Costa Rica from Coast to Coast
(18 Days / 17 Nights) Price from: $ 1,995.00

Explore Costa Rica at your own pace in your 4×4 rent a car. Explore areas people nromally do not see!! Navigate along the famous canals of Tortuguero, enjoy nature at Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. The unspoiled Monteverde Cloud Forest is an unforgettable time for birdwatchers hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive Quetzal bird. A visit to the spectacular Arenal Volcano provides guaranteed excitement for the whole family, as you may see the volcano erupt. You will also enjoy a relaxing stay at the pristine beaches of Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio. 

San José- Tortuguero- Sarapiquí- Arenal- Rincón de la Vieja- Tamarindo- Monteverde- Manuel Antonio- San José

Day by day itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at San Jose, Costa Rica. Hotel Grano de Oro. Standard Room (B).

Transfer to hotel in San Jose. After passing through Immigration you will be met by one of our representatives. He will take you to your hotel and give you your welcome kit. Overnight in San Jose City. Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colón, San José's main thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro. Converted from a Tropical Victorian mansion, the hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home. Hotel Grano de Oro is a true oasis, a sanctuary in the heart of the city. Hallways lined with period photographs and original art meander through the building and present lush tropical flower arrangements and luxurious plants at every turn. Spanish tile fountains grace intimate atriums, ensuring that one is never far from the soothing melody of falling water. 

Day 02: Bus & boat transfer from San Jose to Tortuguero. Mawamba Lodge. Superior Room (B).

A unique combination in the area: the comfort and luxury of rooms and facilities, a delicious restaurant with an international and gourmet cuisine offering Caribbean fusion food and the excitement of a variety of adventure tours, all a few steps from the worldwide famous Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero National Park is one of the most varied within the park system, has 11 ecological habitats, from high rainforest to herbaceous marsh communities. Fronting the sea is the seemingly endless expanse of beach. Behind that is a narrow lagoon, connected to the sea at one end and fed by a river at the other, which parallels the beach for its full 35-km length. Back of the lagoon is a coastal rainforest threaded by an infinite maze of serpentine canals and streams fed by rivers flowing from the central mountain ranges and by the rains that fall in the area. On the periphery of the forest lies a complex of swamps.

Day 03: Free day at Tortuguero National Park. Mawamba Lodge. Superior room (B).

The park has a great biological variety, due to the existence within the reserve of eleven different habitats, including rainforest, swamps, beaches, and lagoons. The park is located on the Caribbean coast, and its beaches are key nesting ground for endangered sea turtles, such as Hawksbill, Loggerheads, Green and Leatherbacks. The rivers within the park are home to sensitive populations of manatees, as well as caimans, crocodiles, and Tropical Gar, which is considered a living fossil.

The forests are home to jaguars, three-toed sloths, and three of Costa Rica's four species of monkey. Basilisk lizards and poisonous frogs also inhabit the area, along with 375 species of birds including kingfishers, toucans, blue herons, peacocks, and parrots. There are more than 400 species of trees and approximately 2,200 species of plants. Tortuguero National Park, established in 1970, is now home to 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered mammals. Among them are manatee, ocelot and jaguar, as well as over 300 bird species. First and foremost, however, it is the nesting ground of the green turtle, which comes ashore between August and October to lay its eggs on the sandy beaches. Lesser numbers of the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, plus loggerhead, and giant leatherback turtle also nest within the park at different times of year. You will go on excursions by boat and on foot, using the experienced eyes of your boatman or guide to maximise opportunities of spotting wildlife.

Day 04: Pick up Rental Car and self drive from to Sarapiqui. Hacienda La Isla Lodge. Superior Room (B).

A perfect gateway for your visit to the rainforests and the adventure sites (rafting, canopy, horseback riding, etc.) of Sarapiqui, the exotic Caribbean beaches, the active volcano Arenal or the world famous Tortugero canals and sea turtles. Many years ago, when highways did not exist, the only way to journey through Central America was via the Río Sarapiquí. The enchanting scenery along its banks is a delight for those who want to get close to nature. The Sarapiquí runs through 84 kilometers of diverse landscapes, and is a good place to see birds, monkeys, turtles, caimans and more.

