12 Days from $3,590 USD / person
Overland Costa Rica: Off the Beaten Path
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – 2
International Arrival
Transfer to your hotel from the airport
Make your own way San José airport and pick up your rental car
1 Night
San José and Central Valley
Cushioned in the valley between the Central American mountain ranges and volcanic peaks, the Costa Rican capital is surrounded by lush green landscapes. San José forms the epicenter of the spectacular Central Valley region, overlooked by verdant mountains and volcanic peaks. The city offers an interesting mix of its Spanish colonial heritage and modern identity, along with coffee plantations, spa destinations and tropical gardens towards its outskirts. Within the city, the San José’s Gold Museum is worth a visit, while the Barrio Amon neighborhood sports colonial structures converted into modern art galleries. For food buffs, the neighborhood of Barrio Escalante is known for some of the best Costa Rican dishes in town. The bustling Saturday markets are worth dropping by too, busy with shoppers and colorful stalls selling local wares and artifacts.
Hotel options
Casa 41 – Opt 1
Room
Room
Meals
Room Only
Style
Boutique
Finca Rosa Blanca – Opt 2
Room
Junior Suite
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Day 2 – 5
Today you drive from San José to Arenal (3 hrs)
3 Nights
Arenal
The beautiful region of Arenal serves as the perfect base for exploring Costa Rica’s highland country of volcanic peaks, ancient caves, hot water springs and national parks. The drive up towards the Arenal Volcano National Park is spectacular. Framed against a majestic backdrop of forest-covered volcanic mountains, this is the perfect adventure destination. The La Fortuna waterfalls with its natural lagoon, the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, and the Arenal National Park with its tumbling waterfalls, hiking trails and natural hot springs has been drawing nature travelers from around the globe. There are a range of activities for adventure seekers in this part of the country, ranging from sky trekking, canopy walks, kayaking and rafting to fishing, cultural tours, coffee and chocolate tours. The small highland town of La Fortuna forms the gateway to the Arenal Volcano National Park. With its relaxed atmosphere, the town has a pleasant nightlife, quirky art galleries and souvenir shops.
Hotel options
Arenal Manoa Hotel – Opt 1
Room
Junior Suite
Meals
Room Only
Style
Lodge
Arenal Springs – Opt 2
Room
Junior Suite
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Resort
Day 5 – 8
Today you drive from Arenal to Tenorio/Rio Celeste (2 hrs)
3 Nights
Tenorio/Rio Celeste
The Tenorio Volcano, rising majestically from the northern plains of Costa Rica, is one of the country’s best-kept secrets, a little over an hour-and-a-half from Arenal. The volcano and its surrounding forests form part of the vast Tenorio Volcano National Park, which is home to four different life zones. Trek through secret forest trails, where you might come across Roseate Spoonbills, tapir and howler monkeys. Experience the thrill of crossing the forest canopy on hanging bridges or walking the Lago las Dantas Trail, which winds through the ethereal cloud forest, home to puma and jaguars. Hike to the exquisitely colored Rio Celeste waterfall, which according to local legend, gets its striking turquoise hue from the gods who dipped their paintbrush in its waters while painting the sky.
Hotel options
Hideaway Rio Celeste – Opt 1
Room
Casita Deluxe Forest View
Meals
Room Only
Style
Lodge
Rio Perdido – Opt 2
Room
East Bungalow
Meals
Room Only
Style
Lodge
Day 8 – 11
Today you drive from Tenorio/Rio Celeste to Monteverde (2.5 hrs)
3 Nights
Monteverde
Monteverde sits between two cloud forests, skirted by the picturesque village of Santa Elena. This pretty little highland town offers breathtaking views of the surrounding cloud forests, something that even seasoned travelers cannot get enough of. The biodiverse Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve packed with hiking trails among tropical plant life, jaguars and exotic quetzals is definitely worth exploring. Monteverde is also known for its organic farming and alternative energy sourcing. If you want to leave your comfort zone behind, and find a place that teaches self-reliance, all etched out against a backdrop of raw natural beauty, Monteverde is the place for you. Experience a world so different from your own that it may just end up redefining your idea of travel.
Hotel options
Clouds Mountain Gorilla – Opt 1
Room
Manakin Suite
Meals
Room Only
Style
Lodge
Hotel Belmar – Opt 2
Room
Cloud Forest Studio
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Lodge
Day 11 – 12
Today you drive from Monteverde to San José (3.25 hrs)
1 Night
San José and Central Valley
Cushioned in the valley between the Central American mountain ranges and volcanic peaks, the Costa Rican capital is surrounded by lush green landscapes. San José forms the epicenter of the spectacular Central Valley region, overlooked by verdant mountains and volcanic peaks. The city offers an interesting mix of its Spanish colonial heritage and modern identity, along with coffee plantations, spa destinations and tropical gardens towards its outskirts. Within the city, the San José’s Gold Museum is worth a visit, while the Barrio Amon neighborhood sports colonial structures converted into modern art galleries. For food buffs, the neighborhood of Barrio Escalante is known for some of the best Costa Rican dishes in town. The bustling Saturday markets are worth dropping by too, busy with shoppers and colorful stalls selling local wares and artifacts.
Hotel options
Hotel Bougainvillea – Opt 1
Room
Mountain View King
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Finca Rosa Blanca – Opt 2
Room
Junior Suite
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Make your own way San José airport and drop off your rental car
International Departure
Price & Inclusions
Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.
Price Includes
- Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
- Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
- Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
- Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
- Tips and personal expenses
- Visa and tourism fees
- Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
- International airfare
What Our Guests Say
“We recently were on a family trip (12 (ages 13-79)of us) to Costa Rica. Mark Pollich and Samuel Holguin were an amazing team -helping with planning accomodations,activities,transportation and providing constant support during the trip. Highly recommend -definitely exceeded our expectations. We had a blast!”
December 2024 Rating 5/5
“We had a wonderful experience in Costa Rica thanks to Enchanting Travels! In 8 days we saw 4 different areas of the country- we saw waterfalls, volcanoes, rainforests, cities, beaches. It was exactly what I was looking for with my 3 kids (16, 18, and 21). A perfect combination of animals, adventure and beauty. I never could have planned this on my own – a special thanks to Allison Felfoldi and Claudia Coral. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would! And I look forward to using Enchanting Travels again for future trips!”
June 2025 Rating 5/5
“This was a great adventure. I celebrated my birthday by taking my grandsons to Costa Rica. Our trip went smoothly and incorporated the sites we wanted to see. There were also surprise experiences for the kids- Tarzan swings, zip lines, waterfalls, rafting trips. The guides, drivers, and planners made this a worry-free trip where I could concentrate on having a wonderful experience with the kids.”
July 2024 Rating 5/5
“Our Costa Rica trip was made easy by using Enchanting Travels. We felt they used reputable companies and drivers that made our experience much better and the hotels were as expected.”
March 2024 Rating 5/5
“Trip planning was excellent. The accommodations were fantastic and travel between activities was fantastic”
November 2021 Rating 4/5
“We had a great experience in Mexico and Costa Rica , Enchanting Travels put a lot of thought and effort to make sure we have a great holiday . Everything was taken care of very well.”
April 2023 Rating 5/5
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