Compare Costa Rica Self-drive in 7 days - Tropical Adventures & Rainforests - Charm by Exoticca vs 12 Day Kaleidoscope of Costa Rica with Tortuguero by Gate 1 Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
Trip |
4.5 | Great
|
3.5 | Average
|
Duration | 7 days | 12 days |
Price From | $ 999 | $ 2,359 |
Price Per Day | $ 143 | $ 197 |
Highlights |
|
|
Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
Physical Level |
|
|
Travel Themes |
|
|
Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
|
|
Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
Activities |
|
N/A |
Meals Included | 6 breakfasts. | N/A |
Description |
Discover the abundant nature of Costa Rica with this self-drive for added freedom! Explore the rich diversity of the country's rainforests, feel the strength of the Arenal Volcano and experience the tranquillity of this beautiful natural environmentand. Explore the abundant cloud forests of lush Monteverde and its extensive nature trails. |
3 San Jose, 2 Tortuguero, 2 Arenal, 2 Monteverde, 2 Guanacaste |
Day 1: US - San José - Arenal
Arrive at your US departure airport to board a flight* to San José. Arrive in the capital of Costa Rica and pick up your rental car to self-transfer to your hotel in Arenal. Overnight stay in Arenal. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Day 2: Arenal
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning at your leisure. In the afternoon, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and embark on a guided hike to the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a hiking experience through trails marked with the remains of previous lava flows of the impressive and majestic Arenal Volcano. The main attraction of La Fortuna is the Arenal Volcano with its nearly perfect cone shape and a height of 1633 meters. Along the hike you will discover the abundant flora and some fauna which inhabits the rainforest under re-generation; your guide will tell you all about the Arenal Volcano history and activity. After the hike, you may choose between different popular hot springs in the area to relax and enjoy the water which is naturally heated by the volcano (optional extras).* Overnight stay in Arenal.
Day 3: Arenal
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful natural environment. We recommend an optional horseback ride excursion to experience the natural environment in the traditional way.* Overnight stay in Arenal. * Optional Half-Day Horseback Ride Excursion: Set off on a scenic horseback ride to appreciate the beauty of nature and the sounds, colour and energy of the rainforest. Ascend to a viewpoint where you will have an impressive view of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. Lunch included.
Day 4: Arenal - Monteverde
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, drive to Monteverde, travelling along the banks of Lake Arenal for breathtaking views of the volcano. En-route, embark on an exciting unguided Hanging Bridges excursion for the best views of the treetop wildlife of Monteverde. Traverse a route of approximately 3 kilometres, crossing a combination of trails and hanging bridges which criss-cross the abundant 'cloud forest'. This is a unique and thrilling way to experience the best of Costa Rican wildlife, away from the hustle and bustle of the rainforest floor. Check-in to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Monteverde. Please note: the Hanging Bridges excursion is unaccompanied, without a guide.
Day 5: Monteverde
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the morning at your leisure in Monteverde. Set off at sunset for a night-walk with a naturalist guide and torchlights to observe the nocturnal wildlife. Look out for lazy sloths, armadillos and sleeping birds perched in the treetops as you enjoy a 2.5-hour night walk in the rainforest. Overnight stay in Monteverde.
Day 6: Monteverde
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in leafy Monteverde, getting in touch with nature or simply unwinding at the hotel and making the most of the facilities. We recommend an optional excursion to the Monteverde Cloud Forest.* Overnight stay in Monteverde. * Optional Monteverde Cloud Forest Excursion: Explore the rich cloud forests and extensive nature trails of Monteverde Cloud Forest. Observe wildlife ranging from jaguars to butterflies and quetzals as you traverse a number of different trails through 8 different ‘life-zones’ ranging from swamps to cloud forests.
Day 7: Monteverde - San José - US
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, drive to the airport and drop off your rental car, ready to board your flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. If your return flight departs in the evening, your arrival in the US will be the following day and the total duration of your trip will be 8 days.
DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for Costa Rica
DAY 2, Thursday - Travel to Tortuguero
DAY 3, Friday - Full Day in Tortuguero
DAY 4, Saturday - Travel to San Jose
DAY 5, Sunday - Travel to Arenal
DAY 6, Monday - Full Day in Arenal
DAY 7, Tuesday - Arenal National Park, Travel to Monteverde
DAY 8, Wednesday - Full Day in Monteverde
DAY 9, Thursday - Travel to Guanacaste
DAY 10, Friday - Full Day in Guanacaste
DAY 11, Saturday - Travel to San Jose
DAY 12, Sunday - Depart Costa Rica |