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Highlights
Volcanoes, rainforests, wildlife, and beaches on epic Costa Rican adventure.
Discover volcanoes, waterfalls, and hot springs in Arenal and Tenorio.
Explore lush rainforests and spot wildlife in Sarapiquí and Boca Tapada.
Enjoy cloud forests, hanging bridges, and ziplining in Monteverde.
Relax on Pacific beaches and visit authentic mountain villages in Los Santos.
This 15-day self-drive tour through Costa Rica offers the perfect mix of nature, adventure, and cultural discovery. From active volcanoes and thermal springs in Arenal and Tenorio to the pristine rainforests of Sarapiquí and Boca Tapada, the route is packed with rich biodiversity and incredible wildlife viewing. Drive at your own pace and explore hanging bridges, waterfalls, and cloud forests while staying in hand-picked eco-lodges and guesthouses that connect you with the natural surroundings.
The journey continues to the misty forests of Monteverde and the tropical beaches of the Central Pacific. Adventure activities like ziplining, hiking, and wildlife watching are balanced with peaceful moments by the ocean and visits to authentic villages in the Los Santos region.
This 15-day self-drive tour through Costa Rica offers the perfect mix of nature, adventure, and cultural discovery. From active volcanoes and thermal springs in Arenal and Tenorio to the pristine rainforests of Sarapiquí and Boca Tapada, the route is packed with rich biodiversity and incredible wildlife viewing. Drive at your own pace and explore hanging bridges, waterfalls, and cloud forests while staying in hand-picked eco-lodges and guesthouses that connect you with the natural surroundings.
The journey continues to the misty forests of Monteverde and the tropical beaches of the Central Pacific. Adventure activities like ziplining, hiking, and wildlife watching are balanced with peaceful moments by the ocean and visits to authentic villages in the Los Santos region.
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Natural Adventure Self-drive Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Costa Rica
Upon arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), a local representative will be waiting for you outside the terminal. After clearing immigration and customs, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel near San Jose, just 15–25 minutes from the airport. During the short drive, you will receive a brief introduction to Costa Rica along with helpful travel tips. Once at the hotel, you’ll get a detailed explanation of your itinerary and have time to settle in and relax before your adventure begins.
Overnight Location: KC Hotel San Jose
Meals: None
Day 2 Discover Sarapiqui Wildlife
After breakfast at your hotel, begin your self-drive journey to Sarapiquí, located about 2 hours and 15 minutes from San José. Nestled in the Heredia province, Sarapiquí is known for its incredible biodiversity and wealth of adventure activities. As you drive through scenic landscapes of lush forests, banana plantations, and cacao farms, you’ll arrive at a region where nature and culture meet.
Once a quiet river port, Sarapiquí now offers a variety of optional experiences to enrich your stay. From guided night walks and birdwatching tours to fascinating bat programs and chocolate tours, there’s plenty to discover.
Overnight Location: Selva Verde Lodge in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Discover Boca Tapada
Drive yourself from Sarapiquí to Boca Tapada, a journey of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Nestled in Costa Rica’s northern lowlands near the San Carlos River, Boca Tapada offers a true off-the-beaten-path experience. The area is known for its extensive pineapple and sugar cane plantations as well as its rich biodiversity of plants and wildlife. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting off to explore this unique region.
Optional tours include a scenic Rio San Carlos boat trip, an adventurous Montaña Mágica Cerro Blanco hike, and a Pineapple Organic Tour, all designed to deepen your connection with this vibrant ecosystem.
Overnight Location: Maquenque Eco-Lodge in Boca Tapada
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Free day to explore
Enjoy a leisurely day at your own pace and choose how to spend your time. Relax and soak in the surroundings or take the opportunity to explore more of the area with optional tours tailored to your interests. For those wanting more adventure, optional experiences like the Cuyito Garden Tour, a gastronomical and cultural tour with Familia Vargas (including lunch), and the Don Belicio Organic Pineapple Tour are available.
Overnight Location: Maquenque Eco-Lodge in Boca Tapada
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Bijagua and Celeste River Exploration
Drive approximately 3 hours from Boca Tapada to the Celeste River area. Bijagua de Upala, a charming village near the entrance to Tenorio Volcano National Park, offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Known as the gateway to the breathtaking sky-blue Celeste River, this rural town is perfect for nature lovers, featuring excellent birdwatching opportunities and warm, welcoming locals.
Overnight Location: Casitas Tenorio B&B in Bijagua de Upala
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Leisure day in Bijagua
Enjoy a leisurely day in Bijagua at your own pace. Relax and take in the natural beauty or choose to explore more with optional tours tailored to your interests. For those seeking adventure, the Rio Celeste/Tenorio hike offers an unforgettable experience discovering stunning waterfalls and vibrant blue waters within Tenorio Volcano National Park.
Overnight Location: Casitas Tenorio B&B in Bijagua de Upala
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Monteverde cloud forest adventure
Self-drive from Celeste River area to Monteverde (approx. 2.5 hours). Monteverde is renowned for its cool, misty cloud forests and lush green landscapes, offering a true escape into nature. This region of Costa Rica’s Central Highlands is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventure and unique wildlife experiences. Optional tours include an exciting Night Walk to explore the forest after dark.
