Uncover Costa Rica during this seven-day exotic self-drive adventure. Beginning and ending in the capital, San Jose, this tour offers you the chance to discover different aspects of this emblematic destination. Spend precious time visiting the Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most stunning conservation areas on the planet.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
San Jose: Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city was founded in the mid-18th century, boasting great cultural and historical landmarks. Visit its museums, the European-inspired National Theatre, and stroll the charming alleys of its historic neighbourhoods.
Manuel Antonio: This picturesque national park is the smallest one in Costa Rica but it is full of wild animals, lush vegetation, and beautiful beaches.
Day 1: ARRIVAL SAN JOSE / CAR PICK-UP
Upon arrival to bustling San Jose, our representative will meet and greet you and then direct you to the car rental centre. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 2: SAN JOSE – ARENAL (129km – 4 hrs)
Today, after breakfast, depart San Jose driving north. Stop for a photo opportunity in the charming village of Zarcero where you can see the Parque Francisco Alvarado and the Iglesia de San Rafael. The park sits in front of the pink and blue Church at the town centre, which is noted for its topiary garden and shrubs that have been trimmed into the shapes of various animals. Continue to the Arenal area, famous for its volcano, lake and hot springs. You may choose to visit one of the many hot springs facilities that offer visitors an ideal way to relax. Stay for dinner as well, as many of these facilities offer several restaurants (own expense).
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 3: ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
After a delectable breakfast, you will have the opportunity to visit the Arenal Volcano National Park on your own. You may choose to spend half the day hiking to Arenal National Park, enjoying the natural hot springs throughout the area, or spend the morning or afternoon enjoying a horseback ride through both pastures and rainforest to La Fortuna Waterfall. For extraordinary views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, the Sky Tram gondolas soar smoothly through the rainforest to an observation deck. You can ride the tram down the same route that you ascended or take a fast-paced Sky Trek zip line tour to the bottom.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 4: ARENAL – MANUEL ANTONIO (240km – 6hrs)
Wake up to a tasty breakfast, and then drive to Manuel Antonio, one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica due to its beautiful beaches, rich wildlife, and an endless list of activities. Use the balance of the day to enjoy the exotic national park and beaches. Or, take a boat trip through the complex and beautiful estuaries and mangroves surrounding Damas Island. For something different, visit the local sustainable organic Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation which grows a variety of spices and essential oil plants, including vanilla, cocoa, pepper and cinnamon.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 5: MANUEL ANTONIO
Recharge your energies with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Spend a full day at leisure in Manuel Antonio. You may choose to enjoy a zip-lining canopy tour or horseback riding tour which are both available in the area. Or, join the optional afternoon tour to Manuel Antonio National Park with its wealth of wildlife (not included). Your guide will take you through this tropical paradise where you will have the opportunity to witness the abundance of the biodiversity the park has to offer, Midway through the hike enjoy 20 minutes at leisure on one of the beaches located within the national park. As an alternative, enjoy a naturalist tour on a catamaran with amazing views of the national park and marine life, a snorkelling adventure, and a breathtaking sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 6: MANUEL ANTONIO – SAN JOSE (177km – 4 hrs)
Enjoy a tasty breakfast and drive back to San Jose. Consider a stop at Poas Volcano National Park, one of the most visited sites in Costa Rica, which features short easy trails for hiking. A short trip from San Jose, the Poas Volcano contains one of the world's largest volcanic lakes, Lake Botos, which fills an inactive crater and is surrounded by a cloud forest. Or, head to Costa Rica's highest active volcano, Irazu, and on the way back visit the colonial Orosi Valley which is famous for having the oldest church in Costa Rica. If you are not interested in visiting volcanoes, there is plenty to do in San Jose. Visit one of the museums or head to Mercado Central, a very old and unique bustling food market.
Overnight in San Jose.
Day 7: DEPARTURE SAN JOSE / CAR DROP-OFF
Enjoy your last breakfast in San Jose, before you check out and head to the car rental centre. Return your vehicle at the car rental facility at the San Jose International Airport prior to your departure flight home.
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.
