11 days

11 Days Costa Rica Self-Drive

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica and experience the vibrant lifestyle of Central America on the Costa Rica Self-Drive Round Trip with your own rental car!

(5/5)
5/5
based on 5 reviews
from 1149€ p.p.

What awaits you

Discover the happy people of Costa Rica, known for their zest for life and living by the motto that life is what you make of it. Enjoy life, discover the beauty and leave the negativity at home. If you want to explore the diversity of Costa Rica, but at the same time stay as flexible and independent as possible, then our Self-Drive round trip in Costa Rica is just right for you. Experience the perfect combination of planning and flexibility and discover the unexpected beauties of life with your own rental car!

What awaits you

Discover the happy people of Costa Rica, known for their zest for life and living by the motto that life is what you make of it. Enjoy life, discover the beauty and leave the negativity at home. If you want to explore the diversity of Costa Rica, but at the same time stay as flexible and independent as possible, then our Self-Drive round trip in Costa Rica is just right for you. Experience the perfect combination of planning and flexibility and discover the unexpected beauties of life with your own rental car!
Travel duration
11 days
Price p. person
from 1149€
What is included?
What makes our trips special

Itinerary

Click on individual days for details

You have the possibility to book your flights separately or to contact us quickly and easily via WhatsApp for a personal flight offer.

After passing through immigration and customs, a guide will meet you at the airport exit to take you to your hotel. During the short drive you will receive an introduction to Costa Rica and valuable recommendations for your upcoming trip. Once you arrive at the hotel, you will be given your rental car.

Afterwards, you will have time to discover San Jose, the vibrant capital of Costa Rica and one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America. Discover the maze of streets and avenues, museums, squares and culinary delights. Discover attractions such as the National Theater, the National Museum or the Jade Museum and be enchanted by the numerous parks such as Plaza de la Cultura or Parque Morazan.

Airport transfer (approx. 20 km/30 min.)

 San Jose Autentico Hotel

Your highlight today: Get to know the diversity of Puerto Viejo

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll head to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, an idyllic destination that appeals to beach lovers and culture buffs alike. Originally a small fishing village, it has become a popular resort offering a wide range of restaurants and bars for a lively nightlife. The unique blend of Latino, Afro-Caribbean and Bribri cultures creates a diverse atmosphere and makes for unforgettable experiences.

Popular activities you could do include snorkeling, hiking, cooking classes, surfing or just relaxing on the white sand beach. What are you in the mood for?

Breakfast

Rental car (approx. 220 km/4.5 hours)

 Azania Bungalows

Your highlight today: Discover the beaches in the natural paradise of Puerto Viejo

Today you will stay in Puerto Viejo and you can organize your day as you like. The area surrounding Puerto Viejo offers a wealth of opportunities to explore the impressive wildlife and beautiful beaches of the nearby natural parks. Cahuita National Park is known for its scenic beaches and diverse wildlife. Hikes through the park take you through lush rainforests that are home to howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys and sloths. You'll also have the opportunity to take snorkeling and scuba diving trips to nearby coral reefs to spot the colorful fish and other marine life.

Breakfast

Azania Bungalows

Your highlight today: Hikes through the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

Today is your last day in beautiful Puerto Viejo. If you feel like exploring more of the flora and fauna in the region, visit the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. It offers a variety of hiking trails that lead through the lush forests and are home to an incomparable variety of animal and plant species. Here you can observe numerous exotic animals such as monkeys, tapirs, iguanas, snakes and many species of birds, such as the toucan.

Breakfast

Azania Bungalows

Your highlights today: Learn about the culture of the Bribri

Today you will visit the Iguana Farm in the KEKOLDY Indian Reserve, where an indigenous family is dedicated to the propagation of the endangered Green Iguana. Here you will learn more about the efforts to preserve and protect the species. Afterwards, you will continue to the Bribri Reserve in Yorkín, where you can visit an indigenous family and see a medicinal plant garden. Here you will learn about the use of plants in traditional Bribri medicine and receive a demonstration of chocolate making. Afterwards, you can take a short tour of fiber and weaving production. On the last leg of the tour you will visit a waterfall where you can cool off in the refreshing environment and enjoy a small fruit snack.

Breakfast, lunch

Rental car (approx. 25 km/40 min.), hiking (approx.7 km/1 hour)

Azania Bungalows

Your highlight today: Rafting adventure on the Pacuare River

Today you will continue to the breathtaking region of the Pacuare River. There you have the option to discover the river with exciting white water rafting!

Afterwards, we will continue towards Arenal. This impressive region is known for the majestic Arenal Volcano and offers a variety of activities and sights - a true paradise for outdoor adventurers. Here you will spend the next two nights.

Breakfast

Rental car (approx. 115 km/2 hours), Optional rafting tour (approx. 4 hours), Rental car (approx. 150 km/3 hours)

Arenal Country Inn

Your highlights today: Experience the magic of Arenal Volcano

Enjoy the picturesque landscape, relax in the hot springs or explore the fascinating flora and fauna on a hike through the national park. A lake and rivers invite you to exciting water sports adventures, while refreshing waterfalls reward hikers with cool pools and breathtaking views. The Arenal volcano fascinates with its imposing, almost perfect symmetry and is considered one of the most remarkable natural beauties of Costa Rica. If you wish, you can be accompanied by a guide while exploring the volcano and the hot springs. Just let us know in advance and we will organize everything for you!

 Breakfast

Arenal Country Inn

Your highlight today: Sunset at Samara Beach

Your day starts with a drive to the beautiful Samara Beach. Once there, you can experience the unique beauty of this beach. The long, crescent-shaped bay invites you to relax and swim. You can enjoy the quieter atmosphere at the eastern end of the beach or plunge into the surfer's paradise at the western end. Samara Beach is famous for its breathtaking sunsets, great surf waves and relaxed atmosphere. Here you can just drift and enjoy two days on the beach.

Breakfast

Rental car (approx. 200 km/3 hours)

Hotel Giada

Your highlight today: Kayak tour to Isla Chora

In the town center at the western end of the beach, you can find numerous restaurants, beach bars and massage booths. You can also take surfing lessons or get information about other activities from local tour operators. Optionally, you can take a kayak to Isla Chora to swim with fish and relax.

Let the beauty and healthy atmosphere of Samara Beach enchant you and spend an unforgettable last day in this dreamlike place.

Breakfast

Hotel Giada

Your highlight today: The last picturesque ride along dreamlike landscape

Today you will make your way back to San Jose, from where you will fly back tomorrow. As you travel the scenic route, you can relive the memories of the many adventures and unforgettable experiences of the past days.

Breakfast

Rental car (approx. 230 km/4 hours)

San Jose Autentico Hotel

Today you will drive to the airport to return your car and prepare for the return flight. Please plan your departure so that you arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure.

Now, unfortunately, you have to say goodbye to this wonderful country for the time being. Enjoy the memories and experiences you have gathered during your time here as you head towards home.

Breakfast

Rental car (approx. 20 km/30 min.)

If you book your flights separately, you can flexibly plan your return flight on the day of departure.

We would love to welcome you back soon for another adventure!

Rental car

Experience the comfort and versatility of the Hyundai Tucson IX35 4WD SUV (or similar option), the ideal vehicle for a smooth and safe ride through Costa Rica.

Hyundai Tucson IX35

Type: SUV Hyundai Tucson IX35 4WD (or similar)

Seats: 4 | Luggage: 4

Air conditioner: Yes | Audio: Radio/USB

Gearbox: medium all-wheel drive, automatic transmission

The car is perfect for couples, small groups and families.

You can find more information about car rental in the FAQs.

 

 

Accommodation

San José Auténtico Hotel (Day 1 and 10)

Location: San José

Room category: Standard room

Equipment: Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, parking, sun terrace, bar, restaurant, TV, air conditioning

Your first hotel convinces with a fantastic location in San José. From here you have the opportunity to explore many sights on foot. Relax with a cocktail at the outdoor pool and look forward to the coming days and the upcoming adventure.

Azania Bungalows (Day 2 to 5)

Location: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Room category: Bungalow

Equipment: Wi-Fi, Parking, Outdoor pool, Mosquito net, Fridge, Private balcony/terrace

Azania reflects the essence of hotels in Puerto Viejo. Welcome to the lush southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, an area of unimagined natural riches, unique culture and traditions. Amidst the pristine, laid-back Caribbean villages of Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo, just off Cocles Beach, a charming and tranquil lodge awaits you in complete harmony with the surrounding tropical rainforest.

Arenal Country Inn (Day 6 to 7)

Location: Fortuna

Room category: Standard room

Equipment: Wi-Fi, parking, air conditioning, outdoor pool, terrace, garden, TV

Located at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano, Arenal Country Inn is the perfect hotel to explore La Fortuna and its surroundings. The rooms are surrounded by exotic gardens that are home to amazing flora and are often visited by beautiful fauna.

Hotel Giada (Day 8 and 9)

Location: Sámara

Room category: Standard room

Equipment: Wi-Fi, parking, air conditioning, outdoor pool, whirlpool bath, terrace, garden, TV, restaurant

The charming Hotel Giada in Playa Samara is the perfect place to explore Guanacaste and other destinations in Costa Rica. The hotel is a small beachfront hotel located just a short walk from the beautiful beach of Samara. It offers comfortable and cozy rooms and a wide variety of tours and excursions to explore the surrounding beaches of Samara.

