Caribbean To Pacific, Self-drive

Best price guaranteed

No booking fees

E-ticket/Mobile-voucher

Carbon neutral

10 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

30 peopleMaximum group size

6 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Relaxed

Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.

Starts

San Jose, Costa Rica

Ends

San Jose, Costa Rica

Highlights

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca:A Caribbean seaside town famous for its surfing scene, beautiful scenery, and relaxed atmosphere.

Cahuita National Park:Boasting beautiful coral reefs, this natural park will amaze you with its pristine beaches and coastal rainforest.

Turrialba:Found in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, the verdant town of Turrialba is the base to a great white-water rafting adventure down the River Pacuare.

San Gerardo de Dota:Set in a deep forested valley, this charming remote area is great for fishing and bird-watching.

Manuel Antonio:Costa Rica’s smallest national park is a fascinating site, full of wild animals, lush vegetation, and beautiful beaches.

Itinerary

Depart on a 10-day coast-to-coast journey discovering the wild side of Costa Rica. Stay in a picturesque Caribbean beach town and explore the country’s inland in search for the awe-inspiring quetzal bird. Hike in lush rainforests, snorkel over an incredible reef, get an adrenaline rush on a white-water rafting adventure, and vbserve the vast variety of flora and fauna throughout the tour. Prepare yourself for a stunning trip you will never forget!

day 1 - Arrival San Jose

Upon arrival to San Jose, the meet and greet services at Juan Santamaria International Airport will direct you to your transport. You will be transferred to the selected hotel in San Jose for your first night in Costa Rica.
Overnight in San Jose.

day 2 - San Jose – Puerto Viejo De Talamanca (215km – 5 Hrs)

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, a representative of the car rental company will meet you in the hotel lobby to give you the rental car you will be using for your trip. Drive yourself towards the beautiful Puerto Viejo, passing through Braulio Carrillo National Park and its rainforest and admiring the spectacular mountain scenery, as well as the quaint villages of Costa Rica Caribbean region. Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the surroundings on your own or join an optional activity like a Horseback riding session. Meet your experienced guide, a great horse lover with whom you will share this wonderful experience. Once assigned to a horse, you are ready to ride towards Punta Uva to enjoy a beautiful stroll along the shores of the Caribbean Sea and reach the estuaries of Punta Uva River. Afterwards, begin returning along the paths of the wetland, an ideal time to learn about the different species of animals and plants encountered on your way. And if horseback riding is not your cup of tea, enjoy a memorable Canopy Tour. This consists of 9 aerial platforms and 13 ground platforms, with a total of 2,760 m of cable. The guide will teach you about the flora and fauna of the primary forest, including its use by the indigenous people. It is a great way to indulge in the Southern Caribbean coastal experience. The Canopy Tour and Horseback Riding are not included.
Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

day 3 - Cahuita National Park

Indulge in a flavorous breakfast at your hotel and enjoy the day at leisure, exploring on your own or participating in an optional activity, such as snorkelling and hiking through the nearby Cahuita National Park. This is the most important coral reef of Costa Rica. Full of sea life, be prepared to see many different species of coral, an abundance of tropical fish, sharks, eels, sea urchins, shellfish, crustaceans, algae, sea turtles, and more. After discovering the beauty of the underwater world, you can hike through Cahuita National Park, with the possibility of observing various types of snakes, sloths, white-faced and howler monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, and many others. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure relaxing or participating in an optional activity. If you didn´t adventure yourself into joining the exciting Canopy Tour or the relaxing Horseback Riding experience, today you have another chance! The optional activities mentioned, as well as snorkelling and hiking through Cahuita National Park are not included.
Overnight in Puerto Viejo.

day 4 - Puerto Viejo – Turriabla (180km – 4 Hrs)

Start the day with a rich breakfast at your hotel. Then, drive to the village of Turrialba. Enjoy a four-hour journey and have the rest of the day at leisure. Explore the mesmerising surroundings or just relax, luxuriating in the hotel facilities. Unwind and prepare yourself for an optional rafting adventure down the River Pacuare or a memorable river canyoning experience tomorrow.
Overnight in Turrialba.

day 5 - Pacuare River

Have a nice breakfast to make sure your energy reserves are high for today’s adventurous outing. Adventure in the optional Pacuare white-water rafting experience, keeping in mind that this considered one of the best rafting rivers in Costa Rica! Feel the adrenaline rush as you paddle through the thrill of the rapids, and observe the natural beauty that surrounds you, admiring the paradisiacal cascading waterfalls and a variety of tropical flora and fauna. The Pacuare white-water rafting experience is not included.
Overnight in Turrialba.

