Itinerary Summary

Day	Place	Highlights	Hotel Options
1 - 1	San José and Central Valley	Spanish Colonial History, Museums and Contemporary Art, Saturday Markets, Vibrant Nightlife
1 - 4	Tenorio/Rio Celeste	Imposing volcanoes, Lush rainforests, Waterfall hikes	Rio Celeste Hideaway, Rio Perdido
4 - 7	Monteverde	Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Rich Biodiversity, Hiking Trails	Ficus Sunset Suites and Hotel, Hotel Belmar
7 - 9	San José and Central Valley	Spanish Colonial History, Museums and Contemporary Art, Saturday Markets, Vibrant Nightlife	Hotel Bougainvillea, Finca Rosa Blanca
9 - 11	Tortuguero	Tortuguero National Park, Tropical Beaches, Sea Turtles and Wildlife	Pachira Lodge, Aninga Lodge
11 - 14	Puerto Viejo	Laid-back Beach Town, Dense Tropical Landscapes, Surfing	Le Cameleon, Aguas Claras
14 - 14	San José and Central Valley	Spanish Colonial History, Museums and Contemporary Art, Saturday Markets, Vibrant Nightlife

Itinerary Details

Day 1 - 1

International Arrival

Pick up your rental car at San José Airport

San José and Central Valley

0 Nights

Cushioned in the valley between the Central American mountain ranges and volcanic peaks, the Costa Rican capital is surrounded by lush green landscapes.

Destination San José and Central Valley in Costa Rica

Day 1 - 4

Today you drive from San José to Tenorio/Rio Celeste (3.5 hrs)

The Tenorio Volcano, rising majestically from the northern forested plains of Costa Rica, forms part of the vast Tenorio Volcano National Park. 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.

Destination Tenorio/Rio Celeste in Costa Rica

Included Activities

Explore Tenorio/Rio Celeste on your own
Embark on this leisurely self-guided exploration of Tenorio Volcano National Park known for the stunningly blue Rio Celeste river. Set off along one of the many trails that wind across the rainforest for a few hours of discovery or an entire day’s quest. Take along a packed lunch that you can enjoy at a convenient spot amid picturesque surroundings. Popular hikes include the one going up to the summit of Tenorio volcano and the one that leads to the blue waterfall. Stop at the convenient lookout points along some of the trails to savor panoramic views of the lush vegetation around. Keep an eye on the treetops for sightings of exotic bird species and small animals along the way. Enjoy walking across hanging bridges and take a refreshing dip in the river outside the park before you make your way back to your hotel. (Self- Exploring Activity; No Guide; No Transfers Included).

Hotel Options

Rio Celeste Hideaway – Opt 1

Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Lodge

Rio Perdido – Opt 2

Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Lodge

Day 4 - 7

Today you drive from Tenorio/Rio Celeste to Monteverde (2.5 hrs)

Monteverde

3 Nights

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.

Included Activities

Explore Monteverde on your own
Soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in this self-guided activity. Saunter around the sprawling park with its beautiful strangler fig plants and gently flowing streams. Take a closer look at the exotic species of orchids, ferns, climbing vines, and beautiful carpets of velvety moss. Watch out for butterflies as they flutter past as also rare birds. You can choose to explore a sprawling coffee plantation to understand how this potent brew is made. If you like, you can head over to the lush rainforest of Selvatura Park. Enjoy walking over the network of hanging bridges that take you across the jungle canopy and make for a unique experience. Keep an eye out for exotic birds and other wild animals that inhabit the treetops. You could also get an aerial perspective of the region with a zip line tour of the lush vegetation. Stop by the hummingbird and butterfly garden which makes for plenty of photographic opportunities before you decide to turn back. (Self-exploring Activity; No Guide; No Transfers Included; Please note that entrance fees and meals have to be paid for on-site.)

Hotel Options

Ficus Sunset Suites and Hotel – Opt 1

Room	Standard Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Lodge

Hotel Belmar – Opt 2

Room	Forest Superior
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Lodge

Day 7 - 9

Today you drive from Monteverde to San José (3.25 hrs)

Drop off your rental car at San José City

San José and Central Valley

2 Nights

Cushioned in the valley between the Central American mountain ranges and volcanic peaks, the Costa Rican capital is surrounded by lush green landscapes.

Included Activities

Explore San José and Central Valley on your own
Embark on an enjoyable self-guided exploration of the many cultural and natural attractions of the nation’s capital and its surroundings. Satiate your thirst for knowledge as you wander around the country’s best museums covering science, art, and history among others. You can stop by the ornate National Theater, one of the architectural gems in the country that is more than a century old. Soak in the historic ambiance as you saunter across its opulent interiors reminiscent of an opera house of yore. You can walk along the narrow alleyways of the vibrant Central Market, winding your way amid colorful displays of fresh produce and other items. Take your pick of exotic tropical fruits and taste local flavors as you stroll past the stalls. You could also head out to one of the national parks in the vicinity, which are home to active volcanoes such as Poas, Irazu, and Turrialba. Savor stunning views of the volcanic craters and exotic bird species that inhabit the dense forest around. Or you could choose to explore the picturesque Valley of the Saints and get a glimpse of rural life as you pass by charming adobe houses, sprawling coffee plantations, traditional mills, and dairy farms. (Self-exploring Activity; No Guide; No Transfers Included; Please note that entrance fees and meals have to be paid for on-site.)

