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Iconic Costa Rican Road Trips: Point of Interest Map
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Iconic Costa Rican Road Trips


For the strongly independent traveler or for those in a rather exploring mood, self-drive packages are the ideal trip in Costa Rica. While Costa Rica is not necessarily famous for its paved roads, you don't have to worry about a thing. Rent a 4X4 and go wild, making your own schedule and exploring the country one mile at a time. From the epic volcanoes at Arenal and zip lining in Monteverde, to the wildlife on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, Costa Rica is a country full of amazing landscapes and some amazing adventures. One of the best ways to get a small taste of everything is to rent a car and head off on an ultimate road trip!

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Road Trip Destinations


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Highlights of Costa Rica

  • Off the Beaten Path in Costa Rica

    Safe and not that far away from the United States, Costa Rica is the number one destination for Americans traveling to Central America. From yoga retreats to active volcanoes, it has become familiar territory. However, it does have its secrets. If you are looking for a different experience and to literally escape the confines of structured travel, Costa Rica has plenty to offer with hidden lodges, secluded beaches, nature retreats, 4x4 adventures - way off the beaten path.

  • Beaches of Costa Rica

    Costa Rica`s privileged location allows access to both Pacific and Caribbean Beaches. Although white sand beaches are practically guaranteed on the Caribbean side; the best accommodations and services are found on the Pacific side, with options ranging from boutique hotels to full service resorts, from basic accommodations to luxurious havens.

  • Nature and Adventure in Costa Rica

    Adventures and Nature in Costa Rica cover everything from high altitude cloud forests in Monteverde, rainforests, eco-lodges and beaches in Manuel Antonio, and volcanoes in La Fortuna. Waterfalls and canopy walks will take your breath away and the wildlife watching is epic. With so much dramatic scenery and the remarkable rich biodiversity, any nature lover or adventure seeker will be blown away by all the things to do in Costa Rica.

More to Explore

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Central America

    Central America is filled with diversity, beauty, and a wealth of history. It is made up of the countries of Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, and is indeed a beautiful region with endless opportunities for adventure. The region boasts 18 impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ranging from archaeological sites or ancient pre-Columbian cultures, natural areas, and colonial cities to Caribbean fortifications.

  • Honeymoon in Central America

    When travelers look into booking a honeymoon vacation, they are usually looking for three things: how romantic the locale is, how luxurious and peaceful the honeymoon will be, and what kinds of memories can you create together in your first days wed. The Western Caribbean coastline from Mexico down through Central America to northern South America offers some of the most desired honeymoon vacation destinations in the world.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

  • Arenal Volcano - Nosara Beach - Guanacaste Beaches (Self Drive)
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  • Experience the Nature and Beaches of Costa Rica!. Pick up the Rental Car at San Jose City Airport to start this trip driving along the country, visiting: Arenal Volcano (youngest and one of the most active stratovolcano in Costa Rica, near Lake Arena) and after that, to Nosara (a small town famous for its yoga, surf and a world-class white sand beaches with quaint hotels hide among the stands of trees and beautiful gardens and vibrant flora) and Samara (a picturesque resort town, known as one of the safest beaches in all of Costa Rica). Finally, have a wonderful stay in Guanacaste Beaches (in northwestern Costa Rica bordering the Pacific, is known as a tropical paradise with a pristine shoreline, beautiful mountain ranges and a number of volcanoes). Drive to Liberia-Guanacaste Airport to drop off the car and catch the flight back home. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
    Included:
    • Rental Car for 9 days. Pick up: San Jose City Airport and Drop Off: Guanacaste-Liberia Airport
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Arenal Volcano
    • Hotel for 3 nights in Nosara-Samara Beaches
    • Hotel for 3 nights in Guanacaste Beaches
    • Driving Time
      San Jose City Airport - Arenal Volcano: 2 hrs. 35 mins. approx.
      Arenal Volcano - Nosara-Samara Beaches: 4 hrs. 35 mins. approx.
      Nosara-Samara Beaches - Guanacaste Beaches Area: 2 hrs. 20-30 mins. approx.
      Guanacaste Beaches Area - Liberia-Guanacaste Airport: 1 hr. 20-30 mins. approx.



