Caribbean to Pacific Self-Drive

Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, you will be met and guided to your transfer vehicle. We will then take you to your chosen hotel in the city, where you will spend your first night in Costa Rica. This initial evening allows you to settle in and prepare for the adventures ahead. Overnight in San José.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, a representative from the car rental company will meet you in the lobby to hand over your vehicle for the journey ahead. You will then drive to Puerto Viejo, travelling through Braulio Carrillo National Park where you can admire the lush rainforest and striking mountain scenery, as well as the charming villages of Costa Rica’s Caribbean region. Arriving at your hotel in the afternoon, you have the rest of the day at leisure to explore independently or join an optional activity. Choose a guided horseback ride to Punta Uva, where you will follow coastal paths along the Caribbean Sea and through the estuaries of Punta Uva River, learning about local wildlife and plants. Alternatively, you may prefer a canopy tour featuring nine aerial platforms and 13 ground platforms connected by 2,760 metres of cable, offering a unique perspective on the primary forest and its flora and fauna. Both activities are optional and not included. Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before spending the day at your leisure. You may choose to explore the area independently or take part in an optional snorkelling and hiking excursion in nearby Cahuita National Park, home to Costa Rica’s most significant coral reef. The reef supports a diverse marine ecosystem, including various corals, tropical fish, sharks, eels, sea urchins, shellfish, crustaceans, algae, and sea turtles. After exploring underwater, you can hike through the park’s trails, where you might spot snakes, sloths, white-faced and howler monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, and other wildlife. The afternoon is free to relax or join another optional activity. If you missed the Canopy Tour or Horseback Riding in Puerto Viejo, today offers another opportunity to experience these adventures. Please note that all optional activities, including snorkelling and hiking in Cahuita National Park, are not included. Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast before driving to the village of Turrialba. The journey takes approximately four hours, offering scenic views along the way. Upon arrival, you will have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the tranquil surroundings or unwind at your hotel. Take this time to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s optional adventure—either white-water rafting on the Pacuare River or an exhilarating river canyoning experience. Overnight in Turrialba.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel up for today’s adventure. We offer an optional white-water rafting trip on the Pacuare River, widely regarded as one of Costa Rica’s premier rafting experiences. Navigate thrilling rapids while taking in the stunning scenery of cascading waterfalls and lush tropical vegetation along the riverbanks. This exhilarating activity is not included in the itinerary. You will spend the night in Turrialba.

After breakfast at your hotel, drive to San Gerardo de Dota, located within Los Quetzales National Park—a cloud forest reserve known for its population of the iconic quetzal bird. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the tranquil surroundings or opting to join an adventurous canyoning and canopy tour. This activity begins with a safety briefing and equipment introduction from your guides before embarking on a 2 to 3-hour journey. You will rappel down four waterfalls, zip line across four canopy cables, and cross a 40-metre hanging bridge, offering an exhilarating experience amid stunning natural scenery. These activities are optional and not included. Overnight in San Gerardo de Dota.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before spending the day discovering the natural beauty of San Gerardo de Dota. You may choose to join an optional activity or simply explore the peaceful surroundings at your own pace. This area is renowned for its sizeable population of quetzal birds, and one of the most rewarding experiences is an optional ‘quetzal quest’—a chance to spot these striking birds with their metallic green plumage, bright red breast, distinctive crest, and impressive tail feathers in flight. Overnight in San Gerardo de Dota.

After breakfast, drive along the Pan-American Highway towards San Isidro de El General, enjoying the scenic journey through lush landscapes. Continue along the South Pacific route until you reach the coastal town of Quepos, located just outside Manuel Antonio National Park. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure, taking in the inspiring surroundings of this vibrant area. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before setting out to explore Manuel Antonio National Park at your own pace. The park features a flat, scenic trail that loops for about two miles, offering excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting. Manuel Antonio is home to three of Costa Rica’s four native tropical primates, and along the way, you may also encounter sloths, birds, reptiles, wild orchids, butterflies and lush tropical vegetation. Midway through your walk, pause to relax on the soft sands of the famous Third Beach or enjoy a swim in the gentle waves. Please note that the park entrance fee is not included. Spend the night in Manuel Antonio.

After breakfast, you will drive from Manuel Antonio to the airport for your departure flight. Allow sufficient time to return your rental car at the office before taking the shuttle transfer to the airport. Breakfast is included.