Experience nature lovers’ favourite Sarapiqui valley, striking Arenal Volcano, remote Monteverde Cloud Forest and stunning Tamarindo beach
Considered the ‘Switzerland of Central America’, live the ‘Pura Vida’ life to the full on a bespoke self drive holiday which can be tailored to suit your individual needs
10 nights' accommodation included, staying at 4 star hotels or boutique lodges
Includes car hire for 10 days and description of driving route along with tips and advice
What better way to explore this small but incredibly diverse country than an independent self-drive holiday!
An easy going itinerary enabling access to some of Costa Rica’s varied activities and amazing wildlife at your own pace, from rainforest to cloud forest, nature reserves to an astounding volcano, encounter remarkable flora and fauna throughout the route on this enjoyable self drive holiday. There’s free time at each destination to discover things independently, but guided tours have been pre-arranged at two attractions to ensure you don’t miss the key experiences.
Itinerary idea in detail
Day 1 - Arrival in to San José
Arrival in to San José
Upon arrival at the international airport you'll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Relax after your flight and enjoy a stroll around this small and easy going city.
Day 2 - Sarapiquí
San José to Sarapiquí
After breakfast your hire car will be delivered to you at the hotel and a local representative will assist you with the process and be on hand should you have any questions and assist you with maps and information.
Start your individual exploration of this beautiful country at Sarapiquí Valley, a couple of hours drive from San José and a well known birding hot spot. You have the afternoon and evening at leisure to enjoy the rainforest and rivers, perhaps beginning with a steady nature walk. We recommend reserving a place on a night time hike to discover as much wildlife as possible around the eco lodge.
TOTAL DRIVING DISTANCE: 90 km
INCLUDES : Breakfast
Day 3 - Arenal Volcano
Sarapiquí to Arenal
Today head north to one of the country’s most impressive sights – Arenal Volcano. The volcano and surrounding lush terrain is truly stunning and the area offers a wealth of activities including zip-lining adventures, scenic hikes and relaxing in natural hot springs.
Around two and a half hours drive from Sarapiqui, you have the afternoon and evening at leisure to explore and admire the dramatic volcano.
TOTAL DRIVING DISTANCE: 105 km
INCLUDES : Breakfast
Day 4 - Rainforest & Hanging Bridges Tour
Arenal
See the rainforest from a new perspective as you enjoy a half day tour exploring Arenal’s Hanging Bridges. This exciting tour will take you through the tropical rainforest for sensational views and wonderful opportunities to spot local wildlife - you'll be amazed at the diversity of the flora and fauna. You have free time in the afternoon and may want to make the most of the facilities at your hotel. The half day tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
INCLUDES : Breakfast
Day 5 - Arenal
Arenal
Today is completely free to explore Arenal. There are many activities to enjoy in this area and the hotel will be happy to recommend and book a suitable tour or experience for you.
INCLUDES : Breakfast
Day 6 - Monteverde Cloud Forest
Arenal to Monteverde via Lake Arenal
Embark on the scenic journey to Monteverde Cloud Forest. where the four hour drive will see you pass Lake Arenal, the largest lake in Costa Rica. Located on the central mountain divide, the Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of Costa Rica’s best known cloud forest reserves. The persistent low-lying clouds and swirling mists create a unique and complex ecosystem which is home to a rich variety of butterflies, plant and birdlife including the Resplendent Quetzal. The remote town of Monteverde, accessed by uneven roads is located at the southern end of the cloud forest and is a great base from which to explore this special area.
TOTAL DRIVING DISTANCE: 112 km
INCLUDES : Breakfast
Day 7 - Monteverde
Monteverde
Discover Monteverde’s magical Cloud Forest on a half day shared tour. Home to hundreds of species of birds, plants and butterflies the forest is delight to explore, your guide will have expert equipment and knowledge to help locate a variety of critters and birds within this unique environment.
The afternoon is at leisure with the chance to take a Canopy Tour, or visit a nearby coffee farm and don’t miss the small artist shops in the little town centre.
INCLUDES : Breakfast
Day 8 - Monteverde to Tamarindo
Monteverde to Tamarindo on the Guanacaste Coast
Time to head to the Pacific Ocean and the laidback town of Tamarindo with its excellent restaurants, bars and secluded tropical beaches; the perfect place for a few days relaxing, enjoying the slow pace of life and quality time in the sun. The drive from Monteverde will take around four and a half hours.
TOTAL DRIVING DISTANCE: 160 km
INCLUDES : Breakfast
Days 9-10 - Tamarindo
Playa Tamarindo
The next few days are completely free to do as much or as little as you want. The hotel is located right on Playa Tamarindo meaning you can make full use of the lovely beach; the hotel also has an inviting swimming pool and the beautiful grounds contain many trees and plants and attract wildlife throughout the year. If you’re feeling energised take to the water to see tropical marine life either snorkelling, kayaking or scuba diving and the best way to enjoy the sunsets at Tamarindo are from a catamaran cruise.
INCLUDES : Breakfast
Day 11 - Departure
Tamarindo to San José Airport
All good things must come to an end. You should allow five and a half hours for the drive from Tamarindo to the drop off location for the hire car, close to San José airport - a private transfer will be arranged to the airport terminal, to check in for the flight back to the UK.
Located close to the Arenal volcano, the Arenal Springs Resort and Spa is a great option if you are looking for a good value hotel with amazing views.The hotel also has the bonus of having its own natural hot springs due to the areas volcanic activity and there are 4 different pools each with a different temperature.
Pricing
All prices shown represent a from price per person based on low season travel unless otherwise stated. Availability of tour components and flights seats change continually, affecting the final price. The lead-in price given is therefore for guidance only. To obtain a tailored quote for you and your party, please call one of our travel experts today.
This fly drive itinerary runs all year round
from
1st January 2025 - 30th November 2025
from £4,359pp
Important Info
Important info
The minimum age for rental is 21 or 23 years old, depending on which car rental company is used, a valid passport and valid driver license is required when collecting the car. Driving in Costa Rica with a foreign driver license is accepted during the first 90 days of the stay.
Car rental does not include any insurance option. Mandatory basic coverage, required by law, as well as other optional types of insurance can be contracted directly with the car rental agent when the car is delivered. A hold (US$1,000) will be placed on the client’s credit card for a security deposit. No debit cards or cash are accepted for this deposit.
Whilst child car seats can usually be organised for a fee in advance, we recommend taking your own to ensure it meets international safety standards
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0203 131 5538 