Day 05: Free day at Sarapiqui. Hacienda La Isla Lodge. Superior Room (B).

Hidden in the foothills of the impressive Braulio Carrillo National Park, the Spanish colonial-built Hacienda La Isla Lodge is very well located in the center of numerous top attractions of Costa Rica. A perfect gateway for your visit to the rainforests and the adventure sites (rafting, canopy, horseback riding, etc.) of Sarapiqui, the exotic Caribbean beaches, the active volcano Arenal or the world famous Tortugero canals and sea turtles (cf. Attractions and Tours). Its setting alongside mountain streams and exuberant rainforest and pasturelands is breathtaking.

Day 06: Self drive from Puerto Viejo to Arenal Volcano. Arenal Nayara Hotel. Deluxe room (B).

The Arenal Volcano National Park lies within the Arenal Conservation Area, protecting eight of Costa Rica's 12 life zones and 16 protected reserves in the region between the Guanacaste and Tilarán mountain ranges, and including Lake Arenal. Arenal Volcano has been constantly active since it woke up after 400 years. One of the world's most active volcanoes, the Arenal produces huge ash columns, explosions and glowing red lava almost every day. Fascinating fauna and flora exist here in amazing quantities making this a prime location for viewing many different species of both plants and animals.

Day 07: Arenal Volcano. Hotel Arenal Nayara. Deluxe room (B).

Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens is a luxury boutique hotel that is widely recognized for providing premium luxury amenities and ultra-personalized service. Located in the outskirts of the amazing Arenal Volcano, Arenal Nayara is an oasis of tranquility, where guests can experience a profound and organic immersion with nature, while living in luxury at the same time. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, each one of casitas (bungalows) provide an exclusive, ultra-luxurious retreat with direct views to the Arenal Volcano.

Arenal Nayara consistently ranks as the number 1 hotel in the Arenal area on TripAdvisor and most other travel websites. Furthermore, TripAdvisor recently named Nayara as the most romantic hotel in all of South and Central America and one of the top 5 most romantic hotels in the World.

Optional activities: Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, Tour To the Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Resort Hot Springs, Sport Fishing in the Arenal Lake, Arenal Volcano Hike Tour, Mountain Biking, Venado Caves Tour, horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano, Peñas Blancas Safari Float.

Day 08: Self drive from Arenal Volcano to Rincón de la Vieja. Hotel Borinquen, Bungalow (B). 

Along the Pan American highway you will discover Guanacaste and Rincon de la Vieja National Park. You will stay at Borinquen. All rooms have independent decks or balconies with great mountain views and breathtaking sunsets. The climate couldn’t be better thanks to its proximity to the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, one of the most remarkable National Parks in Costa Rica, that combines the Guanacaste dry and sunny weather with the fresh air of the mountains.

Day 09:  Free day at Rincón de la Vieja. Hotel Borinquen, Bungalow (B).



Day 10:Self drive from Rincon de la Vieja to Tamarindo Beach. Hotel Jardin del Eden, Deluxe room (B).

Tamarindo is a wide white sanded beach that offers first class sport fishing, sailing, surfing, golfing, ATV tours, turtle watching, diving, horseback riding, canopy tours, jungle boat rides, beauty spa, an art gallery and crafts and pottery stores. As a multi-cultural community, Tamarindo boasts several restaurants, whether you like to eat Vegetarian, Costa Rican style, Italian or Sea Food. The sun shines at the beautiful beach all year round, and the temperature is pleasantly warm, too. The nearby Playa Langosta, (Langosta Beach) boasts pure white sand beaches sprinkled with multicolored shells. Such romantic scenery beckons visitors to stroll along its pristine shoreline, enjoy the serenity of the sapphire waters, or behold a brilliant sunset draping the evening with a silvery moonlight that dances atop tranquil waters. 

Day 11: Free day in Tamarindo Beach. Hotel Jardin del Eden (B).



Day 12: Self drive from Arenal to Monteverde. Hotel Establo. Deluxe Room (B).

The spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is a very important and popular ecotourism destination in Costa Rica. With its unique cloud canopy, this biological reserve located in Puntarenas province is 6 km east of the town of Santa Elena. Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is one of the most stunning and breathtaking nature reserves in the entire world. Unlike rainforests, cloud forests usually receive much less rain in comparison. However, because a cloud forest is situated at a higher altitude, it has more humidity and is therefore cloudier than a rainforest. This biological reserve sits at an elevation of between 1,200 m to 1,600 m, and is surrounded by a misty cover that supports a fantastic diversity of flora and fauna. Often creating a surreal environment, this reserve is considered to be among the most exceptional wildlife sanctuaries in the New World Tropics.

Day 13: Free day in Monteverde. Hotel Establo. Deluxe Room (B).

Monteverde's most significant tourist activities rest on nature and adventure: Birdwatching, Guided Natural History Walks, Canopy tours, Hanging Bridges, Horsebackriding,Coffee tours, among others.

Day 14: Self drive from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio. Hotel el Parador. Superior Room (B).

Manuel Antonio, on the Pacific Coast with an estuary, mangroves, a lagoon, beautiful beaches and winding paths, all this on 638 hectares of land and 55.000 hectares of protected marine environment.. Throughout the park, you will find the famous wildlife Costa Rica is known for, monkeys, sloths and lots of birds among others. A splendid combination of nature experience and beach fun!

Day 15 & 16: Free days at Manuel Antonio. Hotel El Parador. Superior Room (B).

Hotel el Parador is a luxury eco-friendly family and adult Resort situated on the 400 acre  peninsula of Punta Quepos  with splendid views to the Pacific Ocean and surrounding lush tropical rain forest  where 100’s of species of wildlife make their home. It is located within minutes from the World Famous Manuel Antonio National Park and the small sport fishing town of Quepos.

Day 17: Self drive from Manuel Antonio to San Jose. Drop off Rental car at your hotel. Night at Hotel Grano de Oro. Standard Room (B).



Day 18: Transfer out to International Airport.

Includes:

• Personalized information, maps, brochures, vouchers.
• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
• Local Travel Program Support 24 hours emergency service.
• 17 nights lodging at hotels indicated at the preceding itinerary.
• Breakfast and local taxes.
• All meals, transfers by boat and bus, guide and tours in Tortuguero.
• Shuttle transfers between destinations
  • except routes
    •  Fortuna-Rincon de la Vieja / Rincon de la Vieja-Tamarindo
    • Manuel Antonio-San Jose, which are private transfers/
• 14 days rental car
  
  • Daihatsu Bego 4x4
  • free mileage
  • FREE GPS during Rental period.

Excludes:

• Other meals than indicated as included.
• Entrance fees, entrance fee Tortuguero US $ 10,00 per person.
• Basic car insurance US $ 18,00 per day
• Optional excursions tours and activities
• Airport taxes US$28,00 per person
• International Flights.
• Personal expenses.
• Tips.

Price Conditions:

Shuttle Transfers between destinations

High Season

Double Occupancy

November 01, 2011 to April 30, 2012

July 01 to August 31, 2012

USD$ 2,455.00 per person

Low Season

Double Occupation

May 01 to June 30, 2012 and September 01 to October 31, 2011/2012

USD$ 2,340.00 per person

Car Rental Daihatsu Bego 4x4

High Season

Double Occupancy

November 1, 2011 to April 30, 2012

July 1, 2012 to August 31, 2012

USD$ 2,125.00 per person

Low Season

Double Occupancy

May 01 to June 30, 2012

September 01 to October 31, 2011/2012

USD$ 1.995.00 per person

 Except Christmas, New Years -and Easter Week

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.

What To Bring:

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.
2 Bring plenty of sunblock. Also include insect repellent, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a swimsuit.
3 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.
4 Pack separate clothes for evenings. Simple dresses are great for women, while men will do well in long shorts and a button-down shirt.
5 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.
6 Take an umbrella if you plan to travel between May and November - Costa Rica's wettest period. A rain slicker will come in handy while hiking.
7 Take an electric converter and adapter.

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