Journey Costa Rica with a rental car

17 days - from € 6,400 per person

self-drive - wildlife and bird watching - jungles

Dag 4: Puerto Limón – Sarapiquí

(approx. 210 km | 2.5 hour drive)
After breakfast, you will get in the car and drive to Sarapiquí, located at the foot of Cordillera Central and along the Rio Sarapiquí. On the way you can visit the Tropical Garden of Costa Flores where you can see various tropical flowers and plants. Then you will drive on to Sarapiquí where you will see the landscape change along the way. Sarapiquí has been an important port since colonial times. Before the Atlantic railway was opened in 1890, the port of San Jose was the gateway to the Caribbean Sea. The Llanura de San Carlos lowlands around Sapapiquí are almost entirely covered by banana plantations.
Overnight stay: Selva Verde Lodge | bed & breakfast

Day 8: La Fortuna

Today you can explore the various surroundings of Arenal by yourself. Think of a hike through the jungle via hanging bridges, so you have a magnificent view over the jungle. Through a cable car with open gondolas, the rainforest can also be seen from above overlooking the lake and the volcano. The hot springs of Baldi are recommended, just enjoy the natural hot water at a temperature you like. Or maybe you would like to visit the Rio Celeste, also known as 'the light blue river', located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park.
Overnight stay: Hotel Casa Luna | bed & breakfast

Day 9: La Fortuna – Monteverde

(approx. 100 km | 2.5 hour drive)
Today you will travel on to the cloud forests of Monteverde. A cloud forest is a specific type of rainforest that is located against a mountain slope and occurs mainly on the South American continent. Because the cloud forest is located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, it is fairly cool, with average temperatures around 15 degrees. As the name suggests, a cloud forest is regularly shrouded in mists. These are created when warm air from lower lying areas collides with the steep mountain slopes and rises as a result. As it rises, the moisture in the air condenses into fine droplets: the mist. Cloud forests have a very specific flora due to their high humidity, tree branches and trunks are usually covered with thick bundles of mosses, ferns, bromeliads and orchids.
Overnight stay: Senda Monteverde | bed & breakfast

Day 13: Manuel Antonio – Corcovado

In the morning you will drive to the port of Sierpe (approx. 135 km | 3 hour drive), where you will drop-off your rental car. You will then be taken to your lodge by boat (1 hour sailing). On the Osa peninsula in the south of the country is the national park Corcovado located. This national park is also called "our amazone area" by the Tico's (Costa Ricans), a park of 54.600 ha which was established in 1975. Before the area was elevated to a national park, it was mainly an area of gold diggers. The hilly forest of Corcovado is bordered on the west side by a number of deserted, palm-covered white beaches. Inland you will find rivers and waterfalls. You will stay in the Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge, located on the edge of the Corcovado National Park and only accessible by boat.
Overnight stay: Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge | full board incl. offered activities

Day 14 and 15: Corcovado

These days you will do a number of activities together with a guide and other people. Together you will make a walk through the national park Corcovado. The tropical rainforest contains an abundance of flora and fauna. Every year more than 5,000 millimeters of rain falls and there are about 500 species of trees and numerous mammals and birds. Opposite the park in the Pacific ocean the island of Caño is located. From July to October and from December to March, whales come here close to the coast. Sometimes even whale sharks are spotted here. Your guide will also take you to go snorkelling in the coral reef around the island of Caño. This large uninhabited island is surrounded by beautiful turquoise coloured waters. Here you will find 18 different species of coral, many exotic fish and with some luck you will also see hammerhead sharks and turtles. In addition to these planned activities, you will have plenty of time to follow one of the hiking trails of the lodge, relax at your bungalow or choose from the other activities offered by the lodge for an additional fee.
Overnight stay: Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge | full board incl. offered activities

Day 16: Corcovado - San José - Amsterdam

Your Unique Journey through Costa Rica is unfortunately over. In the morning, you will be taken to the port of Drake Bay by boat. Then you will board your flight to San José. Here you will board your intercontinental flight to Amsterdam where you will arrive the next day.

Day 17: Amsterdam

Today you will arrive in Amsterdam.