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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
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Select departure month

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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
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Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

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Plan your adventure:
Road Trip & Self-Drive
Hit the open road and travel at your own pace
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

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Itinerary

  1. Intro

    Introduction

  2. Day 1

    San Jose

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

    San Jose to Tortuguero

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

    Included Activities

    • Bus journey through Braulio Carrillo National Park with mountain scenery
    • Boat cruise through Tortuguero National Park rivers and canals
    • Visit to Tortuguero village with walking tour
    • Beach stroll and local experience in Tortuguero
    • Turtle hatchling observation (seasonal: September-December)

    Optional Activities

    • Entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park (not included)
    Landmarks
    Braulio Carrillo National Park
    Tortuguero National Park
    Tortuguero Village
  4. Day 3

    Tortuguero National Park

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

    Included Activities

    • Three-hour guided trip to Tortuguero National Park with wildlife observation

    Optional Activities

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

    Tortuguero to Arenal

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

    Arenal Volcano National Park

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

    Optional Activities

    • Self-guided hike through Arenal Volcano National Park with wildlife observation
    Landmarks
    Arenal Volcano National Park
  7. 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 through cloud forest with 8 suspension bridges and 3km of trails
    • Don Juan Coffee Tour: learn about coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane production with cultural insights
    Landmarks
    Monteverde Cloud Forest
    Selvatura Treetop Walkway
    Itinerary Image 1
  8. 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 Biological Reserve
    • Selvatura Treetop Walkway guided tour: 3-hour hike through cloud forest with 8 suspension bridges and 3km of trails
    • Don Juan Coffee Tour: learn about coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane production with cultural insights
    Landmarks
    Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
  9. 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
  10. Day 9

    Pacific Coast

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

    Optional Activities

    • Surfing at Tamarindo
    Landmarks
    Tamarindo Beach
  11. Day 10

    Pacific Coast to San Jose

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

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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
Platinum Operator
Rating
4.4 (386 reviews)
Response time
11 hours
Response rate
100%
Cancellation policy
Learn more

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
  • 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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Dates & Prices

Select departure month

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
Upcoming departures
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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 11 hours.

Trip essentials

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Tour ID: 107705

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  • ₡ - Costa Rican Colon

    You’ll encounter Costa Rican Colon in Costa Rica.

  • Plug types A, B

    You’ll need an adapter for these sockets in Costa Rica.

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    Costa Rica

  • Plugs & adapters

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      Used in Costa Rica

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  • Payment information

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From
$1,747
10% off
US $1,572 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 departure month

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
Pay only 20% today. The rest is due 60 days before departure. Learn more

Best price guarantee Learn More

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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