Self-Drive Adventures in the South 8d/7n

Itinerary

Despite a recent growth in tourism, the far south of the country remains a backwater as far as mass tourism is concerned. Large areas of the forest are protected as National Parks and Nature Reserves. This itinerary will take you through the cloud forest reserve of San Gerardo de Dota, one of the last protected habitats of the iconic Quetzal bird, down to the southern Pacific Coast. After exploring this area, which is particularly good for water-based activities, head north to return to San José via a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park. This National Park in the Central Pacific Region protects one of the last remaining primary coastal forests and is a great place for wildlife watching!

Day 1

Selva Bananito SlothWelcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by a representative of our agency, who will provide a detailed explanation of the selected route; we will deliver your welcome packet and coordinate the transfer to your selected hotel in San José or Alajuela.

Accommodation: in San José, or Alajuela
Included Meals: none
Included Activities: none

Day 2

Dantica Lodge Cloud ForestSan José – Cartago – Cerro de la Muerte – San Gerardo de Dota

After breakfast, your rental car will be delivered to your hotel. You need a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Diner´s Club) and your valid driver´s license. Once the formalities are completed, start your journey by heading out of San José and toward the former capital, Cartago, where you can visit the Basilica, one of the most beautiful churches in Costa Rica.

From there, follow the Panamerican Highway, as it starts to climb the Talamanca mountain range. About 80 km later you will be at 3000 meters above sea level. Turn right, toward San Gerardo de Dota. This small village is located at 2200 meters above sea level and is surrounded by beautiful cloud forest. It is one of the best places in Costa Rica to observe the Resplendent Quetzal, an iconic, but shy bird strikingly beautiful and very colorful, held sacred by the Mayans and other native people. Enjoy a walk through the jungle and observe the variety of exotic birds in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: San Gerardo de Dota
Included meals: None
Included activities: None
Total driving distance: About 90 km
Total driving time today: About 2 hours

Day 3

Trogon Lodge QuetzalSan Gerardo de Dota – Esquinas Rainforest Lodge

San Gerardo is a fabulous place for anyone interested in birds. Get up early to go birdwatching in the nature reserve. In the early morning hours, birding is best, as this is their most active time. Make the most of this morning walk, as there is a long journey ahead of you, down to Golfo Dulce. After breakfast, continue on the Panamerican Highway, heading south. The road climbs up to the highest mountain pass in Costa Rica, the Cerro de la Muerte at an elevation of  3400 meters above sea level. Once upon a time, before the widespread use of motorcars, crossing the pass was a perilous journey, that often did not end well for ill-prepared travelers – which is how this mountain got its name. The winding road will take you down to San Isidro de El General, a major hub near the southern Pacific coast. Continue on the Panamerican Highway, passing large pineapple plantations until you reach the little village of Villa Briceño. Here, turn left. Soon you will reach Esquinas Rainforest Lodge or “The Austrian Rainforest” as this place is often called.

Accommodation: Golfo Dulce
Included meals: Breakfast, dinner
Included activities: None
Total driving distance: About 210 km
Total driving time: About 3.5 hours

Day 4

Esquinas Rainforest Lodge

There are many things to do at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. We recommend a boat tour to explore the beauty and serenity of the mangrove forests. A horseback riding tour, or a hike through the rainforest to spot birds and wildlife other options.  

Accommodation: Esquinas Rainforest Lodge
Included meals: Breakfast, dinner
Included activities: None
Total driving distance: None
Total driving time: None

Day 5

Esquinas Rainforest Lodge – Dominical

The journey continues along the coast. As you travel north you will pass several beautiful, wild beaches. Take in the beauty of this lovely part of Costa Rica, go for a swim or just enjoy the tropical sun and the gorgeous views. In the late afternoon, you will reach Dominical.

Accommodation: Dominical
Included meals: Breakfast
Included activities: None
Total driving distance: About 120 km
Total driving time: About 2 hours

Day 6

Costa Rica Central Pacific CaveDominical – Quepos / Manuel Antonio

While in Dominical you could go horseback riding to a beautiful waterfall. As they say: a ramble in the great outdoors is always good for body and soul. Alternatively, you could take a hike through the jungle at Hacienda Barú, or spend a couple of hours relaxing at the beach. Later, when you are ready, continue your journey north to Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. This is quite a busy area as it is popular with people from San José and foreign tourists alike. There are many tours and activities offered, from jungle tours to kayaking, white water rafting or sea kayaking and snorkeling tours.

