Costa Rica Family Self Drive Highlights

Fly from the UK to San Jose. On arrival, you’ll be privately transferred into the heart of the city, where you will spend one night with breakfast included 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. We recommend splashing in the pool to cool off upon arrival.

Today, you’ll be transferred by land and boat to Tortuguero, where you’ll spend two nights with all meals included 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, take a tour of the local village to 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.

Head on a boat ride across the water canals, where you’ll be surrounded by dense bush and lush green jungle. You’ll witness the incredible wildlife display unfolding in front of you as you cruise by. Enjoy a guided walk around the local gardens and reserve, and consider adding a kayak tour at sunrise for an amazing start to the day – highly recommended!

After departing from Tortuguero, you will collect your 4×4 hire car and drive to Arenal, a fantastic family destination. Your base for the next 3 nights with breakfast included will be the family-friendly gem, Lomas Del Volcán. At Lomas del Volcán, you can enjoy nature, excellent views, and a prime location to visit various attractions around the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

You will now have 2 full days at leisure to explore this fantastic area. Walk along hanging bridges while keeping an eye out for various birds and other wildlife, chase waterfalls through Rio Celeste, or go kayaking along the Penas Blancas River or Lago Arenal. For the adventurous, options like white-water rafting, canyoning, or ziplining are available. Plenty of wildlife experiences await, from searching for sloths in the forest to a boat safari on the Penas Blancas River.

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your holiday

This morning, you’ll travel to the other side of 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, this lodge is located in the heart of the Cloud Forest Reserve, recognized as one of the country’s top ecotourism destinations.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Monteverde. You can explore the incredibly rich cloud forest on foot through trails that will allow you to enjoy the local flora and fauna. Take a coffee tour, a must-do activity in Monteverde, or, if you’ve been wanting to zipline, now’s your chance! To relax, join in with yoga classes or indulge in a massage (or two!).

On day 9, you’ll drive approximately four hours to Nosara, where you will spend your final five nights at Lagarta Lodge. This elegant boutique hotel is beautifully situated on a hilltop overlooking the coast, mountains, and two rivers – the perfect place to enjoy vivid sunsets over the Pacific Ocean!

Four days now await you to enjoy this wonderful location. Discover different beaches in the area, each offering something special and unique. Enjoy incredible surfing on Playa Guiones, some chill time on Playa Pelada, and during the summer, visit Playa Ostional – one of the world’s most important nesting grounds for the Olive Ridley sea turtle! Pura Vida!

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

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your holiday