12 Days from Volcanic Peaks to Pacific Beaches — Self-Drive Through the Heart of Costa Rica
From €1,062

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

Routing
Created: Friday 13 February 2026 - Departure: Friday 1 January 2027
Ref ID: 46212908
price per person From
€1,062
Based on 4 adults
Created: Friday 13 February 2026 - Departure: Friday 1 January 2027
Destinations: San Jose, Costa Rica , Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui, Costa Rica , La Fortuna, Costa Rica , Monteverde, Costa Rica , Rincón 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:
  • Deposit: Pickup full return full
  • Automatic transmission
  • Kilométrage illimité
A/C
5 persons
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 feel than most of Latin America with a lot more American influenced architecture and a Mediterranean climate. San Jose is a town in the heart of nature. Situated in the Central Valley, the city is surrounded by the most diverse forms of wildlife as well as the volcanos, Poás and Irazú. It's also the central point from where you can reach the country’s rich National Parks, its stunning beaches, its incredible rivers and its untouched mountains. San José has certain attractions of its own like the National Theatre, the Central Market, the National Museum or the Metropolitan Cathedral. Moreover, its friendly people give a lively feel to the city, something you can appreciate in the city’s many restaurants and bars. Some museums and buildings reveal 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
Hotel
1 Night
Hotel Fleur De Lys
San Jose - Show on map > 0.7 miles from Center
8.2
Very good
2390
Restaurant
Airport Shuttle
Free parking
x2 STANDARD ROOM
WITH BREAKFAST
Free cancellation
We love it
02 Jan
Car journey 52 Miles - 1h 47m
San Jose
Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui
02 Jan
2. Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui
Stay
About the destination: Puerto Viejo is an chéad dúiche de chontae Sarapiquí, i gcontae Heredia, Costa Rica. Tá achar 426.73 km² aige agus tá daonra measta de 20,174 duine (2011) ann, le dlús daonra meánach de 47.28 duine / km². Is í an príomhchathair ná an chathair chomhainmneach Puerto Viejo, atá suite 82 km ó thuaidh de chathair Heredia. Tá airde de 37 méadar os cionn leibhéal na farraige aige. Is ceantar de thopaicíocht chomhtharraingteach, aeráid fliuch é agus tá sé trasnaithe ag abhainn mhór a bhfuil cúrsa divagante aici, is í an abhainn is mó ná an abhainn salach. Tá Puerto Viejo ar bhruach na habhann Sarapiquí (in aice a comhoibriú leis an abhainn Puerto Viejo), áit a bhfuil port beag fluvial suite do loingseoireacht cósta de bháid dromchla íseal.
More info
02 Jan
Hotel
1 Night
Hotel Gran Gavilan Del Sarapiqui
Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui - Show on map > 1.3 miles from Center
8.5
Very good
479
Swimming Pool
Restaurant
Parking
x2 Standard Double or Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds, Private Bathroom, Garden Area
WITH BREAKFAST
Free cancellation
We love it
03 Jan
Car journey 45 Miles - 1h 17m
Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui
La Fortuna
03 Jan
3. La Fortuna
Stay
About the destination: La Fortuna is the main town of the 7th district of the same name, in the canton of San Carlos in the province of Alajuela, in the central–northern region of Costa Rica. The district’s beautiful landscapes and forests, along with a wide range of available activities – including zip‑lining, rafting, birdwatching, sport fishing, hiking and hot springs – and especially its proximity to Arenal Volcano, make it one of Costa Rica’s most important tourist destinations.
More info
03 Jan
Hotel
2 Nights
Hotel Las Orquideas
La Fortuna - Show on map > 1.1 miles from Center
8.7
Very good
1794
Swimming Pool
Restaurant
Free parking
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 69 Miles - 3h
La Fortuna
Monteverde
05 Jan
4. Monteverde
Stay
About the destination: Monteverde is situated in the northern central region of Costa Rica and is renowned for its cloud forests, which are among Costa Rica's top attractions. Stunning cloud forests and rainforests are nestled amongst verdant mountains. The Monteverde reserve embodies everyone's vision of a rainforest. It is home to over 100 mammal species, including 5 cat species, more than 400 bird species, including 30 types of hummingbirds, tens of thousands of insect species and 2,500 plant species. The area is hailed as one of the most exceptional wildlife sanctuaries in the New World Tropics. There's a wealth of activities to partake in. Rafting, zip-lining, canopy tours, coffee tours, and you can also visit a frog museum and Insectarium. The Monteverde and Santa Elena settlements are divided by a muddy road, with neither having a distinct city centre. Shops, restaurants, tours and hotels are scattered along the road. In the Monteverde region, you'll encounter a unique and beautiful natural environment.