Accommodation: Quepos/Manuel Antonio
Included meals: Breakfast
Included activities: None
Total driving distance: About 50 km
Total driving time: About 1 hour

Day 7

Manuel Antonio Squirrel MonkeyQuepos / Manuel Antonio

While in this area you should definitively visit Manuel Antonio National Park (closed on Mondays, entrance fee USD 16 per person). Apart from the beautiful beaches that are part of the area protected by the park, there are trails through the rainforest, where, with a little bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of various species of mammals, especially monkeys, such as the super cute, but sadly, endangered squirrel monkeys, who live in the park. Even though Manuel Antonio is one of the smallest national parks in the country, the diversity of wildlife in its 682 ha, with 109 species of mammals and at least 184 types of birds, is without equal.

Accommodation: Quepos/Manuel Antonio
Included meals: Breakfast
Included activities: None
Total driving distance: None
Total driving time: None

Day 8

Lapa Rios Osa Peninsula Ara MacawQuepos / Manuel Antonio – Carara National Park – San José

Time to head back to San José. But before you re-enter the hustle and bustle of the city, take time to visit Carara National Park. Located in a transitional zone, this is a special place, where the wet tropical forest meets the dry tropical forest, and many species at home in either eco-system, converge. There are also some rare species of orchids not seen elsewhere, But the main attraction of the park is its large population of Scarlet Macaws. These magnificent, but sadly, endangered birds, find a sanctuary here. 
Return to San José and drop off of the car.

If you are catching a return flight on this day, time your journey so that you will arrive at the airport approximately 3h30min prior to your flight’s departure, in order to give yourself plenty of time to return the car and check-in.

Accommodation: None included
Included meals: Breakfast
Included activities: None
Total driving distance: About 170 km
Total driving time: About 3 hours

Rates

This itinerary is fully customizable regarding your choice of vehicle and class of hotel and type of room. To receive an accurate quote, please inquire, with your specific preferences.

Costa Rica’s capital is San José and its international airport is Juan Santamaria Airport, located in Alajuela province, just outside the capital, in the Central Valley. Most journeys in this country start and finish in San José. However, Liberia Airport in the North Pacific region of Costa Rica is another option as an international arrival and/or departure point, for travelers coming from the US or Canada.

 

  • Reception at the airport
  • Collectivo (shared) transfer airport – San José
  • Lodging in the mentioned or similar hotels in rooms with private bathroom
  • Rental car with basic insurance as follows:
    – 1 pax: SUV Economic 4×4 (Suzuki Jimny or similar)
    – 2 pax: SUV Compact 4×4 (Daihatsu BeGo or similar)
    – 3 & 4 pax: SUV Intermediate 4×4 (Hyundai Tucson IX35 or similar)
  • Meals according to the description
  • A welcome package with general information about the country
 
  • International flight
  • Guide
  • Fuel, highway tolls, parking fees or traffic fines, insurance other than obligatory insurance, GPS,  etc.
  • Meals or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Optional activities and/or entrance fees
  • Personal expenses
  • Airport departure tax SJO, currently USD 29 per person (usually included in ticket price)
  • Gratuities

Car upgrades, such as additional insurance, GPS etc, are available at an extra fee.

Weather

Costa Rica is a tropical country and rain must be expected at any time. However, there is a distinct dry season, which usually runs from about December to April. From April/May to December is ‘green season’, with regular rains, although it does not rain all day every day. Rather, rains or thunderstorms occur in the afternoon or at night. But weather patterns also vary depending on the location within the country. The Caribbean coast has much less predictable weather patterns than the rest of the country.

Although Costa Rica lies in the tropics, much of its terrain is mountainous and thus has a very pleasant climate with warm, rather than oppressively hot temperatures. In the highlands, you might even need a sweater at night.

Since many regions of Costa Rica lie in the WET tropics, you might want to bring some zip-lock bags to keep important documents or items dry.

 

Seasons

The busiest and most expensive times to travel in Costa Rica are Christmas and Easter. These are times when not just tourists are present everywhere, but Ticos also travel at these times.

 

Wildlife Watching

Costa Rica has a rich presence of wildlife and you may be able to observe many birds and animals even from the terrace or garden of your hotel. But undoubtedly, the best way to observe nature is in one of the many national parks, and better still, with a knowledgeable guide.

Sea-Turtles

Excellent places to observe animals are around waterways or lakes. Thus, Tortuguero National Park offers a very rewarding experience, not just for turtle observation. But if you visit this are between July and September you may visit the beaches with a guide to watch sea turtles lay their eggs. It is the only nesting site for Loggerhead turtles in Costa Rica.

Other species, such as Olive Ridley and the Pacific Green Turtle only nest on certain beaches along the Pacific coast, most notably in northern Guanacaste and Nicoya peninsula.