  • Arenal Volcano and Guanacaste Beaches (Self Drive)
    6 nights from $1,877*
  • Experience the beauty of Costa Rica with a Rental Car!. From San Jose City Airport pick up your car and drive to Arenal Volcano (youngest and one of the most active stratovolcano in Costa Rica, near Lake Arena. Is a place that begs to be explored; rivers wind through bountiful rainforests, waterfalls crash amidst inspiring canyons, and hot springs gurgle up beneath the base of an impressive volcano). After that, continue to Guanacaste Beaches (in northwestern Costa Rica bordering the Pacific, is known as a tropical paradise with a pristine shoreline, beautiful mountain ranges and a number of volcanoes). Drive to Liberia-Guanacaste Airport to drop the car and catch your flight back home. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
    Included:
    • Rental Car for 7 days. Pick up: San Jose City Airport and Drop off: Liberia-Guanacaste Airport
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Arenal Volcano
    • Hotel for 4 nights in Guanacaste Beaches
    • Driving Time
      San Jose City Airport - Arenal Volcano: 2 hrs. 30 mins. approx.
      Arenal Volcano - Guanacaste Beaches Area: 3 hrs. 20-50 mins. approx.
      Guanacaste Beaches Area - Liberia-Guanacaste Airport: 1 hr. 10-20 mins. approx.



  • Arenal Volcano and Jaco Beach (Self Drive)
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  • Volcano and beach in Costa Rica!. Pick up your Rental Car from San Jose Airport and drive to visit: Arenal Volcano (youngest and one of the most active stratovolcano in Costa Rica, near Lake Arena. Is a place that begs to be explored; rivers wind through bountiful rainforests, waterfalls crash amidst inspiring canyons, and hot springs gurgle up beneath the base of an impressive volcano); and after that, to Jaco Beach (major beachside destination near the capital city of San Jose. It is known for its gorgeous, picturesque beaches, nightlife and surfing). Drive back to San Jose City (is Costa Rica`s Capital city known for its natural beauty. An urban space like most contemporary cities: full of hipster Costa Rican coffee shops and craft beer bars) for one last night stat, before heading back home!. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
    Included:
    • Car Rental for 7 days. Pick up and Drop off: San Jose Airport
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Arenal Volcano
    • Hotel for 3 nights in Jaco Beach and Vicinity
    • Hotel for 1 night in San Jose City
    • Driving Time
      San Jose City Airport - Arenal Volcano: 2 hrs. 37 mins. approx.
      Arenal Volcano - Manuel Jaco Beach: 3 hrs. 50 mins. approx.
      Jaco Beach - San Jose City: 1 hr. 50 mins. approx.



  • Forest Lodge - Sarapiqui - Arenal Volcano - Jaco Beach (Self Drive)
    10 nights from $1,326*
  • Volcanoes, Jungle, Surf and Beach in Costa Rica!. Begin enjoying a stay in San Jose City(Costa Rica`s Capital city, known for its natural beauty); after that, drive to the charming highlands of Costa Rica's Central Valley (known for its volcanoes, culture, handicrafts, and coffee); in The Central Valley North Area (where the Irazu Volcano and its National Park is one of the most famous in the country and the main attraction in the area); and after that, to Sarapiqui (known for ecotourism, birding, wildlife, and adventure travel. Visitors go to Sarapiqui for thrills, drawn to the exhilaration of white water rafting on the Sarapiqui River, as well as relaxation and nature immersion in Tropical Rainforest tours). Continue to to Arenal Volcano (youngest and one of the most active stratovolcano in Costa Rica, near Lake Arena); and after that, sunny days await you in Jaco Beach (it is known for its gorgeous, picturesque beaches, nightlife and surfing). Have a last stay in San Jose City, before returning home. A Rental Car connect these destinations. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
    Included:
    • Rental Car for 11 days. Pick Up/Drop Off: San Jose Airport
    • Hotel for 1 night in San Jose City
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Central Valley North
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Sarapiqui
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Arenal Volcano
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Jaco Beach and Vicinity
    • Hotel for 1 night in San Jose City
    • Driving Time
      San Jose City - Central Valley North: 1 hrs. 35-45 mins. approx.
      Central Valley North - Sarapiqui: 1 hr. 35-45 mins. approx.
      Sarapiqui - Arenal Volcano: 1 hr. 40 mins. approx.
      Arenal Volcano - Jaco Beach: 4 hrs. approx.
      Jaco Beach - San Jose City: 2 hrs. 5 mins. approx.



