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8 Day Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio, Self-drive
Our Leisurely tours are designed for a relaxed travel experience, they feature longer stays in each destination and ample free time. Unpack, unwind, and explore at your own pace with minimal early starts or hotel changes.
On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
✓ Incredible sightseeing including an exploration of San Jose, Arenal Volcano & Manuel Antonio
✓ 7 nights accommodation in 3 star accommodation (upgrades available)
✓ 9 days car hire including pick up & drop off at Santamaria International Airport & unlimited milage
✓ Breakfast daily
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Upon arrival to bustling San Jose, our representative will meet and greet you and then direct you to the car rental centre. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Today, after breakfast, depart San Jose driving north. Stop for a photo opportunity in the charming village of Zarcero where you can see the Parque Francisco Alvarado and the Iglesia de San Rafael. The park sits in front of the pink and blue Church at the town centre, which is noted for its topiary garden and shrubs that have been trimmed into the shapes of various animals. Continue to the Arenal area, famous for its volcano, lake and hot springs. You may choose to visit one of the many hot springs facilities that offer visitors an ideal way to relax. Stay for dinner as well, as many of these facilities offer several restaurants (own expense).
Approximate distance travelled - 129km – 4 hrs by road
After a delectable breakfast, you will have the opportunity to visit the Arenal Volcano National Park on your own. You may choose to spend half the day hiking to Arenal National Park, enjoying the natural hot springs throughout the area, or spend the morning or afternoon enjoying a horseback ride through both pastures and rainforest to La Fortuna Waterfall. For extraordinary views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, the Sky Tram gondolas soar smoothly through the rainforest to an observation deck.
You can ride the tram down the same route that you ascended or take a fast -paced Sky Trek zip line tour to the bottom.
Wake up to a tasty breakfast, and then drive to Manuel Antonio, one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica due to its beautiful beaches, rich wildlife, and an endless list of activities. Use the balance of the day to enjoy the exotic national park and beaches. Or, take a boat trip through the complex and beautiful estuaries and mangroves surrounding Damas Island. For something different, visit the local sustainable organic Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation which grows a variety of spices and essential oil plants, including vanilla, cocoa, pepper and cinnamon.
Approximate distance travelled - 240km – 6 hrs by road
Recharge your energies with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before enjoying a slow day of rest and relaxation.
After a rich breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Manuel Antonio or take a trip to Jaco to visit Jaco Beach, which is the most visited vacation destination in all of Costa Rica and is only about an hour away from Manuel Antonio.
Enjoy a tasty breakfast and drive back to San Jose. Consider a stop at Poas Volcano National Park, one of the most visited sites in Costa Rica, which features short easy trails for hiking.
A short trip from San Jose, the Poas Volcano contains one of the world's largest volcanic lakes, Lake Botos, which fills an inactive crater and is surrounded by a cloud forest. Or, head to Costa Rica's highest active volcano, Irazu, and on the way back visit the colonial Orosi Valley which is famous for having the oldest church in Costa Rica. If you are not interested in visiting volcanoes, there is plenty to do in San Jose.
Visit one of the museums or head to Mercado Central, a very old and unique bustling food market.
Approximate distance travelled - 177km – 4 hrs by road
Enjoy your last breakfast in San Jose, before you check out and head to the car rental centre. Return your vehicle at the car rental facility at the San Jose International Airport prior to your departure flight home.
San Jose - Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city was founded in the mid -18th century, boasting great cultural and historical landmarks. Visit its museums, the European -inspired National Theatre, and stroll the charming alleys of its historic neighbourhoods.
Arenal - Admire one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the country and its mesmerising park, dotted with trails and rich in wildlife.
Manuel Antonio - This picturesque national park is the smallest one in Costa Rica but it is full of wild animals, lush vegetation, and beautiful beaches.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognized and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and well-being of our guests are our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated
We are proudly 100% Australian-owned and now operating across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. Our head office is located in Melbourne, Victoria, with offices around the globe to provide you with 24/7 support while you travel. When you book with Inspiring Vacations, you'll receive the support of travel professionals who are committed to the mission of inspiring people everywhere to experience the world.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling-off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Booking Process
Booking On Request
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity.
These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers. As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and subject to availability. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $695.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not Available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Visas may be required.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Group Size
This package is private based on 2 people.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including, e-tickets and cruise details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Children
Children must share a room with parents at all times and are charged the same price as adults.
Superior Category
Upgrade your accommodation to 4* hotels for an extra $100 per person.
Deluxe Category
Upgrade your accommodation to 5* hotels for an extra $190 per person.
NOT INCLUDED IN CAR HIRE:
