Off the Beaten Path

Off the Beaten Path gives you the opportunity to discover the best of Costa Rica

12 Days / 11 Nights

Off the Beaten Path

Off the Beaten Path gives you the opportunity to discover the best of Costa Rica

12 Days / 11 Nights

San José - Tortuguero - Arenal - Río Celeste - Nosara

Discover the most amazing destinations

Our Off the Beaten Path gives you the opportunity to self-drive from one destination to another while in Costa Rica. This itinerary will take you to the canals and beaches of Tortuguero on the Caribbean, to the amazing Arenal Volcano for some fun outdoor activities (we may add these to your itinerary if you like), a visit to the Rio Celeste River and Tenorio National Park and a grand finale of relaxing and enjoying the beautiful beaches of Nosara. Nosara got ranked by CNN as one of the world´s best travel destinations in 2014.
Day 01
Arrive to San José

Welcome to Costa Rica! For your added comfort, once you have passed immigration and customs and stepped out of the airport doors, you will have one of our representatives waiting for you outside with a sign with your name on it. He will drive you to your hotel in San José.

Private Transfer from International Airport to San José

Hotel: Presidente Hotel (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Day 02
Bus & Boat Transfer to Tortuguero

Here is your chance to experience the beautiful Tortuguero River and Tortuguero National Park canals and take your time to appreciate the most popular sightseeing attractions of the area.

Hotel: Laguna Lodge Tortuguero (2 Nights)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Meals

Day 03
Programmed activities at Tortuguero 

Enjoy by your own a walk at the hotel trails or take an optional excursion (not Included). In the afternoon join a guided Canal Tour to experience the jungle which surrounds the nearby canals.

Day 04
Boat & Bus transfer to Guapiles. After Lunch, pick up your car rental and Self drive to Arenal/Fortuna

Arenal Volcano located in La Fortuna, is the most iconic volcano in Costa Rica. Arenal is a worthy destination, thanks to the dense forest covering her lower slopes and foothills, and her picture-perfect conical shape up top. This area is rugged and varied, rich with wildlife and laced with trails.

Daihatsu Bego Standard (8 Days of Rent)

Hotel: Arenal Volcano Inn (2 Nights)
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Meals Plan: Buffet Breakfast

Day 05
Free Day at Arenal/Fortuna

Enjoy your day relaxing at your hotel and surroundings or ask your travel consultant about the many optional activities that are offered in the area.

Day 06
Self-drive to Tenorio

The Tenorio Volcano National Park is one home of Costa Rica’s most spectacular natural wonders: the sky blue Río Celeste Waterfall. The result of sulphur and calcium carbonate from the minerals in the river are giving the bright color.

Hotel: Celeste Mountain Lodge (2 Nights)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Meals

Day 07
Free Day at Tenorio

Enjoy your day relaxing at your hotel and surroundings or ask your travel consultant about the many optional activities that are offered in the area.

Day 08
Self drive to Nosara

Nosara, best known for great surfing and yoga retreats is a calm, relaxed town with dark sands, dusty roads and down to earth beach bars.  If you are interested in upscale yoga retreats that offer daily sessions of yoga, healthy eating and spa treatments, come to Nosara.

Hotel: The Harmony Hotel (3 Nights)
Room Type: Cocos Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast, one yoga class, Sustainability Tour

Days 09 & 10
Free Days at Nosara

Enjoy your day relaxing at your hotel and surroundings or ask your travel consultant about the many optional activities that are offered in the area.

Day 11
Self drive to San Jose. Drop Off your car rental at your hotel.

San José is the capital city of Costa Rica and is by far the largest city in the country. Due to its strategic location in the geographical heart of the country, San José is the ideal place to use as a base for taking daily excursions to a variety of sites and diverse regions.

Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Buffet Breakfast

Day 12
Departure from San Jose to the International Airport

A privately driven vehicle will provide you with a transfer from your hotel to San José Airport today. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Private Transfer from San José to International Airport

  • INCLUDED
    • Personalized information, map of Costa Rica and vouchers.
    • Local Travel Program Support, 24 hours emergency service.
    • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
    • 11 nights lodging at hotels indicated at the preceding itinerary. Breakfast and local taxes.
    • All meals, transfers by boat and bus, guide and tours in International company – (SIB) in Tortuguero
    • 08 days rental car Daihatsu Bego standard, free mileage. First additional driver is free of charge.
    • Insurance CDW included.

    NOT INCLUDED

    • Other meals than included.
    • Other excursions tours and activities indicated as optional or not included.
    • National Park entrance fees.
    • Airport taxes, international Flights.
    • Additional Car rental insurance, gasoline and GPS.
    • Personal expenses, extras at hotels.
    • Travel insurance.

The most important things to bring are your travel documents: a valid passport, flight and hotel information, health insurance card and driver’s license (if you plan on renting a car in Costa Rica). We advise you to make three copies of these documents. Put one copy in your carry-on bag, one copy in your suitcase and leave one copy at home.

Basic Tropical forests, colorful wildlife and spectacular beaches are part of daily life in Costa Rica. The climate varies depending on where you are, so pack accordingly.

  1. Prepare for hot, humid summers. Shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, skirts and tank tops in lightweight fabrics should keep you cool. Take a sweater for evenings at a higher elevation. Bring plenty of sunblock. Also include insect repellent, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a swimsuit.
  2. Take rubber-soled sandals or hiking boots for journeys into the rain forests. Flip-flops and sandals are great for resorts and hanging out by the beach. Pack separate clothes for evenings. Simple dresses are great for women, while men will do well in long shorts and a button-down shirt.
  3. Prepare for cool winters, particularly in the northern regions and at higher elevations. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are a must, while a fleece jacket or a sweater is advisable.
  4. Take an umbrella if you plan to travel between May and November – Costa Rica’s wettest period.
  5. A rain slicker will come in handy while hiking.
  6. Take an electric converter and adapter.

Important Note

What makes us different? You can customize your Costa Rica trip to fit your exact needs. Maximize fun time and minimize hassles, mistakes and travel time. Every detail from airport pick-up to adventure tours and activities are arranged by us to make sure the only thing you have to worry about is having fun. Use our quick and easy trip customization form and find out how affordable your dream Costa Rica vacation can be! With CRS you don´t just vacation in Costa Rica, you experience it. Why settle for less? Contact us today.