With its compact size, exotic environment, unspoiled beaches, romantic culture, and wild natural landscapes, Costa Rica is the perfect destination to explore by car on a self-drive trip. This is the perfect opportunity to explore on your own with just the right amount of planned activities and free time.
From San José to Manuel Antonio, drive and enjoy the most picturesque areas of the country. Visit the famous canals of Tortuguero and the beautiful beaches of the South Caribbean. Drive to the majestic Arenal Volcano, towering above the picturesque village of La Fortuna. Visit the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest and enjoy an included day pass of adventure activities to explore with. Finally, discover the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio and include a visit to the lush Manuel Antonio National Park, considered one of the most beautiful in the world thanks to the rich biodiversity of its jungle and sea coast.
Beach
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Eco Lodge, Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
18-79 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Arenal Volcano, Cahuita National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park
This is a very active, fast-paced trip with plenty of opportunities for long hikes, amazing scenery and fabulous flora and fauna. Some long journeys, as it is a vast area to cover, but well worth it. An absolutely fabulous experience.
WildlifeActive and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Perito Moreno Glac
Buenos Aires, Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chaltén, Mount Fitzroy, Puerto Iguazu, Iguazu Falls, Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego National Park, Punta Arenas, Torres del Paine National Park, Los Glaciares National Park
What an amazing trip, couldnt fault a thing! From start to finish, it was organised so well and our tour guide was so knowledgeable. A gentle introduction to Brazilian life on the beautiful island of Marajo with its golden beaches and buffalo was a great idea.
The public ferry was pretty basic but gave a glimpse of river life, relaxing on a hammock as we sailed up the Amazon. Yes, the food was plain and a bit repetitive but it was freshly cooked, tasty and plenty of it.
Santarem was a delight, just like a seaside resort. The jungle hike there was a bit tough (but so worth it!) with a local guide showing us all the ways the plants and trees are used by the local people, and a swim in a cool stream was most welcome.
The private boat trip was fabulous; sleeping on deck listening to the sounds of the night-time jungle, canoe rides to see the wildlife, fishing for piranha and another hike were exciting. The food on the boat was superb!
TV programmes on the Amazon just don't cover the scale and magnificence of the river and jungle so if you're looking for adventure, maybe a little outside your comfort zone, then go for it. For me, this was the trip of a lifetime!
WildlifeActive and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rio de Janeiro, Belém, Manaus, R
Rio de Janeiro, Belém, Manaus, Rio Negro, Marajo Island, Santarem, Alter Do Chao
This trip was amazing and Ernesto was an exceptional tour leader, making sure to integrate the whole group and going above and beyond in every instance. His knowledge and passion for the destination was evident. Such an enjoyable trip with and amazing group of people and memories that will last forever.
Active and outdoorRafting
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Tent, Guest House, Camping, Home-stay
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cusco, Lima, Puno, Sacred Valley
Cusco, Lima, Puno, Sacred Valley, Q'orimarca, Llulluchapampa, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Pachacamac, Nazca, Arequipa, Chivay, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Taquile Island
This was an excellent trip in every way. The leader Alejandro was outstanding- very caring, helpful , informative and well-organised. Peru is a varied and interesting country and although Machu Picchu was spectacular there were many other highlights to our tour. The itinerary covered a lot of ground but it was not too rushed with a good mix of organised activities and some free time. The transport by bus and train was comfortable and the hotels were good and well-situated.
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
I did a very similar trip to this in March of this year and everything was just perfect. The company works with small and nice centric hotels which were just a great selection. The staff at each destination was very helpful and kind. Bariloche and Ushuaia were my favourite places in Argentina.
GlaciersNational parksExplorer
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Age Range
1-79 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Ushua
Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Ushuaia, San Carlos de Bariloche, Perito Moreno Glacier, Villa Llao Llao, Tierra Del Fuego National Park
This was a fantastic trip that lived up fully to its billing, as we saw many spectacular and varied landscapes and we sampled many gorgeous wines. The guide Lucia was very knowledgeable and helpful throughout. My only observation is that it was a hard trip in terms of several very long days travelling of 8 or more hours - over 12 hours on one day - which meant we rarely had the chance to relax and/or enjoy the hotel facilities (e.g. pools in most hotels).
