Costa Rica and Manuel Antonio Exploration Self-Drive

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

After breakfast, we leave 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 colourful Iglesia de San Rafael, known for its striking 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 natural hot springs. You may choose to visit one of the many hot springs facilities to unwind and enjoy dinner, as several offer on-site restaurants (own expense). Overnight accommodation is in Arenal.

After breakfast, you have the option to explore Arenal Volcano National Park independently. You might spend the morning or afternoon hiking through the park’s trails, taking in views of the volcano and surrounding rainforest. Alternatively, enjoy a horseback ride across pastures and forest to La Fortuna Waterfall. For a different perspective, the Sky Tram gondolas glide above the canopy to an observation deck offering impressive views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. You can return by tram or, for a more adventurous descent, take the Sky Trek zip line. 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, you may choose to take a boat tour through the intricate estuaries and mangroves around Damas Island. For a different experience, visit the Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation, a sustainable organic farm cultivating vanilla, cocoa, pepper, cinnamon and other essential oil plants. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before taking time to unwind and recharge at a relaxed pace. Enjoy the comfort of your surroundings and the tranquillity of Manuel Antonio, allowing yourself a well-deserved day of rest. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

After a hearty breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Manuel Antonio. Alternatively, you may choose to visit Jaco Beach, the country’s most popular coastal destination, located about an hour’s drive away. This offers a chance to experience a lively beach town with a variety of shops, restaurants and water activities. Return to Manuel Antonio for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, we drive back to San Jose. En route, you may wish 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 could explore Irazu Volcano, Costa Rica’s highest active volcano, and on the return journey stop in the colonial Orosi Valley, known for its historic church, the oldest in the country. If volcanoes are not of interest, there is plenty to do in San Jose itself, such as visiting one of its museums or browsing the vibrant Mercado Central, a longstanding and lively food market. We spend the night 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.