Costa Rica Explorer

12 days
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
In Costa Rica, "pura vida" is the law of the land. Meaning pure life, it's not simply a phrase you'll hear a lot in Costa Rica, but a way of life! Embrace the optimistic attitude and natural beauty of this Central American jewel as you drive from city to rainforest to beach. After a night in San Jose, your adventure begins in one of the most biodiverse areas...
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Arrive in Costa Rica's capital San Jose and tour a few of the city's highlights including the neoclassical Teatro Nacional.
    • Watch thousands of turtles nest at Tortuguero National Park, then tour its canals and village!
    • Explore the secret waterfalls and rainforests of Bajos del Toro, one of the most beautiful areas in the country.
    • Hike, bike, and see the elusive Resplendent quetzal bird at Arenal Volcano and its national park.
    • Learn to surf in Guanacaste, a northwestern province on the Pacific known for its pristine beaches and perfect waves!

What's this trip about?

    In Costa Rica, "pura vida" is the law of the land. Meaning pure life, it's not simply a phrase you'll hear a lot in Costa Rica, but a way of life! Embrace the optimistic attitude and natural beauty of this Central American jewel as you drive from city to rainforest to beach. After a night in San Jose, your adventure begins in one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, Tortuguero National Park. Virtually untouched by man and only accessible by plane or boat, this rainforest region is one of the principal turtle nesting spots in the world. Tour its freshwater canals and lagoons by boat, zipline through a maze of tangled trees, and meet a few locals at the colorful Tortuguero village.  Then pick up your rental car and make your way to Bajos del Toro, an off-the-beaten-path town in Central Costa Rica. On the slopes of the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, the town is home to a misty cloud forest reserve and the awe-inspiring Cataratas del Toro waterfall. Enjoy a range of outdoor activities from hiking to bird watching.  You will continue exploring the country as you drive towards the northern lowlands. There, discover two incredible natural attractions: Arenal Volcano and the Celeste River. Tour the diverse volcano region then see the river that winds through the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Admire the river's bright blue hue, which gets its shade from volcanic minerals! Your final Costa Rican destination is on the North Pacific Coast in Guanacaste. Explore exotic beaches, learn to surf, or go hiking at the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Return to San Jose and spend one last night before saying goodbye to this tropical paradise. 

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIndependent
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CitySan Jose
End CityCosta Rica

Travel Themes

  • Local Immersion & Homestays
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Relaxing Retreats

Destinations

Attractions

  • Guanacaste

Activities

  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion
  • Horseback riding & Equestrian
  • Hot Springs
  • Nature
  • Rafting
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Independent

Trip includes

    • Round-trip economy class airfare to San Jose (SJO)
    • Airport arrival transfer
    • 1 night in San Jose at the Autentico Hotel, or similar
    • Transfer from San Jose hotel to Tortuguero National Park; boat transfer to hotel
    • 2 nights in Tortuguero at the Laguna Lodge, or similar Lunch and dinner daily while in Tortuguero
    • All ground and boat transportation while in Tortuguero Tour the secondary Tortuguero Canals
    • Visit to Tortuguero Village
    • Automatic 4x4 car rental for 8 nights including unlimited mileage (Compact SUV - SsangYong Korando MT, or similar) Rental car will be brought to you on Day 4, return to SJO on Day 12
    • 1 night in Bajos del Toro at the Bosque de Paz Lodge, or similar
    • 2 nights in the Arenal Volcano area at the Casa Luna Hotel & Spa, or similar
    • 1 night in the Celeste River area at the Celeste Mountain Lodge, or similar
    • 3 nights in Guanacaste/Tamarindo at the Wyndham Esplendor Tamarindo, or similar
    • 1 night in San Jose at the Autentico Hotel, or similar
    • Breakfast daily, 3 lunches & 2 dinners

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Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to San Jose!

Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and meet a Swiss Travel representative who will provide you with all the necessary documentation, itinerary, and contact information. Then, transfer to San Jose where you'll spend your first night in Costa Rica.

Day 2 San Jose - Tortuguero National Park

Get an early start with a strong cup of Costa Rican coffee as you head towards the Northern Caribbean lowlands. Admire the beautiful evergreen mountains at Braulio Carrillo National Park before arriving at the Caño Blanco Dock, where boats are waiting to transfer you ...

Day 3 Tortuguero National Park

Spend the day touring this nature lovers' destination! Depending on weather conditions, enjoy a guided hike through the jungle and learn about the diverse flora and fauna.

Alternatively, explore the secondary canals and keep your eyes peeled for differen...

Day 4 Tortuguero National Park - Bajos del Toro

Mid-morning, transfer back to the local dock then head to Guapiles where you'll have lunch. Afterwards, collect your 4x4 vehicle which will be yours for the next eight days. You will be guided to your car pickup location. 

From Guapiles, drive two hours t...

Day 5 Bajos del Toro - Arenal Volcano

Today, explore the cloud forest on your own. Hike the different trails winding through the forest as you discover the innumerable species of plants, flowers and exotic birds.

In the afternoon, set out for the northern lowlands and pass towns like Venecia...

Day 6 Arenal Volcano

Today you have the entire day to explore the Arenal region at leisure. Pay a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park, home to the dormant Arenal Volcano. Once a small town of cattle and agricultural farms, it has become one of the most popular tourist destination...

Day 7 Arenal Volcano - Celeste River

Get an early start today and drive to the Celeste River National Park, located near the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Spend a couple of hours in the park where you can see a cascading waterfall, look-out point and blue lagoon. Explore trails taking you to the ...

Day 8 Celeste River - Guanacaste Beaches

In the morning, hike to Celeste River or visit Bijagua Village for a taste of true Costa Rican rural life. The village, around rolling hills and creeks, is full of plantation fields and cheese factories.

Then, continue your drive to the Papagayo Gulf on ...

Day 9 Guanacaste Beaches

Enjoy your first day in the Guanacaste province! Known for its dry weather, beautiful beaches and numerous national parks, Guanacaste is unlike any other part of Costa Rica. Located in the far northwest, the province is a wide, flat expanse of grasslands and dr...

Day 10 Guanacaste Beaches

Take your pick of one of the many national parks in Guanacaste. Visit Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica's first national park established in 1972. The park covers most of the Santa Elena peninsula and is perhaps most famous for La Casona, the nation’s most c...

Day 11 Guanacaste Beaches - San Jose

Today you will drive back to San Jose which should take you around 4 to 5 hours. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

At night, sample Costa Rican's national dish of gallo pinto, a simple dish of rice and beans. 

Day 12 Depart Costa Rica

It's time to say goodbye to paradise. Return your car at Juan Santamaria International Airport then make your way to your departure gate for your flight home

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,966
Price per day$164
Last Updated: 11/7/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Great Value Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

  • Sleep Inn Hotel Paseo Las Damas
  • Laguna Lodge
  • Bosque de Paz Lodge
  • Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
  • Celeste Mountain Lodge
  • Wyndham Tamarindo
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
Greatvaluevacations-PK-GC4P-SH-CRE-SJO

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