Self-Drive Tour - Off the Beaten Path
Costa Rica's Secret Trails, from the Plains of Boca Tapada to the Depths of Corcovado
Duration
12 days
From
US$1,955/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Embark on a discovery of Costa Rica along an itinerary combining iconic regions and hidden gems. Between volcanoes, tropical forests, beaches and mountains, this journey offers a progressive immersion in varied landscapes and remarkable biodiversity. You will also experience unforgettable moments in the company of wildlife, the true natural treasure of the country. An invitation to explore the country in complete freedom, at the rhythm of its most beautiful scenery.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport
Aéroport Juan Santamaria-San Jose → San José
Upon arrival at the airport, an agent will welcome you and take care of your transfer to your hotel.
A private English-speaking briefing is reserved for you.
You will go through the logistical details of your trip together. This will be an opportunity to ask him your questions.
Route to Boca Tapada
Breakfast and pickup of your rental vehicle. You will drive to Boca Tapada.
Located in the Northern plains on the border with Nicaragua, the Boca Tapada refuge is both an unusual and paradisiacal stop for anyone who loves nature.
For those who enjoy bird watching in their natural habitat and want to meet them, you have arrived in the right place! No fewer than 410 species coexist in the reserve including the famous large green macaws and Scarlet Macaws.
Boca Tapada
During this day, you will have the opportunity to go canoeing along the river and participate in tree planting or hike along the lodge trails to interpret and observe the local wildlife and flora.
Route to La Fortuna
Boca Tapada → La Fortuna
Breakfast 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 standing at 1,648 m in 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 very close to the volcano and enjoy superb views of Lake Arenal and the Tilarán mountain range. You could also enjoy the exceptional panorama offered to you from the observation tower on the peninsula trail.
Free day.
Optional: visit to La Fortuna waterfall, zip-lining, suspension bridges, visit to a biological garden, among others…
Recommended activities:
Hot springs
Suspension bridges
National park
La Fortuna waterfall
Visit to local farmers
Carara National Park
La Fortuna → Tárcoles
Head to Tárcoles and the Carara National Park.
You will arrive in the morning near Carara National Park and check in at the hotel.
Stop near Carara National Park and the Tárcoles River to spot the large American crocodiles basking in the sun.
In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to visit the Carara National Park.
This park is unique in that it sits in a transition zone between the dry tropical forests of the north and the humid tropical forests of the south. It is also one of the best places in the country to observe the Scarlet Macaw. On the Laguna Meandrica trail, you are also likely to encounter more than 400 different bird species: hoatzins, herons and night herons, red macaws, tanagers, warblers, etc…
Route to Manuel Antonio & Dominical
Tárcoles → Parc national Manuel Antonio
You will head to the famous Manuel Antonio beach resort which was recently featured in the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world.
There's more than just the beach in Manuel Antonio! The Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most popular stops in the country for the richness of its fauna and flora.
White-faced capuchins, the famous squirrel monkey and sloths have made their home here for a long time and delight tourists who come to photograph them up close. The national park also contains several beaches, all equally beautiful.
Relaxation and swimming on the agenda
Please note that Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays!
Manuel Antonio → Dominical
Free visit to Manuel Antonio then you will continue your journey to the Dominical region.
Warning, Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays!
Drake Bay
From Dominical
Departure from Dominical and drive to Sierpe.
Here you will park your rental 4x4 around 10:30 a.m. (parking cost not included - approximately $7 per day).
To Drake Bay
At 11:00 am you will set off by boat to Drake Bay.
In the 1960s, the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park were considered a wild and unknown no man's land to all. The first pioneers daring to brave the inhospitality of these places were gold prospectors and new settlers seeking land to exploit natural resources that seemed inexhaustible. Fortunately, the environmental damage caused by human activity did not have time to spread as in other Latin American countries thanks to the early declaration of Corcovado National Park.
Snorkeling at Isla Cano
The Caño Island is an ideal place for snorkeling in Costa Rica.
Your snorkeling tour begins after a good breakfast at the hotel, then you will board your boat for a 45-minute crossing.
During your crossing, you are likely to encounter spinner dolphins or bottlenose dolphins swimming alongside or in front of the boat.
Upon arrival, your guide will take you to the best spots to see marine life. The surroundings of the island are teeming with activity while many species of fish such as the king angelfish, moorish idol, surgeonfish, snapper, barracuda, barberfish, parrotfish, damselfish and a variety of eels can be found hidden around coral-covered rock formations. Turtles, rays, and the non-aggressive reef shark can also be spotted.
After two dives at different snorkeling spots you will return to the lodge where lunch will be served.
Corcovado National Park
The Sirena ranger station is located in the heart of the Corcovado National Park. Its location is more remote. 50 minutes by boat from Drake Bay, landing directly on the beach (you will get wet), so it is recommended to wear sandals. Once you arrive at Sirena station, you can change into more comfortable shoes to explore some of the wilder terrain of the park.
This station is less accessible, so there are better chances of finding some animals that are very difficult to spot in the rainforest. Sirena rewards you with a genuine experience of what the National Geographic magazine called "the most biologically intense place on earth".
This tour starts at 6:30 am with the boat trip from Drake Bay and the return is scheduled for around 1:30 pm. We recommend wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, binoculars, swimming gear and most importantly, hiking shoes. During your walk on the trails, you will cross small rivers and traverse some slippery and sloping terrain. Sandals are not recommended for hiking.
The park contains approximately 140 species of mammals, 367 species of birds, 117 amphibians and reptiles, 40 types of freshwater fish, and an estimated 6,000 species of insects. Herds of white-lipped peccaries, as well as spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys and howler monkeys. The region is a sanctuary for a large population of macaws in the country, most of which are more or less accessible from Sirena station or along the beach.
San Gerardo de Dota
From Drake Bay
Boat transfer to Sierpe where you will find your rental 4x4.
Route to San Gerardo de Dota. This small village is completely isolated in the Talamanca mountains, in the middle of a precious ecosystem. Here, visitors will find a deep cloud forest filled with mountain almond trees, massive oak trees and other indigenous species.
The forests serve as a refuge for a large number of mammals and countless species of insects, amphibians, amazing plants and colorful birds! San Gerardo is a true paradise for birdwatchers… More than 170 bird species have been recorded in the region. This place is moreover renowned as one of the best places in the world to observe Quetzals, which live there year-round.
San José
San Gerardo de Dota → San José
Route towards San José where you will return your rental vehicle to the car rental company's offices.
You will then be transported free of charge to the Juan Santamaria airport terminal located just a few minutes away.
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
- Entrances to national parks not indicated as included
- Vehicle Excess/Deductible Buyback Insurance
Included
- Welcome in English at the airport and delivery of the travel itinerary
- 11 nights in a double room in the standard/superior category hotels indicated, all hotel taxes included
- Car rental with basic insurance (from Day 2 to Day 12), WIFI and unlimited mileage
- All breakfasts + some additional meals
- All maritime transfers between Sierpe-Drake Bay-Sierpe
- Hiking in Corcovado National Park, La Sirena Station
- Snorkeling at Isla Caño
- On-site Morpho Evasions Assistance 24/7
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
