Highlights of Costa Rica 15d/14n

Itinerary

This 15d/14n itinerary is a great journey of discovery. Many of Costa Rica’s Highlights are concentrated in the northern region of the country and with this itinerary, you’ll get a chance to discover them all. Head north, towards the Nicaraguan border, a region that is known as the northern Lowlands, some of which are home to Costa Rica’s fruit growers, but some of which has also been set aside and is now protected as an integral part of the Biological Corridor that reaches right from Panama to Mexico. From here the journey continues to Arenal, the country’s favorite outdoor playground, which offers a multitude of activities for everybody. Nearby, the Cloud Forest Reserve of Monteverde awaits with its hanging bridges and mystical Cloud Forest ambiance. The next Highlight is the wildlife-rich Manuel Antonio National Park, on the Central Pacific Coast. The return journey takes you to the coastal mountain range and the cloud forest of San Gerardo de Dota, one of the last well-preserved habitats of the Quetzal bird. From here head to the Caribbean, where you can spend a few days relaxing at a tropical beach hotel, before returning to San José to catch your flight back home.

Day 1

Post Office San Jose International Airport – San José City Hotel

Upon arrival at the international airport of San José, Costa Rica’s capital, you will be welcomed by our English speaking airport guide at the exit of the airport. You will receive your travel documents, and afterward, take a shared transfer to your city hotel.

Accommodation: San José or Alajuela Hotel
Included meals: None

Day 2

Pedacito De Cielo Danta Baby FacePick-up of the rental car – Boca Tapada

Your rental car will be delivered after breakfast. You need a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Diner´s Cub) and your valid national driving license.
Start your self-drive adventure heading toward Alajuela, the second biggest town in Costa Rica, to Poás Volcano (entrance fee 15 USD per person). Your car will be safe in the parking lot. After a short walk, you reach the main crater of the volcano. With a diameter of 1,8 km, the crater of Poás Volcano is one of the largest in the world.

We recommend scheduling your visit before 10 am, as it usually clouds over in the afternoon. After visiting the main crater, you can take a 30-minute walk to a side crater. On the way, you will be able to get a first impression of Costa Rica’s rich nature as you admire the plants and birds you’ll see along the way.

Once you get back to your car, the real adventure begins as you start your journey through Costa Rica’s agricultural heartland, the Central Valley. First, head south to San Pedro de Poás, then turn right and continue to the town of Grecia. Visit their local church, which is indeed lovely. This burgundy painted church was built in 1890, entirely in metal to protect it against the tropical climate. Continue through  the towns of Naranjo and Zarcero until you reach Ciudad Quesada, where you will find a various restaurants and grocery stores for your convenience. The journey continues through the towns of Aguas Zarcas, Pital, and Boca Tapada.

Accommodation: in Boca Tapada
Included meals: Breakfast
Total driving distance: about 150km
Total driving time: about 4 hours

Day 3

Pedacito De Cielo View RiverBoca Tapada

Enjoy fantastic hikes in an emerald forest, the 300 ha private nature reserve, where you can explore the magnificent plant and wildlife. There is also a lake that extends for 900 meters into the jungle. You can use kayaks to paddle silently through the rainforest – one of the best ways to see animals. Other optional tours are available at reasonable rates.

Accommodation: in Boca Tapada
Included meals:
Breakfast
Total driving distance: none
Total driving time: none

Day 4

Arenal Manoa PoolBoca Tapada – Arenal Volcano

Today you will be heading for one of Costa Rica’s most iconic places, the Arenal Volcano area. The journey takes you through fruit plantations via the towns of Pital, Aguas Zarcas, and Muelle to La Fortuna, located at the foot of the active Arenal Volcano. We recommend a visit to Ecocentro Danaus with its butterfly garden, snake museum, and medicinal plant garden. Weather permitting, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful view the perfectly cone-shaped Arenal Volcano. Relax in the thermal pools of the hotel, or go on one of the many activities offered at this lodge (optional), if you arrive early enough.

