What kind of car will be provided for the self-drive part of the tour?

The type of vehicle will depend on your booking category but will include basic insurance.

What are the transportation options during the tour?

Transportation throughout the tour will be provided via a rental vehicle that you will drive yourself.

Can you provide details about the cost of pre-tour accommodation?

The cost for an extra night for 2 people, including taxes and breakfast, in a standard hotel category is $120 USD.

What should I do if my flight changes?

Please provide updated flight information to help us in organizing your itinerary efficiently.

What types of insurance are included in the tour?

The booking covers basic insurance, but you can upgrade directly with the rental car company for better coverage.

Do I need a visa for this trip?

For most travelers, visas are not required for tourism in Costa Rica, but it's best to check your specific nationality's requirements.

What is the maximum group size for the tour?

The typical group size can vary, but we generally accommodate up to 16 people to ensure a more personalized experience.

How do I make a payment for the tour?

Payments can be made through our secure online portal, which accepts various credit cards.

What activities can we do in Manuel Antonio?

Manuel Antonio offers various activities including hiking, beach visits, and guided tours of the national park.

Can I receive confirmations and details via email?

Yes, all trip confirmations and important information will be sent to your email ahead of your departure.

From

$1,754

US $1,579 per person

The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive

10 days

•

Start and end in San Jose

5.0 (4 reviews)

View all
View all

From

$1,754

10% off

US $1,579 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

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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

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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: Other languages on request: Spanish
All Ages Welcome

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Intro
Introduction
Day 1
San Jose
San Jose
Start point
Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría (SJO), Ruta Nacional 1, Alajuela, Alajuela, Costa Rica (Pick up at San Jose Airport)
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Sleep Inn Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Explore San Jose city and surroundings
Day 2
San Jose to Tortuguero
San Jose to Tortuguero
Meals
Breakfast (Breakfast stop in Guápiles city around 8:30 am), Lunch (Delightful lunch at the lodge around 1:00 pm)
Accommodation
Hotel (Turtle Beach Lodge)
Included Activities
- Guided expedition through Tortuguero Canals
- Explore lagoons and hidden canals with wildlife viewing
Landmarks
Tortuguero National Park
Day 3
Tortuguero
Tortuguero
Meals
Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel), Lunch (Lunch included at the lodge), Dinner (Dinner included at the lodge)
Accommodation
Hotel (Turtle Beach Lodge)
Included Activities
- Guided morning walk through lodge's private trails
- Guided visit to Tortuguero Village
Optional Activities
- Cool off in the pool and relax in the morning
Landmarks
Tortuguero Village
Day 4
Tortuguero to Arenal
Tortuguero to Arenal
Meals
Breakfast (Breakfast at the lodge), Lunch (Lunch at restaurant in Guápiles city)
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Casa Luna Hotel & Spa)
Landmarks
Arenal Volcano
Day 5
Arenal
Arenal
Meals
Breakfast (Breakfast included at the hotel)
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Casa Luna Hotel & Spa)
Optional Activities
- Explore Arenal region independently
Day 6
Arenal to Monteverde
Arenal to Monteverde
Meals
Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel)
Accommodation
Hotel (Country Lodge)
Optional Activities
- Discover natural beauty of Monteverde independently
Landmarks
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Day 7
Monteverde
Monteverde
Meals
Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel)
Accommodation
Hotel (Country Lodge)
Optional Activities
- Visit biological reserves
- Zipline adventure over treetop forest canopy
- Walk through suspension bridges
- Coffee tour
- Costa Rican cooking class
Landmarks
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Day 8
Monteverde to San Jose
Monteverde to San Jose
Meals
Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel)
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Sleep Inn Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Explore San Jose capital city independently
Day 9
San Jose to Tortuga Island to San Jose
San Jose to Tortuga Island to San Jose
Meals
Breakfast (Breakfast on the way to Puntarenas), Lunch (Lunch served on the beach at Tortuga Island)
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Sleep Inn Hotel)
Included Activities
- One Day Tour to Tortuga Island by Catamaran
- Beach time at Tortuga Island
- Ocean catamaran journey with tropical snacks
Landmarks
Tortuga Island
Nicoya Peninsula
Puntarenas
Day 10
San Jose
San Jose
End point
Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría (SJO), Ruta Nacional 1, Alajuela, Alajuela, Costa Rica (Drop off at San Jose Airport)
Meals
Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel)

