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Highlights
Explore Costa Rica’s volcanoes, cloud forests, beaches, and wildlife freely.
Discover Costa Rica’s iconic volcanoes and lush cloud forests.
Experience vibrant wildlife and diverse ecosystems up close.
Enjoy flexible self-driving through scenic coastal and mountain routes.
Relax on beautiful beaches and explore charming local towns.
The Pura Vida Self-Drive tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation across some of Costa Rica’s most iconic landscapes. Starting from San José, the journey takes you through the lush rainforests and volcanic regions of Arenal, where you can witness the majestic Arenal Volcano and soak in natural hot springs. The route continues to Monteverde, famed for its cloud forests and incredible biodiversity, making it ideal for wildlife spotting and hiking. This flexible self-drive itinerary lets you explore at your own pace, with well-maintained roads connecting all key destinations.
Along the way, discover pristine beaches near Jaco, where you can unwind, surf, or explore vibrant local culture. The experience balances scenic drives with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as zip-lining, birdwatching, and relaxing by waterfalls. The route offers manageable driving distances and varied terrain, ensuring a comfortable and memorable Costa Rican adventure filled with natural beauty and cultural experiences.
The Pura Vida Self-Drive tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation across some of Costa Rica’s most iconic landscapes. Starting from San José, the journey takes you through the lush rainforests and volcanic regions of Arenal, where you can witness the majestic Arenal Volcano and soak in natural hot springs. The route continues to Monteverde, famed for its cloud forests and incredible biodiversity, making it ideal for wildlife spotting and hiking. This flexible self-drive itinerary lets you explore at your own pace, with well-maintained roads connecting all key destinations.
Along the way, discover pristine beaches near Jaco, where you can unwind, surf, or explore vibrant local culture. The experience balances scenic drives with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as zip-lining, birdwatching, and relaxing by waterfalls. The route offers manageable driving distances and varied terrain, ensuring a comfortable and memorable Costa Rican adventure filled with natural beauty and cultural experiences.
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Pura Vida Self-Drive Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Costa Rica
Upon landing at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), a local representative will greet you just outside the terminal. After completing immigration and customs, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel near San José, only 15–25 minutes away. During the drive, receive a brief introduction to Costa Rica along with useful travel tips. Once you arrive at the hotel, you’ll get a detailed overview of your itinerary and have time to relax and settle in before your journey begins.
Overnight Location: KC Hotel San Jose
Meals: None
Day 2 Discovering Bijagua
Drive to Bijagua de Upala, a charming village near the entrance to Tenorio Volcano National Park. This peaceful spot is the gateway to the stunning Celeste River, famous for its striking sky-blue water. The unique color appears where two clear tributaries meet at a place called El Teñidor (“The Dyer”). Scientists explain this natural wonder by the mineral coating on river rocks and how sunlight reflects off them, creating the river’s brilliant blue hue. Enjoy the natural beauty, birdwatching, and the welcoming rural atmosphere of this scenic mountain village.
Overnight Location: Casitas Tenorio B&B in Bijagua de Upala
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Leisure day in Bijagua
Enjoy a free day to relax or explore at your own pace! This flexible day lets you choose how to make the most of your time in the area. For those seeking adventure, a variety of optional tours are available to enhance your experience. Options include wildlife boat tours at Caño Negro with transportation and lunch, guided hikes to the stunning Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcano National Park, tubing down the Rio Celeste River, walking tours to the beautiful Rio Celeste Waterfall, exploring the Heliconia Hanging Bridges, or horseback riding adventures. Whether you want to relax or get active, this day offers plenty of choices to create unforgettable memories.
Overnight Location: Casitas Tenorio B&B in Bijagua de Upala
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Journey to the Tárcoles wildlife area
Today, drive towards the Tárcoles area in the Central Pacific. This region is known for the well-known Tárcoles River, located on the route to Jaco Beach and Manuel Antonio National Park. Stretching 111 kilometers, this river’s watershed covers a vast area that includes nearly half of Costa Rica’s population. The river’s upper section borders the Carara Biological Reserve, a rich habitat for wildlife.
