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