Landmarks
Tortuguero National Park

Landmarks
Tortuguero Village

Landmarks
Arenal Volcano

Landmarks
Monteverde Cloud Forest

Landmarks
Monteverde Cloud Forest

Landmarks
Tortuga Island
Nicoya Peninsula
Puntarenas

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
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
Hotel 3*
Days 1, 8, 9
Turtle Beach Lodge
Hotel
Days 2, 3
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
Hotel 3*
Days 4, 5
Country Lodge
Hotel
Days 6, 7

Operated by

Destination Services Costa Rica

Platinum Operator

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

Traveler Reviews

5.0

Overall rating based on 4 Reviews

Itinerary
5.0
Transport
5.0
Guide
4.8
Accommodation
4.8
Food
4.5
Tour Operator
4.4

Ken5.0•December 2025
Everything was great. Hotels were good Excursions provided were good. Cat rental ok. All drivers and tours were on...
Show more
Traveled in November 2025
Kirsten5.0•January 2024
Our family of 4 with kids (ages 15 and 10) from the USA really enjoyed this trip! We like to see a lot of different...
Our family of 4 with kids (ages 15 and 10) from the USA really enjoyed this trip! We like to see a lot of different things on our trips rather than just lounging. This trip definitely does that. Everything went very smoothly. Accommodations were great, and the food was delicious. All driver pick ups were on time, clean, and courteous. A few improvements or things for other travelers to ask about: I would have liked to get the final, detailed itinerary sooner. The web site indicated we would get it 2-3 weeks before the trip, but I received it less than 2 days before. I was trying to pre-book a couple of excursions in La Fortuna and Monteverde, and it would have been nice to have the confirmed dates and accommodations sooner. Also, I forgot to mention during booking - and no one asked - that we would want vegetarian meals. Most meals included in the package were buffet style, so that was fine. But on the day trip to Isla Tortuga, there wasn’t much for us to eat. We also did not know that the snorkeling at Isla Tortuga was an “add-on” part of the trip. Snorkeling near the main beach isn’t good, so don’t bother bringing snorkel gear if you don’t book the extra excursion. At the end of the trip we stayed in downtown San Jose, so we were the first to be picked up for Isla Tortuga at 5:20am (that’s rough with kids!), but then stopped to pick up people at many other hotels along the way - so we did not even leave the city until about 6:45am. I wondered if there would have been a different hotel to stay in for the end of the trip that would have been closer to west side of the city (later pick up!), but also not too far from the airport for the departure day.Show more
Traveled in December 2023
Reply from: Destination Services Costa Rica
Good Day Dear Kirsten We are glad to know you have a great time with your family during this trip! Definitely we are going to take in count your comments to keep improving our services. Regards, Karla Alpízar Destination Services Costa Rica's Team
Show more
Daniel5.0•May 2023
The tour is very well planned. The hotels picked were excellent and the service was great from everyone we dealt...
The tour is very well planned. The hotels picked were excellent and the service was great from everyone we dealt with. Noteworthy items: Costa Rican drivers are very polite and somewhat slow drivers. Driving is very easy throughout the country. We loved driving ourselves and having the freedom to go where we wanted. In tortugero the rooms don’t have AC and you can hear your neighbors. The resort is beautiful and we are glad we went, but I wish we brought electric fans. We asked to be moved to a room with no one next to us.Show more
Traveled in May 2023
Reply from: Destination Services Costa Rica
Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and I am glad you had a lovely experience with us and we met your travelling expectations. We hope to be your choice for your future holiday destinations. Kind regards, Customer Service team
Show more
Deepak5.0•January 2023
It was Awesome Tour and tourradar support was available at any point of time with quick response as problem solver....
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

Dates & Prices

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!

Ends on 14 Oct, 2026

Instant Confirmation
10% off
From Tuesday
13 Oct, 2026
To Thursday
22 Oct, 2026
English, Spanish
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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$1,754
US$1,579 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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From Wednesday
14 Oct, 2026
To Friday
23 Oct, 2026
English, Spanish
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Price based on Private Double Room
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From Thursday
15 Oct, 2026
To Saturday
24 Oct, 2026
English, Spanish
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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From Friday
16 Oct, 2026
To Sunday
25 Oct, 2026
English, Spanish
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Guaranteed departure
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From Saturday
17 Oct, 2026
To Monday
26 Oct, 2026
English, Spanish
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
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US$1,579 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
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From Sunday
18 Oct, 2026
To Tuesday
27 Oct, 2026
English, Spanish
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,754
US$1,579 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
10% off
From Monday
19 Oct, 2026
To Wednesday
28 Oct, 2026
English, Spanish
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,754
US$1,579 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
10% off
From Tuesday
20 Oct, 2026
To Thursday
29 Oct, 2026
English, Spanish
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,754
US$1,579 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
10% off
From Wednesday
21 Oct, 2026
To Friday
30 Oct, 2026
English, Spanish
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,754
US$1,579 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
10% off
From Thursday
22 Oct, 2026
To Saturday
31 Oct, 2026
English, Spanish
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,754
US$1,579 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

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C
Carmen
Asked on January 6th, 2025
What kind of car will be provided for the self-drive part of the tour?
Transport
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written January 2025
  The type of vehicle will depend on your booking category but will include basic insurance.
I
Itzel
Asked on January 5th, 2025
What are the transportation options during the tour?
Transport
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written January 2025
  Transportation throughout the tour will be provided via a rental vehicle that you will drive yourself.
F
Fernanda
Asked on July 16th, 2024
Can you provide details about the cost of pre-tour accommodation?
Accommodation
Price / Availability
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written July 2024
  The cost for an extra night for 2 people, including taxes and breakfast, in a standard hotel category is $120 USD.
E
Eduard
Asked on February 12th, 2024
What should I do if my flight changes?
Flights / Transfers
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written February 2024
  Please provide updated flight information to help us in organizing your itinerary efficiently.
L
Lucia
Asked on February 3rd, 2024
What types of insurance are included in the tour?
Travel Support
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written February 2024
  The booking covers basic insurance, but you can upgrade directly with the rental car company for better coverage.
T
Tara
Asked on January 11th, 2024
Do I need a visa for this trip?
Visa
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written January 2024
  For most travelers, visas are not required for tourism in Costa Rica, but it's best to check your specific nationality's requirements.
P
Pauline
Asked on January 8th, 2024
What is the maximum group size for the tour?
Group size
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written January 2024
  The typical group size can vary, but we generally accommodate up to 16 people to ensure a more personalized experience.
A
Alexis
Asked on December 17th, 2023
How do I make a payment for the tour?
Payments
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written December 2023
  Payments can be made through our secure online portal, which accepts various credit cards.
H
Heiko
Asked on November 9th, 2023
What activities can we do in Manuel Antonio?
Tour Details
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written November 2023
  Manuel Antonio offers various activities including hiking, beach visits, and guided tours of the national park.
G
Greg
Asked on October 25th, 2023
Can I receive confirmations and details via email?
Travel Support
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written October 2023
  Yes, all trip confirmations and important information will be sent to your email ahead of your departure.

Trip essentials

Good to know

Tour ID: 208693

The practical details for your trip across Costa Rica: money, plugs and flexible ways to pay, all in one place.

Have a question? Chat with a travel expert

Pay in installments
Spread the cost in interest-free biweekly installments of $63.
Deposit only
Book now with just a 20% deposit. The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure.
₡ - 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.

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
  Used in Costa Rica
- Type B
  Used in Costa Rica
Visa
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and how long you stay. We can’t process visas for you, but here’s a quick indication for this trip.
This is only an indication. Visa rules depend on your passport, trip length and purpose. Always confirm with the official embassy or consulate before you travel.
Payment information
Pay now
A 20% deposit
Balance due
60 days before departure
Installments
Interest-free, every two weeks
Currency
USD
Booking fee
None
Book now with just a 20% deposit and pay the rest later. The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure, charged automatically to your card, or you can split it into interest-free biweekly installments of $63 at checkout. Everything is charged in USD, and TourRadar never adds a booking fee. Any trip departing before December 8th, 2026 will need to be paid in full at checkout.
Accepted for Destination Services Costa Rica tours
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TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
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Cancellation Policy
Cancellation terms may vary per tour. Please check for the full cancellation policy here.
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Insurance
Our travel protection from our award-winning partner, XCover, means you and your travel companions can book with peace of mind knowing there’s protection available in case your trip doesn’t go to plan. At checkout you will be able to select between different options in case you or the tour are eligible for insurance. In case no option is available, you are always able to purchase travel insurance outside of TourRadar.
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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.
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From

$1,754

10% off

US $1,579 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

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive

Itinerary

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Prices

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Pay in installments

Deposit only

₡ - Costa Rican Colon

Plug types A, B

Currency

Plugs & adapters

Visa

Payment information

Accepted for Destination Services Costa Rica tours

Best price guarantee

How it works

Your quote needs

What doesn’t count

Cancellation Policy

Insurance

Accessibility

People also viewed

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