Costa Rica self-drive family adventure

Your shared coach transfer will pick you up for the journey to Tortuguero National Park, stopping for a hearty breakfast on the way. The journey takes all morning, but the route is scenic, passing through primary forest. The roads eventually peter out: you'll take a shared motor-driven canoe transfer to your lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you might go on a guided jungle hike as part of a small group or take a guided visit to tiny Tortuguero Village.

Enjoy a second day of guided small-group trips exploring the landscape of Tortuguero. Today you might take a boat trip through the flooded forest connected by a series of waterways. Your guide will help you spot wildlife, such as caimans, tropical water birds, and howler and capuchin monkeys. Look out for iguanas sitting on tree branches and macaws winging their way over your head.

Enjoy a free day in your Tortuguero lodge to relax by the pool, explore the gardens or undertake optional additional tours of the canals.

Today you'll travel to Guapiles with your group. After a spot of lunch, your guide will assist you with your rental car collection in Guapiles. After completing formalities you can hit the road and drive to Sarapiqui, a drive of around one hour.

Enjoy an adrenaline-filled morning of rafting along the Rio Sarapiqui. In the afternoon you'll have some free time to perhaps undertake a chocolate or coffee tour or hike some of the nearby nature trails.

Today you'll drive from Sarapiqui to the highlands and Arenal Volcano.

Enjoy one of Costa Rica's most thrilling zip-line and canopy tours. Your afternoon is at leisure to further explore the area.

A day at leisure to relax or spend as you wish. Relax by the hotel pool and (if it's a clear day) take in the views of Arenal's volcanic cone. If you want something more energetic, we suggest kayaking on Lake Arenal, zip-lining or white-water rafting. Alternatively, visit Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, take a trip to the Rio Celeste waterfalls, or hike one of the national park's trails.

Leaving Arenal today, you'll head to the secluded dry forest area around Rio Perdido in Guanacaste province. You have the option of taking the scenic route around Lake Arenal or driving via Tenorio National Park and visiting the Río Celeste waterfall.

Free time in Rio Perdido to relax in Costa Rica's only thermal river. Alternatively, zip-line through the Rio Blanco canyon, try river tubing or mountain bike around the extensive trail network.

Descend from the tropical dry forest to the Guanacaste plains and your Pacific beach resort. A drive of around 90 minutes.

A day at leisure on the beach. This hotel, situated right on the beachfront, is ideal for just kicking back and relaxing. Stroll along the beach to watch the sunset, relax by the swimming pool, or swim in the sea — the waters are calm here.

Another day relaxing in your hotel. You might wish to visit the spa.

Today you'll drive back to San José in time for your international flight home. The drive will take around four and a half hours.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.