The Trip Notes highlighted this but even so, after more than a dozen Explore trips previously which we thought prepared us for a lot of time on the road , we were still surprised. Essentially the trip was 12 full days and we thought it could have been stretched to 14 to cover the same itinerary - maybe an extra day in Cafayate and in Cachi?
Why for example, did we travel from Mendoza to Aconcagua (a brilliant trip) but then back to Mendoza (3 hours each way) on one day, only to retrace our steps almost all the way back to Aconcagua on the next day, on the way to the next stop? This retracing of the same route wasted 6 hours, or almost a full day? Why did we not go from Aconcagua directly to the next stop, instead of back to Mendoza?
In summary, this is a great tour, but we recommend you review the itinerary and through better planning and some extra time make it a more relaxing tour spread over over one or two more days.
Active and outdoorFood tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Cafayate, Mendoza
Buenos Aires, Cafayate, Mendoza, Salta, Humahuaca, Barreal, Villa Union, Belen, Cachi
Explore the vibrant cities of Salta and Cafayate, traverse the diverse landscapes of the Puna region and delve into the cultural wonders of Quebrada de Humahuaca with our 10-day partially guided Northern Argentina and Chile Tour.
On this tour, you will have the chance to cross the majestic Andes and explore the arid expanse of the Atacama Desert in Chile, marvel at the famous multicolored hills, serene lagoons and surreal geological formations and discover the desert’s stark beauty and vast open spaces that offer a stark contrast to the lush valleys of Argentina.
Please see our itinerary for more details.
ExplorerDeserts and canyons
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Age Range
1-79 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Salta, Cafayate, Purmamarca, San
Salta, Cafayate, Purmamarca, San Pedro De Atacama, Calama, Moon Valley
Arturo was the best leader ever and would highly recommend him for the leader of the year. The trip was varied and taught be so much. Definitely ( if you can!) go to Inti Raymi. The most spectacular event I have ever seen
The Amazon extension was well worth the money as stayed in superb lodges with excellent food
Active and outdoorRafting
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picch
Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Puerto Maldonado, Amazon Jungle, Barranco, Arequipa, Chivay, Puno, Uros Floating Islands
Spend a memorable time at the Galapagos Islands and let yourself be surprised by one of the World Nature Wonders. Live and breathe Galapagos! Visit the islands of Santa Cruz and Isabela, explore an uninhabited island, swim, snorkel, hike, and discover the magic of our beautiful archipelago. This all-inclusive travel itinerary will take you through the most incredible habitats in the Galapagos, from the awesome moon-like volcanic landscape of Sierra Negra Volcano to the home of the Giant Tortoises in the Highlands of Santa Cruz. You'll also have the chance to explore pristine beaches, encounter diverse wildlife, and immerse yourself in the unique ecosystems that make this archipelago a global treasure.
Kayaking and canoeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
7-70 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Galapagos Islands, Quito, Santa
Galapagos Islands, Quito, Santa Cruz, Tortuga Bay, Isabela Island, Sierra Negra, Baltra Island
Arturo was a fantastic leader and guide. Knowledgable, helpful, caring, experienced and amusing. This was my 11th Explore holiday and Arturo is up there with the best guides. The porters and cooks are heroes - we were very happy to tip them generously. The itinerary was perfect, though no one should underestimate the challenge of around ten hours walking on day three. Cusco hotel staff were fine but the layout around a central atrium means the rooms are very noisy. The hotel near Machu Picchu was lovely but the staff were rude, unhelpful and disinterested. Overall I’d fully recommend this trip - but be sure to get into shape beforehand and consider your kit carefully.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
I upgraded to a slightly larger cabin. Accommodation excellent. Food and service excellent . Staff brilliant. You are fitted with correct boots and jacket when on board. I thought I would take large size jacket, in fact the small size was perfect fit, and you can take it home with you. I was told to take a hairdryer, but one was supplied in my cabin. The talks were informative, and kept you occupied during the four days total crossing the Drake passage. Two Zodiak trips a day. Evening entertainment was either music or films. Memorable trip.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers