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Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive

10 days
•
Start and end in San Jose
3.9 (4 reviews)
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive - Destination Services Costa Rica
From
US $1,747 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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Plan your adventure:
Platinum Operator
Destination Services Costa Rica
Road Trip & Self-Drive
Hit the open road and travel at your own pace
Private Tour
Travel exclusively with your friends and family
Self-guided
Independent exploration, backed by expert advice and support
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
All Ages Welcome
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    San Jose

    San Jose
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Sleep Inn), Hotel 4* (Park Inn), Hotel 5* (Hilton San Jose La Sabana)
  2. Day 2

    San Jose to Tortuguero

    San Jose to Tortuguero
    Meals
    Breakfast (Breakfast en route), Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Turtle Beach Lodge), Hotel (Laguna Lodge), Hotel (Pachira/ Evergreen/Aninga Lodge)

    Included Activities

    • Guided boat cruise through Tortuguero National Park rivers and canals
    • Visit to Tortuguero village with beach walk
    • Turtle hatchling observation (seasonal - July to September nesting, September to December hatching)
    Landmarks
    Braulio Carrillo National Park
    Tortuguero National Park
    Tortuguero Village
  3. Day 3

    Tortuguero

    Tortuguero
    Meals
    Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Turtle Beach Lodge), Hotel (Laguna Lodge), Hotel (Pachira/ Evergreen/Aninga Lodge)

    Included Activities

    • Three-hour guided wildlife observation trip in Tortuguero National Park

    Optional Activities

    • Optional late night turtle nesting tour (available July-September, purchasable at lodge)
    Landmarks
    Tortuguero National Park
  4. Day 4

    Tortuguero to Arenal

    Tortuguero to Arenal
    Meals
    Lunch
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Arenal Montechiari), Hotel 4* (Arenal Springs), Hotel 5* (Arenal Kioro)
  5. Day 5

    Arenal

    Arenal
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Arenal Montechiari), Hotel 4* (Arenal Springs), Hotel 5* (Arenal Kioro)

    Optional Activities

    • Self-guided visit to Arenal Volcano National Park with wildlife observation
    Landmarks
    Arenal Volcano National Park
  6. Day 6

    Arenal to Monteverde

    Arenal to Monteverde
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Monteverde Country Lodge), Hotel 4* (Poco a Poco), Hotel 4* (Monteverde Gardens & Lodge)

    Optional Activities

    • Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour (3-hour hike with network of trails and 8 suspension bridges, 3km total)
    • Don Juan Coffee Tour (learn about coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane production with Costa Rican folklore)
    Landmarks
    Monteverde Cloud Forest
    Santa Elena
    Itinerary Image 1
  7. Day 7

    Monteverde

    Monteverde
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Monteverde Country Lodge), Hotel 4* (Poco a Poco), Hotel 4* (Monteverde Gardens & Lodge)

    Optional Activities

    • Self-guided hike through Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
    • Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour
    • Don Juan Coffee Tour
    Landmarks
    Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
  8. Day 8

    Monteverde to Pacific Coast

    Monteverde to Pacific Coast
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Pasatiempo), Hotel 4* (Wyndham Tamarindo), Hotel 5* (Tamarindo Diriá)
    Landmarks
    Tamarindo Beach
    Itinerary Image 1
  9. Day 9

    Pacific Coast

    Pacific Coast
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Pasatiempo), Hotel 4* (Wyndham Tamarindo), Hotel 5* (Tamarindo Diriá)

    Optional Activities

    • Surfing on Tamarindo's famous waves
    Landmarks
    Tamarindo Beach
  10. Day 10

    Pacific Coast to San Jose

    Pacific Coast to San Jose
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Landmarks
    Juan Santamaria International Airport

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

  • Sleep Inn

    Hotel 3*
    day 1

  • Park Inn

    Hotel 4*
    day 1

  • Hilton San Jose La Sabana

    Hotel 5*
    day 1

  • Turtle Beach Lodge

    Hotel
    Days 2, 3

  • Laguna Lodge

    Hotel
    Days 2, 3

  • Pachira/ Evergreen/Aninga Lodge

    Hotel
    Days 2, 3

  • Arenal Montechiari

    Hotel 3*
    Days 4, 5

  • Arenal Springs

    Hotel 4*
    Days 4, 5

  • Arenal Kioro

    Hotel 5*
    Days 4, 5

  • Monteverde Country Lodge

    Hotel 3*
    Days 6, 7

  • Poco a Poco

    Hotel 4*
    Days 6, 7

  • Monteverde Gardens & Lodge

    Hotel 4*
    Days 6, 7

  • Pasatiempo

    Hotel 3*
    Days 8, 9

  • Wyndham Tamarindo

    Hotel 4*
    Days 8, 9

  • Tamarindo Diriá

    Hotel 5*
    Days 8, 9

Operated by

Destination Services Costa Rica

Platinum Operator
Rating
4.4 (379 reviews)
Response time
9 hours
Response rate
100%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Reviews