The Tárcoles River is famous for its population of American crocodiles, which can often be spotted basking along the banks. The river mouth marshes are a haven for numerous waterfowl and wading birds, including rare species like the boatbill and bare-throated tiger heron. Birdwatchers can also look for the double-striped thick-knee, mangrove warbler, and the colorful American pygmy kingfisher. Reptiles such as common basilisks and large iguanas add to the diversity of this unique ecosystem, making it a perfect stop for wildlife lovers.
Overnight Location: Villa Lapas Jungle Village in Tarcoles
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5-6 Scenic drive to Esterillos & coastal relaxation
On Day 5, take a scenic drive from Tárcoles to the peaceful coastal village of Esterillos, located along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The route offers lovely views of the shoreline and lush countryside, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination. Once you arrive in Esterillos, settle into the relaxed beach atmosphere and prepare for two restful days by the ocean.
These two days are free for you to enjoy at your own pace. Esterillos is known for its golden sandy beaches, gentle surf, and laid-back charm—perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply relaxing. You can also explore the surrounding tropical vegetation and observe local wildlife. If you feel like adding some excitement, optional activities include zip lining, horseback riding, a visit to Carara National Park, or the Jungle River & Crocodile Adventure. Whether you’re looking to unwind or dive into nature, Esterillos offers the perfect mix of serenity and exploration.
Overnight Location: Hotel Costa Pacifica
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Return to San José
After breakfast, begin your drive from Esterillos back to San José along the scenic Route 34 and Route 27. This journey takes you through a mix of coastal views and mountainous landscapes, offering a pleasant final drive through Costa Rica’s diverse terrain. Be sure to check your fuel, take breaks if needed, and enjoy the ride.
Once you arrive in the capital, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. You might choose to explore San José’s markets, museums, or neighborhoods, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, or simply relax at your hotel and reflect on your journey.
Overnight Location: KC Hotel San Jose
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure Day
All great adventures come to an end. Today, make your way from your hotel to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in time for your departure. Allow enough time for the drive and remember that check-in typically requires arrival at least three hours before your flight. As you leave Costa Rica, take with you lasting memories of its natural beauty and warm hospitality. Until next time—pura vida!
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast
Pura Vida Self-Drive Tour Price and Dates
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:Accommodation on Pura Vida Self-Drive Tour
This tour is based on mid-range, comfortable accommodations including eco-lodges, hotels, and charming locally owned inns. Each place provides a welcoming atmosphere with private rooms and essential amenities, often nestled in natural surroundings.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
What’s Included in the Pura Vida Self-Drive Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
A rental car is included for the duration of the tour. The standard vehicle provided is a Hyundai Creta 2WD AT or similar (SUV intermediate 2WD, 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 8
- 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 3 – Caño Negro Wildlife on Boat (Transportation & Lunch), Rio Celeste/Tenorio Guided Hike, Rio Celeste/Tenorio Guided Hike, Tubing Tour Rio Celeste River, Walking Tour to Rio Celeste Waterfall, Rio Celeste Guided Hike, Heliconia Hanging Bridges, Horseback Riding Tour
- Day 5 and 6 – Jungle River & Crocodile Adventure, Horseback Riding, Zip Line, Carara National Park Visit
- How hard is the Pura Vida Self-Drive Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
- Are meals included on the Pura Vida Self-Drive Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to San Jose to start this tour?
- Is the Pura Vida Self-Drive Tour in English?
- Where does the Pura Vida 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 tour is relatively easy overall. Driving conditions in Costa Rica are manageable for most travelers with some prior driving experience. Roads to major destinations like Arenal, Monteverde, and Jaco are paved, although there may be occasional gravel sections. The itinerary includes multiple stops but allows for a flexible pace, with moderate driving distances and plenty of time to relax or explore.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 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.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
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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