day 6 - Turriabla – San Gerardo De Dota (120km – 3 Hrs)

After a delectable breakfast at your designated hotel, drive yourself to San Gerardo de Dota, in the Los Quetzales National Park, a cloud forest reserve where the iconic quetzal bird lives. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the area on your own or join an optional activity. The Canyoneering and Canopy Tour is a memorable activity availed today. Canyoning involves rappelling and descending cliffs and waterfalls within the canyon. Begin this exciting tour with an introduction of our guides and the equipment, as well as with a safety speech, to help you familiarise with the activity. Your guide will make sure you know the mechanisms and procedures for canyoning, ensuring you a safe and fun experience. You are off on a 2-3 hour adventure, rappelling down four waterfalls, zip lining down four canopy cables, and walking across a 40m hanging bridge – all giving you an unforgettable adrenaline rush! The optional activities mentioned are not included.

Overnight in San Gerardo de Dota.

day 7 - San Gerardo De Dota

Wake up and savour a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Spend a new day exploring the magnificent beauty of Costa Rica. Join an optional activity in San Gerardo de Dota or just wander around this area and admire the landscaped surroundings. San Gerardo de Dota is proudly hosting a large population of quetzal birds. And one of the most interesting options is to go out on an optional ‘quetzal quest’. This bird’s metallic green plumage, bright red breast, spikey head, and its incredible tail feathers make spotting a quetzal in flight a magical experience.
Overnight in San Gerardo de Dota.

day 8 - San Gerardo De Dota – Manuel Antonio (150km – 3 Hrs)

After indulging in a delicious breakfast, drive to the Central Pacific Coast down the Pan-American Highway to San Isidro de El General. Enjoy a beautiful drive, admiring the stunning surroundings, take the road to the South Pacific, and finally the coastal route will take you to the town of Quepos, just outside of Manuel Antonio National Park. Check in to your hotel and have the afternoon to enjoy the inspiring area.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

day 9 - Manuel Antonio National Park

Begin your day with a luscious breakfast and then, take the opportunity to visit the Manuel Antonio National Park on your own. The trail is flat, picturesque and loops through the park, making your course about two miles long. The park is a great place to take pictures or just to admire the impressive views. One of the highlights of this tour is that Manuel Antonio is home to three of the four existing tropical primates living in Costa Rica. Halfway through the hike, enjoy a leisurely stop at the world-famous ‘Third Beach’. Take a rest on the soft sand or play in the waves. Throughout the hike, it is common to see sloths, birds and reptiles as well as admire wild orchids, butterflies and tropical vegetation. The entrance fee to the Manuel Antonio National Park is not included.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

day 10 - Manuel Antonio – Depart San Jose (160km – 3 Hrs)

Enjoy a tasty breakfast and, at the appropriate time, drive from Manuel Antonio to the airport for your flight back home. Drop off your car at the car rental office and take a shuttle transfer to the airport.
Breakfast included.

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Accommodation

Category Superior = San Bada Hotel or similar 4*9 nights' accommodationHotel taxes

Meals

9 breakfasts

Transport

VEHICLE CAR GROUPAir-conditioned transportation for the arrival transfer on a shared basis, from Juan Santamaria Airport to your first hotelAir-conditioned transportation for the departure transfer on a shared basis, from the car rental company offices in San Jose to the Juan Santamaria AirportTour guides do not accompany guests during transportSecond driver

Others

Category Standard = Holiday Inn Express Forum or similar 3*Category Superior = Holiday Inn Escazu or similar 4*Category Deluxe = Real Intercontinental or similar 5*Category Standard = Villas del Caribe or similar 3*Category Superior = Cariblue or similar 4*Category Deluxe = Le Cameleon or similar 5*Category Standard = Villa Florencia or similar 3*Category Superior = Guayabo Lodge or similar 3.5*Category Deluxe = Casa Turire or similar 5*Category Standard = Suria Lodge or similar 3*Category Superior = Trogon Lodge or similar 4*Category Deluxe = Savegre Lodge or similar 5*Category Standard = Villa Bosque or similar 3*Category Deluxe = Parador or similar 5*Daihatsu Bego ASuzuki Grand Vitara BToyota Fortuner CUnlimited mileageApplicable Local taxes (VAT)Insurance with No excessLoss Damage Waiver (LDW)Supplemental Liability Coverage (SLC)Emergency contact serviceReplacement car in case of accidentFull-Full petrol rateCoverage up to 70.000 USD per person or 175.000 USD per accidentMeet and greet on Day 1

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a PremierThis travel specialist is consistently delivering tours which receive customer ratings above 4.8 on average. tour and service level as the travel specialist who runs it has received 292 reviews for other tours with an average 4.8rating.

