Self-Drive Tour - Costa Rican Getaway
From the perfect cone of Arenal to the pristine beaches of Samara, a natural concentrate of Costa Rica.
Duration
12 days
From
US$1,386/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Family, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This circuit takes you to discover three emblematic regions of Costa Rica, between volcanoes, cloud forests and Pacific beaches. Begin your journey in La Fortuna, at the foot of the majestic Arenal volcano, renowned for its spectacular landscapes and lush nature. Continue to Monteverde, famous for its cloud forests and its exceptional biodiversity, where it is not uncommon to spot the mythical quetzal. The itinerary then extends to Sámara, a charming beach resort on the Nicoya peninsula, appreciated for its authentic atmosphere and unspoiled beaches. Thanks to several free days and your rental car, make the most of each stop at your own pace. A balanced journey between discovery, relaxation and immersion in the most beautiful landscapes of Costa Rica.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport
To San José
At the airport exit, an agent will welcome you and take care of your transfer to your hotel.
A private English-speaking briefing is reserved for you.
Together, you will review the logistical details of your trip. This will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.
Route to La Fortuna
San José → La Fortuna
Breakfast and pick-up of the rental car and drive to La Fortuna, a village located at the foot of the Arenal volcano.
The Arenal volcano experienced one of the most turbulent volcanic histories of the last century in Central America. A perfect cone at 1,648 m altitude, which borders the lake of the same name, it offers spectacular landscapes that make it one of the must-see destinations in Central America.
Arenal Volcano
In the Arenal Volcano National Park, you would have the opportunity to access the famous 1992 lava flow and could thus be both as close as possible to the volcano and enjoy superb views of Arenal Lake and the Tilarán mountain range. You could also take advantage of the exceptional panorama offered to you from the observation tower on the peninsula trail.
Free day.
Your choice: visit to La Fortuna waterfall, zip-lining, hanging bridges, visit to a biological garden, among others…
Recommended activities:
Hot springs
Hanging bridges
National Park
La Fortuna waterfall
Visit to local farmers
Route to Monteverde
La Fortuna → Monteverde
Founded by American Quaker immigrants fleeing conscription for the Korean War, this community was able to develop thanks to livestock farming and the protection of the surrounding forests. At 1250m altitude, you will cross the cloud forest and may spot, around a trail in the Monteverde Biological Reserve, the Quetzal, the legendary bird that once represented the Mayan empire.
Monteverde
Early in the morning, you could visit the Monteverde Biological Reserve known internationally for the chance to spot the mythical Quetzal and many other specific animals that inhabit the cloud forests.
Free day and activities of your choice among those offered in the area: night tour at the Ecological Sanctuary, zip-lining, visit to a coffee plantation, hanging bridges, serpentarium, etc…
Route to Samara
Monteverde → Samara
Playa Sámara is a small, very cosmopolitan seaside resort that remains underdeveloped and offers a pleasant lifestyle. You will be enchanted by its unique charm… The warm welcome of the "Ticos", its calm beach lined with coconut trees largely contribute to feeling integrated and never wanting to leave.
Wildlife occupies an important place in this environment. You will undoubtedly fall under the spell of the many animals that live around the property: coatis, raccoons, armadillos, howler monkeys, squirrels, iguanas, large lizards… You will be amazed by the different bird species such as trogons, green parrots, woodpeckers, wrens….
Samara Beach, 5 kilometers long, is one of the rare beaches with a coral barrier, white sand and remains safe for swimming or resting under its palm trees.
Samara
Samara is a small village that has retained all its charm due to the regulation of construction. This is why you cannot see any construction on the beach. The population, restaurateurs and hoteliers want to preserve this authentic character. Fishing remains one of the major activities of the local population. It remains one of the only places where you can encounter horses and cows in complete freedom on the beach.
The Samara beach is also renowned for its surf spot, especially for learning because the waves are not large but form well. Ideal for swimming in complete safety.
Around Samara, there are different magnificent beaches, each unique:
Buenavista, very wild, black sand where you can witness the release of baby turtles thanks to the hatchery that protects the species.
Carrillo, 7 km away, a long crescent-shaped beach, lined with palm trees and white sand, ideal for walking and swimming as there are no facilities around.
Then 10 km from Samara, a sumptuous beach that must be discovered but which remains difficult to find, to everyone's delight, Barrigona.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal purchases
- Beverages and meals not mentioned in the "included" category
- Discretionary Tips
- National park entrances not indicated as included
- Vehicle Excess/Deductible Waiver Insurance
Included
- English-speaking reception at the airport with private transfer to your hotel
- 10 nights of accommodation with hotel taxes included
- The breakfasts
- The rental of a 4x4 vehicle with basic insurance, MIFI system (WIFI), 2 drivers can be registered on the rental contract free of charge, unlimited mileage
- The hotel-airport transfer on departure day
- Morpho Evasions English-speaking assistance 24/24 and 7/7
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers from the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Costa Rica for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, and we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Costa Rica, your passport must be valid for at least one day after your planned departure date from the country (i.e., for the entire duration of your stay), but it is strongly recommended that it be valid for at least six months after your date of entry to avoid any refusal of boarding or admission.
The passport must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps and be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Costa Rica.
Currently, this exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days upon entry to the territory. No automatic extension is granted: any stay exceeding this duration is considered irregular.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward travel to a third country),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay (generally estimated at approximately 100 USD per day or 300 USD minimum).
Digital Entry Form (Pase de Salud / eTicket)
Before your arrival, you may need to complete an online entry form implemented by the Costa Rican authorities. This form contains personal and health information required for immigration purposes.
It allows you to submit to the immigration services certain information necessary for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight and itinerary details
address of your first accommodation in Costa Rica
The form must generally be completed online in the days prior to your arrival. A digital confirmation or QR code may be requested when passing through immigration. We recommend that you verify whether this form is still in effect at the time of your travel.
Health and vaccines
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Costa Rica for travelers from Europe or Canada. However, certain vaccinations are recommended depending on the areas visited:
typhoid fever and hepatitis A are recommended for all travelers,
yellow fever is recommended for travelers visiting certain forest or border areas.
Risks associated with dengue and malaria exist in certain regions, particularly in rural and forest areas. It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
Costa Rica applies strict rules regarding travel by minors: when a child travels without one or both parents, a notarized parental authorization may be required by the Costa Rican authorities upon entry and exit from the territory. It is strongly recommended that you check with the Costa Rican embassy before departure.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Costa Rica in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended that you have assistance-repatriation and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for worry-free travel!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complementary Credit Card Coverage
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend taking out one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the policy detailing all coverage and claims procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for declaring any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout the duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Visitors can stay in Costa Rica visa-free, provided they have a valid passport for at least 1 day after their stay and present a return ticket. The exact visa-free stay periods vary depending on nationality. Before booking your trip, verify the conditions applicable to your nationality with the Costa Rican consular authorities.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 200 and 330 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and activities. International flights (800-1200 euros return) are additional. Costa Rica is more expensive than its Central American neighbours, as befits its quality.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to travellers' profiles. For families, we prioritise relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Central Volcanic Valley
Nature travel craftsman in Costa Rica, based in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a country that reminds us how much nature can still be omnipresent. My role is to help travelers discover it without altering it.
— Mathieu
