From
$2,860
NZ $2,431

The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive

10 days
•
Start and end in San Jose
5.0
3 traveler reviews
  • The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive - Destination Services Costa Rica 1
  • The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive - Destination Services Costa Rica 2
  • The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive - Destination Services Costa Rica 3
  • The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive - Destination Services Costa Rica 4
    View all

  • Everything went very smoothly. Accommodations were great, and the food was delicious.

    KR
    Kirsten, traveled in January
    5.0
  • The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive - Destination Services Costa Rica 6
  • The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive - Destination Services Costa Rica 7
  • The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive - Destination Services Costa Rica 8
  • The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive - Destination Services Costa Rica 9
  • The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive - Destination Services Costa Rica 10
From
$2,860
-15%
NZ $2,431
Find this price

Booking needs min. 2 travelers

Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $486 now + easy payments of $130 Learn More

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
Platinum Operator
Destination Services Costa Rica
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Private Tour
Travel exclusively with your friends and family
Self-guided
Independent exploration, backed by expert advice and support
Guided in English, Spanish
Age range 10 to 99

Places You’ll See

  • San Jose
    San Jose
  • Arenal Volcano National Park
    Arenal Volcano National Park
  • Monteverde
    Monteverde
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Explore San Jose's vibrant city life
  • Boat through Tortuguero's lush canals
  • Walk Tortuguero village and nature trails
  • Drive to Arenal, view the famous volcano
  • Relax on Tortuga Island's sandy beaches

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 ARRIVAL SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)
  2. Day 2 SAN JOSÉ – TORTUGUERO (117km – 3.5hrs by land / 1.5hr by boat)
  3. Day 3 TORTUGUERO
  4. Day 4 TORTUGUERO – ARENAL (174km – 3.5hrs / 1.5hr by boat) / CAR HIRE DELIVERY
  5. Day 5 ARENAL
  6. Day 6 ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (80km – 1.5 by land / 1.5hr by boat)
  7. Day 7 MONTEVERDE
  8. Day 8 MONTEVERDE – SAN JOSE (145km – 3.5hrs) / CAR HIRE HOTEL RETURN
  9. Day 9 SAN JOSE – TORTUGA ISLAND – SAN JOSE (98km – 2hrs / 2 HOURS – 1.5hr by catamaran)
  10. Day 10 DEPARTURE SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)
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Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

  • Sleep Inn Hotel

    Hotel
    Days 1, 8, 9

  • Turtle Beach Lodge

    Hotel
    Days 2, 3

  • Casa Luna Hotel & Spa

    Hotel
    Days 4, 5

  • Country Lodge

    Hotel
    Days 6, 7

Operated by

Destination Services Costa Rica

4.5
(312 reviews)
This operator has the highest review ratings and fastest responses to enquiries

Number of tours

72

Age Range

10 to 99 years old

Response time

9 hours

Response rate

100%

We are a leading company in Costa Rica, providing the best possible...

Read more

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • KR
    · January 14th, 2024
    Our family of 4 with kids (ages 15 and 10) from...
    Show more
    Destination Services Costa Rica commented on this review
    Good Day Dear Kirsten We are glad to know you have a great time with your family during this trip! Definitely we are going to take in count your comments to keep improving our services. Regards, Karla Alpízar Destination Services Costa Rica's Team
    Trip date: December 2023
  • The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive reviewer 2
    · May 20th, 2023
    The tour is very well planned. The hotels...
    Show more
    Destination Services Costa Rica commented on this review
    Thank you for your very positive feedback. Your comments are very important for us to improve our services and I am glad you had a lovely experience with us and we met your travelling expectations. We hope to be your choice for your future holiday... Show more
    Trip date: May 2023
  • The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive reviewer 3
    · January 29th, 2023
    It was Awesome Tour and tourradar support was...
    Show more
    Destination Services Costa Rica commented on this review
    Thanks so much for your feedback!, we really appreciate the time you took to write such a review!.Hope soon you come back to Costa Rica
    Trip date: January 2023

Dates & Availability

10 days
The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive
From San Jose to San Jose

Why book with TourRadar?

