So, you are planning to spend your 2023 annual holiday exploring Costa Rica and you already know that the best way to see the many attractions is to rent a car, giving you a high level of freedom and independence. If you are wondering how to organise such a holiday, have no fear, there are specialist tour operators with a wealth of experience in setting up self-drive holidays for foreign tourists.
Self-Driving Holidays In Costa Rica
The holiday begins in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, where you rent a vehicle, a state-of-the-art 4WD model that is more than capable of taking you around the country. You drive north to Sarapiqui, where you will stay in an exclusive rainforest lodge at Selva Verde, which is set in a forest of Almendro trees, the oldest trees in Central America. The guided tour takes 4 hours and your guide educates you about the flora and fauna, which is a unique experience. Top Costa Rica self drive holidays are organised by experts and you are in good hands.
Arenal Volcano Region
The drive from Sarapiqui to Arenal takes about 2 hours and after an evening and night in the hotel, the following morning your guide accompanies you to the volcano region where you tour the National Park. The next day, you visit the Arenal hanging bridges; you walk along the bridges that are suspended at canopy height and the total length of the elevated walkway is 3.2km.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
The drive from Arenal to Monteverde takes around 4 hours and you check into your hotel and explore the grounds at your leisure. The next morning, you and your guide head to the Cloud Forest for a guided hike; there are hidden waterfalls that will amaze you! The following morning you drive back to San Jose, where you return the hire car and board a short flight to Osa Peninsular.
Osa Peninsula
It starts with an internal flight to Golfito, where you are met by your driver and guide. Then you are taken to your luxury lodge by boat, cruising through beautiful waters. The following morning, you head off for a guided kayaking trip through mangrove forests. Start out on a larger boat that tows the kayaks to a safe point where you can enter the water in your kayak. Enjoy a guided tour and observe the many species of birds that are found in this pristine natural habitat.
Piedras Blancas National Park
After a hearty breakfast, you set off on a challenging hike through Piedras Blancas National Park, which can include a horse ride, if you can ride a horse. The following day is free and you can relax by the pool or take part in a wide range of activities, all of which are included in the price.
Central Valley
After driving back to Golfito, you board a short flight to San Jose, which takes about 50 minutes, and then you relax for the rest of the day and enjoy the sights of San Jose at night. The following morning, you are taken to the organic coffee plantation by the name of Finca Rosa Blanca, where you enjoy a guided tour and can taste a range of premium coffee.
The tour takes 12 nights and you have an English-speaking guide throughout the duration of the holiday, which really does make a difference. If you would like to learn more about tours such as these, search online and browse the website of an established South American tour company.
