This 17 day adventure takes you off the beaten track and into the heart of Costa Rica's natural beauty; hiring a car will enable you to explore the country's hidden gems. Highlights include: ➣ Delve into the daily life of Tortuguero Village. ➣ Spot the Resplendent Quetzal in the cloud forests of San Gerardo. ➣ Learn the culinary secrets of the community of Juanilama. ➣ Bask on the secret beaches of Nicoya Gulf. This trip is a perfect mix of community, beach, wildlife and jungle. Hop in a car and experience 'la pura vida' of Costa Rica at your own pace.
Day 1 - San José
- Information about self-driving in Costa Rica
- Private transfer from Juan Santamaría Airport to your hotel in San José
Day 2 - San José
- At leisure in San José
- Meet & greet at your hotel
Day 3 - Tortuguero
- Guided visit to Tortuguero Village
Day 4 - Tortuguero
- Tortuguero Naturalist Walk
- Afternoon boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero National Park
Day 5 - Guapiles, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí
- Boat transfer from Tortuguero to Guapiles
- Pick up rental car in Guápiles
- Self-drive from Guápiles to Sarapiquí
Day 6 - Boca Tapada
- Self-drive from Sarapiquí to Boca Tapada along an unpaved road
- Around Maquenque Ecolodge
Day 7 - Boca Tapada
- Second day around Maquenque Ecolodge
Day 8 - Community of Juanilama
- Self-drive from Boca Tapada to the Community of Juanilama
- Agriculture tour
- Cooking lesson with community of Juanilama
Day 9 - Community of Juanilama, Tenorio Volcano
- Hike to a waterfall near Juanilama
- Self-drive from Juanilama to the Tenorio region
Day 10 - Tenorio Volcano, Manzanillo
- Visit to Tenorio National Park
- Drive from Tenorio to the Gulf of Nicoya
Day 11 - Manzanillo
- Relax by the Gulf of Nicoya
Day 12 - Ojochal
- Self-drive from Manzanillo to the Pacific South along the Costanera highway
Day 13 - Ojochal
- Enjoy the beaches of Ojochal and around
Day 14 - Ojochal
- A second day on the beaches of Ojochal
Day 15 - San Gerardo de Dota
- Drive from the hot lowlands of Uvita to the foggy forests of San Gerardo
- Day at leisure at San Gerardo de Dota
Day 16 - San Gerardo de Dota, San José
- Quetzal Tour
- Self-drive from San Gerardo de Dota to San José
- Drop off rental car in San José
- At leisure in San José
Day 17
- Shared transfer from San José to the international airport
Costa Rica is at its driest from December to April on its Pacific coast, and during September and October on the Caribbean side, and these are the most popular times of year to visit. However, don't rule out travel in the rainy or 'green' season- most days just see a prolonged shower in the afternoon, and there are far fewer visitors. If you're coming for Costa Rica’s wildlife - which most people are - you're advised to avoid the heavy rainfall of September and October, or stick to the Caribbean side where it is drier. Bear in mind too that being a tropical country, you could see rain at any time of year in Costa Rica, even in the dry season.
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