car hire does not include full insurance, deductible deposit, gasoline (the car must be returned with a full tank), damage to a third party or 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 persons through driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fines due to breaking traffic laws and regulations during the hire period, and any extra equipment not mentioned as 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.
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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.
Magic Costa Rica 9 Days, Self-drive
9 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica
Visiting:
San José, Roxana, El Castillo, Tamarindo
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Abundant wildlife inhabits Tortuguero, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. Lunch and dinner is served at the hotel.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Tortuguero.</strong></p>","lat":"10.448877","lng":"-83.506923"},{"title":"Day 4: TORTUGUERO (CAR PICK-UP) – ARENAL (210km – 5 hrs by road / 2 hrs by boat)","name":"El Castillo","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">After breakfast, we depart Tortuguero by shared boat and land transfers back to Guapiles, where we stop for lunch in a local restaurant. After a tasty meal, pick up your car and drive to the Arenal area. Arrive at Arenal and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Arenal.</strong></p>","lat":"10.461214","lng":"-84.728149"},{"title":"Day 5: ARENAL","name":"El Castillo","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Wake up to a breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the area. Optionally, you can take advantage of the activities that are available in the area.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Arenal.</strong></p>","lat":"10.461214","lng":"-84.728149"},{"title":"Day 6: ARENAL – GUANACASTE/TAMARINDO (200km – 4 hrs)","name":"Tamarindo","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">After breakfast at the hotel drive to your next destination, the paradise Guanacaste, located in the North Pacific. Upon arrival at Tamarindo Beach free afternoon to enjoy the hotel facilities and the beach.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Tamarindo.</strong></p>","lat":"10.30186","lng":"-85.841117"},{"title":"Day 7: TAMARINDO","name":"Tamarindo","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover Tamarindo and surrounding beaches on your own; take an optional excursion available on the spot.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Tamarindo.</strong></p>","lat":"10.30186","lng":"-85.841117"},{"title":"Day 8: TAMARINDO – SAN JOSE (260km – 4.5hrs)","name":"San José","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a free morning by the beach. In the afternoon drive to San Jose and check in to your hotel.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in San Jose.</strong></p>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"},{"title":"Day 9: DEPARTURE SAN JOSE AIRPORT (CAR DROP OFF)","name":"San José","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Enjoy your last breakfast and at the agreed time return the car and transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport to catch your onward flight.</p>","lat":"9.928069","lng":"-84.090725"}]
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