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Costa Rica Family Self Drive Highlights

Costa Rica Highlights with a mix of wildlife, activties & beach. The perfect family combo!
Duration: 15 Days
Location: San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde, Nosara
Highlights: Wildlife of Tortuguero; activities of Arenal; Monteverde cloud forest; stunning beaches of Nosara
Price: From £2,907pp
Enquire Now!

This 14 night family self drive adventure is a fantastic way to explore the diversity and landscape of Costa Rica and everything that comes with it. Spot wildlife as you cruise on canals in Tortuguero, visit the impressive Arenal Volcano – spotting wildlife in the surrounding rain forest – and then head up to the moss-cloaked trees of the Monteverde cloud forest. You’ll finish your holiday with four days relaxing (or exploring) on one of the best beaches in Costa Rica. Take a look and use this as a starting point for your own personalised Costa Rica holiday. Or we can start from scratch … call today!

SPEAK TO THE SPECIALISTS
This is just one idea. We have lots more up our sleeve. So let’s talk Costa Rica, call 01273 923100 now. Or if you’re worried the boss will be listening in, drop us an email, holidays@sundownerholidays.co.uk

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: UK to  San Jose 
Fly from the UK to San Jose.

On arrival you’ll be privately transferred into the heart of the city where you will spend 1 night at the Villa San Ignacio. Set in 22 acres surrounded by native trees, Villa San Ignacio is a hidden gem offering a tranquil start to your Costa Rica holiday. Although – we do recommend splashing in the pool to cool off on arrival. Welcome to Costa Rica!

Day 2: San Jose to Tortuguero
Today you’ll be transferred by land and boat to Tortuguero where you’ll spend 2 nights at Mawamba Lodge. This family-friendly lodge is a perfect combination of relaxation, fantastic food and plenty of activities to keep you busy. In the afternoon you’ll take a tour to the local village – learn about Tico history as well as turtle conservation. If it’s the right time of year you can also see turtles nesting on the beaches.

Day 3: Tortuguero
Head on a boat ride across the water canals – surrounded by dense bush and lush green jungle you’ll see the incredible wildlife display unfolding in front of you as you cruise by. You will get to enjoy a guided walk around the local gardens and reserve, and you could also add-in a kayak tour at sunrise for an amazing start to the day – highly recommended!

Day 4: Tortuguero to Arenal
Heading back from Tortuguero, you will collect your 4×4 hire car and drive to Arenal, a great family destination. Your base for the next 3 nights will be the family-friendly gem, Lomas Del Volcán. In Lomas del Volcán you can enjoy nature, excellent views, and you’re in the ideal location to be able to go out and visit the different attractions that surround the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Arenal is a key tourist highlight – however if you would prefer to see volcanoes and rainforest without the crowds then ask us for alternatives – call a Costa Rica specialist today on 01273 923100.

Days 5 & 6: Arenal
Two full days at leisure to explore this fantastic area. Walk along hanging bridges as you keep an eye out for various birds and other wildlife, chase waterfalls through Rio Celeste and the natural rain forest, or go kayaking along the Penas Blancas river or Lago Arenal. If you are feeling really adventurous then you could go white water rafting, canyoning, or ziplining. There are plenty of experiences to enjoy if you’re a wildlife lover too – from searching for sloths in the forest, to a boat safari on the Penas Blancas river. We can help you decide and arrange activities for you to do in the Arenal. 

Day 7: Arenal to Monteverde
This morning you’ll head to the other side of the Arenal lake (by road and boat), towards the hills of the elevated Monteverde cloud forest, one of the most biodiverse areas in Costa Rica! Spend 2 nights at the Koora Monteverde. Surrounded by the lush vegetation and wildlife of Monteverde in the heart of the Cloud Forest Reserve, this lodge is in the middle of the country’s most internationally recognized ecotourism destination. 

Day 8: Monteverde
Full day at leisure. You can explore this incredibly rich biodiverse cloud forest by foot through trails that will also allow you to enjoy the animal and plants in the area, head out on a coffee tour – a must do activity in Monteverde – or if you put off ziplining before but now want to give it a try, you could go ziplining. To relax and unwind, join in with yoga classes or a massage (or two!) Need help deciding what to do? Give us a call to hear our recommendations based on what you like.

Day 9: Monteverde to Nosara
Heading to the Pacific Coast today you will drive approx. 4hrs to Nosara where you will spend your final 5 nights at Lagarta Lodge, an elegant boutique hotel beautifully situated on a hilltop overlooking the coast, mountains and two rivers – the perfect place to enjoy the vivid sunsets over the Pacific Ocean! Also with its own private 90-acre biological reserve with marked forest trails, this is a real coastal oasis. Prefer to head elsewhere for the beach – we can talk you through the best spots depending on the time of year and your interests. Contact us today.

