DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: UK to  Heredia  
Fly overnight from the UK to San Jose.
On arrival into San Jose, you’ll be met and transferred to Finca Rosa Blanca where you will spend 1 night. Located just outside of San Jose, this charming eco lodge and coffee estate is the perfect combination of effortless yet excellent service, fantastic Tico cuisine and plenty of scenic views. Welcome to Costa Rica!

Day 2: Heredia to Arenal
Your 4×4 car will be delivered to you this morning. Drive approx. 3 hours through the deep valleys towards Arenal area, heading to the town of La Fortuna to spend 3 nights at the Arenal Springs Resort and Spa. This eco hotel is all about the location – view the impressive Arenal Volcano from any vantage point, you’ll feel as if you can almost touch it. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Call us on 01273 923100 to find out about other recommended self-drive routes.

Day 3: Arenal
Today you’ll start with half day hiking tour around the Arenal volcano. This gentle hike leads you along the base of this mighty volcano through the forest and over the old lava flows while your guide explains all the local fauna and flora. Bring your binoculars! You’ll later visit the volcanic thermal pools, enjoy a healthy and relaxing soak on the end of your exploring day!

Day 4: Arenal
Free day to explore this beautiful part of Costa Rica. You can spend a lazy day by sampling the delicious cuisine and swimming in the hot thermal pools but if you would like something planned, we can help with some great ideas – ziplining and sky tram, rafting, waterfall hikes, guided tour to Cano Negro wildlife refuge and much more

Day 5: Arenal to Monteverde
Take a 4hr drive along a curvy yet scenic road that is surrounded by green jungle, this will lead you to the stunning cloud forest of Monteverde where you will spend 2 nights at Monteverde Lodge and Garden. Elegant and cosy, this hotel is all about comfort, the location and wildlife. Enjoy your first night in the clouds!

Day 6: Monteverde
Today, you’ll join a half day Sky Trek and Sky Tram tour. Hop on one of the gondolas and enjoy the incredible views from 1,400m, observe the local biodiversity as well as some of the highlights such as Arenal, Miravalles and Tenorio Volcanos, Nicoya Gulf and Guanacaste. Later you’ll start your Sky Trek and practically fly across the forest. Build from several zip-lines and platforms, this unique, yet exhilarating, experience is a great way to see what this area is about. Fauna, flora and the views! Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 7: Monteverde to Tamarindo
This morning you’ll wave good bye to Monteverde and drive further north to Tamarindo where you will spend 3 nights at the charming, owner-run Hotel Capitan Suizo. Located on one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, you are in the perfect location to relax and recharge after your adventure so far.

Day 8: Tamarindo
Today you will join a half day Tamarindo Mangrove and Estuary Tour on kayaks. Immerse yourself in the calm waters between the Tamarindo beach and Grande beach by heading out on a kayak. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 9: Tamarindo
You have a full day to enjoy this hotel and local area. The hotel can arrange a big array of activities for you including surf lessons, paddle boarding, horse riding tours, scuba diving or you can join one of the day tours such as visit to Rincon de la Vieja NP. The choices here are endless but we won’t hold it against you if you decide to hit the hammock and enjoy the beach life. Pura Vida! Ask us what we would recommend based on what you like.

Day 10: Tamarindo to Mal Pais
This morning you’ll drive approx. 4 hours to your last destination on your route, the famous Santa Teresa in Nicoya Peninsula. You’ll be staying for 3 nights at the lovely Casa Chameleon. Awaken your sense of adventure in paradise – Casa Chameleon is home to those who seek ocean views, tropical adventure, and the pura vida lifestyle. Enjoy the simple pleasures of this magical location, whether it’s discovering hidden paths or unwinding during a spa treatment. 

Days 11&12: Mal Pais
Two full days to enjoy this stunning location. There are plenty of activities available – if you’re feeling adventurous then a great way to see the local area is to go quad biking, or you could go horseback riding along the beach. Snorkel in the pristine water of the Mal Pais coastline, give surfing a try, or soar through the treetops as you zipline in the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. But if you’re looking for something at a slower pace, simply relax on the beach, take part in some yoga, or unwind with a massage (or two!) Give us call to discuss all your options in Mal Pais.

Day 13: Mal Pais to San Jose
Today you’ll leave the beautiful Mal Pais and drive back to San Jose where you’ll spend your last night at Hotel Presidente. This hotel is centrally located allowing you to enjoy the nearby museums, parks, shops, bars and restaurants. A sundowner at a local bar will be a perfect end to your holiday, sit back and absorb the atmosphere while watching the Tico city life going by. Want to extend the beach stay? No problem! Let’s have a chat about tailoring this holiday for you. 

Day 14: San Jose to the UK 
After a leisurely morning in San Jose you will drive back to San Jose airport where you’ll drop off your hire car and fly back to the UK.

Day 15: Home
Welcome home! If you don’t have 15 days, ask us to re-design this holiday to your requirements – call 01273 923 100.