    • Trusted and vetted operators
    • Rated excellent on
    • Best price guarantee
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Earn $50 in travel credits
    • Free eSim with every purchase

    To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in Australia, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits
Select a departure month
  • Upcoming departures
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Select The Travel Month

Upcoming departures
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Ends in1d1h42m40s
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Monday
    7 Jul, 2025
    To Wednesday
    16 Jul, 2025
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,915
    $2,478
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Tuesday
    8 Jul, 2025
    To Thursday
    17 Jul, 2025
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,915
    $2,478
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Wednesday
    9 Jul, 2025
    To Friday
    18 Jul, 2025
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,915
    $2,478
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Thursday
    10 Jul, 2025
    To Saturday
    19 Jul, 2025
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,915
    $2,478
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Friday
    11 Jul, 2025
    To Sunday
    20 Jul, 2025
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,915
    $2,478
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Saturday
    12 Jul, 2025
    To Monday
    21 Jul, 2025
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,915
    $2,478
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Sunday
    13 Jul, 2025
    To Tuesday
    22 Jul, 2025
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,915
    $2,478
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Monday
    14 Jul, 2025
    To Wednesday
    23 Jul, 2025
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,915
    $2,478
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Tuesday
    15 Jul, 2025
    To Thursday
    24 Jul, 2025
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,915
    $2,478
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Wednesday
    16 Jul, 2025
    To Friday
    25 Jul, 2025
    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,915
    $2,478
From
$2,860
-15%
NZ $2,431
Find this price

Booking needs min. 2 travelers

Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $486 now + easy payments of $130 Learn More

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • C

    Carmen

    Asked on January 6th, 2025

    What kind of car will be provided for the self-drive part of the tour?

    Transport
  • I

    Itzel

    Asked on January 5th, 2025

    What are the transportation options during the tour?

    Transport
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written January 2025

      Transportation throughout the tour will be provided via a rental vehicle that you will drive yourself.

  • F

    Fernanda

    Asked on July 16th, 2024

    Can you provide details about the cost of pre-tour accommodation?

    Accommodation
    Price / Availability
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written July 2024

      The cost for an extra night for 2 people, including taxes and breakfast, in a standard hotel category is $120 USD.

  • E

    Eduard

    Asked on February 12th, 2024

    What should I do if my flight changes?

    Flights / Transfers
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written February 2024

      Please provide updated flight information to help us in organizing your itinerary efficiently.

  • L

    Lucia

    Asked on February 3rd, 2024

    What types of insurance are included in the tour?

    Travel Support
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written February 2024

      The booking covers basic insurance, but you can upgrade directly with the rental car company for better coverage.

  • T

    Tara

    Asked on January 11th, 2024

    Do I need a visa for this trip?

    Visa
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written January 2024

      For most travelers, visas are not required for tourism in Costa Rica, but it's best to check your specific nationality's requirements.

  • P

    Pauline

    Asked on January 8th, 2024

    What is the maximum group size for the tour?

    Group size
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written January 2024

      The typical group size can vary, but we generally accommodate up to 16 people to ensure a more personalized experience.

  • A

    Alexis

    Asked on December 17th, 2023

    How do I make a payment for the tour?

    Payments
  • H

    Heiko

    Asked on November 9th, 2023

    What activities can we do in Manuel Antonio?

    Tour Details
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written November 2023

      Manuel Antonio offers various activities including hiking, beach visits, and guided tours of the national park.

  • G

    Greg

    Asked on October 25th, 2023

    Can I receive confirmations and details via email?

    Travel Support
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written October 2023

      Yes, all trip confirmations and important information will be sent to your email ahead of your departure.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Destination Services Costa Rica with your enquiry, they usually respond within 9 hours.

Good to Know

Tour ID: 208693

  • Currency
    ₡
    Costa Rican Colon
    Costa Rica
  • Plugs & Adapters

  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Costa Rica. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Costa Rica. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Costa Rica. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Costa Rica. Ideally 10 days before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before August 14th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 14th, 2025, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Destination Services Costa Rica. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Destination Services Costa Rica will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Destination Services Costa Rica" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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