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 51+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 811 customer reviews from

JEFFREY

Maria in Copenhagen was very helpful

5 hours ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Caribbean To Pacific, Self-drive that you might like.

Essential Costa Rica - Package With Manuel Antonio National Park

4.2(5 reviews)

Essential Costa Rica - Package With Manuel Antonio National Park is a 10-day relaxed adventure, perfect for seniors eager to experience the country’s ecological riches with ease. This self-guided journey starts and ends in San Jose and features must-visit destinations like Arenal Volcano National Park, the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest, and the wildlife haven of Manuel Antonio National Park. Enjoy spotting diverse flora and fauna, exploring lush reserves, and connecting with friendly locals, all with the comfort of included accommodations, meals, and transport. The USP: a thoughtfully paced tour package that lets you explore Costa Rica’s natural wonders at your own rhythm, without sacrificing comfort or depth.

10 days

Treasures Of Costa Rica

4.5(2 reviews)

Costa Rica’s wild side awaits on the "Treasures of Costa Rica" tour, an eight-day self-guided adventure ideal for seniors. Discover the lush cloud forests of Monteverde, soak in the sights of Arenal Volcano National Park, and relax on the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio. From kayaking the Pacific to spotting vibrant wildlife in the Manuel Antonio Reserve, each day brings new natural wonders. The relaxed pace ensures plenty of time to unwind and appreciate Costa Rica’s breathtaking biodiversity. The tour’s USP is its seamless combination of iconic national parks and laid-back beach time, offering travelers a true taste of pura vida.

8 days

Pura Vida Experience

Experience the best of Costa Rica on the 9-day Pura Vida Experience, a gentle and restorative journey perfect for seniors. Starting and ending in San Jose, this self-guided trip takes you through the lush jungles of Arenal, the wildlife havens of Tortuguero National Park, and the misty trails of Monteverde Cloud Forest. Relax on Tamarindo’s sun-kissed beaches, renowned for both adventure and tranquility. With all logistics—accommodation, transport, and meals—handled, your focus is on enjoying Costa Rica’s natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural richness. The USP: a seamless blend of gentle adventure, relaxation, and authentic local flavor, making it ideal for those who want to experience Costa Rica’s essence at a comfortable pace.

9 days

Essential Costa Rica - Package With Guanacaste

5.0(3 reviews)

Uncover essential Costa Rica during this 10-day exotic adventure. Beginning and ending in the capital, San Jose, this tour offers you the chance to discover different aspects of this emblematic destination. Visit the most predominant natural areas of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano National Park, and the cloud forest of Monteverde. Spend precious time in mesmerising Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica’s most famous beaches, indulging in the fun surf town atmosphere and getting closer to the inspiring local culture and adventurous spirit.

10 days

Supersaver | Costa Rica Essentials Plus, 8 Days

Enjoy the many highlights of Costa Rica on this 8-day itinerary, including wonderful rainforests, volcano, cloud forests. Discover a country of great natural beauty, whether you are watching the Arenal volcano whilst bathing in hot springs, walking in the canopy of Monteverde's cloud forest, relaxing on the pristine jungle of Tortuguero. This is the real nature lover's paradise.

8 days

The Best Of Costa Rica

Enjoy the highlights of Costa Rica on this ten-day itinerary, including wonderful rainforests, volcano, cloud forests, tropical jungles and a secluded Island. This is a country of great natural beauty and every destination has something unique to offer. Whether you are watching the Arenal volcano whilst bathing in hot springs, walking in the canopy of Monteverde’s cloud forest or relaxing on the pristine jungle of Tortuguero, Costa Rica really is a nature lover's paradise.

10 days

Supersaver | Costa Rica Essentials Plus & Manuel Antonio Extension, 10 Days

3.5(2 reviews)

Enjoy the many highlights of Costa Rica on this ten-day itinerary, including wonderful rainforests, volcano, cloud forests and one of the most beautiful gems of Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio Reserve. Discover a country of great natural beauty, whether you are watching the Arenal volcano whilst bathing in hot springs, walking in the canopy of Monteverde's cloud forest, relaxing on the pristine jungle of Tortuguero. Sit back and relax on the endless beaches and enjoy a kayak adventure on the open Pacific Ocean. Manuel Antonio Natural Park is a real treasure of Costa Rica, and its buzzing wildlife will attract all-natural world enthusiasts.

10 days

Keep Exploring Costa Rica

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights