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
- Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
- Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio 7 Days, Self-Drive
- The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive
- Costa Rica Road Trip: Jungle beats & Ocean Waves (8 destinations)
- Independent Costa Rica Wonders with Tortuguero
- Self Drive Costa Rica - 14 days
- Costa Rica Self Drive 14 Days Diverse Adventures and Activities
- Costa Rica Highlights: San José, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde & Puntarenas - 7 days
- Independent Costa Rica Wonders
Costa Rica Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw far more than we would have ourselves. Once you are okay with that then you will have an amazing time.”
Daniel, traveled in August
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$3,770
Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had an amazing time in Costa Rica! So glad we booked this tour with Bamba Experience.”
Aashfaria, traveled in June
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
- NZ$4,836
Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio 7 Days, Self-Drive
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was great experience. Very recommended.”
Alena, traveled in May
The open roads of Costa Rica beckon with your Daihatsu Bego. Visit Zarcero's topiary gardens, Arenal's hot springs, and Manuel Antonio's beaches freely. Comfortable nights await at Villa Tournon and Montana de Fuego.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,242
15% Off- NZ$1,056You save $186
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 $2,998
15% Off- NZ$2,548You save $450
Costa Rica Road Trip: Jungle beats & Ocean Waves (8 destinations)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The mix of jungle, beaches, and the Arenal Volcano was stunning. Highly recommended!”
Sarah, traveled in August
Duration 9 days Destinations San José, La Fortuna, Playa Tamarindo Age Range Ages 99+ Operator Journaway From $2,728
29% Off- NZ$1,939You save $789
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 $3,879
6% Off- NZ$3,629You save $250
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Braulio Carillo National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Playa Tamarindo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
6% Off- NZ$5,085
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Cartago, Chirripó, Corcovado National Park, Uvita, Manuel Antonio National Park, Montezuma, Monteverde, La Fortuna, ArenalSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Indie4X4 From
6% Off- NZ$5,239
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde, Puntarenas Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours From $2,037
10% Off- NZ$1,833You save $204
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 $2,889
9% Off- NZ$2,639You save $250
What people love about Self-Guided Tours in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
Experience was good with Bamba. There were hiccups in connections but they have a whatsapp number and are quick to resolve it. The hostels and the transfers are nice and so are the tours. I liked the 8D7N trip because I got to see a lot of the beautiful Costa Rica. Nice pace too
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
It was great experience. I had no issues during my trip. Very recommended.
Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio 7 Days, Self-Drive
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."