Accommodation: in La Fortuna/Arenal area
Included meals:
Breakfast
Total driving distance: about 80km
Total driving time: about 2.5 hours

Day 5

Arenal Volcano – Monteverde

Today your journey continues to the cloud forest reserve of Monteverde. At first, the road will pass very close to the volcano, before it follows the shores of Lago Arenal around the lake, a beautiful drive through the tropical mountain landscape. Watch out for the wildlife! Gradually the road gets increasingly rugged and you can see potholes all around. This is a sign that you are getting close to the village of Nuevo Arenal. Continue to the northern part of Lake Arenal, an area that is windy all year round and a reason you’ll be able to see a wind farm on the horizon – a dazzling vision of a clean energy future!
Once in Tilarán, follow the signs to Monteverde / Santa Elena. For the final approx. 50km the road may be in quite a poor condition, especially after heavy rain.

Accommodation: Santa Elena area
Included meals: Breakfast
Total driving distance: about 125 km
Total driving time: about 3.5 hours

Day 6

Monteverde Lodge GardensMonteverde

You have all day to enjoy the many interesting excursions and tours that Monteverde has to offer. We recommend a visit to the Cloud Forest Reserves of Monteverde and/or Santa Elena. Another popular option is a visit to the famous hanging bridges of Selvatura, a system of suspension bridges that leads you on a canopy walk through the cloud forest. Santa Elena, a small village close to Monteverde Reserve, also has a butterfly farm, a snake museum, a hummingbird gallery, a cheese factory and much more.

Accommodation: Santa Elena area
Included meals: Breakfast
Total driving distance: only local, between your hotel and the Cloud Forest Reserve
Total driving time: none

Day 7

Punta Leona Ara MacaoMonteverde – Quepos / Manuel Antonio

Today you’ll make your way from the Cloud Forest to the Pacific Ocean. The first 35 km are quite rough, but after that, you will be joining the Panamerican Highway heading south via Puntarenas and Orotina to Jacó. Here you can stop to visit the Carara National Park, 5 km after the long bridge across the Tarcoles River (entry fee 10 USD per person). This park is special as it is one of the only places let that protects a transitional zone between the wet tropical forest and the dry tropical forest found to the north. The special climatic conditions are perfect for the orchids which you’ll see here in their natural habitat. But, the park’s main attraction is the magnificent scarlet macaw. Carara National Park is a sanctuary for this endangered species. Afterward, continue along the coast to Quepos/Manuel Antonio.

Accommodation: Quepos /Manuel Antonio NP region
Included meals: Breakfast
Total driving distance: about 180 km
Total driving time: about 3.5 hours

Day 8

Parador Silky AnteaterManuel Antonio National Park

In this region of the Central Pacific Manuel Antonio National Park is the main attraction (closed on Mondays, entry fee 16 USD per person). Although Manuel Antonio is one of the smallest parks in Costa Rica, it is also one of the most popular destinations for both foreign and domestic tourists. The park protects a cherished rainforest area of 1624 ha the last stand of untouched coastal rainforest in this part of Costa Rica. Despite the fact that this is a busy park, there is a lot of wildlife which can be spotted relatively easily along the trails.

 

Accommodation: in Quepos/Manuel Antonio NP area
Included meals: Breakfast
Total driving distance: none
Total driving time: none

Day 9

Views over the CloudforestQuepos / Manuel Antonio – Dominical – Cerro de la Muerte – San Gerardo de Dota

Beyond Quepos, you’ll start to see the wilder side of Costa Rica. The road hugs the coast with its many romantic beaches and great surf. Just before reaching Dominical you can stop to visit the private reserve of Hacienda Barú. Soon after, you will leave the coastal road and start heading up into the coastal mountains. In San Isidro del General, where you’ll meet the Panamerican Highway again and here the road begins to ascend into the Talamanca mountain range to cross the highest mountain pass in Costa Rica, known as Cerro de la Muerte, at 3400 m above sea level. A few kilometres further on, turn left to San Gerardo de Dota, a small village at 2200 m above the sea. This area is an ‘El Dorado’ for birdwatchers, as it is the best place in Costa Rica to spot the elusive and magnificent Resplendent Quetzal, a shy and colorful bird, once considered sacred by the Mayans and other native populations. Enjoy a walk through the montane rainforest and watch out for birds and other wildlife until late in the afternoon.

