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Overview

From the bustling streets of a vibrant capital city to the lofty cloud forests of the Highlands, this budget-friendly self-drive trip packs in all the star highlights. Dive into the wild beauty of Tortuguero, where nature is exciting and alive. Feel the thrill as you navigate hanging bridges for views of majestic Arenal Volcano, and lose yourself on a tour into Monteverde’s mythical cloud forests. Embrace the local pura vida lifestyle on this epic introduction to Costa Rica.

You’ll find yourself transported through lush, primary rainforest and endless banana plantations as you make your way to the captivating Tortuguero National Park. Here you’ll encounter an abundance of wildlife and exotic birds on a boat cruise, hike through forest trails, and learn about the conservation of the sea turtles that nest and hatch at Tortuguero each year. You may even be lucky enough witness the turtle nesting phenomenon on the park’s protected, wild beaches.

A self-drive through stunning mountain scenery will lead you to the impressive Arenal Volcano, with its perfect cone and surrounding rainforest. We’ve included a trip to the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges for a unique perspective of the area’s plants and animals. You’ll also have free time to explore further – Arenal offers a wealth of active adventures like ziplining and white-water rafting, as well as countless natural hot springs for those who prefer a more relaxing experience.

Monteverde’s incredible cloud forests are your final destination – a mist-shrouded wonderland filled with wildlife and thrilling activities. A guided tour through this unique habitat is included, where you’ll learn about the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica’s cloud forests.

This holiday is available as a flexible self-drive exploration, and as an independent tour utilising local transfer services. 

Itinerary

Upon arrival you’ll be met and transferred to your downtown hotel in San Jose for an overnight stay. Enjoy time to explore the bustling city with its many restaurants and bars.

Today an early transfer will take you to Tortuguero National Park for a 2-night stay. After an awe-inspiring journey by coach and boat through the rainforest you’ll arrive in time for lunch. This afternoon visit the local village where you’ll learn about the colourful houses and lifestyles of the residents, and about turtle conservation in the area.

This morning after breakfast enjoy a guided walk around the trails and gardens of your lodge learning about the local flora and fauns. After lunch you’ll embark on an exploration by boat through some of Tortuguero’s secondary canals, having the opportunity to enjoy an abundance of wildlife including monkeys, sloths and caimans as well as numerous colourful birds. After dinner during season (June- September) we recommend an optional night excursion to see the turtles nesting or hatching (book locally).

Tortuguero Canals Cruise

Discover a fascinating and wildlife-rich ecosystem as you cruise through the extensive waterways of Tortuguero National Park.

Optional Experiences

Tortuguero Turtle Experience

Head to the wild Atlantic beach after dark to witness the incredible phenomenon of green turtles nesting or hatching.

Today you’ll depart Tortuguero by boat and land to reach Guapilies in time for lunch. Here you’ll collect your hire car and start the 2-hour drive to Arenal and the town of La Fortuna, a spectacular route through mountains, forests, villages and farmland. A 3-night stay here will allow plenty of time to explore Costa Rica’s volcanic heartland.

After breakfast today you’ll enjoy a guided tour at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges. This 618-acre reserve features 15 hanging bridges, waterfalls and trails, all in a beautiful rainforest setting. Your guide will explain the reserve’s flora and fauna as you take in impressive views of both Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. The rest of the day is at leisure – you may wish to take a tour in search of sloths or hike the lava trails at Arenal 1968.

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Natural History Tour

Follow a trail across nerve-jangling suspension bridges through this rainforest reserve, offering tantalising views over the treetops to Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano beyond.

Optional Experiences

Arenal Volcano 1968 Park Trek

Take a trek around the flanks of the iconic Arenal Volcano for extraordinary views over the solidified lava flows that buried the jungle during 1968’s epic eruption.

Sloth Watching Walk, Arenal

The iconic sloth is top of the list for wildlife-spotting in Costa Rica - you’re may encounter both the two- and three-toed species on this guided walk.

Today is at your leisure to explore the local area – perhaps try ziplining over the treetops or hiking to the impressive La Fortuna Waterfall. Kayaking, white-water rafting and horse-riding are also available if you’re looking for adventure. Alternatively take a trip further afield to the remote Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, or to Rio Celeste with its vivid turquoise waters. Then why not finish the day in one of Arenal’s many hot springs to recharge and relax!

Optional Experiences

La Fortuna Waterfall Hike, Arenal

Hike down to the La Fortuna Waterfall for breathtaking views and the chance for a refreshing dip.

Sky Tram and Sky Trek Zip-lining, Arenal

Soar like a bird over the rainforest canopy for unforgettable views of Arenal Volcano and the beautiful Arenal Lake.

Arenal Volcano and Ecotermales Hot Springs

Hike around the edge of the lava fields at the base of Arenal Volcano before relaxing in geothermally heated waters.

Today’s destination is the incredible Monteverde Cloud Forest. The scenery along the way is spectacular as you drive the windy roads of the Tilaran Mountain Range and head into the cooler climes of the cloud forest. Monteverde is well known for its diverse and rich tropical cloud forests with majestically tall trees festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines, and mosses. On arrival you may wish to take an optional Sky Walk – a network of suspension bridges and trails built within the forest canopy. Other nearby attractions include horseback riding, Sky Trek canopy tour, Trapiche cultural tour or the famous Butterfly Garden.

Optional Experiences

Monteverde Horseback Riding Tour

Ride the trails of Monteverde like a true ‘sabanero’ (cowboy). From the vantage point of horseback, you’ll have extensive views over banana and coffee plantations and open pasture.

Bosque Eterno De Los Ninos Evening Walk, Monteverde

Explore the rainforest after dark on a fascinating guided nature walk into the Eternal Forest.

Monteverde Hanging Bridges Experience

Stretching up and over Monteverde’s cloud forests, a series of 8 suspension bridges offer unique views over the canopy.

A guided exploration of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Private Reserve is included this morning. You’ll set out to discover the secrets of the misty cloud forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees, enjoying its climate and hiking trails amongst a variety of plants and over 450 bird species. It protects and provides habitat for hundreds of species of flora and fauna. The reserve is 26.000 acres and is an important link in the growing network of protected areas in Costa Rica. Located at an altitude between 1,200 and 1,600 m, this cloud forest gives you the chance of exploring a different type of forest and wildlife endemic to the area, allowing you to make your very own comparison between the biodiversity found in a rainforest and a cloud forest.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Tour

Step into another world as you make your way through the ethereal mist of the cloud forest.

Bid farewell to the cloud forest before heading back to San Jose. On your journey from Monteverde, you’ll observe the plains and on a clear day may spot the Pacific Coast in the far distance. Continue through the mountain ranges into the Central Valley, right in the heart of Costa Rica.

You Costa Rican adventure finishes today as you drop off your car at the airport and board your onward flight.

Prices & departures

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom

  • 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners

  • Car rental with full insurance and WiFi

  • Airport-hotel transfer on arrival

  • Tortuguero Village Visit and Canals Cruise

  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Natural History Tour

  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Tour

  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday

  • No surcharge guarantee

  • Full financial protection

From £1480 Excluding Flights

9 Nights

Year Round

Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.

 

Should you prefer an alternative to self-driving, this holiday is also available with private or shared transfers – please contact our Costa Rica Specialists for more details and prices.

Make this trip yours

Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.

Lauren
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Fiordland penguins encountered

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Mama turtle laying eggs in Tortuguero viewed

We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch. 

Experts with real experience