Adventure Activities

There are many adventurous activities available in Costa Rica, from Canopy zip-lines to diving, from rappelling to whitewater rafting or horseback riding. It is a fantastic place to enjoy such pursuits. However, make SURE that your travel insurance covers adventurous activities. Not all do!

Money

Dollars are widely accepted, but the exchange rate is usually bad. It is always best to pay with local currency. But rather than taking cash and exchanging it locally, it is usually better to withdraw cash in local currency from an ATM machine. ATM machines are commonly found in all major tourist areas. Many businesses accept Visa or Mastercards but may charge a hefty 7-9% processing fee on purchases.

Safety

Generally speaking, Costa Rica is a pretty peaceful country. However, that does not mean that it is entirely risk-free. As everywhere in the world, it is important to keep your wits about you and remain alert to your surroundings. Most hotels have safety deposit boxes or will keep valuables safe at the front desk safe. To avoid losses, it is best to leave valuable items at home.

Download the official guide to staying safe in Costa Rica, from the Tourist board

Electricity

Costa Rica uses 110V for regular appliances and 220V for major appliances. US appliances can be plugged straight into the outlets, but European traveler will need to bring an adapter. Some remote eco-lodges may not have electricity at all, or only switch it on for a few hours each day. 

Communications

It is easy to make calls in Costa Rica as the telecommunications system is well developed. Mobile phones are also commonly used. To make an international call you must dial 00 before your country code. Costa Rica’s country code is 506. Many, even small hotels, offer free WIFI to their guests.

Swimming

Please note that many beaches are not safe for swimming due to strong rip tides. Some beaches, especially on Nicoya Peninsula have lifeguard during the main season. Always take heed of warnings by the locals.

Golfo Dulce, in the far south, is the safest area for swimming in Costa Rica.

 

Driving in Costa Rica

  • Travel with your current driver’s license and passport, or a copy of your passport and entry stamp page and rental car papers.
  • All passengers and the driver must drive with their seatbelts fastened.
  • Since street lighting is not very common in Costa Rica it is advised that you only drive during daylight hours
  • Be aware of the wildlife at all times, but especially at dawn and dusk.
  • If an approaching vehicle is flashing its headlights or you see a makeshift traffic cone fashioned from branches, SLOW DOWN, as this means that there is probably an accident or a broken down vehicle ahead.
  • Costa Rica may FEEL like a safe haven, but theft from vehicles is not a rarity. Never leave anything of value in your car and always keep your doors locked, even if you step out of the car to take a picture for just a minute.
  • If you are involved in an accident, do not move your vehicle. Wait until a police officer arrives and prepares a report. You can also report the accident by calling 911.

Download the official driving safety tips flyer for drivers from the Costa Rican Tourist board here

As the weather can be so variable you should think in layers and prepare for all kinds of weather. However, obviously, you’d need warmer clothes during the cold half of the year.

  • Passport
  • (Driver’s License)
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • sunglasses
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Rain poncho, windproof jacket
  • A warm sweater (in the mountains it can get quite cool in the evenings)
  • Sturdy, closed sneakers or walking boots (on jungle excursions Tewas and the like are not acceptable)
  • Flashlight
  • Batteries/charger if needed for your equipment
  • Spare pair of glasses
  • Personal medicines
  • Adapter plug (only for non-US standard appliances)
  • Ziplock bags to keep things dry
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Day pack
  • Swimsuit
  • A long pair of trousers and long sleeved shirts (protects agains mosquitos and scratches on jungle walks)

Costa Rica is fairly casual, so there is little need to bring formal attire unless you intend to go wining and dining at one of the upscale restaurants.

Rental Car Categories:

SUV Economic 4WD ST/J – Suzuki Jimny or similar

Gear change: Manual transmission
Maximum Adults: 2
Maximum Suitcases: 1 large, 2 small
4WD: Yes
Doors: 2
Fuel: Gasoline
Motor: 1.3 L


SUV Compact 4WD/L – Daihatsu Bego/Ssang Yong Korando or sim

Gear change: Daihatsu Bego: Manual transmission / SsangYong Korando: Automatic transmission with Tiptronic)
Maximum Adults: 3
Maximum Suitcases: 2 large, 1 medium, 1 small
4WD: Yes
Doors: 4
Fuel: Gasoline
Motor: 1.5 L (Daihatsu BeGo) / 2 L (Ssang Yong Korando)


SUV Intermediate 2WD ST/Q – Hyundai Tucson/Creta or similar

Gear change: Manual transmission
Maximum Adults: 4
Maximum Suitcases: 2 large, 2 medium, 1 small
4WD: No
Doors: 4
Fuel: Gasoline
Motor: 2.0 L


