Self-Drive Tour - Costa Rican Getaway
Tropical Wildlife 12 days classique

Self-Drive Tour - Costa Rican Getaway

From the perfect cone of Arenal to the pristine beaches of Samara, a natural concentrate of Costa Rica.

FromUS$1,386per person
15 years of local expertise4.8/5 (0 reviews)

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

D1
San JoséHotel Fleur de Lys, chambre standard
D2
La FortunaArenal Oasis Ecolodge, Bungalow
D3–4
La FortunaArenal Oasis Ecolodge, Bungalow
D5
MonteverdeCloud Forest Lodge, Chambre Standard
D6–7
MonteverdeCloud Forest Lodge, Chambre Standard
D8
SamaraSamara Pacific Lodge, Chambre Supérieure
D9–10
SamaraSamara Pacific Lodge, Chambre Supérieure
D11–12
San JoséHotel Fleur de Lys, chambre standard

Highlights

Arenal Volcano and Lake
Cloud Forests Monteverde
Wild Beaches Samara
Mythical quetzal
Natural hot springs
Total freedom self-drive tour

Day-by-day itinerary

Jour 1
D1

Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport

To San José

35min17 km

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.

Hotel Fleur de Lys, chambre standard
Jour 2
D2

Route to La Fortuna

San JoséLa Fortuna

3h135 km

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 Oasis Ecolodge, Bungalow
Jour 3
D3–4

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

Arenal Oasis Ecolodge, BungalowBreakfast
Jour 5
D5

Route to Monteverde

La FortunaMonteverde

3h120 km

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.

Cloud Forest Lodge, Chambre StandardBreakfast
Jour 6
D6–7

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…

Cloud Forest Lodge, Chambre StandardBreakfast
Jour 8
D8

Route to Samara

MonteverdeSamara

3h30130 km

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 Pacific Lodge, Chambre SupérieureBreakfast
Jour 9
D9–10

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.

Samara Pacific Lodge, Chambre SupérieureBreakfast
Jour 11
D11

Return to San José

SamaraSan José

4h20235 km

Drive to San José where you will return your vehicle at 5 PM at your hotel reception.

Hotel Fleur de Lys, chambre standardBreakfast
Jour 12
D12

San José, departure

San JoséAéroport Juan Santamaria-San Jose

35min17 km

Private transfer from your hotel to Juan Santamaria Airport in San José

Breakfast

Price per person

2 pers.US$1,400/pers.

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.

Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant au Costa Rica dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.

Passeport

Pour entrer au Costa Rica, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum un jour après la date de sortie prévue du pays (soit pour toute la durée du séjour), mais il est fortement recommandé qu'il soit valide au moins six mois après la date d'entrée afin d'éviter tout refus d'embarquement ou d'admission.
Le passeport doit comporter au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration et être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).

Séjour touristique sans visa

Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques au Costa Rica.

À ce jour, cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 90 jours lors de l'entrée sur le territoire. Aucune prolongation automatique n'est accordée : tout dépassement de cette durée est considéré comme une irrégularité.

Les autorités peuvent également demander :

  • un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation vers un pays tiers),

  • une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour (généralement estimées à environ 100 USD par jour ou 300 USD minimum).

Formulaire d'entrée numérique (Pase de Salud / eTicket)

Avant votre arrivée, il peut être nécessaire de compléter un formulaire d'entrée en ligne mis en place par les autorités costaricaines. Ce formulaire regroupe des informations personnelles et sanitaires requises à l'immigration.

Il permet de transmettre aux services d'immigration certaines informations nécessaires à l'entrée sur le territoire :

  • informations du passeport

  • détails du vol et de l'itinéraire

  • adresse du premier hébergement au Costa Rica

Le formulaire doit généralement être rempli en ligne dans les jours précédant votre arrivée. Une confirmation numérique ou un QR code pourra être demandé lors du passage à l'immigration. Nous vous recommandons de vérifier si ce formulaire est toujours en vigueur au moment de votre voyage.

Santé et vaccins

Aucun vaccin n'est obligatoire pour entrer au Costa Rica pour les voyageurs en provenance d'Europe ou du Canada. Cependant, certaines vaccinations sont recommandées selon les zones visitées :

  • la fièvre typhoïde et l'hépatite A sont recommandées pour tous les voyageurs,

  • la fièvre jaune est recommandée pour les voyageurs se rendant dans certaines zones forestières ou frontalières.

Des risques liés à la dengue et au paludisme existent dans certaines régions, notamment les zones rurales et forestières. Il est conseillé de consulter un médecin ou un centre de vaccinations internationales avant le départ.

Voyage avec des enfants

Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.

Le Costa Rica applique des règles strictes concernant les voyages de mineurs : lorsqu'un enfant voyage sans l'un ou les deux parents, une autorisation parentale notariée peut être exigée par les autorités costaricaines à l'entrée comme à la sortie du territoire. Il est fortement recommandé de se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade du Costa Rica avant le départ.

Autres nationalités

Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat du Costa Rica de leur pays de résidence.

Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.

Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.

CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !

Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:

  • Explorer'Multirisque

  • Explorer'Annulation

  • Explorer'Assistance

  • Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire

Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.

Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel 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 insurance

Frequently 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.

Mathieu, Nature travel craftsman in Costa Rica
15years of expertise

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

APST Guarantee Secure Payment 24/7 Assistance4.8/5