Overnight Location: Calathea Lodge Monteverde
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Free day to discover Monteverde
Enjoy a relaxing day at your own pace in the beautiful Monteverde region. Take time to soak in the lush cloud forest surroundings or choose from optional tours tailored to your interests. For a deeper experience, consider exploring the Curi-Cancha Reserve with a natural history tour to discover the diverse wildlife and rich ecosystems that make this area so unique.
Overnight Location: Calathea Lodge Monteverde
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Tarcoles wildlife and river journey
Self-drive from Monteverde to Tárcoles takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. Located in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region, the Tarcoles River stretches 111 kilometers and its watershed covers nearly half the country’s population. The river’s upper section marks the northern boundary of Carara Biological Reserve, a protected habitat for American crocodiles. The marshes at the river’s mouth are home to diverse waterfowl and wading birds, making this area a prime spot for wildlife lovers. Optional tours include visiting Carara National Park and bird watching for those who want to explore further.
Overnight Location: Villa Lapas Jungle Village in Tarcoles
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Experience Dominical’s Natural Beauty
Enjoy a scenic self-drive from Tárcoles to Dominical, a laid-back beach town famous for its great surfing waves and stunning landscapes. Known for its relaxed vibe, Dominical captures the authentic spirit of old Costa Rica, attracting surfers and travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility. Take time to explore the beach, soak in the atmosphere, or consider an optional visit to the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary for a closer look at local wildlife.
Overnight Location: Yaba Chigui Lodge in Ojochal
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Free day to explore or relax
Enjoy a leisurely day at your own pace and choose how to spend your time. Relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings or take the opportunity to explore more with optional tours tailored to your interests. For added adventure, consider a guided visit to Manuel Antonio National Park or a snorkeling tour at Ballena Marine National Park. If you need assistance, your travel expert is ready to help customize your experience.
Overnight Location: Yaba Chigui Lodge in Ojochal
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 Los Santos highlands wildlife
Enjoy a scenic self-drive from Dominical to the Los Santos area, approximately 3 hours through the beautiful Talamanca Mountain Range. This highland region is renowned for its rich wildlife, especially its diverse bird species such as woodpeckers, warblers, falcons, owls, and the iconic quetzal. Los Santos is also famous for producing some of Costa Rica’s finest coffee, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike.
Overnight Location: Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 Experience the best of Los Santos
Enjoy a leisurely day at your own pace in the beautiful Los Santos highlands. Relax and take in the stunning natural surroundings, or choose to explore more with optional tours tailored to your interests. Popular experiences include the Quetzal birdwatching tour, a coffee plantation visit, or an exciting waterfall adventure.
Overnight Location: Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 Return to San José
After breakfast, embark on a scenic self-drive from San Gerardo de Dota to San Jose, which takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Upon arrival in the capital city of Costa Rica, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Explore San Jose’s vibrant streets, visit local shops and markets, dine at a charming restaurant, or simply unwind and relax at your hotel, soaking in the city’s unique atmosphere.
Overnight Location: Autentico Hotel in San Jose
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 Departure Day
All good things must come to an end. Today, drive from your hotel to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), ensuring you arrive at least 3 hours before your departure. On your departure day, return your rental car before heading to the airport for your flight home.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast
Natural Adventure Self-drive Tour Price and Dates
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:Accommodation on Natural Adventure Self-drive Tour
This tour is based in hotels and lodges that offer comfort and authentic local charm. Each accommodation provides a cozy atmosphere and convenient access to the region’s natural and cultural attractions.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
What’s Included in the Natural Adventure Self-drive Tour?
Meals
14 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 14 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
A rental car is included for the duration of the tour. The standard vehicle provided is a Mitsubishi ASX 4WD AT or similar (SUV Intermediate 4WD, automatic, PLI & WIFI).
Also Included
- English-speaking guide
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees where applicable
- Private airport transfers
- 24/7 emergency support
- Rental car from day 2 to day 15
- VAT
Not included
- Flights to and from Costa Rica
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Departure taxes
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Fuel costs
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions:
- Day 2 – Birdwatching tour, Guided night walk, Bat program, Chocolate Tour
- Day 3 – Rio San Carlos Boat tour, Montaña Mágica Cerro Blanco Tour, Pineapple Organic Tour
- Day 4 – Cuyito Garden Tour + Gastronomical/Cultural tour with Familia Vargas (Lunch) + Don Belicio Organic Pineapple Tour
- Day 6 – Rio Celeste/ Tenorio Hike
- Day 7 – Night Walk tour
- Day 8 – Curi-Cancha Reservation Natural History Tour
- Day 9 – Carara National Park & Bird watching
- Day 10 – Tour at Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary
- Day 11 – Manuel Antonio National Park guided tour, Snorkeling tour at Ballena Marine National Park
- Day 13 – Quetzal tour, Coffee tour, Waterfall tour
- How hard is the Natural Adventure Self-drive Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
- Are meals included on the Natural Adventure Self-drive Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to San Jose to start this tour?
- Where does the Natural Adventure Self-drive Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Costa Rica?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Costa Rica?
We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. This self-drive tour is suitable for most travelers with a basic level of fitness. Driving conditions in Costa Rica are generally good, and the itinerary allows for a relaxed pace with short to moderate hikes and optional activities. Some roads, especially in rural or mountainous areas, may be unpaved or winding, requiring attentive driving but no special off-road skills.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
14 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover all the activities listed on the tour. Get your travel insurance.
Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, where a private transfer will take you to your hotel to begin the tour.
The tour ends in San Jose.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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