Days 10-13: Nosara
Four days to enjoy this wonderful location. You will find different beaches in this area, all offering something special and different. Enjoy incredible surfing on Playa Guiones, some chill time on Playa Pelada and during the summer Playa Ostional – one of the world’s most important nesting grounds for the Olive Ridley sea turtle! Pura Vida! Call us on 01273923100 for a specialised quote. 

Day 14: Liberia to the UK 
Following a final breakfast, you will drive to Liberia International Airport, drop your car and check in for your flight 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.

Villa San Ignacio

Turtle nesting at Tortuguero

Kayaking at Mawamba Lodge

Sloth at Arenal

Lomas Del Volcan

Zip-lining in Arenal

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Lagarta Lodge

Soak up the stunning views at Lagarta Lodge

Playa Pelada

 

 

This Costa Rica Family Holiday has a price starting from £11,628 for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children under 12) all sharing one room. It includes international flights (price based on London), all accommodation on a sharing basis, transfers on land and by boat, English speaking local guides, entrance fees and tours at Mawamba, breakfast at all hotels, full board at Mawamba, ATOL protection. Based on children aged 12 and under. Call us on 01273 923100 to book now or email us at holidays@sundownerholidays.co.uk

Now let’s make this holiday yours
Want to see some more wildlife – ask us where would be best for your time of year? Want to do more in Costa Rica? Ask us where would work for your. Fancy learning to surf or trying other activities? Speak to our experts. Call 01273 923100 now or complete an enquiry form. 

 

COSTA RICA

  • Costa Rica Holiday Ideas
    • Costa Rica Highlights Holiday
    • Classic Costa Rica Holiday
    • Characterful Costa Rica Self Drive
    • Coast to Coast Costa Rica Holiday
    • Luxury Costa Rica Holiday
    • Self-Drive Costa Rica
    • Self Drive Away From The Crowds
    • Simply Costa Rica Holiday
    • Costa Rica Wildlife Holiday
    • Costa Rica Adventure Holiday
    • Costa Rica SPECIAL
    • Costa Rica Volcanoes & the Osa Peninsula
  • Costa Rica Honeymoons
    • Costa Rica Honeymoon
    • Costa Rica Honeymoon In Style
    • Costa Rica Cloud Forest & Beach
    • Experience Costa Rica Honeymoon
  • Costa Rica Family Holidays
    • Simply Costa Rica Family Holiday
    • Family Costa Rica Volcanoes and Beach Holiday
    • Costa Rica Family Self Drive Highlights
    • Costa Rica Family Highlights
    • Costa Rica Family Adventure Holiday
  • Costa Rica Boutique Hotel Favourites
    • La Cusinga Lodge
    • Rio Perdido Hotel
    • Santa Juana Lodge
    • Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel
    • Playa Cativo Lodge

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Our Specialists

Name : Lucy McKenzie

“I love the variety of opportunities that travelling gives you – new experiences, different cultures, incredible scenery and amazing food!”

 

Name : Hannah Martin

“I’ve always loved travelling and exploring, but really got the travel bug after backpacking in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia back in 2013!”

Name : James O'Farrell
"For me, holidays are about experiences that broaden my mind mixed with relaxation by being in the perfect surroundings."
Name : Jo Shuttleworth
"I love the escape of travel. The adventure of a new place. Having the time to appreciate the power of scenery & the intricacies of wildlife."

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    The Word on the Street

    Lovely people, memorable experiences. A great mix of physical exertion, exploring other cultures & finally relaxing in luxury. You designed this perfectly for all our family - no mean feat!
    The Belkin Family Nepal
    Best and most well organised trip ever been on. Every tour guide was superb! Incredible hotels and incredible staff. Guides and drivers at all the hotels were beyond expectation. We will be in touch for our next trip!
    Mr & Mrs Clare India
    Excellent holiday in every respect. Absolutely stunning safari location - great views over river. Didn't want for anything. Guide Chris was fantastic and fun to be around. Delicious food and staff even made us a happy honeymoon cake! 
    Mr & Mrs Thomas Zambia

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    Superb sundowner ideas!

    Sundowner

    Definition: That perfect time of day, to kick-back, ponder the day's adventures, admire the surrounding views & partake of a local drink that refreshes, relaxes and tells you, without fail, that you are on holiday.

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