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

Day 9 - 11

Your chauffeur will drive you from San José to La Pavona dock in a shared vehicle (3 hrs)

Speedboat ride to your hotel in Tortuguero (1 hr)

Tortuguero

2 Nights

This little coastal village lies within the Tortuguero National Park. The sea beaches along Tortuguero Village are well known as the nesting colony of sea turtles.

Included Activities

Rainforest Excursions From Pachira Lodge
Discover the rainforest, its rich flora and fauna, and the communities it sustains. From your accommodation at the Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero, make your way by boat through the winding canals of the rainforest, listening to the sounds of some animals and sighting others. Along the way, an expert naturalist will provide you with interesting details about the flora and fauna you come across. Go on a daytime walking tour inside the Tortuguero National Park – also known as Little Amazon and located just a five-minute drive away from Pachira Lodge – to explore its biodiversity. Venture out for a guided nightwalk to catch sight of various nocturnal species. You could also go on a village tour to acquaint yourself with the local people and their culture, and of course, to taste some delicious local cuisine. There are also several other activities you can avail at an additional charge, such as the sea turtle nesting tour or the canopy tour that lets you zip-line through the forest. (Please use sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable attire for these activities).

Discover the Rainforest from Aninga Lodge
Discover the rainforest, its rich flora and fauna and the communities it sustains. From your accommodation at the Aninga Lodge in Tortuguero, you could take a boat ride through the winding canals of the rainforest, spotting various animals birds. An expert naturalist will accompany you on your journey, providing you with interesting details about the things you come across. Go for a daytime walking tour inside the Tortuguero National Park, also known as Little Amazon, to explore its biodiversity – that includes wild cats, monkeys and several bird species. If you’re feeling adventurous, venture out for a guided nightwalk to catch sight of indigenous nocturnal special. You could also set out on a village tour to see the local communities and culture for yourself, and of course, sample the cuisine. Other activities are also available at an additional charge, such as the sea turtle nesting tour or the canopy tour that lets you zip-line through the forest. (Please use sunscreen, insect repellent, and wear comfortable attire and shoes).

Hotel Options

Pachira Lodge – Opt 1

Room	Standard Room
Meals	Full Board and Activities
Style	Lodge

Aninga Lodge – Opt 2

Room	Standard Room
Meals	Full Board and Activities
Style	Lodge

Day 11 - 14

Speedboat ride to La Pavona dock (1 hr)

Your chauffeur will drive you to Guápiles in a shared vehicle (1.5 hrs)

Your chauffeur will drive you from Guápiles to Puerto Viejo in a private vehicle (3.5 hrs)

Puerto Viejo

3 Nights

Puerto Viejo is a beautiful town located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. With gleaming unspoilt beaches, lush vegetation and an idyllic ambience, it is a veritable tropical paradise.

Hotel Options

Le Cameleon – Opt 1

Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Aguas Claras – Opt 2

Room	Pavlova Suite
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Day 14 - 14

Pick up you Rental Car

Today you drive from Puerto Viejo to San José (4 hrs)

San José and Central Valley

0 Nights

Cushioned in the valley between the Central American mountain ranges and volcanic peaks, the Costa Rican capital is surrounded by lush green landscapes.

Drop off your rental car at San José Airport and take shared shuttle to airport.

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 3,690 /person
Option 2 From $ 4,290 /person

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 in one double room for 14 days / 13 nights.
Meals as indicated
All activities as listed :
- Tenorio/Rio Celeste: Explore Tenorio/Rio Celeste on your own
- Monteverde: Explore Monteverde on your own
- San José and Central Valley: Explore San José and Central Valley on your own
- Tortuguero: Rainforest Excursions From Pachira Lodge
- Tortuguero: Discover the Rainforest from Aninga Lodge
Self-driven car during your journey as follows:
- Vehicle Type: Default car for 1-3 guests: Hyundai Tucson 4×4 AT or similar (Automatic)
- Unlimited mileage
- 12 days
- GPS navigation system
For your rental car we book the best cover possible with the following services:
- PLI Third Party Protection
- LDW and SPP Supplemental Protection Plan:
- Accidents and collision
- Total and partial theft
- Damages caused by rollover
- Vandalism
- Damages on windscreens, tires irreparable, lamps
- Road Assistance Service, including towing service
- Damages to third party property is insured up to US$ 100.000
- Personal injury or death of third parties: maximum coverage US $ 5,000,000
The general business terms apply
- The minimum age for rental is 21 years (max. age 80 years)
- In all the cases the driver must have a driver’s license with at least 2 years of issue.
- Valid, national driver’s license and passport with a valid tourist visa
- An international credit card for the security deposit (USD $ 750): Visa, MasterCard, Amex. (Cash, travelers’ checks or debit cards are not accepted)
All activities specified in the itinerary, including entrance fees, accompanied by your tour guide
All airport and hotel transfers as indicated above
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact, supporting you during your trip
On request: A printed set of your travel documents by post
Fees and taxes

Not Included

Tips, additional meals and personal expenses
Visa fees
Travel, health and cancellation insurance
International airfare (from your home country to your destination and return)

Overland Costa Rica: Off the Beaten Path

Itinerary Summary

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

San José and Central Valley

Tenorio/Rio Celeste

Monteverde

San José and Central Valley

Tortuguero

Puerto Viejo

San José and Central Valley

Price & Inclusions

Price Includes

Not Included