Classic Fly and Drive, discover what makes Costa Rica one of the world's premier ecotourism destinations
Discover what makes Costa Rica one of the world's premier ecotourism destinations
Duration: 8 days
Low Season: $1310/Person (May-Jun / Sep-Oct)
High Season: $1380/Person (Nov-Apr / Jul-Aug)
Take off on your own to discover what makes Costa Rica one of the world's premier ecotourism destinations. This Costa Rica ecotour offers the flexibility to choose between a budget or upscale hotel alternative, following a fixed route so you can tailor your Costa Rica adventure to your preference. You'll visit one of the Western Hemisphere's most active volcanoes, hike in the treetops, encounter exotic wildlife and relax on Costa Rica's famous white-sand beaches. What more could you ask of a trip to paradise?
Classic Fly and Drive Holiday Itinerary
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Day 1 ARRIVE SAN JOSÉ
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After arriving at the San José International Airport, a Southern Explorations guide will meet you outside the Customs area of the terminal and transfer you to your hotel for the night.
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Day 2 SAN JOSÉ - ARENAL
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After breakfast, your rental car will be waiting at your hotel for the trip to the Arenal Volcano area, about a three-hour drive from San José. Your Costa Rica adventure begins with an overnight stay at a local hotel in the vicinity of the volcano. (B)
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Day 3 ARENAL
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You have a free day to enjoy the many activities in the area. There's the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, a Costa Rica ecotourism paradise for birders interested in waterfowl. Go horseback riding or relax in several 102-degree F. thermal pools fed by the Tabacón River at the Tabacón Hot Springs, a Spanish style bathing resort in an idyllic setting of lush tropical gardens. The area's biggest attraction is the Arenal Volcano, which has been in constant activity for more than thirty years, where you'll be able to take an unforgettable guided canopy tour of interpretive trails that crosses fifteen hanging bridges. You'll end this day of your Costa Rica ecotour with another night at the hotel. (B)
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Day 4 ARENAL - MONTEVERDE
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Today's four-hour drive takes you around Arenal Lake, passing by picturesque small towns before reaching your destination, the rural community of Monteverde, nestled in the highlands of the Tilaran mountain range. Overnight at a local hotel in Monteverde. (B)
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Day 5 MONTEVERDE
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Free day to explore the area's main attraction, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, a 6,200 acre wildlife sanctuary established by an American Quaker community. One of Costa Rica's richest ecological habitats, the reserve contains Sky Trek, an extensive system of trails, canopy platforms, a treetop platform and a suspension bridge in the tropical vegetation of evergreens, vines, orchids and bromeliads. Those looking for extra thrills on their Costa Rica ecological tour may take an adrenaline-pumping zip-line flight deep into the forest, a highlight of most everyone's Costa Rica vacation. Another night at the hotel in Monteverde. (B)
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Day 6 MONTEVERDE - MANUEL ANTONIO
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After breakfast and check-out, it's a four-hour drive to the Manuel Antonio National Park area. On the way, you may visit the Carara National Park, an ideal spot to observe where tropical forests and dry forests meet. Surrounded by agricultural land, this reserve is teeming with crocodiles, monkeys, sloths and scarlet macaws. Balance of the day at leisure in Manuel Antonio. Overnight at a hotel near the park. (B)
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Day 7 MANUEL ANTONIO
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Explore the sights of Manuel Antonio National Park, an important habitat for the endangered squirrel monkey and home to 350 bird species, and an essential stop of your Costa Rica tours. This park has something for everyone. Magnificent white sand beaches surrounded by tropical forests, rafting trips, guided walks, hiking and fishing are all possibilities. Overnight at your park area hotel. (B)
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Day 8 MANUEL ANTONIO - SAN JOSÉ - HOME
After breakfast, drive to the San José International Airport where you will drop off the rental car before taking your flight back home. (B)
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Key:
(B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
KEY TO MAP
Itinerary Map
CONTACT US
CALL
1.877.784.5400
TOLL FREE
OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
1.206.784.8111
PRIVATE DEPARTURES
Please note that this Costa Rica family tour is on a private departure basis only and trip dates will be determined by the passenger. Please for more information.
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
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Included in tour cost
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Meet & greet upon arrival
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Accommodation of your choice (budget or upscale / twin shared basis)
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Transfer airport - hotel in San José
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4-wheel drive rental car
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Map and information kit
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Meals as indicated
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All hotel accommodations
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Southern Explorations Pre Departure service
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Excluded in tour cost
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International round-trip airfare to and from Costa Rica
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Tips and gratuities
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Travel insurance
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Continental breakfasts are included at all hotels. All other meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary.
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Optional activities
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Car insurance is not included
COSTA RICA ACCOMMODATION
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Classic Fly & Drive:
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5 nights hotel
2 nights jungle lodge
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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Low season: $445
High season: $485
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Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.
Prices based on 3.5% cash discount
Free day to explore the area's main attraction, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, a 6,200 acre wildlife sanctuary established by an American Quaker community. One of Costa Rica's richest ecological habitats, the reserve contains Sky Trek, an extensive system of trails, canopy platforms, a treetop platform and a suspension bridge in the tropical vegetation of evergreens, vines, orchids and bromeliads. Those looking for extra thrills on their Costa Rica ecological tour may take an adrenaline-pumping zip-line flight deep into the forest, a highlight of most everyone's Costa Rica vacation. Another night at the hotel in Monteverde. (B)
Explore the sights of Manuel Antonio National Park, an important habitat for the endangered squirrel monkey and home to 350 bird species, and an essential stop of your Costa Rica tours. This park has something for everyone. Magnificent white sand beaches surrounded by tropical forests, rafting trips, guided walks, hiking and fishing are all possibilities. Overnight at your park area hotel. (B)