  • Guanacaste Beaches and Arenal Volcano (Self Drive)
    More details
  • From the Costa Rican Pacific to the overland adventures of Arenal. From Liberia-Guanacaste Airport, pick up your car and drive to Guanacaste Beaches (in northwestern Costa Rica bordering the Pacific, is known as a tropical paradise with a pristine shoreline, beautiful mountain ranges and a number of volcanoes). Continue to your next destination, in Arenal Volcano (youngest and one of the most active stratovolcano in Costa Rica, near Lake Arena. Is a place that begs to be explored; rivers wind through bountiful rainforests, waterfalls crash amidst inspiring canyons, and hot springs gurgle up beneath the base of an impressive volcano); and finally, drive to San Jose City, for one last night stay, before, returning home. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
    Included:
    • Rental Car for 7 days. Pick up: Liberia Airport and Drop off: San Jose Airport
    • Hotel for 3 nights in Guanacaste Beaches
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Arenal Volcano
    • Hotel for 1 night in San Jose City
    • Driving Time
      Liberia-Guanacaste Airport - Guanacaste Beaches Area: 1 hr. 10-20 mins. approx.
      Guanacaste Beaches Area - Arenal Volcano: 3 hrs. 20-50 mins. approx.
      Arenal Volcano - San Jose City: 3 hrs. approx.



  • Manuel Antonio - Arenal Volcano - Nosara Beach (Self Drive)
    More details
  • Jungle and green, volcano and beach in Costa Rica!. Start with one night stay in the capital San Jose City, before to pick up the Rental Car and drive to Manuel Antonio (home to a namesake national Park in Quepos; Manuel Antonio is a magical combination of rainforest, beaches, hills, and coral reefs, making it one of the most biodiverse areas in the world). Continue to Arenal Volcano (youngest and one of the most active stratovolcano in Costa Rica, near Lake Arena). Finally, enjoy the beaches of Nosara (a small town famous for itsyoga, surf and a world-class white sand beaches with quaint hotels hide among the stands of trees and beautiful gardens and vibrant flora) and Samara (a picturesque resort town, with a traditional fishing and farming industry. Samara is known as one of the safest beaches in all of Costa Rica). Drive to Liberia-Guanacaste Airport to drop of the car, and catch your flight back home. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
    Included:
    • Rental Car for 8 days. Pick up: San Jose Airport - Drop off: Liberia-Guanacaste Airport
    • Hotel for 1 night in San Jose City
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Manuel Antonio-Quepos
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Arenal Volcano
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Nosara-Samara Beaches
    • Driving Time
      San Jose City - Manuel Antonio-Quepos: 3 hrs. 5 mins. approx.
      Manuel Antonio-Quepos - Arenal Volcano: 4 hrs. 45 mins. approx.
      Arenal Volcano - Nosara-Samara Beaches: hrs. 20-30 mins. approx.
      Nosara-Samara Beaches - Liberia-Guanacaste Airport: 2 hrs. 30 mins. approx.



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Experiences and Adventure

  • River Rafting in Costa Rica

    Costa Rica attracts thousands of tourists each year due to its appeal as the premiere eco-friendly destination in the Americas and everything that goes with it: serene settings, yoga/spa/nature retreats. But there is another side to this Central American country: Eco-Adventure and Water Rafting. From family-friendly easy to moderate whitewater all the way to intense Class IV+ whitewater for the most hardcore enthusiasts, Costa Rica offers many options to adventure-minded travelers.

  • Family Fun in Costa Rica

    Costa Rica developed a series of activities and places with specialized programs for family recreation: walks, guided visits, group games, interaction with diverse communities and cultural groups, beach sports, among others. You may select among the many options that will contribute to the enthusiastic enjoyment of free time spent with your loved ones. Families with small children are advised to verify age restrictions for most activities in Costa Rica.

  • Honeymoon in Costa Rica

    Costa Rica has earned a reputation as a honeymoon destination, and not surprisingly so. Where else can you find the charming mix of activities that will take you in a few days from active volcanoes to serene beaches? In Costa Rica, you are only a few hours away from secluded nature lodges where you can watch the spectacular animals and plants in the jungle and from splendid Pacific beach resorts often hidden on a green hill overlooking the water.


  • Birding in Costa Rica

    Costa Rica is famous among serious bird watchers! With almost 850 species of birds packed into an area half the size of Kentucky, it's hard not to become enthused about it. One of the reasons for Costa Rica's extraordinary bird life is the country's great variety of habitats: rain forests, mangrove swamps, beaches, cloud forest, rivers, etc. Trust that the local guides will make any bird watching expedition an educational and unforgettable experience.

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CUSTOMER REVIEWS

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Cities in Costa Rica

  • Arenal Volcano  
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest  
  • Guanacaste Beaches (Liberia)  
  • more cities