Day 1: Pick up your 4X4 vehicle, Suzuki Sidekick or similar at the airport or at the hotel. First night at the Best Western Irazú. Car rental includes tax and free mileage. Credit card deposit required for deductible. Daily insurance not included.
Day 2: Today’s journey will take you into the active area of the Arenal Volcano. Head up into the lush area of San Carlos where many attractions await you. The Hotel Tilajari will be your base of discovery in this area for 2 nights. The hotel also offers over a 1000 acres of forests, trails, and rivers. Approx. Driving time from San Jose - 4 hours. (All paved roads).
Day 3: Today you may choose between the many exciting things to do, such as horseback riding, rafting, Venado Caves. You can visit Tabacon Resort, where you can watch the active Arenal Volcano, with its constant eruptions and witness the spectacle at night to see the red lava snake down and enjoy the exuberant vegetation in the surrounding areas while relaxing in the rejuvenating hot springs.
Day 4: The journey to Monteverde offers one of the most scenic roads in the country. Drive around the Arenal Lake to Tilaran, with sweeping panoramas of the lake and the volcano. Then at Cañas, head south on the Pan American Highway to the Monteverde turn off at Rio Lagarto. Two nights at your lodge in Monteverde. Hotel Belmar or similar. Approx. Driving time - 3 1/2 hours. (Some unpaved road)
Day 5: Discover the beautiful area of the world-renowned cloud forest of Monteverde, while enjoying the comforts of your mountain lodge. The Cloud Forest Reserve is located only 5 minutes away, and not to be missed is the hummingbird gallery located nearby.
Day 6: Drive back down the mountain to the Pan American Highway and continue south to Puntarenas and Jaco Beach On the way you will have the opportunity to pass by Puerto Caldera, principal port in the Pacific of Costa Rica. Just past Jaco Beach, you will see the beachfront Arenal Pacifico Hotel, for 2 nights. Driving time: approx. 3 1/2 hours.
Day 7: For those that enjoy the challenge of yet more exploring, you can continue south another hour and half to Manuel Antonio National Park, known as one of the Costa Ricas most beautiful park, with its white sand beaches and wildlife. Or go horseback riding, visit Carara Reserve, or just relax and enjoy the sun.
Day 8: Return to airport or San Jose to drop car off. The scenic route will take you back to Orotina, and then through the mountains, past the towns of Atenas and La Garita, until you are back on the main highway towards the airport.
Request Quote
