12 Days from Volcanic Peaks to Pacific Beaches — Self-Drive Through the Heart of Costa Rica
From US$1,210

12 Days from Volcanic Peaks to Pacific Beaches — Self-Drive Through the Heart of Costa Rica

Routing
Created: Friday, February 13, 2026 - Departure: Friday, January 1, 2027
Ref ID: 46212908
price per person From
US$1,210
Based on 4 adults
Created: Friday, February 13, 2026 - Departure: Friday, January 1, 2027
Destinations: San Jose, Costa Rica , Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui, Costa Rica , La Fortuna, Costa Rica , Monteverde, Costa Rica , Rincon de la Vieja, Costa Rica , Tamarindo, Costa Rica , San Jose, Costa Rica

About

Your day to day

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01 Jan
Car rental
FORD BRONCO OR SIMILAR
FORD BRONCO OR SIMILAR (SJAR)
Includes:
  • Fuel Policy: Pickup full return full
  • Automatic transmission
  • Kilométrage illimité
A/C
5 people
Alamo
Extras (Pay at pick-up office)
See details
01 Jan
1. San Jose
Stay
About the destination: San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, has a very different vibe than most of Latin America with a lot more American influenced architecture and a Mediterranean climate. San Jose is a town in the middle of nature. Located in the Central Valley, the city is surrounded by the most varied forms of wildlife as well as the volcanos, Poás and Irazú. It is also the central point from where you can reach the country’s rich National Parks, its gorgeous beaches, its amazing rivers and its pristine mountains.San José has certain attraction on its own like the National Theatre, the Central Market, the National Museum or the Metropolitan Cathedral. Moreover, its friendly people give a lively vibe to the city, something you can appreciate in the city’s many restaurants and bars. Some museums and buildings give away their colonial past and European artistic influences. San Jose also has much to offer and it is a city of great historical and cultural significance.
More info
01 Jan
Accommodation
1 Night
Hotel Fleur De Lys
San Jose - Show on map > 1.2 km from Center
8.2
Very good
2320
Airport Shuttle
Restaurant
Parking
x2 STANDARD ROOM
WITH BREAKFAST
Free cancellation
We love it
02 Jan
Car journey 84 Kilometers - 1h 38m
San Jose
Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui
02 Jan
2. Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui
Stay
About the destination: Puerto Viejo is the first district of the canton of Sarapiquí, in the province of Heredia, Costa Rica. It has an area of 426.73 km² and has an estimated population of 20,174 inhabitants (2011), with an average population density of 47.28 inhabitants / km². The head is the homonymous city of Puerto Viejo, located 82 km north of the city of Heredia. It has an altitude of 37 meters above sea level. The zone is of flat topography, humid climate and it is furrowed by mighty rivers of divagante course, being the main one the dirty River. Puerto Viejo is on the banks of the Sarapiquí River (near its confluence with the Puerto Viejo River), where a small fluvial port is located for coastal shipping of shallow draft vessels.
More info
02 Jan
Accommodation
1 Night
Hotel Gran Gavilan Del Sarapiqui
Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui - Show on map > 2.0 km from Center
8.5
Very good
501
Wheelchair-accessible
Wi-fi
Car park
x2 Standard Double or Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds, Private Bathroom, Garden Area
WITH BREAKFAST
Free cancellation
We love it
03 Jan
Car journey 73 Kilometers - 1h 16m
Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui
La Fortuna
03 Jan
3. La Fortuna
Stay
About the destination: La Fortuna is the head community of the 7th district of the same name, which is part of the Canton of San Carlos, which in turn belongs to the province of Alajuela, located in the Center-North of Costa Rica. The attractive beauty of the landscape of the district, its forests, the wide variety of tourist activities available, such as canopy, rafting, bird watching, sport fishing, hiking, thermal baths, and in particular its proximity to the Arenal volcano, make it one of the most important tourist destinations in Costa Rica.
More info
03 Jan
Accommodation
2 Nights
Hotel Las Orquideas
La Fortuna - Show on map > 1.8 km from Center
8.6
Very good
1755
Outdoor pool
Restaurant
Bar
x2 Standard Anexo
WITH BREAKFAST
Free cancellation
We love it
04 Jan
Tickets
ticket
Observation de paresseux à La Fortuna
4 Jan 2027
08:00
4 Entrances
( Adultes: 4 )
2.5 hours
English
General
See details
05 Jan
Car journey 111 Kilometers - 3h 4m
La Fortuna
Monteverde
05 Jan
4. Monteverde
Stay
About the destination: Monteverde is located in the northern central part of Costa Rica and famous for its cloud forests, which are one of Costa Rica’s premier destinations. Beautiful cloud forests and rainforests are surrounded by green mountains.Monteverde reserve encompasses everyone's idea of a rain forest. It contains more than 100 species of mammals including 5 species of cats, over 400 species of birds including 30 kinds of hummingbirds, tens of thousands of insect species and 2,500 species of plants. The area is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics. There are many activities to do. Rafting, zip-lining, canopy tours, coffee tours, and you can visit a frog museum and Insectarium.Monteverde and Santa Elena settlements are separated by a muddy road but neither has a clear downtown. Shops, restaurants, tours and hotels are sown along the road. In Monteverde region you will experience a unique and beautiful nature.
More info
05 Jan
Accommodation
2 Nights
Hotel de Montana Monteverde
Monteverde - Show on map > 1.0 km from Center
8.8
Very good
493
Airport Shuttle
Restaurant
Breakfast
x2 Standard Double Room, Garden View , 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed
WITH BREAKFAST
Free cancellation
We love it
06 Jan
Tickets
ticket
Ponts suspendus de Selvatura Park
6 Jan 2027
08:30
4 Entrances
( Adultes: 4 )
1 hour - 1.5 hours
General
See details
07 Jan
Tickets
ticket
Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Tour (Regular)
7 Jan 2027
08:00
4 Entrances
( Adultes de 13 à 100 ans: 4 )
2 hours
Visite du café, du chocolat et de la canne à sucre (régulière)
See details
07 Jan
Car journey 145 Kilometers - 3h 1m
Monteverde
Rincon de la Vieja
07 Jan
5. Rincon de la Vieja
Stay
About the destination: Nestled in the northwestern region of Costa Rica, Rincón de la Vieja is a hidden gem that promises a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty. This stunning destination is centered around the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, which is part of a larger national park. Visitors will find themselves immersed in a landscape rich with geothermal wonders, from bubbling hot springs to steamy fumaroles, all set against the backdrop of lush tropical forests teeming with wildlife. For the adventure-seekers, Rincón de la Vieja offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Hiking trails of varying difficulty levels lead explorers through diverse ecosystems, past cascading waterfalls, and up to breathtaking viewpoints. The trek to the summit of the volcano is a rewarding challenge, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Canopy tours and zip-lining provide an exhilarating way to experience the park from above, while horseback riding and mountain biking offer different perspectives on the ground. After a day of exploration, the natural hot springs provide the perfect opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. The therapeutic properties of these mineral-rich waters are well-known, making them a popular stop for visitors looking to unwind. Nearby, the Blue Lagoon (La Cangreja Waterfall) offers another serene spot to cool off and soak in the tranquil surroundings. The park's rivers and waterfalls are not only picturesque but also ideal for swimming and picnicking. Rincón de la Vieja is also a haven for biodiversity. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will be thrilled by the variety of species that call this park home, from colorful parrots and toucans to howler monkeys and tapirs. Guided tours are available for those who wish to delve deeper into the park's ecological treasures, providing insight into the unique flora and fauna of the region. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a closer connection with nature, Rincón de la Vieja is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences.
More info
07 Jan
Accommodation
2 Nights
Buena Vista del Rincon Eco Adventure Park, Hotel & Spa
Rincon de la Vieja - Show on map > 7.7 km from Center
8.4
Very good
987
Swim-up bar
Transfer service
Outdoor pool
x2 Hacienda Room , 2 Double Beds
WITH BREAKFAST
Free cancellation
We love it
09 Jan
Car journey 102 Kilometers - 2h 45m
Rincon de la Vieja
Tamarindo
09 Jan
6. Tamarindo
Stay
About the destination: Tamarindo is a beach town in Costa Rica. Located on the Pacific Coast in the province of Guanacaste, Playa Tamarindo is a popular destination for couples and families looking for a good time. The town itself is a small main street about a mile long, with hotels, bars, restaurants, and shops.Tamarindo with three and half kilometres of white beach flanked by the rolling neon-blue waves of the Pacific Ocean serves as a popular base for surfing. Best surfing spots are the nearby Playas Grande, Langosta, Avellanas, and Negra. With a spectacular beach, a saltwater estuary, many surf spots, lively nightlife and the best selection of restaurants of the country, Tamarindo is the epitome of everything that Costa Rica prides itself on.
More info
09 Jan
Accommodation
2 Nights
Hotel Luna Llena
Tamarindo - Show on map > 0.7 km from Center
8.7
Very good
545
Airport Shuttle
Outdoor pool
Beach hotels
x2 Standard Triple Room , 1 Twin Bed and 1 King Bed
WITH BREAKFAST
Free cancellation
We love it
11 Jan
Car journey 259 Kilometers - 5h
Tamarindo
San Jose
11 Jan
7. San Jose
Stay
About the destination: San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, has a very different vibe than most of Latin America with a lot more American influenced architecture and a Mediterranean climate. San Jose is a town in the middle of nature. Located in the Central Valley, the city is surrounded by the most varied forms of wildlife as well as the volcanos, Poás and Irazú. It is also the central point from where you can reach the country’s rich National Parks, its gorgeous beaches, its amazing rivers and its pristine mountains.San José has certain attraction on its own like the National Theatre, the Central Market, the National Museum or the Metropolitan Cathedral. Moreover, its friendly people give a lively vibe to the city, something you can appreciate in the city’s many restaurants and bars. Some museums and buildings give away their colonial past and European artistic influences. San Jose also has much to offer and it is a city of great historical and cultural significance.
More info
11 Jan
Accommodation
1 Night
Hotel Fleur De Lys
San Jose - Show on map > 1.2 km from Center
8.2
Very good
2320
Airport Shuttle
Restaurant
Parking
x2 STANDARD ROOM
WITH BREAKFAST
Free cancellation
We love it
Remarks:

Rate based on 2 adults sharing a double room in standard category. International flights are not included — the programme starts and ends at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), San José, Costa Rica. Rental car (compact SUV, automatic transmission, unlimited mileage, full insurance) included from day 2 to day 12. Best season: December to April (dry season). Green season (May–November) offers lush landscapes and lower rates, though mountain roads require extra care. Recommended optional activities: white-water rafting on the Río Pacuare (Class III–IV), Monteverde canopy zipline tour, guided nocturnal wildlife walk, Arenal hanging bridges, surf lessons in Sámara. Single supplement available on request. Ref.: IT 46212908.

price per person From
US$1,210
Based on 4 adults
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Activities 3
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