Costa Rica Romantic Journey Self-Drive
This 8-day tour starts in San José and finishes back there, offering a fantastic mix of adventure and relaxation. You’ll kick off with some free time in the city before heading to the Pacuare River for thrilling white-water rafting and peaceful nature walks at a riverside lodge. Then it’s on to Arenal, where you can unwind in thermal hot springs and admire the iconic volcano. The final stop is Manuel Antonio, perfect for beach time and exploring the national park’s wildlife. With a blend of adrenaline, stunning scenery and laid-back moments, this trip showcases the best of Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysHotel Rating
4 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
YesTour Guide
NoCountry
Costa RicaPassengers
$7,548.75
$2,265.00
Tour 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
Demands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5-kilometres without stopping and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
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
Demands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5-kilometres without stopping and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
Trip Type
Private ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - San Jose
Welcome to Costa Rica. Upon arrival at the airport, a local representative will meet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel in San José. After checking in, you will have free time to relax and settle into your room. You may choose to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace this afternoon. Overnight stay in San José.
Day 2 - Pacuare River
We begin the day with an early check-out from the hotel. At around 7:00 am, a local representative will meet you in the lobby for a shared transfer to the Pacuare River. Breakfast is served en route. Upon arrival at the Operations Centre, we receive a brief safety briefing before setting off on an exhilarating 1.5-hour rafting journey along class II–III rapids. This scenic trip leads us to the Lodge, where we arrive around midday. After checking in, enjoy lunch and settle into your room. The afternoon is yours to explore the surrounding natural environment at your leisure. Dinner is included this evening. Overnight at the Lodge on the Pacuare River.
Day 3 - Pacuare River
After breakfast at the Lodge, enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the nature trails and take part in birdwatching during the morning. Learn about the Lodge’s sustainability practices and make the most of the facilities while immersing yourself in the surrounding natural environment. Lunch and dinner are included. Overnight at the Lodge in Pacuare.
Day 4 - San Carlos
After breakfast at the Lodge, check out and set off on an exhilarating 3.5-hour white-water rafting journey along the Pacuare River’s most thrilling section, navigating class III–IV rapids. You will pass through lush canyons, pristine rainforest, sparkling waterfalls and spot a variety of tropical birds. A deli-style lunch is served riverside, and you can change into dry clothes at a private facility afterwards. A local car rental representative will then meet you at the restaurant to deliver your vehicle and provide all necessary rental information. From there, you will self-drive to La Fortuna de San Carlos, the gateway to the impressive Arenal Volcano. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy some free time to unwind and explore the resort’s facilities.
Day 5 - San Carlos
After breakfast at the hotel, you have the morning at leisure to unwind in the thermal hot springs or explore the Arenal region independently. Enjoy the natural surroundings at your own pace before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay in Arenal.
Day 6 - Manuel Antonio
After breakfast and check-out, you will self-drive to Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific Coast. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy some time relaxing either at the hotel or on the nearby beach. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 7 - Manuel Antonio
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day at your leisure to relax on the beach or explore the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park independently. The park is renowned for its diverse wildlife and scenic trails, offering a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 8 - Manuel Antonio - San Jose
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive to the car rental office to return your vehicle. At a suitable time, join a shared shuttle transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your departure flight home.
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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