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Specialist Tours


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Discover Costa Rica Self Drive

14 days/13 nights – Gateway: San Jose
Standard Tour: £663pp
Valid 1 Jan - 30 Nov 08

 
Day 1: Arrive in San Jose
Arrival to Juan Santamar̀a International Airport (SJO, CR). A representative will meet and greet you upon arrival and will provide you with a regular transfer to the San Jose area.
Stay 1 night at Parque del Lago Hotel
Day 2: Caribbean Coast
Breakfast Transfer to the Caribbean coast, crossing through a land of dormant volcanoes, cloud forest and deep canyons: expansive Braulio Carrillo National Park. Once in Puerto Limon, we'll turn to the right and drive you to the southern Caribbean coast, heading towards Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.
Stay 2 nights at Almonds and Corals Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Day at leisure
Breakfast at the Lodge. Day at leisure to enjoy of the beauties of the wonderful region. Hiking, canopy, snorkeling, biking, searching for dolphins, natura park and many other optional activities are available from this location (all of them at extra cost). Tonight you will sleep better than ever in this magical lodge. Nocturnal animals will provide a relaxing symphony as you sleep.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Tortuguero
After breakfast, check out and depart for dock (Siquirres or Matina area) to start your journey to Tortuguero National Park. A two-hour boat ride will take you through natural and man-made canals sheltered by the rainforest's thick vegetation. From your boat you will be able to admire the unique flora and fauna of this area. This afternoon we will have the opportunity to explore the tiny Caribbean village of Tortuguero
Stay 2 nights at the Laguna Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Tortuguero Canals
Today you will explore the region's smaller canals and get closer to nature. From July through September you can take the optional (extra cost) turtle-watching tour during the evening to admire one of the most impressive miracles of life when the massive sea turtles arrive en masse to lay their eggs on the beach.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Guapiles
After breakfast you will be transferred by boat to the landing dock (Matina or Siquirres area). As we continue by ground transfer, we'll stop at a local restaurant for lunch en route in the Guapiles area. Also near this area, you will be provided with a four - wheel drive car rental as you will continue by yourself driving a 4 x 4 car rental [Daihatsu Terios or similar category], to the remaining areas of the itinerary. Today you will be heading to Sarapiqui (aprox. 1 hour drive). Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the hotel's gardens or optional activities in the surrounding area.
Stay 1 night at the La Quinta Sarapiqui Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Arenal
Drive to Arenal, a trip that takes approximately two and a half hours. An early departure time from Sarapiqui is suggested in order to enjoy the different optional attractions in the area including the Fortuna Waterfall, the Venado Caves or a hike in the different forest reserves around Fortuna.
Stay 1 night at the Montana de Fuego Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 8: Arenal to Monteverde
After breakfast you can continue your drive from Arenal area to Monteverde, along the edge of Lake Arenal (approximately 3 1/2 hour drive). Because part of this stretch is over dirt roads, you'll have to drive slowly, which is actually better: you'll have time to soak in the incredible mountain scenery.
Stay 2 nights at the Trapp Family Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Monteverde day at leisure
Day at leisure in Monteverde. You will be able to take an optional tour (extra cost) to: Walking trail to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Santa Elena private reserve, Sky Walk, Sky Trek (Canopy Tour) and much more.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Tamarindo Beach
Drive northwest on the Pan-American Highway from Monteverde to North Pacific Coastal region in the Guanacaste Province (approx. 4 hour drive from Arenal). Caoas, Corobici River, and Liberia are some of the beautiful places you could eventually be passing by. You will be staying the next three nights at Cala Luna Hotel Located in Langosta beach, near famous Tamarindo beach.
Stay 3 nights at the Cala Luna Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 & 12: Tamarindo days at leisure
Full Days at leisure to enjoy the area, beach, optional tours, or just sit back and relax.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13: San Jose
Drive from the Guanacaste beach area back to San Jose on the Pan-American Highway. On the way back to San Jose, you will be able to take a detour to Sarchi, which is an excellent place to pick up some hand-made goods. For the afternoon, drop off the car at your San Jose Hotel.
Stay 1 night at the Parque del Lago Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14: San Jose
Breakfast at the Hotel. Departure transfer from Parque del Lago Hotel to Juan Santamaria International Airport. Departure taxes NOT Included.
Meals: Breakfast
Price includes 13 nights accommodation in lodges and hotels and meals where listed. This is an independent tour although it incorporates seat in bus day tours in many instances. Excludes international flights and mandatory daily car insurance ($20 per day), fuel and deposit. Tours can be tailormade to suit individual requirements. Please call for further details.