Ultimate wildlife & nature self-drive in Costa Rica

San Jose

Day 1: Arrive into the capital, San José

Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon your arrival at the airport, take a private transfer to your accommodation for check-in, and spend the rest of the day relaxing after your journey. If you can, be sure to make the most of its incredible dining and nightlife scene before you leave the next day.

San Jose - Tortuguero

Day 2: Journey to the Caribbean coast

This morning, leave San José behind as you transfer to Tortuguero by bus and boat. Upon your arrival in the afternoon, check into your accommodation and set out to explore the village, which comes alive with its fascinating Afro-Caribbean roots, friendly locals and ecotourism efforts. Located within Tortuguero National Park, it's the perfect starting point for adventure-fuelled jungle hikes, canal explorations, and getting to know the adorable sea turtle.

Tortuguero

Day 3: Soak up the tranquillity of Tortuguero

Today, it's time to slow your pace down and make the most of the rich natural surroundings, basked in tranquillity. Start with a morning boat tour of Tortuguero National Park's river canals, then spend the afternoon at your own pace, getting to know Tortuguero better or simply relaxing at your accommodation.

Tortuguero - Arenal - La Fortuna

Day 4: Explorations in the shadow of Arenal

This morning, take a private transfer from Tortuguero to Arenal Volcano National Park, where the mighty volcano itself commands attention as it looms over the tropical landscape. Upon your arrival here, pick up your rental car to begin your self-drive adventure. Explore the surrounding area, visit hot springs for a relaxing experience, and journey on to the small town of La Fortuna to check into your accommodation and enjoy an overnight stay.

La Fortuna

Day 5: Scenic pursuits in La Fortuna

Spend your morning at leisure in La Fortuna, before an afternoon visit to the epic Fortuna Waterfall: located at the base of the dormant Chato volcano, it drops at around 75 m and is an impressive sight to behold. Alternatively, experience the spectacular views that stretch out before your eyes from atop the Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges. After a day immersed in nature at its very best, return to your accommodation for an overnight stay in La Fortuna.

La Fortuna - Monteverde

Day 6: Immerse yourself in a stunning cloud forest

This morning, take a scenic drive to Monteverde, where a day of exploration awaits in the heart of its much-loved Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Diverse flora and fauna can be admired across its grounds, which are sprawled out across a whopping 10,500 ha; keep your eyes peeled for deer, porcupines, sloths, white-faced monkeys, and splendid birdlife in all colours of the rainbow. If you're lucky, you may even spot beautiful wild cats, such as the elusive jaguar and puma. Once you've had your fill, return to Monteverde for an overnight stay.

Monteverde

Day 7: Three-in-one outdoor adventure in Monteverde

Across both morning and afternoon, today you'll join a three-in-one Sky Walk, Sky Tram and Sky Trek adventure in Monteverde - an immersive, active and truly wonderful way to get to know the cloud forest in all its iconic beauty. Venture across suspension bridges, board a tram to sail through the canopy, and zip-line with ravishing views all around you on this epic day out. Filled with a rush of adrenaline and great memories, return to Monteverde for an overnight stay.

Monteverde - Manuel Antonio

Day 8: Explore Manuel Antonio National Park

In the morning, head to Manuel Antonio National Park, a place of swaying palms and playful monkeys, sparkling blue water and a riot of tropical birds. Lose yourself amidst the rugged rainforest that edges out onto white sands and encompasses colorful coral reefs.

The park offers numerous activities such as educational night walks to learn more about the flora and fauna, boat tours and snorkeling opportunities, rafting and much more.

Manuel Antonio - Sierpe - Corcovado

Day 9: Boat journeys to paradise

Today you leave Manuel Antonio behind and travel to the small riverside town of Sierpe. From there, take a boat through mangroves along the Sierpe River to Drake Bay. It is the kind of place where you could swing in a hammock all day and still see more amazing wildlife than almost anywhere else in the world.

Later, another boat will take you to your accommodation near the expanse of Corcovado National Park. Check-in and relax to your heart's content: you're in paradise, after all!

Corcovado

Day 10: Into the heart of Corcovado National Park

This morning, lace up your boots for a guided hiking tour in Corcovado National Park. A sheer variety of wildlife and trails that wind across unspoilt beaches and forest make this park wonderful to explore. Keep on the lookout for local residents, including Baird's tapirs, pumas, harpy eagles, opossums and more. Spend the afternoon at leisure, soaking up your surroundings or relaxing at your accommodation.

Corcovado - Cano Island - Corcovado

Day 11: Explore marine life off Caño Island

This morning, take to the Pacific Ocean waters off Caño Island and explore the wealth of underwater marine life on a snorkelling tour. As one of the best destinations for enjoying this sport in Costa Rica, it's ideal for observing turtles, sharks, dolphins, stingrays, and a colourful variety of fish. Back on dry land, spend the afternoon at leisure or partaking in a selection of optional activities near Corcovado, before an overnight stay.

Corcovado - Sierpe - San Jose

Day 12: Journey back to bustling San José

This morning, journey on two boats as you transfer back to Sierpe, then drive onwards to San José. Spend your final night in Costa Rica here, making the most of its lively atmosphere as you flit across its best restaurants and bars.

San Jose

Day 13: Goodbye, Costa Rica!

It's time to bid farewell to Costa Rica today: check out of your accommodation and drive back to San José International Airport. Here you'll drop off your rental car, before joining your onward flight.