More info
05 Jan
Hotel
2 Nights
Hotel de Montana Monteverde
Monteverde - Show on map > 0.6 miles from Center
8.8
Very good
512
Restaurant
Airport Shuttle
Free parking
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 90 Miles - 3h
Monteverde
Rincón de la Vieja
07 Jan
5. Rincón de la Vieja
Stay
About the destination: Tucked away in the north‑west of Costa Rica, Rincón de la Vieja is a bit of a hidden gem, offering a great mix of adventure and natural beauty. The area centres on the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, which sits within a larger national park. Visitors find themselves in a landscape full of geothermal wonders, from bubbling hot springs to steaming fumaroles, all set against lush tropical forest brimming with wildlife. If you’re after a bit of adventure, Rincón de la Vieja has no shortage of things to do outdoors. Walking trails of varying difficulty bring you through different ecosystems, past tumbling waterfalls and up to spectacular viewpoints. The hike to the volcano’s summit is a tough but rewarding climb, with sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. Canopy tours and zip‑lines offer a thrilling way to see the park from above, while horse‑riding and mountain biking give you a different angle on the ground. After a day out exploring, the natural hot springs are ideal for a good soak and a bit of downtime. The mineral‑rich waters are said to have therapeutic qualities, and they’re a popular spot for anyone looking to relax and recharge. Not far away, the Blue Lagoon (La Cangreja Waterfall) is another peaceful place to cool off and take in the quiet surroundings. The park’s rivers and waterfalls are not only easy on the eye, but great for a swim or a picnic as well. Rincón de la Vieja is also a hotspot for biodiversity. Birdwatchers and nature lovers will be delighted by the range of species here, from brightly coloured parrots and toucans to howler monkeys and tapirs. Guided tours are on hand for anyone keen to dig a bit deeper into the park’s ecological riches, offering insight into the unique plants and animals of the region. Whether you’re in the mood for adventure, relaxation, or simply a closer connection with nature, Rincón de la Vieja is a place that delivers memorable experiences.
More info
07 Jan
Hotel
2 Nights
Buena Vista del Rincon Eco Adventure Park, Hotel & Spa
Rincón de la Vieja - Show on map > 4.8 miles from Center
8.5
Very good
1165
Swimming Pool
Water slide
Restaurant
x2 Hacienda Room , 2 Double Beds
WITH BREAKFAST
Free cancellation
We love it
09 Jan
Car journey 63 Miles - 2h 43m
Rincón 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 a half kilometres of white beach flanked by the rolling neon-blue waves of the Pacific Ocean, serves as a popular base for surfing. The 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 in the country, Tamarindo is the epitome of everything that Costa Rica prides itself on.
More info
09 Jan
Hotel
2 Nights
Hotel Luna Llena
Tamarindo - Show on map > 0.4 miles from Center
8.7
Very good
585
Swimming Pool
Beach
Airport Shuttle
x2 Standard Triple Room , 1 Twin Bed and 1 King Bed
WITH BREAKFAST
Free cancellation
We love it
11 Jan
Car journey 140 Miles - 5h 6m + Ferry not included
Tamarindo
San Jose
11 Jan
7. San Jose
Stay
About the destination: San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, has a very different feel than most of Latin America with a lot more American influenced architecture and a Mediterranean climate. San Jose is a town in the heart of nature. Situated in the Central Valley, the city is surrounded by the most diverse forms of wildlife as well as the volcanos, Poás and Irazú. It's also the central point from where you can reach the country’s rich National Parks, its stunning beaches, its incredible rivers and its untouched mountains. San José has certain attractions of its own like the National Theatre, the Central Market, the National Museum or the Metropolitan Cathedral. Moreover, its friendly people give a lively feel to the city, something you can appreciate in the city’s many restaurants and bars. Some museums and buildings reveal 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
Hotel
1 Night
Hotel Fleur De Lys
San Jose - Show on map > 0.7 miles from Center
8.2
Very good
2390
Restaurant
Airport Shuttle
Free 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
€1,062
Based on 4 adults
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Destinations 7
Accommodations 7
Cars 1
Tickets 3
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