Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Mangroves & Beaches

9 days
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Drive across Costa Rica and experience its many natural wonders, from steamy volcanoes to white sand beaches. See why Costa Rica is a top ecotourism destination and fall in love with the country's famously laid-back attitude and easygoing lifestyle. Land in San Jose then drive about an hour to Naranjo, where you'll spend one night. Cruise along coffee and fl...

Overview

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

Highlights

    • Watch smoke and steam rise from Poas Volcano, one of Costa Rica's largest and most active volcanoes!
    • Get your adrenaline pumping in the Arenal Volcano area which has an abundance of activities from zip lining to hiking.
    • Explore ecological wetlands and mangroves at Rancho Humo and spot a variety of birds like egrets and herons.
    • Explore the Guanacaste province and see why Northwestern Costa Rica truly has it all!
    • Travel by car to the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica, Llanos de Cortes, and take a dip in the pond.

What's this trip about?

    Drive across Costa Rica and experience its many natural wonders, from steamy volcanoes to white sand beaches. See why Costa Rica is a top ecotourism destination and fall in love with the country's famously laid-back attitude and easygoing lifestyle. Land in San Jose then drive about an hour to Naranjo, where you'll spend one night. Cruise along coffee and flower farms until you reach the bubbling Poas volcano, then explore the fascinating volcanic landscape. Continue your journey north to Arenal Volcano, another of Costa Rica's famous volcanoes. See Arenal's tropical rainforest as you catch 360 degree views of the dormant volcano. You'll then continue to Rancho Humo, a private natural reserve home to the country's ecological wetlands and mangroves! Relax in this serene locale on the Tempisque River and see the region's varied wildlife peeking out of the trees. Conclude your trip in Guanacaste province in Northwestern Costa Rica, home to volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches! See the stunning Llanos de Cortes Waterfall, lounge in peace at Playa Hermosa, and explore volcanic craters at Rincon de la Vieja National Park. 

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIndependent
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySan Jose
End CityCosta Rica

Travel Themes

  • Local Immersion & Homestays
  • Relaxing Retreats

Destinations

  • Central America
  • Costa Rica

Attractions

  • Guanacaste
  • Nara

Activities

  • Bird watching
  • Culture
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Independent

Trip includes

    • Round-trip economy class airfare into San Jose (SJO), out of Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)
    • Automatic 4x4 car rental for 8 nights including unlimited mileage (Intermediate SUV - Hyundai Tucson or similar)
    • 1 night in Naranjo at Chayote Lodge, or similar
    • 2 nights in the Arenal Volcano area at Hotel Arenal Springs, or similar
    • 2 nights in Puerto Humo at Rancho Humo, or similar Lunch and dinner daily while in Puerto Humo 3 nights in Guanacaste/Tamarindo at the Wyndham Esplendor Tamarindo, or similar
    • Breakfast daily, 2 lunches & 2 dinners

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Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to San Jose!

Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and pick up your rental car to start your Costa Rica adventure! From San Jose, drive to Naranjo and check into your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day or night at leisure.

Est. driving time: 1 hour 

Day 2 Naranjo - Arenal Volcano

See Poas Volcano if you didn't catch it last night, then begin the journey to Arenal Volcano (about a 2 hour drive). This route offers beautiful scenery accompanied by picturesque rural towns like Rio Cuarto, Aguas Zarcas and La Fortuna de San Carlos.

If...

Day 3 Arenal Volcano

This day is yours to enjoy the tourist attractions around Arenal Volcano. If you're up for an adventure, head to Sky Adventure Park for the Sky Tram & Sky Trek. The tour combines ascending to the top of the mountain by Sky Tram with an exhilarating decline ...

Day 4 Arenal Volcano - Puerto Humo

After breakfast, drive 3½ hours to Palo Verde National Park. On the way, enjoy panoramic views of Arenal Lake as you continue through the village of Cañas across La Amistad Bridge.

Est. driving time: 3 1/2 hours

Day 5 Puerto Humo

Today, explore Rancho Humo's unique natural environment of wetlands and mangroves. Embark on a boat tour along Temp River to glimpse the wide range of flora and fauna like herons, martinets, hawks, ducks, roseate spoonbills, wood storks and the jabiru, the largest waterfowl in Latin America.

You could also pay a visit to Palo Verde National Park.

Day 6 Puerto Humo - Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste

In the morning continue your trip to the beautiful coast of Guanacaste in the North Pacific of Costa Rica, known for its jungle-covered beaches and warm waters. As you drive on the Panamerican highway, take notice of the picturesque rural villages and the change from rainforest to tropical dry forest that characterizes the province of Guanacaste.

Est. driving time: 1 3/4 hours

Day 7 Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste

Enjoy your first full day in Guanacaste! There is much to do and see in Northwestern Costa Rica, from gorgeous beaches to mesmerizing national parks. One of the most well-known national parks is Rincon de la Vieja, an intriguing combination of volcanic geologic...

Day 8 Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste

Continue to explore the Guanacaste region today. A highlight would be visiting Llanos de Cortes, the most stunning waterfall in Costa Rica. Walk down a short, steep trail to reach this spectacular waterfall then swim in the tranquil pond below the gushing falls...

Day 9 Depart Costa Rica

After enjoying an unforgettable stay in Costa Rica, it's time to say goodbye. Drive to Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) in Liberia and return your car, then board your flight back home. 

Est. driving time: 1 1/2 hours

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,649
Price per day$294
Last Updated: 0/3/2024

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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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Accommodation

,Chayote Lodge Hotel Arenal Springs Rancho Humo Estancia Wyndham Tamarindo
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Greatvaluevacations-PK-GC4P-SH-CRVM-SJO

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