17-day 4x4 roundtrip through Costa Rica

17 days – from €6,100 per person

driving – off-road – adventure – nature

Day 4 | La Fortuna

La Fortuna lies at the foot of the impressive Arenal volcano. With its perfect conical shape and a height of 1,633 metres, this volcano towers high above the surrounding forests and meadows. Although the volcano is currently dormant and often shrouded in clouds, it offers spectacular views when visible. Today, you’ll explore the area around the volcano in a unique way. You’ll take a walk across suspension bridges through the rainforest and glide through the treetops on an exciting zipline ride. Enjoy the sweeping views and, who knows, you might spot some animals hiding in the canopy!
Overnight stay: Hotel Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs | bed and breakfast

Day 5 | La Fortuna – Boca Tapada

(approx. 100 km | 3.5-hour drive)
Today you’ll continue your journey to the remote Boca Tapada, close to the border with Nicaragua. Shortly after leaving La Fortuna, the adventure begins: you’ll drive along a varied route full of unpaved roads and rough stone tracks, surrounded by a landscape of vast plantations and authentic farms. What at first seems like a simple drive becomes more challenging as the rain makes the tracks slippery and the conditions demand greater concentration from you. Eventually, you’ll arrive in Boca Tapada, a place visited by very few travellers, but a lovely spot from which to explore nature and the rich wildlife.
Accommodation: Maquenque Eco Lodge | bed and breakfast

Day 6 | Boca Tapada – El Zota

(approx. 170 km | 4.5-hour drive)
Today you’ll leave Boca Tapada and drive on to El Zota. The first leg of the route takes you through remote villages and farmland towards Pital. Here, the terrain is still fairly passable, but as you travel further, the landscape becomes wilder and the roads less accessible. Once you have passed San Miguel, you leave civilisation behind and the road turns into narrow, unpaved tracks that take you straight through the dense rainforest. On arrival in El Zota, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the peaceful, natural surroundings.
Overnight: Ara Ambigua Lodge | bed and breakfast

Good to know: this is more basic accommodation, but the best option in this area.

Day 8 | Tortuguero

Tortuguero comes from the word ‘tortuga’, meaning ‘turtle’, and this little town owes its name to the sea turtles that come here to nest. Between July and October, the females lay their eggs, which hatch between late September and early December. In the morning, you’ll visit the town of Tortuguero and the Caribbean Conservation Corporation. Here, you’ll learn about the fascinating life of the sea turtles and how they are protected here. In the afternoon, you’ll explore the rivers around Tortuguero with your nature guide. You’ll travel right through the tropical rainforest and have the chance to spot caimans, crocodiles and hummingbirds. Unique species found here include colourful poison dart frogs, no bigger than a thumbnail, and basilisk lizards. These are also known as ‘Jesus Christ lizards’ because of their ability to run across water. This makes for a perfect introduction to Costa Rica’s wildlife.
Accommodation: Mawamba Lodge | full board

Day 9 | Tortuguero – Turrialba

(approx. 140 km | 4-hour drive)
You’ll leave your lodge in Tortuguero and return by boat to the harbour at La Pavona. Here, you’ll get back into your rental car and drive along Route 32 to the town of Siquirres. You’ll then take the picturesque Route 10, which winds through green valleys and past coffee and sugar cane plantations. Enjoy the stunning views as you wind your way through the mountains of the Cordillera Volcánica Central. You’ll end the day in Turrialba, known for its agriculture and the Pacuare River – a top destination for white-water rafting!
Overnight: Casa Turire | bed and breakfast

Day 10 | Turrialba

A spectacular adventure is on the agenda today! You’re going on a rafting trip on one of the best white-water rivers in the world. After breakfast, you’ll be picked up and taken to the starting point, where you’ll receive safety instructions and get kitted out. During the rafting trip, you’ll navigate through thrilling rapids, surrounded by lush rainforest. After the trip, you’ll return to your accommodation, where you can relax and reflect on this adventurous day.
Overnight stay: Casa Turire | bed and breakfast

Day 11 | Turrialba – San Gerardo de Dota

(approx. 170 km | 4.5-hour drive)
Today you’ll set off in your rental car from Turrialba towards San José, passing Costa Rica’s two highest volcanoes. Although the route seems relatively straightforward, driving here can present some challenges. Rainfall and volcanic activity make it difficult to keep the road in good condition. This narrow route between the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes is mainly used by local farmers to transport their produce to the Central Valley. Along the way, at an altitude of over 2,500 metres, you’ll get a good insight into the local culture. Once you arrive in Cartago, the former capital of Costa Rica, you’ll continue your journey along the iconic Inter-American Highway to the Los Santos region, renowned for its high-quality coffee and as the habitat of one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful birds, the Resplendent Quetzal.
Overnight: Trógon Lodge | bed and breakfast

Day 13 | Drake Bay

A special excursion is planned for today. Today, accompanied by your guide, you will visit Corcovado National Park. This park is regarded as one of the most unspoilt national parks in Costa Rica. The park protects one of the last remaining stretches of pristine tropical rainforest on the Pacific coast of Central America. The vegetation here is extremely diverse, with over 500 species of trees, whilst the park’s wildlife is the most extensive, featuring over 400 species of birds, jaguars, tapirs, squirrel monkeys and many species of frogs and reptiles. Together with your guide, you will visit the Sirena sector, where your guide will tell you all about the nature and wildlife to be found here.
Overnight stay: Hotel Aguila de Osa | full board

Day 14 | Drake Bay

Enjoy your day off today! You can choose to go for a lovely walk along the paths around your hotel, relax at the hotel, or, for an additional charge, take part in one of the other activities offered by the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Aguila de Osa | full board

Day 15 | Drake Bay – San José

(approx. 250 km | 5.5-hour drive)
After an early breakfast, you’ll set off by car for the Central Valley. You’ll follow the coastal route, passing through several charming towns such as Uvita, Quepos and Jaco. Although this route may seem long at first glance, it’s a pleasant drive that’s quick and easy. Along the way, you can enjoy the coastal views and the relaxed atmosphere of the coastal towns before arriving in San José. Upon arrival in San José, you will return your rental car.
Overnight stay: Hotel Presidente | bed and breakfast

Day 16 | San José – Amsterdam

Your unique journey through Costa Rica comes to an end today. You will be collected from your hotel and taken to San José airport. From there, you will board your intercontinental flight to Amsterdam, where you will arrive the following day.

Day 17 | Amsterdam

You arrive in Amsterdam today.