Costa Rica Magic Journey Self-Drive
This 9-day tour starts and ends in San José, offering a fantastic mix of wildlife, adventure, and beach time. You’ll explore the lush canals of Tortuguero National Park with expert guides, spotting diverse wildlife in its natural habitat. Then it’s on to the Arenal area, where you can relax or try optional activities amid stunning volcanic scenery. The final stretch takes you to Tamarindo Beach in Guanacaste, perfect for unwinding by the Pacific with plenty of free time to soak up the sun. A well-paced trip blending nature, culture, and relaxation from start to finish.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
9 daysHotel Rating
-5 star hotelsStarts
San JoseEnds
San JoseMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Costa Rica that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
NoCountry
Costa RicaTour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max 30
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
On this tour, all arrangements such as accommodation and transportation are pre-arranged for you. You may enjoy included activities and guided sightseeing, but you will need to navigate your way through the tour by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A packed itinerary, visiting multiple places each day with limited downtime, ideal for those who want to maximize sightseeing.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
NoGroup Size
Min 1 / Max 30Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
On this tour, all arrangements such as accommodation and transportation are pre-arranged for you. You may enjoy included activities and guided sightseeing, but you will need to navigate your way through the tour by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A packed itinerary, visiting multiple places each day with limited downtime, ideal for those who want to maximize sightseeing.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - San Jose
Upon arrival in vibrant San Jose, you will be met by our representative who will assist you to your shared transfer. This will take you directly to your hotel in the city, where you will spend your first night in Costa Rica.
Day 2 - San Jose - Tortuguero
We collect you early from your hotel and set off towards Guapiles, where we stop for a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant. From there, we continue by boat through the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park, navigating lush jungle waterways to reach your lodge. You will arrive in time to settle in and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. Dinner is also included this evening, allowing you to relax and soak up the tranquil surroundings. Overnight accommodation is at the lodge in Tortuguero.
Day 3 - Tortuguero
After breakfast, we take a guided boat tour through the intricate canals of Tortuguero National Park, a highlight of any visit to this region. You’ll explore lagoons and dense rainforest habitats, home to a remarkable variety of wildlife including numerous species of amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Lunch and dinner are served at the lodge, allowing you to relax and soak up the peaceful surroundings. We stay overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4 - Tortuguero - Arenal
After breakfast, we leave Tortuguero by shared boat and land transfers, returning to Guapiles where we pause for lunch at a local restaurant. Following the meal, you will collect your rental car and drive to the Arenal area. Upon arrival, you have the remainder of the day at your leisure to relax or explore. Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5 - Arenal
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore the Arenal area. You may choose to take part in a variety of optional activities available locally, allowing you to tailor the day to your interests. Overnight in Arenal.
Day 6 - Tamarindo
After breakfast, we drive to your next destination – the beautiful Guanacaste region on the North Pacific coast. Upon arrival at Tamarindo Beach, you have the afternoon at your leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the beach. Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 7 - Tamarindo
Spend a full day at leisure in Tamarindo, exploring the town and nearby beaches at your own pace. You may also choose to join one of the optional excursions available locally. Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 8 - Tamarindo - San Jose
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning by the beach. In the afternoon, drive back to San José and check in to your hotel for your final night in Costa Rica.
Day 9 - San Jose
After breakfast, return your rental car at the arranged time before transferring to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your onward flight. This concludes your journey in Costa Rica.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices (if available) are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room.
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