Request trip now

Simply request your desired date quickly.

What makes our trips special

Important information

What to pay attention to when renting the vehicle?

You must have a valid passport, a valid driver's license, and be at least 23 years old to drive the car. If you are 21 or 22 years old, you must have had your driver's license for at least 2 years to be allowed to drive. You will have to pay a deposit of $750 USD on the spot, which will be returned to you upon successful return of the vehicle. The deposit must be paid with a credit card (Visa, Master Card or AMEX). Debit cards and cash are not accepted.

Do you offer trip cancellation insurance?

Should you not be able to fly for health reasons, there is a Travel cancellation insurancee.g. from HanseMerkur.

What is the minimum number of participants for the trip?

This trip has a minimum number of 4 guests. If this number is not reached 30 days before the scheduled date, TripLegend has the right to cancel the trip.

Can I arrive earlier or leave later?

You can individually plan a few days in advance or add a few days to all our trips, as it suits you best. Of course, we are also happy to give you tips for accommodation!

With whom do I share a double room?

By default, you will share a double room with a person of the same sex, but you are also welcome to book a single room.

What does your collaboration with local partners look like in concrete terms?

For us, supporting locals means working only with local guides, staying in local, family-run hotels, and eating at local restaurants. We often have a social/environmental cause that we incorporate into our trips (from volunteering at a wildlife rescue center in Namibia to the support of Buddhist monks in Nepal in their daily work or visiting a school in a Soviet ghost town in Kyrgyzstan and bringing soccer balls, books, pens, etc.).

General information

Please note that the itinerary, activities and hotels may be subject to change. These changes may occur without notice due to availability, inclement weather, seasonal changes or other circumstances beyond our control. We will always do our best to ensure that this has little or no impact on your experience.

Your travel highlights
  • With your own rental car over picture book panoramic roads
  • Cultural diversity in Puerto Viejo
  • Picturesque beaches and colorful underwater world
  • Nature and outdoor paradise Arenal
  • Visit of the indigenous Bribri Tribes
  • Iguana farm in the Indian reservation KEKOLDY
  • Colorful flora and fauna in Cahuita National Park
  • Beach Oasis Samara Beach
Catering
  • 10x breakfast, 1x lunch
Accommodation
(These or comparable accommodations)
  • 2x overnight stay at San Jose Autentico Hotel
  • 4x overnight stay in Azania bungalows
  • 2x overnight stay Arenal Country Inn
  • 2x overnight stay in Hotel Giada
Transport
  • Rental car during the trip
  • Airport transfer
Other included services
  • English speaking day guides
  • Detailed vaccination and packing list (PDF)
  • 110% CO2 offset for flight and travel
  • 1 tree planted per person
  • 24/7 WhatsApp support by TripLegend before and during the trip
Before the trip
Upgrades 
  • Supplement single room per person (1000€)
On site
  • Meals not mentioned
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses
  • Activities as noted in the "Optional Activities & Programs" tab.
Optional activities (bookable in the booking process):

Walking & snorkeling tour in Cahuita National Park

Experience Costa Rica's incredible nature up close on a walking & snorkeling tour in Cahuita National Park. You can book this optional activity in our store for an additional €90 (p.p.).

Rafting in Pacuare incl. lunch

Can't get enough action for you? You have the option of booking a rafting adventure in Pacuare including lunch for 120€ (p.p.) in our store.

Guided tour to Arenal Volcano + entrance to Hot Springs

Are you in the mood for adventure and relaxation? For an extra charge of 100€ (p.p.) you have the possibility to book a guided tour to the Arenal Volcano incl. entrance to Hot Springs in our store.

 

Kayaking & snorkeling to Isla Chora

Would you like to experience Costa Rica's unique underwater world? In our store you can book the optional activity Kayak & Snorkeling to Isla Chora for an additional €65 (p.p.).

 

German citizens do not need a visa for entry and stay for tourist purposes for up to 90 days.

In addition to the standard vaccinations according to the RKI, travel vaccinations against hepatitis A, and in case of long-term stay or special exposure also against hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies are recommended.

You have the possibility to book your round trip both with and without included flight. If necessary, you can easily request your flights for the round trip via WhatsApp and we will send you a personal offer. All our selected flights are operated by renowned airlines. For a flight from/to Germany you can also book our "train to flight" offer. 

Please note that the itinerary, activities and hotels may be subject to change. These changes may occur without notice due to availability, inclement weather, seasonal changes or other circumstances beyond our control. We will always do our best to ensure that this has little or no impact on your experience.

Check the entry requirements

Just enter here your information and see directly if and how your entry and exit is possible. (Third-party supplier, data without guarantee)

Testimonials

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