Accommodation: San Gerardo de Dota area
Included meals today: Breakfast
Total driving distance: about 140 km
Total driving time: about 3 hours

Day 10

Dantica Lodge ToursSan Gerardo de Dota – Cartago – Turrialba

The early morning hours are the best time to take a walk through the beautiful cloud forest – just great for birdwatching. After breakfast r you will continue your journey to Turrialba via Cartago. You want to pay a visit to the Lankester Gardens, located near Cartago, to admire their beautiful orchid and bromeliad collections. Or, you might decide to visit Irazú Volcano (entry fee 15 USD per person). Weather permitting, you may be able to see its jade green crater lake. If you are really lucky and the weather is in your favor, you might even be able to see both, the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean from up there.  (Excursions not included in the distance and time calculation).

Accommodation: in Turrialba
Included meals: Breakfast
Total driving distance: about 110 km (without Irazú Volcano)
Total driving time: about 2.5 hours (without Irazú Volcano)

Day 11

Cocles BeachTurrialba – Limón – Puerto Viejo de Limón

Turrialba is situated in the agricultural heartland of the Central Valley. You could visit a coffee or sugarcane plantation to get a glimpse of the life and work of Costa Rica’s rural population. Afterward, continue to Siquirres on a winding road with occasional glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean. Turn right in Siquirres to continue to Limón and the Caribbean coast where you will finally reach the coastal town of Puerto Viejo de Limón, welcoming you with its distinctive Caribbean flair.

 

Accommodation: Puerto Viejo area
Included meals: Breakfast
Total driving distance: about 165 km
Total driving time: about 3.5 hours

Day 12

Shawandha GroundsPuerto Viejo de Limón

The last couple of days of your trip are for relaxing on the Caribbean Beach. While Cockles Beach, just across the road, is closest, you might want to head a little ways further down south to find some really beautiful and solitary white sand beaches, away from the buzz of the tourist hub of Puerto Viejo. Here you can also explore the Gandoca Manzanillo Reserve.

Accommodation: Puerto Viejo area
Included meals: Breakfast
Total driving distance: as you feel inclined
Total driving time: optional

Day 13

Selva Bananito SlothPuerto Viejo de Limón

Another day at your leisure to enjoy the Caribbean coast.

Accommodation: Puerto Viejo area
Included meals: Breakfast
Total driving distance: none
Total driving time: none

Day 14

Puerto Viejo de Limón – San José – Car return

Enjoy the beaches in the morning, then head back to San José via Limón, Siquirres, Guápiles, and Braulio Carrillo National Park. If you leave Puerto Viejo de Limón early, you could stop for a visit of the Braulio Carrillo National Park and take a ride in the Aerial Tram. Return your rental car before 5 pm.

Accommodation: Alajuela or San Jose
Included meals: Breakfast
Total driving distance: about 220 km
Total driving time: about 4.5 hours

Day 15

Transfer to the Airport

It is time to say Good Bye to Costa Rica.  At the appropriate time, approximately 3 hours before your flight departs, you will be taken back to the airport, in good time for check-in for your flight back home.

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.
  • Transfer in and out on a shared basis
  • Overnight stay at hotels agreed on during consultation with private bathroom
  • Meals as per description
  • Rental car with basic insurance as follows:
    – 1 pax: SUV Economic 4WD (Suzuki Jimny or similar)
    – 2 pax: SUV Compact 4WD (Daihatsu BeGo or similar)
    – 3 & 4 pax: SUV Intermediate 4WD Manual (Hyundai Tucson IX35 or similar
  • Documentation with information about the country in English
  • International flight
  • Guide
  • Fuel, highway tolls, parking fees or traffic fines
  • 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

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

However, our 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.