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Self Drive Holidays, Costa Rica: Arenal + Rincon de le Vieje + Tamarindo & Catalinas Islands

Costa Rica Adventure: Arenal + Rincon + Tamarindo (self drive)
RCE12S
12 NIGHTS
FROM $3,346
Per person sharing
Flights + car hire quoted separately
Holiday Costa Rica Arenal Rincon de la Vieja Tamarindo Catalinas islands

We offer many adventurous self-drive holidays in Costa Rica, with car hire. From San Jose, drive to the magnificent Arenal Volcano with its Sky Tram, Ziplines & Hanging Bridges. Then drive to volcanic Rincon de la Vieja with its waterfall hikes, exciting river tubing & white water rafting, before ending your holiday relaxing on gorgeous Tamarindo Beach, with easy access to snorkelling & diving around the Catalinas Islands.

Holiday Costa Rica Arenal Rincon de la Vieja Tamarindo Catalinas islands
• 
Self Drive Holidays, Costa Rica
• 
San Jose
• 
Arenal Volcano
• 
Hanging Bridges
• 
Sky Tram & Ziplines
• 
Rincon de la Vieja
• 
Waterfall Hike + River Tubing
• 
White Water Rafting
• 
Tamarindo Beach
• 
Catalinas Islands
• 
Self Drive Holidays, Costa Rica
• 
San Jose
• 
Arenal Volcano
• 
Hanging Bridges
• 
Sky Tram & Ziplines
• 
Rincon de la Vieja
• 
Waterfall Hike + River Tubing
• 
White Water Rafting
• 
Tamarindo Beach
• 
Catalinas Islands
Day 1
You will be met at San Jose Airport and transferred to your hotel. Check in and relax in the beautiful Central Valley, surrounded by the Talamanca Mountains to the south and the volcanoes of Poas, Irazu and Turrialba.
 
Check in to your hotel conveniently situated near the airport.
Day 2
This morning your hire car will be dropped off at your San Jose hotel. Then drive 3.5-hours through beautiful Costa Rican mountain scenery towards the Arenal Volcano - one of the most active in Central America, with a perfect cone that on a clear day is visible from almost anywhere in the area.
 
Along the way you can make an optional stop at La Paz Waterfall Gardens (pay entrance fee locally). Here you can see a Butterfly House, toucans, scarlett macaws, hummingbirds and sloths in a nature park environment, as well as a series of waterfalls in a stunning rainforest.
 
After driving through the mountains on narrow roads, your route crosses a large cattle and agricultural area, where chocolate is grown. Cacao was very important in the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations and today it is enjoyed throughout the world.
 
After checking in to your hotel in La Fortuna drive to Ecotermales Hot Springs, where you can relax surrounded by rainforest and enjoy an included dinner.
 
Note: We suggest water shoes for the hot springs.
Day 3
This morning drive to the starting point for your exhilarating white water River Tubing adventure - navigating for 1-hour through these pristine waters whilst surrounded by natural beauty. Absorb the beauty of the surrounding rainforest, as you navigate down the river.
 
Your afternoon is free to explore more of La Fortuna and its hot springs, or enjoy more local adventure activities (pay any entrance fees locally).
 
Note: Helmets and safety jackets will be provided for the river tubing. Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes that can get wet and will dry easily, sandals that are securely attached to your feet (not flip flops) and sunscreen. You can take a Go-Pro, provided it is securely attached to your helmet or body. Bring a change of clothing for afterwards. This activity is not suitable for pregnant women, anyone with back problems, recent surgery. medical or heart problems. Minimum age 9 years.
Day 4
At leisure to explore more of the magnificent surroundings of La Fortuna and Arenal National Park, with its many natural hot springs (pay any entrance fees locally).
 
Optional activities include waterfall hikes, a visit to Arenal Observatory to walk its trails and photograph wildlife, river tubing, mountain biking, zip-lining, horse riding or a gentle cruise down the Penas Blanca River. If you are adventurous, you can try waterfall canyoning or white water rafting down the Rio Balsa (grade 2 & 3 rapids) or Rio Toro (grade 3 & 4 rapids).
 
Day tours are available to the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, the rainforests of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, the turquoise waters of the Rio Celeste, or across the border into Nicaragua to view the Penas Blancas Massif.
 
In the evening you can enjoy an optional guided night trail in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Days 5 To 7
Today drive 4-hours from La Fortuna through the beautiful landscapes of northwestern Costa Rica to Rincon de la Vieja.
 
Situated in the scenic Guanacaste Mountain Range, this active cinder volcano rises 6,286 ft (1,916 m) above sea level and is surrounded by nearly 35,000 acres of national park. With volcanic steam vents, bubbling mud pots, hot springs and 32 rivers and streams, this is a fascinating region of geothermal activity.
 
On arrival you can drive to Rincon de la Vieja National Park and explore some of its trails..
Day 8
Today drive 2.5-hours to the small town of Tamarindo, located on the northwest coast of the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula.
 
Check into your hotel in this great surfing centre on the Pacific, with its lovely sandy beaches.
Day 9
At leisure to enjoy the splendid beaches of Tamarindo.
 
Many optional activities are on offer in this beach town - including sailing, tree-top ziplining, horse riding, golf, river tubing and sunset cruises. Surfing lessons are also available, as well as snorkelling and diving off the Catalinas Islands.
 
The mangrove-lined estuary of Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge protects animals such as howler monkeys and crocodiles and nearby Playa Grande beach, forming part of Las Baulas National Park, is a major nesting site for huge leatherback turtles.
 
 
Day 10
Rise early today and drive 35-minutes to Playa Flamingo for a morning of snorkelling in the warm clear waters around the Catalinas Islands - a sprinkling of 20 rocky islands in the Gulf of Papagayo.
 
Enter the water for two 40-minute sessions, following the rock formations and looking for angelfish, butterfly fish, various pufferfish, starfish, white-tipped reef sharks and schools of jacks and grunts.
 
The 'Cat' Islands are famous for their concentration of giant manta rays, some with wingspans up to 20 feet (6 m). The best time of year to see mantas is from November to May, when they are most common and visibility is at its best, with their numbers peaking between January and March.
 
From September to March you may also see humpback whales from the boat on your way to or from the islands. All equipment and snacks are included, but be aware that there can be strong currents.
 
Note: Ask your hotel for a boxed breakfast. Minimum 4 pax on the day.
Day 11
Enjoy another day relaxing on glorious Tamarindo Beach.
Day 12
Today drive 5-hours from Tamarindo travelling through the lovely scenery of central Costa Rica to San Jose.
 
Check into your hotel in a location convenient for the airport.
Day 13
Drive to San Jose Airport for your flight home.