Costa Rica and Manuel Antonio Journey Self-Drive

Upon arrival in vibrant San Jose, you will be met by our representative who will assist you with directions to the car rental centre. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at your leisure. Overnight accommodation is arranged in San Jose.

After breakfast, we depart San Jose and head north, stopping in the charming village of Zarcero for a photo opportunity. Here, you can admire Parque Francisco Alvarado and the Iglesia de San Rafael, known for its colourful pink and blue façade and distinctive topiary garden featuring shrubs trimmed into animal shapes. We then continue to the Arenal area, renowned for its volcano, lake and hot springs. You may choose to visit one of the many hot springs facilities to relax and unwind. Many of these offer dining options where you can enjoy dinner at your own expense. Overnight accommodation is in Arenal.

After breakfast, you have the option to explore Arenal Volcano National Park independently. You may spend the morning or afternoon hiking through the park’s trails, soaking in the natural hot springs, or enjoy a horseback ride that passes through pastures and rainforest en route to La Fortuna Waterfall. For panoramic views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, we take the Sky Tram gondolas up through the rainforest to an observation deck. You can return by tram or opt for the exhilarating Sky Trek zip line tour down. Overnight in Arenal.

After breakfast, we drive to Manuel Antonio, renowned for its stunning beaches, abundant wildlife, and wide range of activities. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the national park and relaxing on the beaches. Alternatively, take a boat trip through the intricate estuaries and mangroves around Damas Island. For a different experience, visit the sustainable Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation, where a variety of spices and essential oil plants such as vanilla, cocoa, pepper and cinnamon are cultivated. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before enjoying a full day at leisure in Manuel Antonio. You may choose to experience a zip-lining canopy tour or a horseback riding excursion, both readily available nearby. Alternatively, join an optional afternoon tour of Manuel Antonio National Park (not included), where a guide will lead you through this tropical haven rich in wildlife. Midway through the walk, you will have 20 minutes to relax on one of the park’s pristine beaches. Another option is a naturalist catamaran tour offering stunning views of the park and marine life, with opportunities for snorkelling and a memorable sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

After breakfast, we drive back to San Jose. Along the way, you may choose to visit Poas Volcano National Park, a popular site featuring easy walking trails and home to Lake Botos—one of the world’s largest volcanic lakes nestled in an inactive crater surrounded by cloud forest. Alternatively, you can visit Irazu Volcano, Costa Rica’s highest active volcano, and stop at the colonial Orosi Valley, known for its historic church, the oldest in the country. If volcanoes aren’t of interest, there are plenty of options in San Jose itself, including museums or the vibrant Mercado Central, a traditional food market. We overnight in San Jose.

After breakfast in San Jose, check out of your accommodation and make your way to the car rental centre. Return your vehicle at the rental facility located at San Jose International Airport ahead of your departure flight.