Days
17
Destinations
7
Type of journey
Private
Activities
4
Overview from the travel specialist
Hi, I'm Björn: This self-drive tour is ideal for individualists. The roads are easy to drive, the people are welcoming and a new nature experience awaits everywhere - whether at a chocolate farmer's, in the cloud forest or on a dream beach.
Highlights
Your Costa Rica car hire trip
✓ Hike at the Arenal volcano
✓ Chocolate tour in the rainforest of Sarapiquí
✓ Canopy adventure and suspension bridges in Monteverde
✓ Caribbean flair and natural paradise in Cahuita National Park
✓ Relax on the beach paradise of Sámara
A rental car trip through Costa Rica with adventure, relaxation and nature
Experience Costa Rica individually in 17 days in a hire car: start in the lively capital San José and travel on to the highlands and the Caribbean coast to Puerto Viejo with the Cahuita National Park. In the interior, rainforests, a chocolate tour, thermal springs and hikes on the Arenal volcano await you. Adventures in the cloud forest of Monteverde and relaxing days on the Pacific beach of Sámara perfectly round off this varied round trip for nature lovers and explorers.
Day 1: San José
Welcome to Costa Rica!
After your arrival in the vibrant capital San José, you will be warmly welcomed by a private driver and taken to your hotel. Use the rest of the day to relax and gather your first impressions of this fascinating city.
Services: Transfer + hotel in San José
Day 2: Free day in San José
Today you can discover San José on your own: Stroll through the Mercado
Central, visit the Gold Museum or admire the impressive
National Theatre. A relaxed start to your trip!
Services: Hotel in San José (breakfast)
Day 3: Pick up your hire car and drive to Turrialba
In the morning, pick up your hire car and drive into the green Turrialba Valley. The landscape changes to lush rainforest and small villages - perfect for a cosy introduction to rural Costa Rica.
Service: Hotel in Turrialba (breakfast), transfer to the hire car pick-up point
Day 4: Free day in Turrialba
The day is at leisure. If you fancy an adrenaline rush, you can take an optional rafting tour on the Río Pacuare - one of the best whitewater rivers in the world! Alternatively, you can go hiking or relax in the hotel garden
Service: Hotel in Turrialba (breakfast)
Optional: Rafting tour
Day 5: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Today you continue to the colourful Caribbean coast. Puerto Viejo is known for its reggae vibes, palm beaches and delicious Caribbean cuisine - ideal for savouring the lifestyle of the east coast
Service: Hotel in Puerto Viejo (breakfast)
Day 6: Beach day or excursion to Cahuita National Park
Use the day for sun, sand and sea - or optionally visit the nearby Cahuita National Park. White beaches, monkeys, sloths and a beautiful coral reef for snorkelling await you here.
Service: Overnight stay in Puerto Viejo (breakfast)
Optional: Visit to the Cahuita National Park
Day 7: Sarapiquí
Today's route takes you through tropical landscapes to the rainforest region of Sarapiquí. The region is a paradise for nature watchers and home to many sustainable projects.
Service: Hotel in Sarapiquí (breakfast)
Day 8: On the trail of chocolate
Today you will immerse yourself in the world of cocoa. On an exciting tour, you will learn all about the cultivation, processing and history of chocolate - including a tasting, of course!
Service: Hotel in Sarapiquí (breakfast), chocolate tour
Day 9: La Fortuna
Your next destination is La Fortuna - known for its majestic volcano and many outdoor activities. The view of the perfectly formed Arenal opens up as soon as you arrive.
Service: Hotel in La Fortuna (breakfast)
Day 10: Relax in hot springs
After an active day, relaxation is the order of the day. Enjoy the famous hot springs of La Fortuna - a real highlight in the open air, surrounded by tropical vegetation.
Service: Hotel in La Fortuna (breakfast), visit to the hot springs
Day 11: Arenal Volcano
In the morning, you will go on a guided hike through the old lava fields around the Arenal volcano. With a bit of luck, you may even spot toucans or coatis.
Services: Hotel in La Fortuna (breakfast), hike to the Arenal volcano
Day 12: Monteverde
You continue your journey along a scenic route to Monteverde - famous for its mystical cloud forest and sustainable ecotourism projects.
Services: Hotel in Monteverde (breakfast)
Day 13: Adventure in Monteverde
A day full of adventure: experience Monteverde from above on an exciting canopy tour with zip lines and hike over spectacular suspension bridges in the cloud forest.
Services: Hotel in Monteverde (breakfast), canopy and suspension bridge tour
Day 14: Sámara
We head down to the Pacific coast. In Sámara, a relaxed seaside resort with a tranquil atmosphere, turquoise-coloured water and beautiful sunsets awaits you.
Services: Overnight stay in Sámara (breakfast)
Day 15: Relaxation in Sámara
Unwind, grab a book or try paddleboarding in the shallow waters of the bay. The perfect place to switch off before travelling home.
Services: Hotel in Sámara (breakfast)
Day 16: Return journey to San José
After breakfast, take a leisurely drive back to the capital, return the hire car and spend the last night of your trip in San José.
Services: Overnight stay in San José (breakfast)
Day 17: Farewell to Costa Rica
Today it's time to say goodbye. You will be taken to the airport and start your journey home with many new impressions in your luggage.
¡Hasta luego, Costa Rica!
Services: Breakfast, transfer to the airport
What is included?
Transfer from and to the airport.
On Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches
Car hire with a full tank on collection. Choice of two car classes. Insurance included.
Daily breakfast.
All activities described in the itinerary, except those described as optional.
In selected, comfortable hotels
Plan your dream holiday
Don't miss the chance to make your dream trip a reality! Contact our experienced travel consultants now and let them inspire and advise you for your trip.
Optional services
- International flights
- Gratuities
- Optional excursions and services
- Travel insurance
- Return transfers
- Child seats
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