Discover the best of Costa Rica on this unforgettable self-drive journey, combining adventure, wildlife, and relaxation across the country’s most iconic landscapes.
This 15-day Costa Rica self-drive holiday takes you from the lush valleys around San José to the volcanic heart of Arenal, the mist-shrouded cloud forests of Monteverde, and the sun-drenched Pacific coast. You’ll soak in hot springs beneath Arenal Volcano, glide through the treetops on zip-lines, kayak through mangrove estuaries, and unwind on pristine beaches. Along the way, you’ll stay in boutique eco-lodges and characterful hotels that showcase Costa Rica’s charm – each one offering comfort, nature, and a true taste of pura vida.
1 Nights Heredia– 3 Nights Arenal – 2 Nights Monteverde – 3 Nights Tamarindo – 2 Nights Mal Pais – 1 Nights San Jose
A team of real experts, brilliant at designing bespoke holidays.
Call 01273 923100 to start planning your Costa Rica holiday today.
Self-Drive Costa Rica Highlights
Tour itinerary
Depart the UK for your Costa Rican adventure
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!
Hit the road and embark on your road trip of a lifetime!
This morning your 4 x 4 car will be dropped off!
Drive approx. 3 hours through the deep valleys towards the 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, and 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.
Hiking around the dramatic landscapes of Arenal Volcano, sampling local cuisine and lazing in thermal pools!
Today you’ll start with a 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!
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!
With Arenal Volcano in your rear-view mirror, head 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!
Exhilarating adventures through the Cloud Forest of Monteverde
Today, you will join a half day Sky Tram and Sky Trek experience. Start by riding the gondola up through the cloud forest, enjoying sweeping views from around 1,400 metres and observing the incredible biodiversity of Monteverde. On clear days you may see the surrounding mountain ranges and even the Nicoya Gulf in the distance.
Afterwards, begin your Sky Trek adventure and fly across the forest on a series of long, high zip lines and platforms. This exhilarating experience offers a completely different perspective of the cloud forest, its flora and fauna, and the dramatic views. Rest of the day at leisure.
Farewell Monteverde, hello Tamarindo - the home of surfing in Costa Rica
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.
Today you will join a half-day Tamarindo Mangrove and Estuary Tour on kayaks. Immerse yourself in the calm waters between Tamarindo Beach and Grande Beach by heading out on a kayak. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Relax and enjoy beach life - Pura Vida!
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!
Coast to coast, welcome to Mal Pais
This morning you’ll drive approximately 4 hours to your last destination on your route, the famous Santa Teresa in the 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.
Snorkelling & surfing in the pristine waters or zipline through the jungle above!
You have two full days to enjoy this stunning location. There are plenty of activities available – if you’re feeling adventurous, 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 waters of the Mal Pais coastline, give surfing a try, or soar through the treetops as you zipline in the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. 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 a call to discuss all your options in Mal Pais.
Bid farewell to the Coast as you return to San Jose for your last night
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.
Bid farewell to Costa Rica and fly back home!
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.
Welcome Home! If you don’t have 15 days, ask us to re-design this holiday to your requirements – call 01273 923 100.
Talk to us about your perfect trip to Costa Rica
Call 01273 923100 to start planning your Costa Rica Holiday today.
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It's about you
We create exceptional holidays, unique to you, managed in a way that makes everything easy for you, with the aim of surpassing your expectations every step of the way.
Real travel experts
Our travel expertise ensures authentic experiences, fantastic boutique hotels and outstanding guides that help create unforgettable holiday moments.
Peace of mind
- Unbeatable prices
- Our price promise
- A focus on owner-run properties
- Ideas & advice from true specialists
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- 24-hour emergency support
- Financial protection from ATOL
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