Self-Guided Tours in Costa Rica
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10 best Self-Guided Costa Rica tour packages
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Costa Rica Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
- The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
- Independent Costa Rica Wonders with Tortuguero
- Costa Rica Road Trip: Jungle beats & Ocean Waves (including Arenal)
- Independent Costa Rica Wonders
- Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure
- Costa Rica Road Trip: Jungle beats & Ocean Waves (including Arenal Volcano National Park) (14 destinations)
- Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
- Fantasy on Beaches and Volcanoes, Self-Drive
Costa Rica Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I liked the 8D7N trip because I got to see a lot of the beautiful Costa Rica. Nice pace too.”
Stella, traveled in December
The scenic paths of Costa Rica await with pre-booked stays at Evergreen Lodge and guided excursions. Flexible departures from San Jose complement self-guided walks in Arenal Volcano National Park and peaceful moments in Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
- NZ$3,668
The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was Awesome Tour and tourradar support was available at any point of time with quick response.”
Deepak, traveled in January
Your Costa Rica adventure unfolds at Casa Luna Hotel and Country Lodge, near Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest. Guided tours through Tortuguero National Park and a catamaran voyage to Tortuga Island round out this customizable escape.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Tortuga Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,917
10% Off- NZ$2,625You save $292
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great guides and we especially loved the boat ride out to Tortuguero.”
Ingrid, traveled in January
Costa Rica's landscapes open up with your Daihatsu Bego from Day 4. Roam Arenal Volcano National Park, wander Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and ride Tamarindo Beach's waves, retiring to carefully selected properties.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Guapiles, Arenal Volcano National Park, Santa Elena, Monteverde, Playa Tamarindo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,961
10% Off- NZ$2,665You save $296
The wonders of Costa Rica unfold through your chosen activities. Select between Arenal's hanging bridges or horseback riding, wander San José's Central Market independently, and roam Monteverde's cloud forest trails as you wish.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, Monteverde Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From
10% Off- NZ$3,409
Duration 9 days Destinations San José, La Fortuna, Arenal, Playa Tamarindo Age Range Ages 99+ Operator Journaway From $1,584
38% Off- NZ$989You save $595
Costa Rica reveals itself with Local Host guidance. Soak in Arenal's thermal springs, walk Monteverde Cloud Forest's trails, and browse San Jose Central Market's 350+ vendors according to your preferences.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From
38% Off- NZ$2,549
Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very knowledgeable about the park and the wildlife. Enthusiastic about his job.”
Randolph, traveled in April
Tortuguero's wildlife reveals itself through guided excursions and optional activities. Jungle lodge stays and 8 meals support essential wildlife viewing, with options for kayaking (approx. $40) or seasonal turtle watching (approx. $50).
Duration 4 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From
38% Off- NZ$1,249
Duration 14 days Destinations San José, Playa Tamarindo, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Journaway From $3,269
37% Off- NZ$2,060You save $1,209
Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was amazing! All staff from tourradar has been very helpful.”
Stavros, traveled in August
Your Costa Rican story takes shape from San Jose through Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo, and Monteverde. Detailed itineraries guide you while leaving room to enjoy Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve and Santa Teresa's beaches at your leisure.
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
37% Off- NZ$4,705
The roads of Costa Rica open up with included 4x4 rental and GPS navigation. Your path leads from Sleep Inn Hotel San Jose to Casa Luna Hotel & Spa near Arenal Volcano, concluding with three days at Tamarindo Diria resort.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Playa Tamarindo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,112
10% Off- NZ$1,901You save $211
What people love about Self-Guided Tours in Costa Rica
- The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive
It was Awesome Tour and tourradar support was available at any point of time with quick response as problem solver. Being a new to any country we were feeling with us as invisible tour guide always with us for at any support with all possible alternates. Thanks to Tour Radar and the team and now we are going to plan family tour for some other destination.
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
Great itinerary and excellent guide for Tortuguero portion. Rest was self drive. Could get an explanation of why two adults sharing a room needed to each pay a supppement from tour radar or the supplier.
We had an amazing time in Costa Rica! So glad we booked this tour with Bamba Experience through Tour Radar, from the very beginning, before we even booked the trip I had excellent correspondence with Jacquie, from the Bamba team who answered the many many questions I had. She made sure to answer my questions as thoroughly as she could, meaning I was prepared for anything! When we went on the tour, I had email correspondence from a few members of the Bamba Team, who provided a detailed itinerary of the whole trip, with all the numbers of the accommodations we were staying in as well as all the numbers of the transport services we used. I felt everything was attended to well and because of this, any stress was taken away and so we had an excellent time! thanks so much!
Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
What our customers ask about Self-Guided Tours in Costa Rica
How long in advance should I book accommodations for a self-guided tour in Costa Rica?
For the busy season between December and April book your accommodations 3-4 months ahead Villa Bosque in Manuel Antonio or Magic Mountain Hotel in La Fortuna. You can plan 1-2 months ahead for the green season from May to November when demand is lower. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We booked 3 months ahead for February travel and got our first choice of hotels in all locations."
What's the best time of year for a self-guided tour in Costa Rica?
December through April offers the driest weather and January and February see peak visitor numbers in areas like Arenal and Monteverde. The Caribbean coast near Puerto Viejo has less rain during September and October. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We went in February and had perfect weather for hiking in Arenal and beach time in Manuel Antonio - just occasional afternoon showers in Monteverde which is normal for the cloud forest." The May to November rainy season means fewer tourists but needs more flexible planning.
What are the best regions to visit in Costa Rica for a self-guided tour?
Self-guided travelers often focus on four key regions: Arenal Volcano National Park with its thermal springs and volcanic landscapes Monteverde Cloud Forest home to thousands of plant species Manuel Antonio National Park which combines beaches with jungle trails and the laid-back Caribbean coast around Puerto Viejo. One TourRadar traveler noted "The organization between destinations was excellent allowing us to truly experience Costa Rica's diverse regions from the rainforest to the coast." Many visitors choose to stay at properties like Arenal Springs Resort in La Fortuna or Monteverde Country Lodge.
What kind of accommodation options are available for self-guided travelers?
The range spans from rustic eco-lodges to upscale resorts. Well-rated options include Hotel Lomas del Volcan in La Fortuna which offers volcano views Savegre Lodge in San Gerardo de Dota for nature enthusiasts and Hotel San Bada in Manuel Antonio for easy beach access. A TourRadar reviewer shared: "We loved staying at Cala Lodge in Monteverde - it was perfect for independent travelers with helpful staff and great location."
How reliable is transportation between destinations for self-guided travelers in Costa Rica?
The shuttle network connects major tourist spots with consistent daily service. Common routes include San Jose to La Fortuna (4 hours) La Fortuna to Monteverde (3 hours) and Monteverde to Manuel Antonio (4 hours). Popular pickup points include the Presidente Hotel in San Jose and Hotel San Bada in Manuel Antonio. According to TourRadar travelers: "The transportation was above expectations and on time every time. The drivers were professional and the vehicles comfortable."
What's the best strategy for planning a self-guided itinerary in Costa Rica?
Focus on establishing base locations and explore from there. Begin in San Jose then allocate 2-3 days for key destinations like Arenal (Hotel Magic Mountain) Monteverde (Cala Lodge) and Manuel Antonio (Hotel Villa Bosque). Factor in travel time between locations and keep some schedule flexibility. A TourRadar reviewer advised: "We found 3 days per location ideal - enough time to explore independently and not feel rushed between destinations."