A 15-Day Costa Rica Road Journey from Caribbean to Pacific
Costa Rica Self-drive: From The Caribbean To The Pacific
Duration
15 DaysStarts In
San JoseRoute
San Jose , Arenal Volcano NP, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Turrialba, Manuel Antonio NP, Manuel Antonio, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, San Gerardo de Dota, Ballena
SELF-DRIVE VACATION - Departs daily - 15 days/ 14 nights package visiting Arenal, Monteverde, Ballena Bay, Turrialba Valley, Puerto Viejo and Manuel Antonio. Includes accommodation at a hotel of your choice, sightseeing as indicated in itinerary, recommended sightseeing options, and SUV Compact car rental for 14 days.
Includes
- Rental vehicle with outlined inclusions
- Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance
- Accommodations of your choice
- Sightseeing tours and/or activites of your choice
Excludes
- Items of a personal nature
- All other items not mentioned as included
- Rental car add-ons, i.e. GPS, winter tires, maps, etc.
- Travel insurance; please inquire with your Keytours travel consultant
- Gratuities for drivers, guides, and escorts
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Arrival in San José, Costa Rica
2
Day 2: San José to Arenal Volcano
3
Day 3: Explore Arenal Volcano
Today is yours to explore the Arenal region’s natural wonders and adventure activities. Visit Arenal Volcano National Park for scenic hikes or stroll the famous hanging bridges suspended above lush canopies. For a rush of adrenaline, try the Sky Tram or zip-lining experiences. Cultural excursions like Arenal Vida Campesina offer insight into local traditions. Enjoy horseback riding, scenic boat tours, or simply relax in natural hot springs. With so much to see and do, Arenal caters to adventurers and nature lovers alike. After an exhilarating day, return to your hotel and soak in the beauty of this volcanic landscape.
4
Day 4: Arenal Volcano to Sarapiquí
5
Day 5: Sarapiquí to Puerto Viejo de Limón
6
Day 6: Leisure in Puerto Viejo de Limón
7
Day 7: Puerto Viejo de Limón to Turrialba Valley
Today, journey inland to the scenic Turrialba Valley, a tranquil region celebrated for its coffee and sugarcane plantations. Pass through picturesque landscapes and charming towns. Turrialba offers a wealth of outdoor activities like white-water rafting on the Pacuare River, exploring the Guayabo Archaeological Monument, or visiting the botanical gardens of CATIE. Revel in the authentic Costa Rican countryside, where rolling hills and vibrant fields create a serene escape. Spend the night at a cozy hotel in Turrialba, enjoying the valley’s natural beauty and laid-back charm.
8
Day 8: Turrialba Valley to San Gerardo de Dota
9
Day 9: Explore San Gerardo de Dota
10
Day 10: San Gerardo de Dota to Ballena Bay
11
Day 11: Leisure in Ballena Bay
12
Day 12: Ballena Bay to Manuel Antonio
13
Day 13: Adventure in Manuel Antonio
14
Day 14: Leisure and Exploration in Manuel Antonio
15
Day 15: Departure – San José
After breakfast, drive back to San José (approx. 3.5 hours) and return your rental car at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). Be sure to arrive three hours prior to your departure for check-in and security procedures. Reflect on the unforgettable landscapes, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences that have made your Costa Rican journey extraordinary. As you board your flight, carry home memories of pura vida living, promising a return to Costa Rica’s magical lands.
Dates & Prices
Frequently Asked Questions
The Costa Rica Self-Drive: From the Caribbean to the Pacific package includes visits to San José, Arenal Volcano National Park, Sarapiquí, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Turrialba, San Gerardo de Dota, Ballena Bay, and Manuel Antonio National Park. This itinerary allows travelers to explore a diverse range of landscapes, from volcanic regions and rainforests to idyllic beaches and cloud forests.
Travelers on this self-drive itinerary will navigate Costa Rica using a rental SUV Compact car provided for 14 days. This allows for flexibility and the freedom to explore at your own pace. The package includes private transfers upon arrival in San José, but travelers will drive themselves between other destinations, providing an immersive and independent travel experience.
This package includes a rental vehicle for 14 days, accommodations of your choice, sightseeing tours and activities as indicated in the itinerary, and daily breakfasts. Additionally, Keytours provides 24-hour emergency assistance to ensure a smooth travel experience. Optional activities and additional services can be arranged with the help of a Keytours travel consultant.
Yes, accommodations and activities in this itinerary can be customized to suit your preferences. Keytours Vacations offers a selection of hotels and can arrange specific sightseeing tours or activities based on your interests. Travelers are encouraged to discuss their preferences with a Keytours travel consultant to tailor the experience to their liking.
This self-drive itinerary is suitable for families with children, as it offers a mix of adventure, nature, and cultural experiences. The flexibility of having a rental car allows families to explore at their own pace, and destinations like Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, and Ballena Bay provide family-friendly activities such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and beach outings.
The Costa Rica Self-Drive itinerary involves a moderate level of physical activity. Travelers can choose from a variety of activities, including hiking, zip-lining, and snorkeling, which may require some physical exertion. However, there are also plenty of opportunities for relaxation and leisurely exploration, making it adaptable to different fitness levels.
Travelers will receive a rental SUV Compact car for 14 days, allowing them to explore Costa Rica independently. It's important to note that rental car add-ons such as GPS, maps, and insurance are not included and should be arranged separately. Driving in Costa Rica requires a valid driver's license, and travelers should be prepared for varying road conditions. For assistance or customization of rental car options, consult with a Keytours travel consultant.
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