SUV Intermediate 2WD AT/R – Hyundai Tucson/Creta or similar

Gear change: Automatic transmission
Maximum Adults: 4
Maximum suitcases: 2 large, 2 medium, 1 small
4WD: No
Doors: 4
Fuel: Gasoline
Motor: 2.0 L


SUV Intermediate 4WD ST/D – Hyundai Tucson IX35 or similar

Gear change: Manual transmission
Maximum Adults: 4
Maximum Suitcases: 2 large, 2 medium, 1 small
4WD: Yes
Doors: 4
Fuel: Gasoline
Motor: 2.0 L


SUV Intermediate 4WD AT/F – Hyundai Tucson IX35 or similar

Gear change: Automatic transmission
Maximum Adults: 4
Maximum Suitcases: 2 large, 2 medium, 1 small
4WD: Yes
Doors: 4
Fuel: Gasoline
Motor: 2.0 L


SUV Standard 4WD AT/H – Hyundai Santa Fe or similar

Gear change: Automatic transmission
Maximum Adults: 5
Maximum Suitcases: 2 large, 2 medium, 2 small
4WD: Yes
Doors: 4
Fuel: Gasoline
Motor: 2.4 L


Pick-Up Double Cabin 4WD/K – Isuzu DMax/Mitsubishi L200 

Gear change: Manual transmission
Maximum Adults: 5 without luggage or with luggage in the open cargo area, 2-3 with luggage inside of the cabin
Maximum Suitcases: Cargo area (open, no cover available) or inside the cabin (fewer passengers)
4WD: Yes
Doors: 4
Fuel: Diesel
Motor: 2.5 L


SUV Full Size 4WD AT/G – Mitsubishi Montero Sport or similar 

Gear change: Automatic transmission
Maximum adults: 5
Maximum Suitcases: 2 large, 2 medium, 2 small
4WD: Yes
Doors: 4
Fuel: Diesel
Motor: 2.2 L


SUV Premium 4WD AT/O – Ford Explorer or similar 

Gear change: Automatic transmission
Maximum Adults: 5
Maximum Suitcases: 2 large, 2 medium, 2 small
4WD: Yes
Doors: 4
Fuel: Diesel
Motor: 2.3 L


Sedan Mini ST/N – Hyundai Grand i10 Hatchback or similar 

Gear change: Manual transmission
Maximum Adults: 2
Maximum Suitcases: 2 small
4WD: No
Doors: 3
Fuel: Gasoline
Motor: 1.25 L


Sedan Intermediate AT/A – Hyundai Elantra or similar 

Gear change: Automatic transmission
Maximum Adults: 3
Maximum Suitcases: 1 large, 1 medium, 1 small
4WD: No
Doors: 4
Fuel: Gasoline
Motor: 1.8 L

We work with a wide range of accommodations, but preferably with those that have been certified by the Costa Rican ‘sustainable tourism’ label. This label certifies tourist businesses according to their ecological standard. Certification is graded from 1-5, with 5 being the highest level. Some smaller lodges have not been certified, yet make every effort to run their operations ecologically responsible. During the booking process, we will pick the hotels according to your preferences. However, the preferred options may not always be available, in which case we search for the next best option.

 

We make every effort to choose eco-certified hotels for our self-drive itineraries. Furthermore, we offer these self-drives with Adobe, an eco-certified rental car company:

About Adobe :

Carbon Neutral

In 2011, pursuant to the Declaration on the Verification of Carbon Neutrality, we were verified by the Carbon Neutral Unit of EARTH University, for complying with the criteria of INTE-ISO 14064-1 and INTE 12-01-06, evaluated against the criteria of the Standard INTE-ISO 14064-3, according to the concept of Neutrality of CO2eEmissions. In 2016, we renovated this verification, so the Company is Carbon Neutral in all it´s Operations nationwide.

Certification for Sustainable Tourism

Certification for Sustainable Tourism – CST – is a program of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) designed to classify and to differentiate tourism companies according to the extent in which their operation approaches a sustainability model, regarding natural, cultural, and social resources. On this evaluation, we achieved the five levels with a score of 100.

Blue Flag Ecological Program

The Blue Flag Ecological Program is an award that is granted yearly, which rewards effort and voluntary work. Besides, it promotes safe competition and community organization for the benefit of present and future generations. During the second year in which we were assessed, we achieved the blue flag of the ecological program with four stars for our central offices in San Jose.  This year, we achieved, 5 out of 5 stars, plus an extra star for the family involvement of employees with the project.