3.9
Overall rating based on 4 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    4.7
  • Transport
    4.7
  • Guide
    5.0
  • Accommodation
    3.3
  • Food
    3.0
  • Tour Operator
    4.4

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  • Ingrid5.0•February 2023
    Everything was right on schedule. Great guides and we especially loved Juan Carlos who brought us from San Jose to...
    Show more
    Traveled in January 2023
    Reply from: Destination Services Costa Rica
    Thanks so much for your feedback!, we really appreciate the time you took to write such a review!.Hope soon you come back to Costa Rica
    Show more
  • Eduardo
    Eduardo3.0•August 2022
    Essential Costa Rica is not what was published at the top of the on-line site, Manuel Antonio is not included, and it...
    Show more
    Traveled in August 2022
    Reply from: Destination Services Costa Rica
    Thank you very much for your feedback! We take note of your comments to improve in the future. We hope soon your return to Costa Rica and provide an excellent experience!
    Show more
  • EVGUENI3.0•December 2018
    Organization is very good. Transport was always on time. Everything was done as expected. Meals, would be nice to...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2018
    Reply from: Destination Services Costa Rica
    Mr Kojatchenko, Thank you for your comments and observations. We are glad that everything went as planned. Do not hesitate in contact us in case of any other request. Best regards, Destination Services Team.
    Show more
  • Tenzin4.5•December 2018
    Great itinerary and excellent guide for Tortuguero portion. Rest was self drive. Could get an explanation of why two...
    Show more
    Traveled in November 2018
    Reply from: Destination Services Costa Rica
    Thank you very much for your comments, we are glad to know that the itinerary and all the services exceeded your expectations. Do not hesitate in contact us in case of any other request. Best regards, Destination Services Team.
    Show more

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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
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Aug
Sep
Oct
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2027

Jan
Feb
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Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
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Ends on 12 Aug, 2026
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    26 Aug, 2026
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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  • Instant Confirmation
    From Tuesday
    18 Aug, 2026
    To Thursday
    27 Aug, 2026
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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  • Instant Confirmation
    From Wednesday
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    To Friday
    28 Aug, 2026
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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    Price based on Private Double Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Thursday
    20 Aug, 2026
    To Saturday
    29 Aug, 2026
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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    Price based on Private Double Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Friday
    21 Aug, 2026
    To Sunday
    30 Aug, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
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    Price based on Private Double Room

Want to read it later?

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
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  • H

    Hassan

    Asked on January 5th, 2025

    What are the options for customizing the tour itinerary?

    Other
    Tour Details
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written January 2025

      Customization options include modifying your itinerary, such as adding destinations or changing hotel categories.

  • M

    Magalie

    Asked on December 22nd, 2024

    What is the price for upgraded hotel options?

    Accommodation
    Price / Availability
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written December 2024

      For upgraded hotel options, please check the provided link for pricing details specific to your itinerary.

  • G

    Gilles

    Asked on November 27th, 2024

    Are there different rates for single travelers?

    Single supplement
  • Y

    Yaqui

    Asked on November 14th, 2024

    Do we need to book and pay for park admission fees in advance?

    Tour Details
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written November 2024

      It is recommended to book and pay for park admission fees in advance to ensure your entrance.

  • J

    Jacqueline

    Asked on October 31st, 2024

    Can we see food choices before booking due to dietary restrictions?

    Meals
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written November 2024

      You will be able to view food choices before finalizing your booking, especially for any dietary needs.

  • R

    Ramona

    Asked on August 7th, 2024

    What walking tours are available in Monteverde?

    Tour Details
  • K

    Katrin

    Asked on August 6th, 2024

    How will payments for additional services be processed?

    Payments
  • F

    France

    Asked on July 18th, 2024

    What is the process for adding extra nights at the end of the tour?

    Accommodation
    Tour Details
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written July 2024

      You can add extra nights, and you will receive a notification; you must approve the cost, and the charge will be processed automatically.

  • P

    Paulien

    Asked on June 21st, 2024

    What type of rental car is included in the package?

    Transport
  • T

    Theresa

    Asked on June 11th, 2024

    What should I do if I haven’t received my booking confirmation?

    Payments
    Travel Support
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written June 2024

      If you have not received confirmation, please check your spam folder and ensure you are using the correct email address.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Destination Services Costa Rica with your enquiry, they usually respond within 9 hours.
From
US $1,747 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

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Good to Know

Tour ID: 107705

  • Currency
    ₡
    Costa Rican Colon
    Costa Rica
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B.

    Type A
    Costa Rica
    Type B
    Costa Rica
  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Costa Rica. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Costa Rica. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Costa Rica. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Costa Rica. Ideally 10 days before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before October 7th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after October 7th, 2026, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Destination Services Costa Rica. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Destination Services Costa Rica will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Destination Services Costa Rica" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
  • People also viewed

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Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec