Costa Rica Self-Drive

On arrival at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, make your own way to the car rental counter to collect your vehicle. Make your way to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

San Jose - Arenal. Today, depart San Jose and drive north. En route, stop for a photo opportunity in the charming village of Zarcero, where you may see Parque Francisco Alvarado and the Iglesia de San Rafael.

The park sits in front of the town’s pink-and-blue church and is known for its topiary gardens, with shrubs trimmed into animal shapes. You then continue to the Arenal area, famous for its volcano, lake and hot springs. This evening, you may choose to visit one of the local hot springs facilities for a relaxing soak.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Arenal. You may choose to book an optional tour - perhaps a hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, a horseback ride through pastures and rainforest to La Fortuna Waterfall, or time at one of the area’s natural hot springs. For sweeping views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, you can take the Sky Tram gondola through the rainforest to an observation deck, then either ride back down or opt for a zip line experience.

Optional: Mistico Hanging Bridges
One of the most popular nature experiences near La Fortuna, set within a protected reserve of primary forest. The route includes a series of bridges and forest trails, with excellent chances to spot wildlife and enjoy volcano viewpoints. A naturalist guide brings the rainforest to life with insight into the region’s flora and fauna. Starting time: 8:00 AM or 2:00 PM. Duration: Approximately 4 hours. Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide, entrance fees and snacks

Optional: Arenal Volcano National Park - Boat
Enjoy a short boat ride across Lake Arenal to the entrance of La Península, then walk forest trails with impressive viewpoints. This area is well suited to birdwatching and photography, and you will also see landscapes shaped by past volcanic activity, including former lava-flow routes.

Optional: Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge by boat - lunch included
Explore the Río Frío and the Caño Negro wetlands, a Ramsar-listed area known for rich biodiversity. You may see resident and migratory birds, monkeys, iguanas, sloths, turtles and caimans, with great wildlife viewing opportunities depending on the season.Starting time: 7:30 AM. Duration: Approximately 8 hours. Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide, lunch and some beverages.

Optional: Safari float on the Peñas Blancas RiverA gentle rafting experience focused on wildlife and rainforest scenery as we paddle quietly downstream. You may spot monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodiles and a variety of tropical birds. Some short rapids add a little excitement without changing the relaxed pace of the trip.Starting time: 7:30 AM or 1:00 PM. Duration: Approximately 5 hours. Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide and snacks.

Optional: Arenal Volcano and hot springs - dinner included
Visit Arenal Volcano National Park for a guided walk with natural and geological insight, including views of older lava flows and Lake Arenal. Afterwards, relax in thermal baths, then finish with dinner. Starting time: 3:00 PM. Duration: Approximately 6 hours. Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide, entrance fee and dinner.

Optional: Balsa River rafting (Class II-III) - lunch included
A half-day white-water adventure on the Balsa River, with lively rapids and a tropical setting. There is time for a short break to enjoy local fruit, followed by lunch at a traditional countryside estate experience. Starting time: 10:00 AM. Duration: Approximately 6 hours. Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide, snacks, towel, beverages and lunch.

Optional: Rappelling - lunch included
A canyoning adventure featuring multiple waterfall rappels, a zip line element and a rock-climbing experience in a rainforest slot canyon, led by specialist guides. Starting time: 7:00 AM or 12:00 PM. Duration: Approximately 4 hours. Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide and lunch.

Optional: Sky Tram and Sky Trek
Travel by gondola to an observation platform for expansive rainforest and volcano views, then continue with zip lining and forest trails with a naturalist guide. Starting time: 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM or 11:30 AM. Duration: Approximately 6 hours. Age requirement: Minimum 8 years. Includes: Transportation and bilingual guide.

Arenal - Manuel Antonio. Today, drive to Manuel Antonio, one of Costa Rica’s best-known coastal areas, famed for its beaches, wildlife and outdoor activities. The rest of the day is at leisure - you may choose to explore the national park and nearby beaches.

If you would like to add an activity, you could consider an optional boat trip through the estuaries and mangroves around Damas Island, or a visit to a local sustainable spice plantation known for vanilla, cocoa, pepper and cinnamon.

We spend two full days at leisure in Manuel Antonio, one of Costa Rica’s most scenic coastal regions, known for its white-sand beaches, lush rainforest and abundant wildlife. These days are yours to relax or to choose from a wide range of optional activities.

Optional: Savegre River white-water rafting - lunch included
Operates May to February. With round-trip transportation included, you are taken to the river for a guided rafting experience through Class III rapids. Expect scenic views en route, a safety briefing, and time on calmer sections to appreciate the surrounding flora and fauna. Starting time: 8:00 AM. Duration: Approximately 5.5 hours. Age requirement: Minimum 8 years. Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide, fruit, snacks and lunch.

Optional: Naranjo River white-water rafting - lunch included
Does not operate December to May. A more challenging rafting option, with steeper sections and an adrenaline-focused route during the rainy season. After the rafting, lunch is served with fresh local ingredients. Starting time: 8:00 AM or 11:30 AM. Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours. Age requirement: Minimum 8 years. Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide, fruit, snacks and lunch.

Optional: Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays. Travel to the park with a nature guide, who will help you spot wildlife and explain the rainforest ecosystem. The walk is generally flat and scenic, with a beach stop at the well-known Third Beach for around 20 minutes. Starting time: 7:30 AM. Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours. Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide, entrance fee and snacks.

Optional: Catamaran tour - lunch included
Round-trip transportation is included. Board in Quepos and cruise along the coast, with your guide pointing out wildlife and vegetation around the national park. Anchor at Biesanz Bay for snorkelling or relaxing onboard, then enjoy a barbeque lunch.

Important: No prior experience required. Water visibility depends on the season. From May to November, the afternoon tour does not operate due to weather conditions. Starting time: 8:00 AM or 1:00 PM. Duration: Approximately 5 hours. Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide, snacks and lunch.

Optional: Damas Island mangrove boat tourFloat through Costa Rica’s mangrove ecosystem under a green canopy, with opportunities to spot birds, reptiles and white-faced monkeys. Lunch is served after the trip. Starting time: Depends on the tide. Duration: Approximately 4 hours. Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide and lunch or dinner (depending on departure time).

Optional: Jungle night walk - Manuel Antonio
A guided night walk through a wildlife refuge designed to support native nocturnal species. You may see frogs, toads, reptiles and other night-active animals, with guidance on behaviour, habitat and natural history. Starting time: 5:30 PM. Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours. Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide, lantern, and snacks.

Manuel Antonio - San Jose. Today, you drive back to San Jose. Along the way, you may wish to stop at Poas Volcano National Park, known for its crater viewpoints and cloud forest trails, or consider a visit to Irazu Volcano, the highest active volcano in Costa Rica.

You could also detour to the colonial Orosi Valley, famed for having the oldest church in Costa Rica. If you prefer to head straight to the city, San Jose offers museums and Mercado Central, a historic, lively market popular for local produce and snacks.

In good time before your flight, make your own way to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport. Return your rental vehicle to the car rental facility, then proceed to check-in for your departure flight home.